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

75 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Cold Water Immersion (CWI) for Cold Exposure Effects?

Cold Water Immersion (CWI) is commonly used to help athletes recover after exercise by reducing muscle damage and soreness, and it can also rapidly cool the body in cases of heat stroke. However, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited and varies based on individual responses and specific conditions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is cold water immersion generally safe for humans?

Cold water immersion (CWI) is commonly used by athletes for recovery after exercise and is generally considered safe for healthy individuals. Studies have not reported harmful effects on performance or health when used appropriately, although optimal temperatures and durations are still being researched. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

How does cold water immersion differ from other treatments for cold exposure effects?

Cold water immersion (CWI) is unique because it involves immersing the body in cold water, which can help with recovery by cooling muscles and reducing soreness. Unlike other treatments, CWI's effectiveness can vary based on water temperature and duration, and it is often used without standardized guidelines. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

An interest in cold-water immersion (CWI) to elicit diverse physiological effects has been prevalent for centuries. CWI typically consists of bodily exposure to water at temperatures ranging from 5-10º C for various durations. CWI has profound cultural significance in different areas of the world, such as in Scandinavian countries, and has emerged as a popular modality for its purported health-promoting effects. Individuals on social media have repeatedly advocated for CWI as a method to improve muscular recovery, enhance sleep, and increase immune and cognitive function. Because of this, companies that specialize in cold tub production have become popularized; however, individuals who are seeking a more cost-effective option are drawn toward cold showers for their preferred method of cold exposure. Despite the scarcity of rigorous research investigating the difference in effects of cold tub versus cold shower CWI, individuals on social media promoting CWI via a shower continue to praise its comparable benefits to that of a tub. Therefore, investigations of chronic CWI (utilizing both a cold tub and a cold shower) is vital. Thus, the purpose of the proposed study is to explore the varying effects of chronic CWI on neural and cognitive function using a cold tub and a cold shower. Further, the study aims to investigate performance measures and immune measures to create a comprehensive understanding of CWI's implications on human physiology over time. 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 and shower immersion groups.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What is the biochemical and physiological rationale for using cold-water immersion in sports recovery? A systematic review. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictive Ability of Body Fat Percentage and Thigh Anthropometrics on Tissue Cooling During Cold-Water Immersion. [2022]

3. Singapore pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of different cryotherapy recovery methods in elite junior cyclists. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of Cold-Water Immersion to Reduce Muscle Damage and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness and Preserve Muscle Power in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes. [2018]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Optimizing Cold Water Immersion for Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia: A Meta-analysis. [2015]

6. Denmark pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dosages of cold-water immersion post exercise on functional and clinical responses: a randomized controlled trial. [2018]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cold water immersion in the management of delayed-onset muscle soreness: is dose important? A randomised controlled trial. [2014]

8. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Post-exercise recovery of biological, clinical and metabolic variables after different temperatures and durations of cold water immersion: a randomized clinical trial. [2018]