Effects Of Cold Water Immersion Research Articles

Effect of a single immersion in cold water below 4 °C on haemorheological properties of blood in healthy men

Cold water immersion (CWI) involves rapid cooling of the body, which, in healthy individuals, triggers a defence response to an extreme stimulus, to which the body reacts with stress. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of CWI on hemorheological blood indicators. The study group consisted of 13 young males. Blood samples were collected before and after CWI. The assessed parameters included the complete blood count, fibrinogen, hs-C-reactive protein (CRP), proteinogram, and blood rheology factors, such as erythrocyte elongation index (EI), half-time of total aggregation, and aggregation index. Additionally, the effect of reduced temperature on primary human vascular endothelium was investigated in vitro. CWI resulted in the decrease of body temperature to 31.55 ± 2.87 °C. After CWI, neutrophil count and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly increased in the study group, while lymphocyte count was significantly decreased. Significantly higher levels of total blood protein and albumin concentration were detected after the immersion. Among hemorheological characteristics, erythrocyte EIs at shear stress values ranging from 2.19 to 60.30 Pa were significantly lower after CWI. No significant changes in other rheological, morphological or biochemical parameters were observed. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells responded to 3 h of temperature decrease to 25 °C with unchanged viability, but increased recruitment of THP-1 monocytic cells and changes in cell morphology were observed. This was the first study to evaluate the effect of single CWI on rheological properties of blood in healthy young men. The results indicate that a single CWI may increase blood protein concentrations and worsen erythrocyte deformability parameters.

Cold-Water Immersion and Lower Limb Muscle Oxygen Consumption as Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Trained Endurance Athletes.

Cold-water immersion (CWI) has been reported to reduce tissue metabolism postimmersion, but physiological data are lacking regarding the muscle metabolic response to its application. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive optical technique that can inform muscle hemodynamics and tissue metabolism. To investigate the effects of CWI at 2 water temperatures (10°C and 15°C) on NIRS-calculated measurements of muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2). Crossover study. University sports rehabilitation center. A total of 11 male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II long-distance runners (age = 23.4 ± 3.4 years, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, mass = 68.8 ± 10.7 kg, mean adipose tissue thickness = 6.7 ± 2.7 mm). Cold-water immersion at 10°C and 15°C for 20 minutes. We calculated mVO2 preimmersion and postimmersion at water temperatures of 10°C and 15°C. Changes in tissue oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), total hemoglobin (tHb), hemoglobin difference (Hbdiff), and tissue saturation index (TSI %) were measured during the 20-minute immersion at both temperatures. We observed a decrease in mVO2 after immersion at both 10°C and 15°C (F1,9 = 27.7801, P = .001). During the 20-minute immersion at both temperatures, we noted a main effect of time for O2Hb (F3,27 = 14.227, P = .001), HHb (F3,27 = 5.749, P = .009), tHb (F3,27 = 24.786, P = .001), and Hbdiff (F3,27 = 3.894, P = .020), in which values decreased over the course of immersion. Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed that these changes occurred within the final 5 minutes of immersion for tHb and O2Hb. A 20-minute CWI at 10°C and 15°C led to a reduction in mVO2. This was greater after immersion at 10°C. The reduction in mVO2 suggests a decrease in muscle metabolic activity (ie, O2 use after CWI). Calculating mVO2 via the NIRS-occlusion technique may offer further insight into muscle metabolic responses beyond what is attainable from observing the NIRS primary signals.

Health effects of cold water immersion and swimming and its influence on the human body

Introduction Immersing and swimming in cold water is an increasingly popular sport that has recently become a fashionable form of recreation in the winter months. People who regularly swim in cold water mention the many benefits associated with it. Aim of the study This review aims to present the current state of knowledge about immersion and swimming in cold water and to answer questions about the impact of this phenomenon on the human body and its health benefits. Materials and methods The PubMed database was used in this study.A literature review was conducted using the keywords “ice swimming,” “winter swimming,” “cold water swimming,” and “cold water immersion.” Results Much research has been done on the effects of cold water swimming, both positive and negative. Ice swimming affects many systems of our body, including the circulatory system, the immune system, and the endocrine system, and also affects metabolic and mental changes in our body, as shown in the work below. Summary A single immersion in cold water causes a stress reaction in the human body, while regular swimming in cold water causes the body to develop many positive physiological changes. Despite the benefits, it is still important to remember the risks involved, and more research should be done to minimize these dangers.

The Effect Of Cold Water Immersion On The Functional Recovery Of Soccer Players In Intensive Fixtures

The Effect Of Cold Water Immersion On The Functional Recovery Of Soccer Players In Intensive Fixtures

Cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time improves intermittent exercise performance in the heat

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time (HT) on intermittent exercise performance and thermoregulation by imitating intermittent athletic games in the heat. In a randomized crossover design, 11 physically active men performed the first half (first and second block) and second half (third and fourth block) intermittent cycling exercise protocol, which consisted of a 5-s maximal power pedalling (body weight × 0.075 kp) every minute separated by 25-s of unloaded pedalling and rest (30 s) in the heat (33°C, 50% relative humidity). The two-halves were separated by a 15-min HT. During HT, the participants were assigned to the CON (sedentary resting) or COOL (immersion of hands and forearms in cold water at 15–17°C) condition. The mean power output in the second half was significantly greater (third and fourth block: p < 0.05) in the COOL than in the CON condition. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the rectal (0.54 ± 0.17°C, p < 0.001) and mean skin (1.86 ± 0.34°C, p < 0.05) temperatures of the COOL condition during HT. Furthermore, the heart rate (16 ± 7 bpm, p < 0.05) and skin blood flow (40.2 ± 10.5%, p < 0.001) decreased at the end of HT in the COOL condition. In the second half, thermal sensation was more comfortable in the COOL condition ( p < 0.001). Cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during HT improved physiological and reduced perceived heat stress. Moreover, it prevented a reduction in intermittent exercise performance in the second half.

Effects of cold water immersion and protein intake combined recovery after eccentric exercise on exercise performance in elite soccer players.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of the combined recovery method of cold water immersion (CWI) and protein supplement intake after eccentric exercise that causes muscle fatigue in elite soccer players. Eleven semiprofessional soccer players participated in this study. Participants were divided into CWI group, combined protein and CWI group (PCWI), and passive resting group (CON). The participants completed the eccentric exercise for one hour and performed one of three recovery methods. The muscle strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles significantly decreased at 48-hr postexercise compared to before exercise in all recovery groups (P<0.05), with no significantly different between the recovery groups. The time required to sprint 40 m was significantly longer in all groups at 24 hr and 48 hr after exercise than before exercise (P<0.05). The vertical jump height was significantly decreased at 48 hr after exercise compared to before exercise in the CON and CWI groups (P<0.05). The muscle soreness values were higher at 6 hr, 24 hr, and 48 hr after exercise than before exercise in all groups (P<0.001). The perceived recovery quality was reduced after exercise in the PCWI (P<0.01) and CON groups (P<0.001) compared to before exercise; it was unchanged in the CWI group. The recovery quality decreased at 6 hr, 24 hr, and 48 hr after exercise in all recovery groups (P<0.01). In conclusion, the combined recovery method was less effective than CWI alone for the recovery of exercise performance.

Cold water immersion after a soccer match: Does the placebo effect occur?

Although cold water immersion (CWI) is one of the most widely used post-exercise strategies to accelerate recovery processes, the benefits of CWI may be associated with placebo effects. This study aimed to compare the effects of CWI and placebo interventions on time course of recovery after the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). In a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover study, twelve semi-professional soccer players (age 21.1 ± 2.2years, body mass 72.4 ± 5.9kg, height 174.9 ± 4.6cm, O2max 56.1 ± 2.3mL/min/kg) completed the LIST followed by CWI (15min at 11°C), placebo (recovery Pla beverage), and passive recovery (Rest) over three different weeks. Creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-m sprint (10mS), 20-m sprint (20mS) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were assessed at baseline and 24 and 48h after the LIST. Compared to baseline, CK concentration was higher at 24h in all conditions (p < 0.01), while CRP was higher at 24h only in CWI and Rest conditions (p < 0.01). UA was higher for Rest condition at 24 and 48h compared to Pla and CWI conditions (p < 0.001). DOMS score was higher for Rest condition at 24h compared to CWI and Pla conditions (p = 0.001), and only to Pla condition at 48h (p = 0.017). SJ and CMJ performances decreased significantly after the LIST in Rest condition (24h: -7.24%, p = 0.001 and -5.45%, p = 0.003 respectively; 48h: -9.19%, p < 0.001 and -5.70% p = 0.002 respectively) but not in CWI and Pla conditions. 10mS and RSA performance were lower for Pla at 24h compared to CWI and Rest conditions (p < 0.05), while no significant change was observed for 20mS time. These data suggests that CWI and Pla intervention were more effective than the Rest conditions in recovery kinetics of muscle damage markers and physical performance. Furthermore, the effectiveness of CWI would be explained, at least in part, by the placebo effect.

The Effects of Whole-body Cold-water Immersion on Brain Connectivity Related to the Affective State in Adults Using fMRI: A Protocol of a Pre-post Experimental Design.

An emerging body of behavioural studies indicates that regular swimming in cold water has positive effects on mental health and wellbeing, such as reducing fatigue, improving mood, and lessening depressive symptoms. Moreover, some studies reported immediate effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) on elevating mood and increasing a positive emotional state. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. The lack of studies using neuroimaging techniques to investigate how a whole-body CWI affects neural processes has partly resulted from the lack of a tested experimental protocol. Previous protocols administered tonic limb cooling (1-10 °C) while recording functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) signals. However, using very low water temperature constitutes points of contrast to painful experiences that are different from what we experience after a whole-body head-out CWI. In our protocol, healthy adults unhabituated to cold water were scanned twice: immediately before (pre-CWI) and after (post-CWI) immersion in cold water (water temperature 20 °C) for 5 min. We recorded cardiac and ventilatory responses to CWI and assessed self-reported changes in positive and negative affects. Our protocol showed reliable changes in brain connectivity after a short exposure to cold water, thus enabling its use as a tested experimental framework in future studies.

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.

Cold Water Immersion Improves the Recovery of Both Central and Peripheral Fatigue Following Simulated Soccer Match-Play.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) on the recovery of neuromuscular fatigue following simulated soccer match-play. In a randomized design, twelve soccer players completed a 90-min simulated soccer match followed by either CWI or thermoneutral water immersion (TWI, sham condition). Before and after match (immediately after CWI/TWI through 72 h recovery), neuromuscular and performance assessments were performed. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and twitch responses, delivered through electrical femoral nerve stimulation, were used to assess peripheral fatigue (quadriceps resting twitch force, Qtw,pot) and central fatigue (voluntary activation, VA). Performance was assessed via squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 20 m sprint tests. Biomarkers of muscle damages (creatine kinase, CK; Lactate dehydrogenase, LDH) were also collected. Smaller reductions in CWI than TWI were found in MVC (-9.9 ± 3%vs-23.7 ± 14.7%), VA (-3.7 ± 4.9%vs-15.4 ± 5.6%) and Qtw,pot (-15.7 ± 5.9% vs. -24.8 ± 9.5%) following post-match intervention (p < 0.05). On the other hand, smaller reductions in CWI than TWI were found only in Qtw,pot (-0.2 ± 7.7% vs. -8.8 ± 9.6%) at 72 h post-match. Afterwards, these parameters remained lower compared to baseline up to 48–72 h in TWI while they all recovered within 24 h in CWI. The 20 m sprint performance was less impaired in CWI than TWI (+11.1 ± 3.2% vs. +18 ± 3.6%, p < 0.05) while SJ and CMJ were not affected by the recovery strategy. Plasma LDH, yet no CK, were less increased during recovery in CWI compared to TWI. This study showed that CWI reduced both central and peripheral components of fatigue, which in turn led to earlier full recovery of the neuromuscular function and performance indices. Therefore, CWI might be an interesting recovery strategy for soccer players.

Two-day fasting affects kynurenine pathway with additional modulation of short-term whole-body cooling: a quasi-randomised crossover trial.

Metabolites of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway of tryptophan (TRP) degradation have attracted interest as potential pathophysiological mediators and future diagnostic biomarkers. A greater knowledge of the pathological implications of the metabolites is associated with a need for a better understanding of how the normal behaviour and physiological activities impact their concentrations. This study aimed to investigate whether fasting (FAST) and whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI) affect KYN pathway metabolites. Thirteen young women were randomly assigned to receive the 2-d FAST with two 10-min CWI on separate days (FAST-CWI), 2-d FAST without CWI (FAST-CON), 2-d two CWI on separate days without FAST (CON-CWI) or the 2-d usual diet without CWI (CON-CON) in a randomised crossover fashion. Changes in plasma concentrations of TRP, kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxy-kynurenine (3-HK), picolinic acid (PIC), quinolinic acid (QUIN) and nicotinamide (NAA) were determined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. FAST-CWI and FAST-CON lowered TRP concentration (P < 0·05, ηp2 = 0·24), and increased concentrations of KYNA, 3-HK and PIC (P < 0·05, ηp2 = 0·21-0·71) with no additional effects of CWI. The ratio of PIC/QUIN increased after FAST-CWI and FAST-CON trials (P < 0·05) but with a blunted effect in the FAST-CWI trial (P < 0·05) compared with the FAST-CON trials (ηp2 = 0·67). Concentrations of QUIN and NAA were unaltered. This study demonstrated that fasting for 2 d considerably impacts the concentration of several metabolites in the KYN pathway. This should be considered when discussing the potential of KYN pathway metabolites as biomarkers.

Comparison of total cold-water immersion's effects to ice massage on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to compare the effects of total cold-water immersion to ice massage on muscle damage, performance, and delayed onset of muscle soreness.MethodsSixty participants were randomized into two groups where they completed a muscle damage protocol. Afterward, muscle damage, muscle performance, and delayed onset muscle soreness were respectively measured by serum Creatine Kinase (CK) test, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test, countermovement jump (CMJ) test, and visual analog scale (VAS). The measurements were taken at five different timelines (Baseline, 2 H, 24 H, 48 H, and 72 H).ResultsData showed that values of all within-group measures of the dependent variables had extremely significant statistical differences (p < 0.001) for both intervention groups. Serum CK values peaked at 24 H for both groups. At 72 H, serum CK values dropped to baseline values in the total cold-water immersion group, while remaining high in the ice massage group. At 72 H, the values of the 1-RM test, CMJ test, and VAS approximated baseline values only in the total cold-water immersion group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsTotal cold-water immersion (TCWI) was more effective when compared to ice massage (IM) on improving values of recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Hence, this modality may be considered during athletic recovery to maximize athletic performance.Clinical trial registrationThis trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the trial registration number (NCT04183816).

Dwarfs on the Shoulders of Giants: Bayesian Analysis With Informative Priors in Elite Sports Research and Decision Making.

While sample sizes in elite sports are necessarily small, so are the effects that may be relevant. This conundrum is complicated by an understandable reluctance of athletes to comply with extensive study requirements. In Bayesian analyses, pre-existing knowledge (e.g., from sub-elite trials) can be formally included to supplement scarce data. Moreover, some design specifics for small sample research extend to the extreme case of a single subject. This provides the basis for actionable feedback (e.g., about individual responses) thereby incentivising participation. As a proof-of-concept, we conducted a replicated cross-over trial on the effect of cold-water immersion (CWI) on sprint performance recovery in soccer players. Times for 30 m linear sprint and the initial 5 m section, respectively, were measured by light gates before and 24 h after induction of fatigue. Data were analysed by Bayesian and by standard frequentist methods. Informative priors are based on a published metaanalysis. Seven players completed the trial. Sprint performance was 4.156 ± 0.193 s for 30 m linear sprint and 0.978 ± 0.064 s for the initial 5 m section. CWI improved recovery of sprint time for the initial 5 m section (difference to control: −0.060 ± 0.060 s, p = 0.004) but not for the full 30 m sprint (0.002 ± 0.115 s, p = 0.959), with general agreement between Bayesian and frequentist interval estimates. On the individual level, relevant differences between analytical approaches were present for most players. Changes in the two performance measures are correlated (p = 0.009) with a fairly good reproducibility of individual response patterns. Bayesian analyses with informative priors may be a practicable and meaningful option particularly for very small samples and when the analytical aim is decision making (use / don't use in the specific setting) rather than generalizable inference.

Effects of cold water immersion on the physical performance of soccer players: A systematic review

Attempting to maintain intensity in subsequent games and training has led many players and coaches to look for ways to accelerate the recovery of soccer players. Among the methods used, cold water immersion is believed to be effective in improving recovery after training or intense games, but there is no consensus on this. The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review to verify the effects of cold water immersion on the performance of soccer players. The search was performed using the PubMed and SciELO databases in January 2021. We found 131 articles, 10 of which were included in the present study. Cold water immersion appears to have beneficial effects on muscle strength recovery; however, it has no effect on the jumping and running performance of soccer players. Tenter de maintenir son intensité lors des matchs et des entraînements ultérieurs a conduit de nombreux joueurs et entraîneurs à chercher des moyens d’accélérer la récupération des joueurs de football. Parmi les méthodes utilisées, l’immersion en eau froide est censée être efficace pour améliorer la récupération après un entraînement ou des matchs intenses, mais il n’y a pas de consensus à ce sujet. Le but de la présente étude était de mener une revue systématique pour vérifier les effets de l’immersion en eau froide sur la performance des joueurs de football. La recherche a été effectuée à l’aide des bases de données PubMed et SciELO en janvier 2021. Nous avons trouvé 131 articles, dont 10 ont été inclus dans la présente étude. L’immersion dans l’eau froide semble avoir des effets bénéfiques sur la récupération de la force musculaire; cependant, cela n’a aucun effet sur les performances de saut et de course des joueurs de football.

Cold Water Immersion as a Method Supporting Post-Exercise Recovery

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of cold water immersion on changes in blood lactate concentration during post-exercise recovery in swimmers subjected to2-minute exercise test (front crawl swimming movements) using a VASA Swim Ergometer, with the maximum arm speed movements, as during the freestyle technique. The study covered 11 professional swimmers of the MKP Szczecin club, tested twice with a two-week interval. Each participant performed an exercise test twice, once with a passive recovery period, and the second time with cold water immersion after exercise, as a method potentially supporting the post-exercise recovery process. Each time before the test, immediately after and at 3, 6 and 9 minutes after exercise, the concentration of lactate in the capillary blood was measured. Statistical analysis of the obtained results showed that cold water immersion applied immediately after exercise resulted in a faster reduction of lactate concentration. The conducted research confirms that cold water immersion used in post-exercise recovery may be an effective method of restoring optimal physical fitness as part of the training process.

The effect of different water immersion strategies on delayed onset muscle soreness and inflammation in elite race walker

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) and contrast water therapy (CWT) on serum interleukin 6 and prostaglandin 2 levels in self-perceived exertion, and muscle soreness of elite race walkers over a 15-day high-intensity training period. Methods: Thirty elite male race walkers were randomly divided into three groups: control group (C, n = 10), cold-water immersion (CWI, n = 10) group, contrast water therapy (CWT, n = 10) group. After daily training, elite race walkers were exposed to either CWI (10 minutes at 10 ∘C) or CWT (4 cycles of 2.5 minutes, alternately at 12 ∘C and 38 ∘C). Elite race walkers in the control group only performed simple stretching without any additional treatment. The serum interleukin 6, prostaglandin 2, self-perceived exertion, and muscle soreness were tested at 6 training points at baseline (B), light load-1 (L1), heavy load-1 (H1), medium load (M), heavy load-2 (H2), light load-2 (L2), respectively. Results: When compared with the CWT group, the interleukin 6 level, prostaglandin 2 level, self-perceived exertion, and muscle soreness of the C group were not significantly different. When compared with the CWT group, the interleukin 6 level in the CWI group was significantly lower at the time point of L1 and H2. Similarly, CWI significantly reduced the prostaglandin 2 levels at M and L2, except for H2. Self-perceived exertion and muscle soreness were not significantly different in both groups. Conclusions: The results from this study demonstrate that CWI may be more effective than CWT for reducing inflammatory markers at certain points in a training cycle, but it does appear that this effect can be induced in a predictable fashion.

Short-term effects of two different recovery strategies on muscle contractile properties in healthy active men: A randomised cross-over study

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the immediate effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) and hot-water immersion (HWI) versus passive resting after a fatigue-induced bout of exercise on the muscle contractile properties of the Vastus Medialis (VM). We conducted a randomised cross-over study involving 28 healthy active men where muscle contractile properties of the VM wer recorded using Tensiomyography (TMG) before and after CWI, HWI or passive resting and up to one-hour post-application. The main outcomes obtained were muscle displacement and velocity of deformation according to limb size (Dmr and Vdr). Our results showed a significant effect of time (F(3.9,405) =32.439; p <0.001; η2 p =0.29) and the interaction between time and temperature (F(7.9,405) =5.814; p <0.001; η2 p= 0.13) on Dmr but no for temperature alone (F(2,81) =2.013; p =0.14; η2 p= 0.04) while for Vdr, both time (F(5.2,486) =23.068; p <0.001 η2 p = 0.22) and temperature (F(2,81) =4.219; p = 0.018; η2 p= 0.09) as well as the interaction (F(10.4,486) =7.784; p <0.001; η2 p =0.16) were found significant. Compared to CWI, HWI increased Dmr post-application and Vdr both post-application as well as 15 and 45ʹ thereafter. These findings suggest that applying HWI could be a valid alternative to CWI to promote muscle recovery.

The Effect of Cold Water Immersion on Physiological Indices, Inflammatory and Immune Responses during a Soccer Match

The Effect of Cold Water Immersion on Physiological Indices, Inflammatory and Immune Responses during a Soccer Match

The Effect of Cold Exposure on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.

Several aspects of cognition can be affected after cold exposure, but contradictory results have been reported regarding affected cognitive domains. The aim of the current systematic review was to evaluate the effects of specific cold exposure on cognitive performance in healthy subjects. A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus) and PsycINFO databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were healthy subjects exposed to a cold environment (either simulated or not) and cognitive performance related to cold exposure with an experimental design. The literature search identified 18 studies, eight studies investigated the effect of cold air exposure and ten the effect of cold water immersion on cognitive performance of healthy subjects. There were several differences among the studies (environmental temperature reached, time of exposure, timing, and type of cognitive test administration). Cold exposure induced in most of the experimental settings (15 of 18) an impairment of CP even before accidental hypothermia was established. The most investigated and affected cognitive domains were attention and processing speed, executive function, and memory. Gender differences and effects of repeated exposure and possible acclimation on cognitive performance need further studies to be confirmed.

Adaptations to Post-exercise Cold Water Immersion: Friend, Foe, or Futile?

In the last decade, cold water immersion (CWI) has emerged as one of the most popular post-exercise recovery strategies utilized amongst athletes during training and competition. Following earlier research on the effects of CWI on the recovery of exercise performance and associated mechanisms, the recent focus has been on how CWI might influence adaptations to exercise. This line of enquiry stems from classical work demonstrating improved endurance and mitochondrial development in rodents exposed to repeated cold exposures. Moreover, there was strong rationale that CWI might enhance adaptations to exercise, given the discovery, and central role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in both cold- and exercise-induced oxidative adaptations. Research on adaptations to post-exercise CWI have generally indicated a mode-dependant effect, where resistance training adaptations were diminished, whilst aerobic exercise performance seems unaffected but demonstrates premise for enhancement. However, the general suitability of CWI as a recovery modality has been the focus of considerable debate, primarily given the dampening effect on hypertrophy gains. In this mini-review, we highlight the key mechanisms surrounding CWI and endurance exercise adaptations, reiterating the potential for CWI to enhance endurance performance, with support from classical and contemporary works. This review also discusses the implications and insights (with regards to endurance and strength adaptations) gathered from recent studies examining the longer-term effects of CWI on training performance and recovery. Lastly, a periodized approach to recovery is proposed, where the use of CWI may be incorporated during competition or intensified training, whilst strategically avoiding periods following training focused on improving muscle strength or hypertrophy.