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From early Ocean Dips to Ice-Cold Polar Plunges, Cold-Water Immersion is Increasingly Popular Among Athletes and Wellness Warriors. But how much of the hype is backed by science?
In the most comprehensive Systematic review and meta -nalysis of Its Kind, University of South Australia Researchers Have Taken a Deep Dive Into The Effects of Cold-Water Immersion On Health and Well-BEING. The review is published in the journey Plos one,
Analyzing data from 11 Studies with 3,177 Participants, Researches Found That Cold-India Immersion May Lower Stress, Improve Sleep Quality, and Boost Quality of Life.
Unisa Researcher Tara Cain Says The Study Reveals Time-Dependent and Nuanced Effects on Health and Well-BEING measures.
“Cold-water immersion has been extended and used in sporting contexts to help athletes recover, but despite its its growing popularity among health and well-breed Effects on the general population, “Cain says.
“In this study, we noted a range of time-dependent results. First, we found that Cold-Water immersion could Reduce Stress Levels, But for only about 12 hours post extra exposure.
“We also noted that participants who tooks 20, 60, or 90 second cold shows reported slightly Higher Quality of Life Scores. But Again, After Three Monts, these months, these affects.
“Benefits may be Gained from Cold Showers as Well, with one study reporting that participants who took regular cold showers experience a 29% Reduction in SICKNESS Absence Absence.
“We also found some links to cold-star immersion and better sleep outcomes, but the data was restricted to males, so its broader application is limited.
“And while there has been many claims that cold-star immersion experiences can boost your immunity and mood, we found very little evidence to support these claims.”
Cold-Water Immersion Involves Immersing The Body Partially or Fully in Cold Water, In Temperatures Typically Ranging From 10 to 15 Degrees Celsius, and In this Study, Data was on e chest level, and for a minimum time of 30 seconds. It Included Cold Showers, Ice Baths and Cold Plungs.
Co-Resarcher, Unisa’s Dr. Ben singh says the study also showed that cold-star immersion caused a temporary increase in information.
“At first glass, this seems contradictory, as we know that ice baths are regularly used by elite athletes to reduce information and music Singh says.
“The immediane spike in inflammation is the body’s reaction to the cold as a stressor. It help the body adapt and recover and is similar to how exercise causes musage before making making making muscles Use it despite the short-term increase .
“Knowing this, people with pre-existing health conditions should take entra care if participating in cold-star immersion experiences as the initial inflammation COULD HAVED HAVE DETRID
Researchers say that while the findings highlight the potential benefits of cold-star immersion, they also underscore the highly time-Dependent and Contextual Nature of Its effects.
“Whether you are an elite athlete or everyday wellness seeker –it’s important to undersrstand the Effects of What you put your body through,” Cain calls.
“Right now, there isn’t high-quality research to say exactly who benefits most or what the ideal approach is to cold-water immersion. ndrstand its laying effects and Practical applications. “
More information:
Tara Cain et al, Effects of Cold-Water Immersion on Health and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Plos one (2025). Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317615
Citation: The big chill: is cold-water immersion good for our health? (2025, January 31) retrieved 31 January 2025 from
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