Cold Water Exposure and Immune Function Study

NCT ID: NCT06667479

Last Updated: 2024-10-31

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

75 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-10-10

Study Completion Date

2025-10-01

Brief Summary

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The purpose of this clinical trial is to explore the effects of a 4 week cold-water immersion (CWI) intervention on measures of immune function, sleep quality, mental health and well-being, and muscular strength. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does a 4 week CWI intervention improve measures of immune function, sleep quality, mental health and well-being, and muscular strength?
* Are there any differences in these measures when comparing cold tubs versus cold showers?

Researchers will compare chronic use of cold tubs to cold showers to see if cold water immersion may improve overall immune health and well-being.

Participants will:

* Undergo 4 weeks of Cold Tub or Cold Shower interventions at a frequency of 3 times a week for 4 minutes, if placed in the CWI intervention groups
* Undergo testing measures at the two pre- and post- intervention time points, if placed in the healthy control group or the CWI intervention groups

Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Cold Water Immersion Immune Function Muscular Strength Mental Health

Keywords

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Cold Water Immersion Cold Tub Cold Shower Immune Function Mental Health Muscular Strength Healthy Adults Inflammation Gut Health

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Parallel, randomized design, matched for biological age
Primary Study Purpose

OTHER

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Cold Tub Immersion Group (CI)

Participants will utilize the research cold tub (10 ºC, 4-minutes, 3 times a week), following a standardized protocol (see intervention description).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Cold Water Immersion (CWI) - Cold Tub Immersion (CI)

Intervention Type OTHER

Once thermoneutral procedures are complete, participants in the CI group will be seated in the cold tub and submerged into the water (10º C). The sternal notch of each participant will be used as the anatomical marker to mark submersion point. Participants will sit with both arms outstretched underwater with their backs not touching the sides of the tub. Participants with a shorter stature will be provided an underwater cushion to meet the submersion requirements. The 4-minute timer will begin once confirmation of the participants submersion level and posture is determined. Once completed, the participant will be instructed to slowly exit the tub and allowed to dry and change as necessary.

Cold Shower Group (CS)

Participants will utilize the research shower area (10 ºC, 4-minutes, 3 times a week), following a standardized protocol (see intervention description).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Cold Water Immersion (CWI) - Cold Shower (CS)

Intervention Type OTHER

Once thermoneutral procedures are complete, participants in the CS group will be instructed to enter the research shower area. Within the shower area, the walls of the shower will be numbered from 1 to 4, with 1 defined as facing the faucet, 2 defined as 90° to the right of side 1, 3 defined as 180° from the faucet, and 4 defined as 270° to the right or 90° C to the left from side 1. Participants will be instructed to turn 90° to the right cycling through sides 1 to 4 and then back to 1 every 15 seconds prompted by the researcher. This will allow the participant to complete four full rotations in the shower during the 4-minute intervention time. The shower faucet is modified and oriented in a way where it only produces cold water (10º C) when turned on. Once completed, the participant will be instructed to slowly exit the shower and is allowed to dry and change as necessary

Control Group (CO)

Participants will not undergo any cold tub or cold shower intervention.

Group Type OTHER

Control Group (CO)

Intervention Type OTHER

Participants will be encouraged to maintain their current diet and exercise across the duration of the 4 week intervention. Participants will still be subjected to the pre- and post-intervention data collection session.

Interventions

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Cold Water Immersion (CWI) - Cold Tub Immersion (CI)

Once thermoneutral procedures are complete, participants in the CI group will be seated in the cold tub and submerged into the water (10º C). The sternal notch of each participant will be used as the anatomical marker to mark submersion point. Participants will sit with both arms outstretched underwater with their backs not touching the sides of the tub. Participants with a shorter stature will be provided an underwater cushion to meet the submersion requirements. The 4-minute timer will begin once confirmation of the participants submersion level and posture is determined. Once completed, the participant will be instructed to slowly exit the tub and allowed to dry and change as necessary.

Intervention Type OTHER

Cold Water Immersion (CWI) - Cold Shower (CS)

Once thermoneutral procedures are complete, participants in the CS group will be instructed to enter the research shower area. Within the shower area, the walls of the shower will be numbered from 1 to 4, with 1 defined as facing the faucet, 2 defined as 90° to the right of side 1, 3 defined as 180° from the faucet, and 4 defined as 270° to the right or 90° C to the left from side 1. Participants will be instructed to turn 90° to the right cycling through sides 1 to 4 and then back to 1 every 15 seconds prompted by the researcher. This will allow the participant to complete four full rotations in the shower during the 4-minute intervention time. The shower faucet is modified and oriented in a way where it only produces cold water (10º C) when turned on. Once completed, the participant will be instructed to slowly exit the shower and is allowed to dry and change as necessary

Intervention Type OTHER

Control Group (CO)

Participants will be encouraged to maintain their current diet and exercise across the duration of the 4 week intervention. Participants will still be subjected to the pre- and post-intervention data collection session.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Males and Females
* Aged 18-45

Exclusion Criteria

* Currently practices CWI for \[\>3 times in the last month\]
* Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
* Chronic use of anti-inflammatory medication
* Prior history of chronic disease conditions:
* Cardiovascular Disease
* Diabetes
* Cancer
* Raynaud\'s Disease
* Severe and untreated anxiety or depression
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

45 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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University of Northern Colorado

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Laura Stewart

Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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University of Northern Colorado - Gunter Hall

Greeley, Colorado, United States

Site Status

Countries

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United States

Other Identifiers

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2404058883

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id