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Factors influencing acute tympanic temperature changes during cold water exposure
Anna Karafová1, Marian Karafa1, Bartłomiej Kopciński2
1Department of Health and Life Sciences, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Cold water immersion and winter swimming can cause physiological reactions. A higher BMI was linked to a smaller drop in body temperature during winter swimming, with 5-minute immersions showing no significant change.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Environmental Health
- Sports Science
Background:
- Cold water exposure, including cold water immersion (CWI) and winter swimming (WS), is increasingly popular for its health benefits.
- However, physiological responses to cold water can be distressing and limit participation.
- Understanding factors influencing these responses is crucial for safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between individual and environmental factors and acute tympanic temperature changes during cold water exposure.
- To assess the impact of immersion duration and distance swum on physiological responses.
- To identify predictors of temperature changes in CWI and WS practitioners.
Main Methods:
- Ninety participants practicing CWI or WS were divided into subgroups based on immersion time (5 or 9 minutes) and distance (200m or 450m).
- Tympanic membrane temperature was measured before and after exposure.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for all participants.
Main Results:
- Significant pre-post exposure tympanic temperature changes were observed in all groups except for the 5-minute immersion group.
- A significant negative correlation was found between BMI and tympanic membrane temperature in winter swimmers (p = 0.006).
- Participants with 3 years of experience showed the greatest temperature changes; 5-minute immersions in water below 1°C did not yield significant body responses.
Conclusions:
- A 5-minute immersion in near-freezing water is insufficient to elicit a significant physiological response.
- Higher BMI is associated with a reduced decrease in tympanic membrane temperature among winter swimmers.
- Individual factors like BMI and experience level influence physiological adaptation to cold water exposure.
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