Influence of acute and chronic therapeutic cooling on cognitive performance and well-being

Research regarding the effect cold-water immersion (CWI) has on cognitive performance often uses excessive cooling protocols (>1-hour) to measure the detrimental impact prolonged cold exposure has on cognition. Previous studies have not considered shorter CWI protocols, similar to that used in recovery and wellness practices (∼10 min).

To investigate a more ecologically valid CWI protocol on cognition, well-being and sleep in an acute and chronic manner. It was hypothesised that a therapeutic CWI protocol would improve well-being, and sleep and have no detrimental effect on cognition.

Thirteen healthy participants (20.85±2.15 years), (169.96±7.77 cm), (72.03±14.92 kg), (27.67±9.55 BF%) volunteered to complete a 4-week CWI protocol. Participants were immersed in cold water (10.42±0.59 °C) 3-times a week for 4-weeks. Cognitive performance (Stroop & TMT), well-being (WEMWBS, PSWQ, GAD-7, SHS) and sleep (PSQI) were measured acutely and chronically over the 4-week protocol along with thermoregulatory measures (Tsk, Tco, thermal comfort).

Results show that CWI had no detrimental impact on cognitive performance, with Stroop performance & well-being seeing no differences acutely or chronically. Alternatively, the trail making test showed significant improvement from baseline (TMT-A 15.17±4.81-seconds, TMT-B 39.68±15.12-seconds) to week-3 (TMT-A 11.06±3.29-seconds, TMT-B 26.18±10.23-seconds). A reduction in sleep disturbances was seen from baseline scores of 7.85±3.44 AU to the end of week-3 measures 5.75±3.77 AU.

Therapeutic cooling can improve sleep quality when utilised in short frequent doses (3 times per week, for 4-weeks) and is not detrimental to cognitive performance, improving certain aspects of executive function.