Mindfulness training combined with cold water immersion effects on mood and perception of executive functioning in middle-aged and older adults: a pilot study.
Ambra Gentile, Sara Vivirito, Musa Kirkar, Konstantinos Paschos, Luka Tuđan, Jakub Kulhánek, Pelin Öztürk, Marianna Alesi
Frontiers in Public Health January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1693026 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA combined mindfulness and cold-water immersion program lasting 20 weeks reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in adults aged around 60. Depression scores improved significantly more for older participants than for middle-aged ones. Anxiety also decreased, with no difference between age groups. Perceived executive functioning did not change significantly. The findings suggest the combined training may support healthy aging.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 46 |
| Population | Middle-aged and older adults (mean age 60.67 years) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness Cold water immersion |
| Duration | 20-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cold water Healthy aging Middle-aged adults Older adult |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | The combined mindfulness and cold-water immersion training significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms but did not significantly improve executive functioning perception. |
Abstract
Age-related cognitive decline typically begins during middle age and persists into old age. In parallel, mood (and, in particular, anxiety and depression) can be a significant predictor of neurodegenerative pathologies. To prevent these negative consequences, mindfulness trainings were used to improve mood and executive functioning in middle-aged and older adults. Less is known about cold water immersion, which apparently favors cognitive enhancement and mood restoration. The current pilot study involved a sample of 46 adult participants (63% F; mean age: 60.67 years, SD: ±8.51), who completed a combined mindfulness and cold-water immersion program of 20 weeks. Before and after the training period, participants completed questionnaires about depressive and anxiety symptoms and executive functioning perception. A linear mixed model was run to evaluate pre-post differences with the presence of potential confounders (i.e., country, occupation, physical activity practice). The results showed a positive effect of the combined training on depression (mean difference = -2.59, t = -3.10, p = 0.003), with higher effectiveness for older adults compared to middle-aged participants (mean difference = -3.26, p = 0.042). Moreover, a significant effect of the training was found concerning anxiety (F1,50.08 = 7.70, p = 0.008), without differences between the two age groups (F1,51.06 = 0.10, p = 0.75). Finally, a non-significant effect of the combined training was found between pre- and post-treatment phase concerning executive functioning perception (F1,52.64 = 3.61, p = 0.06). Cold water immersion combined with mindfulness sessions could be considered by future researchers as a possible training for healthy aging.