Psychophysiological Responses to Acute Cold Water Immersion

Anecdotal reports suggest that chronic cold water immersion improves mood, immune function, and cardiovascular health. However, there are no scientific studies validating these claims. It is possible that acute cold water immersion may improve cardiovascular health and symptoms of depression. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of acute cold water immersion on positive affect and related blood markers. METHODS: 14 participants (8 male, 6 female, age: 24 ± 4.2 years) were immersed in 10°C water for 15 minutes during one experimental session. Positive and Negative Affect Schedules (PANAS) and blood samples were obtained before and after immersion, while blood samples were also obtained during immersion. RESULTS: Participants did not experience an increase in positive affect as a result of cold water immersion but did experience a decrease in negative affect. β- endorphin concentration was elevated and cortisol concentration was reduced three hours post immersion. FGF21, TNFα , and IL-1β remained unchanged throughout the trial. Based on correlations, it appears that β- endorphin and FGF21 may drive positive affect, while rectal temperature and β- endorphin drive negative affect. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that cold water immersion does not improve positive affect, but that chronic studies may reveal other benefits to cold water exposure