Cold water immersion: kill or cure?

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Environmental Medicine
• Sports Science

Background:

• Cold water immersion (CWI) is increasingly popular for wellness and athletic recovery.
• Understanding the dual nature of CWI as both a potential hazard and therapeutic intervention is crucial.
• This review synthesizes existing research on human physiological responses to CWI.

Observation:

• CWI is examined for its historical context and role in drowning, cardiac arrest, and hypothermia.
• The review assesses CWI's potential in prolonged underwater survival, heat acclimatization, and treating hyperthermia.
• Emerging applications of CWI in inflammation prevention and treatment are also considered.

Findings:

• The evidence supporting CWI's purported benefits and risks is highly variable.
• While many claims for CWI have a plausible scientific basis, some rely on anecdotal evidence.
• The strength of scientific evidence varies significantly across different applications of CWI.

Implications:

• This review highlights the need for rigorous scientific investigation into CWI's effects.
• Clear research directions are identified to strengthen the evidence base for CWI.
• Future research should focus on clarifying the specific circumstances under which CWI is beneficial or harmful.