Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water – a continuing subject of debate

Abstract

This review is based on a multiple database survey on published literature to determine the effects on health following voluntary exposure to cold-water immersion (CWI) in humans. After a filtering process 104 studies were regarded relevant. Many studies demonstrated significant effects of CWI on various physiological and biochemical parameters. Although some studies were based on established winter swimmers, many were performed on subjects with no previous winter swimming experience or in subjects not involving cold-water swimming, for example, CWI as a post-exercise treatment. Clear conclusions from most studies were hampered by the fact that they were carried out in small groups, often of one gender and with differences in exposure temperature and salt composition of the water. CWI seems to reduce and/or transform body adipose tissue, as well as reduce insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity. This may have a protective effect against cardiovascular, obesity and other metabolic diseases and could have prophylactic health effects. Whether winter swimmers as a group are naturally healthier is unclear. Some of the studies indicate that voluntary exposure to cold water has some beneficial health effects. However, without further conclusive studies, the topic will continue to be a subject of debate.

How do women feel cold water swimming affects their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms?

“…Our findings are consistent with that of previous studies regarding psychological benefits and regular cold water exposure. 23,24,37,38 When adjusted for time spent in the water in winter, women who swam for longer were significantly more likely to report a decrease in two of the three most commonly reported perimenopausal psychological symptoms: anxiety (p = .045) and low mood (p = .024). Women were also more likely to report a reduction in the most commonly reported menstrual psychological symptoms: anxiety, mood swings, irritability and trouble sleeping.…”

Effects of cold water exposure on stress, cardiovascular, and psychological variables

“…Cold water exposure has been employed across various cultures and traditions for centuries, often linked to health and well‐being benefits. In recent decades, scientific interest in the effects of cold water exposure on the human body has surged, leading to a plethora of research spanning areas such as physiology, psychology, and biochemistry 1,2 . While athletes and physically active individuals have frequently adopted cold water immersion as part of their recovery routines, 1 the potential implications for nonathletic individuals are not clear, and the existing literature presents conflicting outcomes and, in some instances, inconclusive findings 2 …”

“…In recent decades, scientific interest in the effects of cold water exposure on the human body has surged, leading to a plethora of research spanning areas such as physiology, psychology, and biochemistry. 1,2 While athletes and physically active individuals have frequently adopted cold water immersion as part of their recovery routines, 1 the potential implications for nonathletic individuals are not clear, and the existing literature presents conflicting outcomes and, in some instances, inconclusive findings. 2 For this editorial, we followed the PRISMA 3 approach to review the effects of cold water exposure in healthy nonathletes.…”

“…1,2 While athletes and physically active individuals have frequently adopted cold water immersion as part of their recovery routines, 1 the potential implications for nonathletic individuals are not clear, and the existing literature presents conflicting outcomes and, in some instances, inconclusive findings. 2 For this editorial, we followed the PRISMA 3 approach to review the effects of cold water exposure in healthy nonathletes. We included studies published until July 17, 2023, and registered on OSF its protocol on the same day (accessible at https:// osf.…”

Letter to the Editor regarding article Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water – a continuing subject of debate, by Espeland, et al

“…I read with interest your article on the potential health benefits of voluntary exposure to cold water. ( 1 ) I wish to point out an earlier example of cold-water therapy reported in 1886 by Sebastian Kneipp in Woerishofen, Germany. ( 2 , 3 ) The Kneipp water cure used, among other methods, application of cold-water baths.…”