Component

Cold water immersion

Cold water immersion. Species, exposure and limitations are retained in each linked claim.

22 recorded relationships. Experimental role, claim status and evidence remain attached to each record.

Read recorded mechanisms Open recursive mind map

How nutrients influence it

Every nutrient with a recorded effect on this component, credited to the nutrient that acted rather than the chapter that recorded it. Open a nutrient to see the findings and the conditions they were measured under.

Human evidence only

How nutrients reach it in more than one step

Chains of two or more recorded steps that end here, grouped by the nutrient they start from. Each step is a separate finding, so a chain is a route a mechanism could take, not proof that it does.

Tracing routes…

What it does

Every recorded relationship this component is part of, grouped by its role. Plain wording comes first; the technical statement follows.

Recorded relationships

What it acts on

Negative affect was lower 180 minutes after a single 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C while positive affect did not change, and cortisol was lower at 180 minutes, whereas serum beta-endorphins did not change throughout the trial.
Cold water immersion → Self-reported negative affect source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/37866096.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1665, "text_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54"}
experimental_model
Sixteen healthy adults completing one 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C with Doppler ultrasound and blood sampling
exposure
One 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C
limitations
A small single-bout study. Beta-endorphin did not change, which bears on the common attribution of the mood effect to endorphins.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Three hours after one plunge people felt less bad, though not better, and the endorphin explanation did not hold up.
primary_references
[cold-p37866096] Cardiovascular and mood responses to an acute bout of cold water immersion. (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37866096/ DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103727
tissue_or_cell_type
Brachial artery and mood
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 741–752
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Sixteen healthy adults completing one 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C with Doppler ultrasound and blood sampling · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-acute-negative-affect Negative affect was lower 180 minutes after a single 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C while positive affect did not change, and cortisol was lower at 180 minutes, whereas serum beta-endorphins did not change throughout the trial. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Three hours after one plunge people felt less bad, though not better, and the endorphin explanation did not hold up. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Brachial artery and mood experimental_model: Sixteen healthy adults completing one 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C with Doppler ultrasound and blood sampling limitations: A small single-bout study. Beta-endorphin did not change, which bears on the common attribution of the mood effect to endorphins. exposure: One 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/37866096.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1665, "text_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54"} [cold-p37866096] Cardiovascular and mood responses to an acute bout of cold water immersion. (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37866096/ DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103727
Complete structured claim and evidence
Forearm vascular conductance was reduced at 15 minutes of immersion and 30 minutes after, and total and antegrade shear stress and the oscillatory shear index were reduced 30 minutes after immersion, with no difference in retrograde shear.
Cold water immersion → Forearm vascular conductance source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/37866096.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1665, "text_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54"}
experimental_model
Sixteen healthy adults completing one 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C with Doppler ultrasound and blood sampling
exposure
One 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C
limitations
A small single-bout study. Beta-endorphin did not change, which bears on the common attribution of the mood effect to endorphins.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
The vessels in the arm stayed narrowed for at least half an hour afterwards.
primary_references
[cold-p37866096] Cardiovascular and mood responses to an acute bout of cold water immersion. (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37866096/ DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103727
tissue_or_cell_type
Brachial artery and mood
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 754–765
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Sixteen healthy adults completing one 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C with Doppler ultrasound and blood sampling · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-acute-shear-stress Forearm vascular conductance was reduced at 15 minutes of immersion and 30 minutes after, and total and antegrade shear stress and the oscillatory shear index were reduced 30 minutes after immersion, with no difference in retrograde shear. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: The vessels in the arm stayed narrowed for at least half an hour afterwards. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Brachial artery and mood experimental_model: Sixteen healthy adults completing one 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C with Doppler ultrasound and blood sampling limitations: A small single-bout study. Beta-endorphin did not change, which bears on the common attribution of the mood effect to endorphins. exposure: One 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/37866096.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1665, "text_sha256": "2180ef37d9e3dda6b7785769dcc2e4deb89b07a12ffed469e52c80af563cff54"} [cold-p37866096] Cardiovascular and mood responses to an acute bout of cold water immersion. (2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37866096/ DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103727
Complete structured claim and evidence
Index-finger cooling produced cold-induced vasodilatation earlier than hand or forearm immersion (5.90 versus 7.95 and 9.26 minutes) and without significant cardiovascular change, whereas hand or forearm immersion produced a delayed and slower vasodilatation with bradycardia at the end of the test and a larger blood pressure rise.
Cold water immersion → Cold-induced vasodilatation in the extremities source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/9202941.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0c66741aac658e383d3e372a1c257db8dbcbce5e57d4dc053583181192f0c2e1", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1846, "text_sha256": "0c66741aac658e383d3e372a1c257db8dbcbce5e57d4dc053583181192f0c2e1"}
experimental_model
Twenty subjects immersing finger, hand, or forearm and hand in 5 degrees C water
exposure
30 minutes of immersion at 5 degrees C followed by 15 minutes of recovery
limitations
The comparison of immersed areas is the point: the cardiovascular response depends on how much skin is cooled, not on the temperature alone.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
How much of you goes in the water decides what your heart and vessels do.
primary_references
[cold-p9202941] Cold induced vasodilatation and cardiovascular responses in humans during cold water immersion of various upper limb areas. (1997). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9202941/ DOI: 10.1007/s004210050191
tissue_or_cell_type
Upper limb skin and cardiovascular system
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 221–232
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Twenty subjects immersing finger, hand, or forearm and hand in 5 degrees C water · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-civd-area-dependence Index-finger cooling produced cold-induced vasodilatation earlier than hand or forearm immersion (5.90 versus 7.95 and 9.26 minutes) and without significant cardiovascular change, whereas hand or forearm immersion produced a delayed and slower vasodilatation with bradycardia at the end of the test and a larger blood pressure rise. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: How much of you goes in the water decides what your heart and vessels do. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Upper limb skin and cardiovascular system experimental_model: Twenty subjects immersing finger, hand, or forearm and hand in 5 degrees C water limitations: The comparison of immersed areas is the point: the cardiovascular response depends on how much skin is cooled, not on the temperature alone. exposure: 30 minutes of immersion at 5 degrees C followed by 15 minutes of recovery evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/9202941.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0c66741aac658e383d3e372a1c257db8dbcbce5e57d4dc053583181192f0c2e1", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1846, "text_sha256": "0c66741aac658e383d3e372a1c257db8dbcbce5e57d4dc053583181192f0c2e1"} [cold-p9202941] Cold induced vasodilatation and cardiovascular responses in humans during cold water immersion of various upper limb areas. (1997). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9202941/ DOI: 10.1007/s004210050191
Complete structured claim and evidence
Cold exposure that induced brown adipose activity raised plasma noradrenaline and dopamine and improved peripheral glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity by about 20%, while first-phase insulin response remained stable and specific plasma fatty acids changed, with lignoceric acid rising and eicosanoic, nervonic and behenic acids falling.
Cold water immersion → Peripheral insulin sensitivity source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/28945846.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "b399b9e904d28b07a332dbd1664fec903eac6427cb2ea9c9e53d8b3a44d0d6fe", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1937, "text_sha256": "b399b9e904d28b07a332dbd1664fec903eac6427cb2ea9c9e53d8b3a44d0d6fe"}
experimental_model
Fifteen healthy men in a cross-balanced repeated within-subject study with a water-perfused suit
exposure
Moderate cold at 18.06 degrees C with shivering excluded, versus thermoneutral 22 degrees C
limitations
Shivering was deliberately excluded, so the effect is attributable to non-shivering mechanisms. First-phase insulin response was unchanged, separating sensitivity from secretion.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Cold improved how the body handles glucose without changing how much insulin the pancreas released.
primary_references
[cold-p28945846] Cold-Induced Brown Adipose Tissue Activity Alters Plasma Fatty Acids and Improves Glucose Metabolism in Men. (2017). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28945846/ DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-01250
tissue_or_cell_type
Brown adipose tissue and whole body
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 884–895
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Fifteen healthy men in a cross-balanced repeated within-subject study with a water-perfused suit · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cold-glucose-uptake-men Cold exposure that induced brown adipose activity raised plasma noradrenaline and dopamine and improved peripheral glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity by about 20%, while first-phase insulin response remained stable and specific plasma fatty acids changed, with lignoceric acid rising and eicosanoic, nervonic and behenic acids falling. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Cold improved how the body handles glucose without changing how much insulin the pancreas released. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Brown adipose tissue and whole body experimental_model: Fifteen healthy men in a cross-balanced repeated within-subject study with a water-perfused suit limitations: Shivering was deliberately excluded, so the effect is attributable to non-shivering mechanisms. First-phase insulin response was unchanged, separating sensitivity from secretion. exposure: Moderate cold at 18.06 degrees C with shivering excluded, versus thermoneutral 22 degrees C evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/28945846.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "b399b9e904d28b07a332dbd1664fec903eac6427cb2ea9c9e53d8b3a44d0d6fe", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1937, "text_sha256": "b399b9e904d28b07a332dbd1664fec903eac6427cb2ea9c9e53d8b3a44d0d6fe"} [cold-p28945846] Cold-Induced Brown Adipose Tissue Activity Alters Plasma Fatty Acids and Improves Glucose Metabolism in Men. (2017). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28945846/ DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-01250
Complete structured claim and evidence
Basal skeletal muscle GLUT4 translocation markedly increased without effects on insulin signalling or AMPK activation, and with only a minor increase in brown adipose glucose uptake.
Cold water immersion → Basal skeletal-muscle GLUT4 translocation source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26147760.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 451, "text_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9"}
experimental_model
Eight subjects with type 2 diabetes acclimated to 14 to 15 degrees C for ten days
exposure
Ten days of cold acclimation at 14 to 15 degrees C
limitations
A small uncontrolled intervention in patients. The effect ran through muscle GLUT4 rather than brown fat, which is the opposite of the expected route.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
The glucose door opened in muscle, not in brown fat, and not through the usual signalling.
primary_references
[cold-p26147760] Short-term cold acclimation improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147760/ DOI: 10.1038/nm.3891
tissue_or_cell_type
Skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 871–882
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Eight subjects with type 2 diabetes acclimated to 14 to 15 degrees C for ten days · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cold-glut4-route Basal skeletal muscle GLUT4 translocation markedly increased without effects on insulin signalling or AMPK activation, and with only a minor increase in brown adipose glucose uptake. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: The glucose door opened in muscle, not in brown fat, and not through the usual signalling. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue experimental_model: Eight subjects with type 2 diabetes acclimated to 14 to 15 degrees C for ten days limitations: A small uncontrolled intervention in patients. The effect ran through muscle GLUT4 rather than brown fat, which is the opposite of the expected route. exposure: Ten days of cold acclimation at 14 to 15 degrees C evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26147760.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 451, "text_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9"} [cold-p26147760] Short-term cold acclimation improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147760/ DOI: 10.1038/nm.3891
Complete structured claim and evidence
Ten days of cold acclimation at 14 to 15 degrees C increased peripheral insulin sensitivity by about 43% in eight people with type 2 diabetes.
Cold water immersion → Peripheral insulin sensitivity source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26147760.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 451, "text_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9"}
experimental_model
Eight subjects with type 2 diabetes acclimated to 14 to 15 degrees C for ten days
exposure
Ten days of cold acclimation at 14 to 15 degrees C
limitations
A small uncontrolled intervention in patients. The effect ran through muscle GLUT4 rather than brown fat, which is the opposite of the expected route.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Ten days of cold made these patients markedly more sensitive to insulin.
primary_references
[cold-p26147760] Short-term cold acclimation improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147760/ DOI: 10.1038/nm.3891
tissue_or_cell_type
Skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 858–869
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Eight subjects with type 2 diabetes acclimated to 14 to 15 degrees C for ten days · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cold-insulin-sensitivity Ten days of cold acclimation at 14 to 15 degrees C increased peripheral insulin sensitivity by about 43% in eight people with type 2 diabetes. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Ten days of cold made these patients markedly more sensitive to insulin. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue experimental_model: Eight subjects with type 2 diabetes acclimated to 14 to 15 degrees C for ten days limitations: A small uncontrolled intervention in patients. The effect ran through muscle GLUT4 rather than brown fat, which is the opposite of the expected route. exposure: Ten days of cold acclimation at 14 to 15 degrees C evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26147760.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 451, "text_sha256": "ec2d7942d906f2c11c73487b4afb7682386a7b5759541dde161dde72787503c9"} [cold-p26147760] Short-term cold acclimation improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147760/ DOI: 10.1038/nm.3891
Complete structured claim and evidence
Immersion at 14 degrees C lowered rectal temperature and increased metabolic rate by 350%, with heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure rising by 5, 7 and 8%.
Cold water immersion → Whole-body metabolic rate source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10751106.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2332, "text_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291"}
experimental_model
Young men during 1-hour head-out immersions at 32, 20 and 14 degrees C
exposure
One hour head-out immersion at three water temperatures
limitations
The thermoneutral arm separates hydrostatic pressure from cold. Cortisol did not rise at any temperature, which bears directly on calling immersion a stress response.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
At 14 degrees the body burns roughly four and a half times as much energy as at rest.
primary_references
[cold-p10751106] Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10751106/ DOI: 10.1007/s004210050065
tissue_or_cell_type
Whole body
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 182–193
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Young men during 1-hour head-out immersions at 32, 20 and 14 degrees C · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cold-metabolic-rate Immersion at 14 degrees C lowered rectal temperature and increased metabolic rate by 350%, with heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure rising by 5, 7 and 8%. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: At 14 degrees the body burns roughly four and a half times as much energy as at rest. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Whole body experimental_model: Young men during 1-hour head-out immersions at 32, 20 and 14 degrees C limitations: The thermoneutral arm separates hydrostatic pressure from cold. Cortisol did not rise at any temperature, which bears directly on calling immersion a stress response. exposure: One hour head-out immersion at three water temperatures evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10751106.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2332, "text_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291"} [cold-p10751106] Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10751106/ DOI: 10.1007/s004210050065
Complete structured claim and evidence
Plasma noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations increased by 530% and 250% at 14 degrees C, while plasma adrenaline concentrations remained unchanged and cortisol tended to decrease.
Cold water immersion → Plasma noradrenaline concentration source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10751106.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2332, "text_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291"}
experimental_model
Young men during 1-hour head-out immersions at 32, 20 and 14 degrees C
exposure
One hour head-out immersion at three water temperatures
limitations
The thermoneutral arm separates hydrostatic pressure from cold. Cortisol did not rise at any temperature, which bears directly on calling immersion a stress response.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Cold water multiplies one messenger sixfold and leaves adrenaline and cortisol alone.
primary_references
[cold-p10751106] Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10751106/ DOI: 10.1007/s004210050065
tissue_or_cell_type
Whole body
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 195–206
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Young men during 1-hour head-out immersions at 32, 20 and 14 degrees C · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cold-noradrenaline-rise Plasma noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations increased by 530% and 250% at 14 degrees C, while plasma adrenaline concentrations remained unchanged and cortisol tended to decrease. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Cold water multiplies one messenger sixfold and leaves adrenaline and cortisol alone. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Whole body experimental_model: Young men during 1-hour head-out immersions at 32, 20 and 14 degrees C limitations: The thermoneutral arm separates hydrostatic pressure from cold. Cortisol did not rise at any temperature, which bears directly on calling immersion a stress response. exposure: One hour head-out immersion at three water temperatures evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10751106.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2332, "text_sha256": "d018fda7c67dc61bb0d4a38ddfd7850e7252897587c5a4477607271b10d42291"} [cold-p10751106] Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10751106/ DOI: 10.1007/s004210050065
Complete structured claim and evidence
Post-exercise mTORC1 signalling measured as rps6 phosphorylation was blunted at 1 and 48 hours after training, basal FOXO1 protein content increased 1.3-fold, and training-induced increases in heat shock protein 27 were attenuated with reduced total heat shock protein 72.
Cold water immersion → Ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/31513450.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2195, "text_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872"}
experimental_model
Sixteen men completing seven weeks of whole-body resistance training with immersion or passive recovery
exposure
15 minutes at 10 degrees C after each session, three days a week for seven weeks
limitations
A second training study with molecular endpoints. It reproduces the fibre-size result but not the strength result, which is the disagreement recorded in this collection.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
The building signal was turned down, the breakdown marker went up, and the muscle stress proteins did not accumulate.
primary_references
[cold-p31513450] Cold water immersion attenuates anabolic signaling and skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy, but not strength gain, following whole-body resistance training. (2019). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31513450/ DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00127.2019
tissue_or_cell_type
Skeletal muscle
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 845–856
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Sixteen men completing seven weeks of whole-body resistance training with immersion or passive recovery · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cwi-anabolic-catabolic Post-exercise mTORC1 signalling measured as rps6 phosphorylation was blunted at 1 and 48 hours after training, basal FOXO1 protein content increased 1.3-fold, and training-induced increases in heat shock protein 27 were attenuated with reduced total heat shock protein 72. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: The building signal was turned down, the breakdown marker went up, and the muscle stress proteins did not accumulate. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Skeletal muscle experimental_model: Sixteen men completing seven weeks of whole-body resistance training with immersion or passive recovery limitations: A second training study with molecular endpoints. It reproduces the fibre-size result but not the strength result, which is the disagreement recorded in this collection. exposure: 15 minutes at 10 degrees C after each session, three days a week for seven weeks evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/31513450.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2195, "text_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872"} [cold-p31513450] Cold water immersion attenuates anabolic signaling and skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy, but not strength gain, following whole-body resistance training. (2019). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31513450/ DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00127.2019
Complete structured claim and evidence
Strength and muscle mass increased more with active recovery than with cold water immersion, with isokinetic work up 19%, type II fibre cross-sectional area up 17% and myonuclei per fibre up 26% in the active recovery group but not the immersion group.
Cold water immersion → Skeletal muscle fibre hypertrophy source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26174323.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1595, "text_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d"}
experimental_model
Twelve weeks of strength training in 21 men with immersion or active recovery, plus a biopsy study in nine men
exposure
10 minutes of cold water immersion after each training session, twice weekly for 12 weeks
limitations
A randomised training study with muscle biopsies. It measures long-term adaptation rather than acute recovery, which is why it can disagree with the soreness literature without contradicting it.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Twelve weeks of plunging after lifting left people smaller and weaker than not plunging.
primary_references
[cold-p26174323] Post-exercise cold water immersion attenuates acute anabolic signalling and long-term adaptations in muscle to strength training. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26174323/ DOI: 10.1113/jp270570
tissue_or_cell_type
Skeletal muscle
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 806–817
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Twelve weeks of strength training in 21 men with immersion or active recovery, plus a biopsy study in nine men · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cwi-blunts-hypertrophy Strength and muscle mass increased more with active recovery than with cold water immersion, with isokinetic work up 19%, type II fibre cross-sectional area up 17% and myonuclei per fibre up 26% in the active recovery group but not the immersion group. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Twelve weeks of plunging after lifting left people smaller and weaker than not plunging. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Skeletal muscle experimental_model: Twelve weeks of strength training in 21 men with immersion or active recovery, plus a biopsy study in nine men limitations: A randomised training study with muscle biopsies. It measures long-term adaptation rather than acute recovery, which is why it can disagree with the soreness literature without contradicting it. exposure: 10 minutes of cold water immersion after each training session, twice weekly for 12 weeks evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26174323.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1595, "text_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d"} [cold-p26174323] Post-exercise cold water immersion attenuates acute anabolic signalling and long-term adaptations in muscle to strength training. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26174323/ DOI: 10.1113/jp270570
Complete structured claim and evidence
Satellite cells expressing NCAM and Pax7 increased 24 to 48 hours after exercise with active recovery, and numbers were greater after active recovery than after immersion, while phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase at Thr421/Ser424 increased after exercise in both conditions but was greater after active recovery.
Cold water immersion → Muscle satellite cells source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26174323.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1595, "text_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d"}
experimental_model
Twelve weeks of strength training in 21 men with immersion or active recovery, plus a biopsy study in nine men
exposure
10 minutes of cold water immersion after each training session, twice weekly for 12 weeks
limitations
A randomised training study with muscle biopsies. It measures long-term adaptation rather than acute recovery, which is why it can disagree with the soreness literature without contradicting it.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
The repair cells that build new muscle showed up in smaller numbers after the cold.
primary_references
[cold-p26174323] Post-exercise cold water immersion attenuates acute anabolic signalling and long-term adaptations in muscle to strength training. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26174323/ DOI: 10.1113/jp270570
tissue_or_cell_type
Skeletal muscle
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 819–830
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Twelve weeks of strength training in 21 men with immersion or active recovery, plus a biopsy study in nine men · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cwi-satellite-cells Satellite cells expressing NCAM and Pax7 increased 24 to 48 hours after exercise with active recovery, and numbers were greater after active recovery than after immersion, while phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase at Thr421/Ser424 increased after exercise in both conditions but was greater after active recovery. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: The repair cells that build new muscle showed up in smaller numbers after the cold. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Skeletal muscle experimental_model: Twelve weeks of strength training in 21 men with immersion or active recovery, plus a biopsy study in nine men limitations: A randomised training study with muscle biopsies. It measures long-term adaptation rather than acute recovery, which is why it can disagree with the soreness literature without contradicting it. exposure: 10 minutes of cold water immersion after each training session, twice weekly for 12 weeks evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26174323.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1595, "text_sha256": "91eff53ecc4779637af3d6fd47a67892729e3a896fdc8738f69d1c7936b4787d"} [cold-p26174323] Post-exercise cold water immersion attenuates acute anabolic signalling and long-term adaptations in muscle to strength training. (2015). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26174323/ DOI: 10.1113/jp270570
Complete structured claim and evidence
Improvements in one-repetition maximum leg press were similar between immersion and control groups, whereas increases in type II muscle fibre cross-sectional area were attenuated with immersion.
Cold water immersion → Skeletal muscle strength source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/31513450.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2195, "text_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872"}
experimental_model
Sixteen men completing seven weeks of whole-body resistance training with immersion or passive recovery
exposure
15 minutes at 10 degrees C after each session, three days a week for seven weeks
limitations
A second training study with molecular endpoints. It reproduces the fibre-size result but not the strength result, which is the disagreement recorded in this collection.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Here the cold cost fibre size but not the weight people could lift.
primary_references
[cold-p31513450] Cold water immersion attenuates anabolic signaling and skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy, but not strength gain, following whole-body resistance training. (2019). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31513450/ DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00127.2019
tissue_or_cell_type
Skeletal muscle
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 832–843
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Sixteen men completing seven weeks of whole-body resistance training with immersion or passive recovery · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-cwi-strength-preserved Improvements in one-repetition maximum leg press were similar between immersion and control groups, whereas increases in type II muscle fibre cross-sectional area were attenuated with immersion. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Here the cold cost fibre size but not the weight people could lift. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Skeletal muscle experimental_model: Sixteen men completing seven weeks of whole-body resistance training with immersion or passive recovery limitations: A second training study with molecular endpoints. It reproduces the fibre-size result but not the strength result, which is the disagreement recorded in this collection. exposure: 15 minutes at 10 degrees C after each session, three days a week for seven weeks evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/31513450.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2195, "text_sha256": "f39d3b6bef4879805e7aab7b14df67921ac12765af5d4466836936039ad7a872"} [cold-p31513450] Cold water immersion attenuates anabolic signaling and skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy, but not strength gain, following whole-body resistance training. (2019). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31513450/ DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00127.2019
Complete structured claim and evidence
Five minutes of immersion at 15 degrees C after training reduced the usual exercise-induced decrease in parasympathetic activity, with vagal-related heart rate variability likely to very likely improved on days 2 to 5 compared with control.
Cold water immersion → Vagal-related heart rate variability (Ln rMSSD) source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/21941017.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1567, "text_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910"}
experimental_model
Eight highly trained swimmers over two matched training weeks in randomised order
exposure
5 minutes of seated recovery at 15 degrees C after the last training session each day
limitations
A small crossover in elite athletes using magnitude-based inference. Sleep quality is self-reported.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
A short cold dip after training keeps the calming branch of the nervous system from dropping.
primary_references
[cold-p21941017] Effect of daily cold water immersion on heart rate variability and subjective ratings of well-being in highly trained swimmers. (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21941017/ DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.7.1.33
tissue_or_cell_type
Autonomic nervous system and sleep
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 767–778
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Eight highly trained swimmers over two matched training weeks in randomised order · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-hrv-recovery Five minutes of immersion at 15 degrees C after training reduced the usual exercise-induced decrease in parasympathetic activity, with vagal-related heart rate variability likely to very likely improved on days 2 to 5 compared with control. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: A short cold dip after training keeps the calming branch of the nervous system from dropping. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Autonomic nervous system and sleep experimental_model: Eight highly trained swimmers over two matched training weeks in randomised order limitations: A small crossover in elite athletes using magnitude-based inference. Sleep quality is self-reported. exposure: 5 minutes of seated recovery at 15 degrees C after the last training session each day evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/21941017.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1567, "text_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910"} [cold-p21941017] Effect of daily cold water immersion on heart rate variability and subjective ratings of well-being in highly trained swimmers. (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21941017/ DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.7.1.33
Complete structured claim and evidence
With immersions continued three times a week for six weeks, a small but significant increase appeared in the proportions of monocytes and of lymphocytes expressing the IL-2 receptor CD25, and in plasma tumour necrosis factor alpha, with increases in haptoglobin and haemopexin, while interleukin-1 beta, C-reactive protein, immunoglobulins, complement and total leucocyte counts showed no significant change.
Cold water immersion → Lymphocytes expressing the IL-2 receptor CD25 source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/8925815.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1732, "text_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4"}
experimental_model
Athletic young men given a single immersion and then repeated immersions over six weeks
exposure
14 degrees C for 1 hour, three times a week for six weeks
limitations
The authors themselves state the biological significance of the changes remains to be elucidated. Most immune measures did not change.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Six weeks of repetition nudges a few immune markers, and leaves most untouched.
primary_references
[cold-p8925815] Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans. (1996). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8925815/ DOI: 10.1007/bf00242274
tissue_or_cell_type
Immune system
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 715–726
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Athletic young men given a single immersion and then repeated immersions over six weeks · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-repeated-immersion-immune With immersions continued three times a week for six weeks, a small but significant increase appeared in the proportions of monocytes and of lymphocytes expressing the IL-2 receptor CD25, and in plasma tumour necrosis factor alpha, with increases in haptoglobin and haemopexin, while interleukin-1 beta, C-reactive protein, immunoglobulins, complement and total leucocyte counts showed no significant change. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Six weeks of repetition nudges a few immune markers, and leaves most untouched. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Immune system experimental_model: Athletic young men given a single immersion and then repeated immersions over six weeks limitations: The authors themselves state the biological significance of the changes remains to be elucidated. Most immune measures did not change. exposure: 14 degrees C for 1 hour, three times a week for six weeks evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/8925815.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1732, "text_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4"} [cold-p8925815] Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans. (1996). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8925815/ DOI: 10.1007/bf00242274
Complete structured claim and evidence
Mean plasma noradrenaline fell significantly from autumn to spring and more so in winter swimmers, but with no statistically significant difference between swimmers and controls; systolic blood pressure fell in swimmers, and plasma homovanillic acid and beta-endorphin were unchanged across all seasonal samples in both groups.
Cold water immersion → Plasma noradrenaline concentration source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/12546194.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "08c39cf0438d2f97c989e86721085415de696a3c7df99f5c2dc6529c40f7aeb2", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1785, "text_sha256": "08c39cf0438d2f97c989e86721085415de696a3c7df99f5c2dc6529c40f7aeb2"}
experimental_model
Follow-up of winter swimmers and non-swimmer controls sampled in autumn, winter and spring
exposure
One winter swimming season
limitations
A seasonal follow-up with a control group. Its negative conclusion is explicit: the changes seen in swimmers also occurred in controls.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Across a whole season the swimmers changed no more than the people who stayed dry.
primary_references
[cold-p12546194] Plasma catecholamines, serotonin and their metabolites and beta-endorphin of winter swimmers during one winter. Possible correlations to psychological traits. (2002). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12546194/ DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v61i4.17494
tissue_or_cell_type
Plasma hormones and blood pressure
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 663–674
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Follow-up of winter swimmers and non-swimmer controls sampled in autumn, winter and spring · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-seasonal-catecholamine-fall Mean plasma noradrenaline fell significantly from autumn to spring and more so in winter swimmers, but with no statistically significant difference between swimmers and controls; systolic blood pressure fell in swimmers, and plasma homovanillic acid and beta-endorphin were unchanged across all seasonal samples in both groups. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Across a whole season the swimmers changed no more than the people who stayed dry. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Plasma hormones and blood pressure experimental_model: Follow-up of winter swimmers and non-swimmer controls sampled in autumn, winter and spring limitations: A seasonal follow-up with a control group. Its negative conclusion is explicit: the changes seen in swimmers also occurred in controls. exposure: One winter swimming season evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/12546194.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "08c39cf0438d2f97c989e86721085415de696a3c7df99f5c2dc6529c40f7aeb2", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1785, "text_sha256": "08c39cf0438d2f97c989e86721085415de696a3c7df99f5c2dc6529c40f7aeb2"} [cold-p12546194] Plasma catecholamines, serotonin and their metabolites and beta-endorphin of winter swimmers during one winter. Possible correlations to psychological traits. (2002). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12546194/ DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v61i4.17494
Complete structured claim and evidence
The effect of a single cold water immersion at 14 degrees C for 1 hour on the immune system, monitored immediately after immersion, was minimal.
Cold water immersion → Proportion of circulating monocytes source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/8925815.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1732, "text_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4"}
experimental_model
Athletic young men given a single immersion and then repeated immersions over six weeks
exposure
14 degrees C for 1 hour, three times a week for six weeks
limitations
The authors themselves state the biological significance of the changes remains to be elucidated. Most immune measures did not change.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
One cold plunge does essentially nothing measurable to the immune system.
primary_references
[cold-p8925815] Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans. (1996). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8925815/ DOI: 10.1007/bf00242274
tissue_or_cell_type
Immune system
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 702–713
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Athletic young men given a single immersion and then repeated immersions over six weeks · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-single-immersion-immune The effect of a single cold water immersion at 14 degrees C for 1 hour on the immune system, monitored immediately after immersion, was minimal. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: One cold plunge does essentially nothing measurable to the immune system. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Immune system experimental_model: Athletic young men given a single immersion and then repeated immersions over six weeks limitations: The authors themselves state the biological significance of the changes remains to be elucidated. Most immune measures did not change. exposure: 14 degrees C for 1 hour, three times a week for six weeks evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/8925815.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1732, "text_sha256": "ca491f2f549a1e245e952978c0df82c4075622affdf114a70315c0cce8583ff4"} [cold-p8925815] Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans. (1996). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8925815/ DOI: 10.1007/bf00242274
Complete structured claim and evidence
Immersion was associated with likely to very likely greater perceived quality of sleep on days 2 to 4 compared with the control week.
Cold water immersion → Perceived sleep quality source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/21941017.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1567, "text_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910"}
experimental_model
Eight highly trained swimmers over two matched training weeks in randomised order
exposure
5 minutes of seated recovery at 15 degrees C after the last training session each day
limitations
A small crossover in elite athletes using magnitude-based inference. Sleep quality is self-reported.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
The swimmers reported sleeping better on the cold weeks.
primary_references
[cold-p21941017] Effect of daily cold water immersion on heart rate variability and subjective ratings of well-being in highly trained swimmers. (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21941017/ DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.7.1.33
tissue_or_cell_type
Autonomic nervous system and sleep
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 780–791
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Eight highly trained swimmers over two matched training weeks in randomised order · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-sleep-quality Immersion was associated with likely to very likely greater perceived quality of sleep on days 2 to 4 compared with the control week. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: The swimmers reported sleeping better on the cold weeks. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Autonomic nervous system and sleep experimental_model: Eight highly trained swimmers over two matched training weeks in randomised order limitations: A small crossover in elite athletes using magnitude-based inference. Sleep quality is self-reported. exposure: 5 minutes of seated recovery at 15 degrees C after the last training session each day evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/21941017.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1567, "text_sha256": "0cd5dfad3441e660d67198cf010e5fa160936cb66c37b129b575d29d74940910"} [cold-p21941017] Effect of daily cold water immersion on heart rate variability and subjective ratings of well-being in highly trained swimmers. (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21941017/ DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.7.1.33
Complete structured claim and evidence
Pooled analysis of nine randomised controlled trials found cold water immersion slightly better than passive recovery for muscle soreness immediately and at delayed time points, with water temperature between 10 and 15 degrees C and immersion time between 10 and 15 minutes giving the best results.
Cold water immersion → Protocol-specified postexercise muscle soreness source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26581833.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "11e1ee0c7217e7570812ce9fe4c742d8a089a555700ecb9df3b378fe73acd968", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1958, "text_sha256": "11e1ee0c7217e7570812ce9fe4c742d8a089a555700ecb9df3b378fe73acd968"}
experimental_model
Systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials against passive recovery
exposure
Cold water immersion at varied temperatures and durations after exercise
limitations
A meta-analysis of a small number of trials, recorded as a review. The dose-response is derived from subgroup comparison, not from a trial that varied dose directly.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
It helps soreness a little, and the best window is about ten to fifteen minutes at ten to fifteen degrees.
primary_references
[cold-p26581833] Can Water Temperature and Immersion Time Influence the Effect of Cold Water Immersion on Muscle Soreness? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2016). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26581833/ DOI: 10.1007/s40279-015-0431-7
tissue_or_cell_type
Skeletal muscle
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 793–804
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials against passive recovery · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-soreness-meta-analysis Pooled analysis of nine randomised controlled trials found cold water immersion slightly better than passive recovery for muscle soreness immediately and at delayed time points, with water temperature between 10 and 15 degrees C and immersion time between 10 and 15 minutes giving the best results. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: It helps soreness a little, and the best window is about ten to fifteen minutes at ten to fifteen degrees. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Skeletal muscle experimental_model: Systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials against passive recovery limitations: A meta-analysis of a small number of trials, recorded as a review. The dose-response is derived from subgroup comparison, not from a trial that varied dose directly. exposure: Cold water immersion at varied temperatures and durations after exercise evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/26581833.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "11e1ee0c7217e7570812ce9fe4c742d8a089a555700ecb9df3b378fe73acd968", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1958, "text_sha256": "11e1ee0c7217e7570812ce9fe4c742d8a089a555700ecb9df3b378fe73acd968"} [cold-p26581833] Can Water Temperature and Immersion Time Influence the Effect of Cold Water Immersion on Muscle Soreness? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2016). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26581833/ DOI: 10.1007/s40279-015-0431-7
Complete structured claim and evidence
Baseline reduced glutathione concentration and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were higher in winter swimmers than in controls, which the authors interpret as an adaptive response to repeated oxidative stress and postulate as a mechanism of increased tolerance to environmental stress.
Cold water immersion → Adaptation to repeated oxidative stress source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10396606.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "fdd2deec82fad8f9e148848c443d5b173ec42c0e07d9045c59773f7109883a7b", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1139, "text_sha256": "fdd2deec82fad8f9e148848c443d5b173ec42c0e07d9045c59773f7109883a7b"}
experimental_model
Winter swimmers compared with people who had never taken part, sampled for erythrocyte and plasma antioxidants
exposure
Habitual ice bathing
limitations
A cross-sectional comparison, so self-selection cannot be excluded. The authors frame it as adaptation to repeated oxidative stress.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
People who swim in ice water carry more antioxidant defence at rest.
primary_references
[cold-p10396606] Improved antioxidative protection in winter swimmers. (1999). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10396606/ DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/92.4.193
tissue_or_cell_type
Erythrocytes and plasma
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 689–700
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Winter swimmers compared with people who had never taken part, sampled for erythrocyte and plasma antioxidants · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-winter-swimmer-antioxidants Baseline reduced glutathione concentration and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were higher in winter swimmers than in controls, which the authors interpret as an adaptive response to repeated oxidative stress and postulate as a mechanism of increased tolerance to environmental stress. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: People who swim in ice water carry more antioxidant defence at rest. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Erythrocytes and plasma experimental_model: Winter swimmers compared with people who had never taken part, sampled for erythrocyte and plasma antioxidants limitations: A cross-sectional comparison, so self-selection cannot be excluded. The authors frame it as adaptation to repeated oxidative stress. exposure: Habitual ice bathing evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10396606.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "fdd2deec82fad8f9e148848c443d5b173ec42c0e07d9045c59773f7109883a7b", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 1139, "text_sha256": "fdd2deec82fad8f9e148848c443d5b173ec42c0e07d9045c59773f7109883a7b"} [cold-p10396606] Improved antioxidative protection in winter swimmers. (1999). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10396606/ DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/92.4.193
Complete structured claim and evidence
Winter swimmers showed bradycardia and a greater reduction in plasma volume during cooling, indirectly indicating restriction of heat loss, with only a non-significant increase in subcutaneous fat, and exhibited metabolic, hypothermic and insulative types of cold adaptation together.
Cold water immersion → Plasma volume source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10825419.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2308, "text_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62"}
experimental_model
Cold-adapted winter swimmers and controls during one hour of immersion at 13 degrees C
exposure
One hour of cold water immersion at 13 degrees C
limitations
A comparison of adapted and unadapted people. The adrenaline contribution to thermogenesis is the authors’ estimate from their thermoregulation data, not a direct measurement of a hormone-driven heat fraction.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Adapted swimmers hold heat in as well as making more of it, without getting fatter.
primary_references
[cold-p10825419] Thermoregulation in winter swimmers and physiological significance of human catecholamine thermogenesis. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10825419/ DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-445x.2000.01909.x
tissue_or_cell_type
Whole body thermoregulation
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 650–661
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Cold-adapted winter swimmers and controls during one hour of immersion at 13 degrees C · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-winter-swimmer-insulation Winter swimmers showed bradycardia and a greater reduction in plasma volume during cooling, indirectly indicating restriction of heat loss, with only a non-significant increase in subcutaneous fat, and exhibited metabolic, hypothermic and insulative types of cold adaptation together. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Adapted swimmers hold heat in as well as making more of it, without getting fatter. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Whole body thermoregulation experimental_model: Cold-adapted winter swimmers and controls during one hour of immersion at 13 degrees C limitations: A comparison of adapted and unadapted people. The adrenaline contribution to thermogenesis is the authors’ estimate from their thermoregulation data, not a direct measurement of a hormone-driven heat fraction. exposure: One hour of cold water immersion at 13 degrees C evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10825419.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2308, "text_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62"} [cold-p10825419] Thermoregulation in winter swimmers and physiological significance of human catecholamine thermogenesis. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10825419/ DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-445x.2000.01909.x
Complete structured claim and evidence
In winter swimmers the thermoregulatory threshold for inducing cold thermogenesis was lowered by 0.34 degrees C while apparent hypothalamic thermosensitivity was unchanged, and the magnitude of cold thermogenesis related solely to rectal temperature, indicating predominance of central temperature input.
Cold water immersion → Thermoregulatory threshold for inducing cold thermogenesis source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10825419.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2308, "text_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62"}
experimental_model
Cold-adapted winter swimmers and controls during one hour of immersion at 13 degrees C
exposure
One hour of cold water immersion at 13 degrees C
limitations
A comparison of adapted and unadapted people. The adrenaline contribution to thermogenesis is the authors’ estimate from their thermoregulation data, not a direct measurement of a hormone-driven heat fraction.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Repeated exposure moves the set point at which the body decides to make heat.
primary_references
[cold-p10825419] Thermoregulation in winter swimmers and physiological significance of human catecholamine thermogenesis. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10825419/ DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-445x.2000.01909.x
tissue_or_cell_type
Whole body thermoregulation
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 637–648
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Cold-adapted winter swimmers and controls during one hour of immersion at 13 degrees C · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-winter-swimmer-threshold In winter swimmers the thermoregulatory threshold for inducing cold thermogenesis was lowered by 0.34 degrees C while apparent hypothalamic thermosensitivity was unchanged, and the magnitude of cold thermogenesis related solely to rectal temperature, indicating predominance of central temperature input. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Repeated exposure moves the set point at which the body decides to make heat. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Whole body thermoregulation experimental_model: Cold-adapted winter swimmers and controls during one hour of immersion at 13 degrees C limitations: A comparison of adapted and unadapted people. The adrenaline contribution to thermogenesis is the authors’ estimate from their thermoregulation data, not a direct measurement of a hormone-driven heat fraction. exposure: One hour of cold water immersion at 13 degrees C evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/10825419.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 2308, "text_sha256": "df5b07f571e51ae21572ac56aa97d1a9dffcd44fe8f5ead4c929086cbbd37e62"} [cold-p10825419] Thermoregulation in winter swimmers and physiological significance of human catecholamine thermogenesis. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10825419/ DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-445x.2000.01909.x
Complete structured claim and evidence
Tension, fatigue, memory and negative mood scores in swimmers decreased significantly with the duration of the swimming period, and after four months swimmers reported significantly greater vigour and activity than controls, with those who had rheumatism, fibromyalgia or asthma reporting relief of pain.
Cold water immersion → Profile of mood state disturbance: tension, fatigue and negative mood source_derived_draftungraded
Experimental context and source evidence
evidence_span
{"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/15253480.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ca9c92e52fcba46785e37751a7b714fcb6ca5a915d12b621e87bc811223a9bfa", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 983, "text_sha256": "ca9c92e52fcba46785e37751a7b714fcb6ca5a915d12b621e87bc811223a9bfa"}
experimental_model
Winter swimmers and controls completing mood questionnaires before and after a four-month season
exposure
Regular winter swimming over four months
limitations
A questionnaire study without randomisation or blinding, in people who chose to swim. The pain reports are uncontrolled self-report.
nutrient_topic
Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. · Cold water immersion
organism
Human
plain_language
Over a season the swimmers felt less tense and tired and more energetic than the people who did not swim.
primary_references
[cold-p15253480] Winter swimming improves general well-being. (2004). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15253480/ DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v63i2.17700
tissue_or_cell_type
Mood and subjective symptoms
Cold water immersion: cold sensing, heat production, the catecholamine axis and what repeated exposure changes (2026-09-19) · lines 728–739
AI-assisted literature curation; primary study URLs and scope retained in the document and extraction. Not publisher full text. · supports · Winter swimmers and controls completing mood questionnaires before and after a four-month season · source_derived_draft · unverified_draft
### cold-winter-swimming-mood Tension, fatigue, memory and negative mood scores in swimmers decreased significantly with the duration of the swimming period, and after four months swimmers reported significantly greater vigour and activity than controls, with those who had rheumatism, fibromyalgia or asthma reporting relief of pain. Condition category: normal nutrient_topic: Cold water immersion research collection; topical membership is not evidence of a direct clinical effect, and a therapeutic exposure is not a dietary intake. plain_language: Over a season the swimmers felt less tense and tired and more energetic than the people who did not swim. organism: Human tissue_or_cell_type: Mood and subjective symptoms experimental_model: Winter swimmers and controls completing mood questionnaires before and after a four-month season limitations: A questionnaire study without randomisation or blinding, in people who chose to swim. The pain reports are uncontrolled self-report. exposure: Regular winter swimming over four months evidence_span: {"source_cache": "artifacts/cold-research/15253480.abstract.txt", "locator": "Indexed abstract; zero-based, end-exclusive Unicode character offsets", "file_sha256": "ca9c92e52fcba46785e37751a7b714fcb6ca5a915d12b621e87bc811223a9bfa", "start_char": 0, "end_char": 983, "text_sha256": "ca9c92e52fcba46785e37751a7b714fcb6ca5a915d12b621e87bc811223a9bfa"} [cold-p15253480] Winter swimming improves general well-being. (2004). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15253480/ DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v63i2.17700
Complete structured claim and evidence

In the sources

Preserved passages that mention this component, quoted exactly. Open one to read it in context.

This is a research prototype built from draft material. It is not medical advice, and its statements still await verification against the original studies.

Evidence, AI assistance and curation standards

Cold water immersion

How nutrients influence it

Other things that act on it

How nutrients reach it in more than one step

What it does

What it acts on

Negative affect was lower 180 minutes after a single 15-minute immersion at 10 degrees C while positive affect did not change, and cortisol was lower at 180 minutes, whereas serum beta-endorphins did not change throughout the trial.

Forearm vascular conductance was reduced at 15 minutes of immersion and 30 minutes after, and total and antegrade shear stress and the oscillatory shear index were reduced 30 minutes after immersion, with no difference in retrograde shear.

Basal skeletal muscle GLUT4 translocation markedly increased without effects on insulin signalling or AMPK activation, and with only a minor increase in brown adipose glucose uptake.

Ten days of cold acclimation at 14 to 15 degrees C increased peripheral insulin sensitivity by about 43% in eight people with type 2 diabetes.

Immersion at 14 degrees C lowered rectal temperature and increased metabolic rate by 350%, with heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure rising by 5, 7 and 8%.

Plasma noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations increased by 530% and 250% at 14 degrees C, while plasma adrenaline concentrations remained unchanged and cortisol tended to decrease.

Post-exercise mTORC1 signalling measured as rps6 phosphorylation was blunted at 1 and 48 hours after training, basal FOXO1 protein content increased 1.3-fold, and training-induced increases in heat shock protein 27 were attenuated with reduced total heat shock protein 72.

Strength and muscle mass increased more with active recovery than with cold water immersion, with isokinetic work up 19%, type II fibre cross-sectional area up 17% and myonuclei per fibre up 26% in the active recovery group but not the immersion group.

Improvements in one-repetition maximum leg press were similar between immersion and control groups, whereas increases in type II muscle fibre cross-sectional area were attenuated with immersion.

Five minutes of immersion at 15 degrees C after training reduced the usual exercise-induced decrease in parasympathetic activity, with vagal-related heart rate variability likely to very likely improved on days 2 to 5 compared with control.

The effect of a single cold water immersion at 14 degrees C for 1 hour on the immune system, monitored immediately after immersion, was minimal.

Immersion was associated with likely to very likely greater perceived quality of sleep on days 2 to 4 compared with the control week.

Pooled analysis of nine randomised controlled trials found cold water immersion slightly better than passive recovery for muscle soreness immediately and at delayed time points, with water temperature between 10 and 15 degrees C and immersion time between 10 and 15 minutes giving the best results.

Winter swimmers showed bradycardia and a greater reduction in plasma volume during cooling, indirectly indicating restriction of heat loss, with only a non-significant increase in subcutaneous fat, and exhibited metabolic, hypothermic and insulative types of cold adaptation together.

The events it takes part in

Situations it appears in

In the sources

Open hypotheses