Comparing the influences of knee- and heart-level bath on physical fitness and meridian balance in baseball players

Objective: This study attempts to compare the influences of knee-level bath (K-bath) and heart-level bath (H-bath) in enhancing between-training session recovery in athletes. In addition to the detection of cardiovascular and fitness responses, this study also applied Ryodoraku method to observe the differences between K- and H-baths on meridian balance. Methods: Seventeen baseball team A members (7 in K-bath group and 10 in H-bath group) were involved. The water temperatures were controlled at 40±1℃ in K-bath and at 38±1℃ in H-bath. Both groups took their separate designated baths 3 times a week, 15-20 minutes a time, for 6 consecutive weeks. The experiment was carried out 20 minutes after their regular training. Results: After K-bath, no significant effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP) was found; but after H-bath, MAP was found lower. Both groups had increased heart rate and tympanic temperature. Back-life force and flexibility were significantly improved after H-bath, but not after K-bath. Moreover, for those who experienced abnormal meridian energy after training, K-bath tended to facilitate the recovery of hypo-energy meridian to normal; however, H-bath facilitated the recovery of hyper-energy. Notwithstanding this, H-bath could facilitate those who were in upper/lower, left/right, and max./min. meridian imbalance to return to normal, whereas K-bath could only facilitate the recovery of max./min. meridian imbalance. Conclusions: H-bath has more positive health benefits than K-bath for baseball player’s physical fitness and meridian imbalance induced by regular training.