Hot Tubbing: Can soaking in hot water help you run faster?
Summary
Hosts Kristen Sinani and Regina Nuzzo evaluate a study on whether hot tubbing can replace exercise for endurance runners. They discuss the physiology of heat training, critique the small sample size and lack of pre-registration, and analyze mixed results regarding VO2 max improvements. The episode also highlights a statistical error in the researchers' regression model and notes the surprisingly weak peer review process.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Can hot tubs replace exercise?
Study overview and sponsor message
Physiology of altitude and heat training
Study design: Elite runners in hot tubs
Safety concerns and measured outcomes
Ad break: Graph2Table tool
Results: VO2 max and performance improvements
Statistical critique: Best subsets regression
Peer review process and reviewer errors
Final verdict: Smooch rating and takeaways
Listen ad-free on Castria