Combined cold-water immersion and breathwork may be associated with improved mental health and reduction in the duration of upper respiratory tract infection - a case–control study
Jan Czarnecki, K. Nowakowska-Domagała, Łukasz Mokros
International Journal of Circumpolar Health March 21, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2330741 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey with case-control matching Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 77 |
| Population | Adults who regularly practice a specific training program (STP) involving ice-cold water immersion and breathwork, and a matched control group |
| Intervention | ice-cold water immersion (CWI) |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Key findings | The CWI-only group displayed better mental health indices and shorter URTIs compared to the control group, and the STP group displayed better general mental health, fewer somatic complaints, and shorter URTIs compared to the CWI-only group. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT A polar plunge is a term referring to an ice-cold water immersion (CWI), usually in the winter period. It is also a part of a specific training program (STP) which currently gains popularity worldwide and was proven to display paradigm-shifting characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare the indices of mental functioning (including depression, anxiety, mindfulness) and duration of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) measured among the study participants. A set of questionnaires was distributed via the Internet. Participants declaring regular STP practice were selected (N = 77). Two groups were matched based on a case–control principle: the first one (the control group) comprised participants who did not declare nor CWI practice, nor STP practice. The second one comprised participants declaring regular CWI practice only. The CWI only group displayed better mental health indices and shorter URTIs compared to the control group. Moreover, the STP group also displayed better general mental health, less somatic complaints, and shorter URTIs compared to the CWI only group. This study suggests the existence of CWI’s potential in boosting mental health and immune system functioning, however when complemented by a specific breathwork, this potential can be increased. However, further research is required.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on breathwork, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences December 21, 2018
- Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Scientific Reports January 9, 2023
- The Effects of Cold Exposure Training and a Breathing Exercise on the Inflammatory Response in Humans: A Pilot Study Psychosomatic Medicine February 23, 2022
- Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Intervention on Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2022
and 2 more in the library