Cold Plunge: Unveiling the Impact on Your Body and Mind
Cold Plunge: Unveiling the Impact on Your Body and Mind
A recent study 1 explored the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) on cardiovascular function and mood in healthy young adults. Here's what the researchers discovered:
Cardiovascular Effects
Shear Stress Patterns
During the 15-minute CWI session (10.5°C water):
- Minimal changes in brachial artery shear stress during immersion
- Significant reductions 30 minutes post-immersion:
- 35% decrease in total shear stress
- 25% decrease in antegrade shear stress
- 56% decrease in forearm vascular conductance
These changes coincided with the greatest drop in core body temperature (about 1°C).
Implications for Vascular Health
The altered shear stress patterns post-CWI suggest a temporary shift towards less favorable vascular conditions. This indicates that acute cold water immersion may not directly benefit vascular function through shear stress modulation.
Mood and Stress Responses
Affect
- No significant change in positive affect
- Negative affect decreased 3 hours post-immersion
Stress Biomarkers
- β-endorphins: No significant changes
- Cortisol: 47% reduction 3 hours post-immersion (coinciding with decreased negative affect)
Key Takeaways
- Acute CWI may not directly enhance vascular function through shear stress modulation.
- CWI could potentially reduce negative mood states and lower cortisol levels hours after exposure.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between physiological and psychological responses to cold stress.
While this research provides valuable insights into acute CWI responses, more studies are needed to fully understand its potential as a health-promoting intervention. The findings suggest that cold plunges may offer some mood-enhancing effects, but their impact on cardiovascular health requires further investigation.
References: