THE EFFECTS OF STEAM SAUNA BATH ON THE LEVELS OF URIC ACID AND SODIUM AND POTASSIUM IN PHYSIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBJECTS
Dr. V. Shiralkar, Dr. P. E. Jagtap, Dr. G. J. Belwalkar, Dr. S. P. Dhonde*, Dr. N. S. Nagane
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of steam sauna bath on the levels of uric acid and sodium and potassium in physiologically active subjects. Material methods: Ninety physiologically active subjects between the age group 30 – 50 years were included in our study. There were forty-five males and forty-five females. These subjects were subjected to seven steam sauna baths on alternate days and the temperature was maintained at 50oC. The duration of each steam sauna was 15 minutes. The uric acid and sodium and potassium levels were estimated in physiologically active subjects, before and after steam sauna bath. Results: In males, the mean pre -sauna uric acid levels were 5.33 + 1.42 sd and the mean post-sauna uric acid levels were 5.15 + 1.53 sd. These were statistically not significant [P=0.320]. In females, the pre-sauna levels of uric acid were 5.36 + 1.51 and the post-sauna levels of uric acid were 4.34 + 1.31. These were statistically highly significant [P=0.000]. The sodium and potassium levels in both male and female post-sauna subjects were not changed as compared to presauna levels. Conclusion: Steam sauna bath may help in decreasing uric acid levels in females to prevent the consequences of hyperuricemia, but not in males. The sodium and potassium levels are not affected by steam sauna bath.
Keywords: Physiologically active subjects, uric acid, sodium and potassium, sauna bath.
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