Cold Water Immersion for Cold Exposure Effects

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Northern Colorado

Must not be taking: Anti-inflammatories

Disqualifiers: Cold exposure routine, Pregnancy, Chronic disease, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how regular cold water immersion (CWI) affects brain function, performance, and immune health. Participants will use either a cold tub or a cold shower, while the study compares the effects of these two methods. Researchers hypothesize that both methods will improve mental performance and health after four weeks. Ideal candidates are healthy individuals who have not recently engaged in cold water routines and are free from chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes.

As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research on natural health interventions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are using anti-inflammatory medication regularly, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that cold water immersion is safe?

Studies have shown that cold water immersion (CWI) offers both benefits and risks. Positively, CWI can reduce swelling, enhance mood, and improve sleep. However, safety concerns exist.

Jumping into very cold water can trigger a "cold shock," causing a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This can be dangerous, particularly for individuals with heart issues. Limiting time in the water is crucial to prevent hypothermia, a condition where body temperature drops too low.

Cold showers, more common and accessible, also pose risks if not done correctly. Prolonged exposure to very cold water can damage nerves or skin, potentially causing frostbite.

For those considering CWI, starting slowly and monitoring the body's response is wise. Always track time spent in cold water and have warm clothes ready afterward. Consulting a healthcare professional before beginning a CWI routine is also advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Cold Water Immersion (CWI) trial because it explores how brief, controlled exposure to cold water might positively affect the body. Unlike traditional cold exposure treatments that often rely on ice packs or more passive cooling methods, this trial investigates active immersion techniques like cold showers and cold tub immersions. These methods are unique because they may quickly boost circulation and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to faster recovery times for athletes and those dealing with muscular pain. This trial could uncover new insights into how our bodies respond to cold stress, paving the way for innovative recovery strategies.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving neural and cognitive function?

This trial will compare the effects of cold water immersion through cold showers and cold tub immersions. Studies have shown that cold water immersion (CWI) offers several health benefits. Research suggests that cold baths or showers can help with inflammation, stress, immunity, sleep quality, and overall well-being over time. Specifically, cold showers may reduce long-term inflammation and improve mood. Cold baths may aid recovery after exercise. However, some studies suggest that CWI might not surpass other methods in easing muscle stress. Both cold showers and baths are expected to have similar effects on mental performance and health. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals interested in the health effects of cold water exposure. Participants should be generally healthy, willing to undergo cold showers or tub immersions, and curious about potential benefits on physical and mental health.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy person between 18 and 45 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant

I regularly take anti-inflammatory medication.

I have a history of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Raynaud's, or severe mental health issues.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo cold-water immersion using either a cold tub or cold shower for 4 weeks

4 weeks

12 visits (in-person, 3 days per week)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cold Water Immersion (CWI) - Cold Shower (CS)
• Cold Water Immersion (CWI) - Cold Tub Immersion (CI)

Trial Overview The study tests how two types of chronic Cold Water Immersion (CWI)—cold showers and cold tubs—affect neural function, cognitive performance, immune system response, and overall well-being over a four-week period.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cold Tub Immersion Group (CI) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will utilize the research cold tub area (10 ºC, 4-minutes), following a standardized protocol (see intervention description).

Group II: Cold Shower Group (CS) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will utilize the research shower area (10 ºC, 4-minutes), following a standardized protocol (see intervention description).

Group III: Control Group (CO) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will not participate in any cold water immersion.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Northern Colorado

Lead Sponsor

Trials

8

Recruited

550+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518606/

Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water These studies suggest that regular cold exposure can be effective in treatment of chronic autoimmune inflammation [5], reduce ...

2. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317615

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing This systematic review suggests that CWI delivers time-dependent effects on inflammation, stress, immunity, sleep quality, and quality of life.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06667193

Cold Water Exposure's Effects on Physical and Mental Health The investigators hypothesize measures relating to mental performance and health will improve after 4-weeks of CWI, and there will be no difference between tub ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306456523002681?utm_source=nationaltribune&utm_medium=nationaltribune&utm_campaign=news

Cardiovascular and mood responses to an acute bout of ... Cold water immersion had a minimal effect on peripheral shear stress patterns. · β-endorphins and positive mood did not change after cold water immersion.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5285720/

The effects of cold water immersion and active recovery on ... Our results suggest that cold water immersion is no more effective than active recovery for minimizing the inflammatory and stress responses in muscle after ...

6. heart.org heart.org/en/news/2022/12/09/youre-not-a-polar-bear-the-plunge-into-cold-water-comes-with-risks

You're not a polar bear: The plunge into cold water comes ... The National Center for Cold Water Safety warns that sudden immersion in water under 60 degrees Fahrenheit can kill a person in less than a ...

7. mayoclinichealthsystem.org mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cold-plunge-after-workouts

Can taking a cold plunge after your workout be beneficial? Too-long exposure also can lead to hypothermia, so make sure you have towels and warm clothing close at hand if you're doing cold plunges ...

8. medicalnewstoday.com medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ice-bath-benefits

Ice bath benefits, risks, and safety explained Nerve and skin damage: Repeated or long exposure to very cold water may result in ice burn or frostbite, which can damage skin tissue and nerves ...