Study compares warm baths and cycling for blood pressure

A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that thirty minutes in water at 40 degrees Celsius may lower blood pressure more effectively than a 30-minute cycling session. The research, conducted by physiologists from the University of Western Australia in late September 2026, compared the effects of a warm bath and exercise on blood pressure in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.

Participants had specific health profiles

The study involved 25 participants aged 45 to 70 who were overweight or obese, with an average body mass index of 29.4. Each participant underwent both the warm bath and cycling session, in a randomized order, with at least three days between sessions.

Bath and cycling sessions had different setups

The warm bath lasted 30 minutes, with participants seated in water maintained at 40 degrees Celsius, submerged up to the lower sternum. The cycling session lasted the same duration at 60 or 70% of the participants' maximum heart rate.

Blood pressure dropped more after the bath

Blood pressure measurements were taken immediately after each session without recovery time. The average systolic blood pressure decreased by 8 millimeters of mercury after the bath, compared to a decrease of only 1 millimeter of mercury after cycling. For diastolic blood pressure, the difference was even more pronounced, with a 10-point decrease after the bath compared to a 2-point decrease after cycling.

Researchers explain the physiological effect

The study suggests that the warmth of the bath dilates the microvessels, while exercise does not have the same effect on these small blood vessels.