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Czarnecki J, Nowakowska-Domagała K, Mokros Ł. Combined cold-water immersion and breathwork may be associated with improved mental health and reduction in the duration of upper respiratory tract infection - a case-control study. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2330741. [PMID: 38509857 PMCID: PMC10962303 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2330741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A polar plunge is a term referring to an ice-cold water immersion (CWI), usually in the winter period. It is also a part of a specific training program (STP) which currently gains popularity worldwide and was proven to display paradigm-shifting characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare the indices of mental functioning (including depression, anxiety, mindfulness) and duration of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) measured among the study participants. A set of questionnaires was distributed via the Internet. Participants declaring regular STP practice were selected (N = 77). Two groups were matched based on a case-control principle: the first one (the control group) comprised participants who did not declare nor CWI practice, nor STP practice. The second one comprised participants declaring regular CWI practice only. The CWI only group displayed better mental health indices and shorter URTIs compared to the control group. Moreover, the STP group also displayed better general mental health, less somatic complaints, and shorter URTIs compared to the CWI only group. This study suggests the existence of CWI's potential in boosting mental health and immune system functioning, however when complemented by a specific breathwork, this potential can be increased. However, further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Czarnecki
- Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Łukasz Mokros
- Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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Pound M, Massey H, Roseneil S, Williamson R, Harper CM, Tipton M, Shawe J, Felton M, Harper JC. How do women feel cold water swimming affects their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms? Post Reprod Health 2024; 30:11-27. [PMID: 38271095 DOI: 10.1177/20533691241227100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine how women felt cold water swimming affected their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms. STUDY DESIGN An online survey that asked women who regularly swim in cold water about their experiences. The survey was advertised for 2 months on social media. Questions related to cold water swimming habits and menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms were analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quantitative and qualitative data including; frequency of menstrual and menopause symptoms, the effect of cold water swimming on these symptoms. RESULTS 1114 women completed the survey. Women reported that cold water swimming reduced their menstrual symptoms, notably psychological symptoms such as anxiety (46.7%), mood swings (37.7%) and irritability (37.6%). Perimenopausal women reported a significant improvement in anxiety (46.9%), mood swings (34.5%), low mood (31.1%) and hot flushes (30.3%). The majority of women with symptoms swam specifically to reduce these symptoms (56.4% for period and 63.3% for perimenopause symptoms). Women said they felt it was the physical and mental effects of the cold water that helped their symptoms. For the free text question, five themes were identified: the calming and mood-boosting effect of the water, companionship and community, period improvements, an improvement in hot flushes and an overall health improvement. CONCLUSION Women felt that cold water swimming had a positive overall effect on menstrual and perimenopause symptoms. Studies on other forms of exercise to relieve menstrual and perimenopause symptoms may show similar findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Pound
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Heather Massey
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - C Mark Harper
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
- Sørlandet Sykehus, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Mike Tipton
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Jill Shawe
- University of Plymouth and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall, UK
| | - Malika Felton
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Joyce C Harper
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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López-Ojeda W, Hurley RA. Cold-Water Immersion: Neurohormesis and Possible Implications for Clinical Neurosciences. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 36:A4-177. [PMID: 38986020 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20240053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfredo López-Ojeda
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Department of Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C
| | - Robin A Hurley
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Department of Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C
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Pound M, Massey H, Roseneil S, Williamson R, Harper M, Tipton M, Shawe J, Felton M, Harper J. The swimming habits of women who cold water swim. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241265080. [PMID: 39168149 PMCID: PMC11339736 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241265080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cold water swimming is growing in popularity, especially among women. We have previously reported that women felt that cold water swimming helps with their menstrual and menopause symptoms. But little is known about the habits of women who cold water swim. OBJECTIVES To determine the habits of women who cold water swim. DESIGN This was a mixed-methods study. METHODS An online survey asked women who cold water swim about their experience of swimming and how this affected their menstrual and menopause symptoms. The survey was advertised for 2 months on social media, with a focus on advertising in cold water swimming Facebook groups. In this article, only the questions on the women's swimming habits were analyzed. RESULTS The analysis of 1114 women, mainly from the United Kingdom, revealed that most had been swimming for 1-5 years (79.5%). Most swim in the sea (64.4%), and only 15.5% swim alone. The majority (89.0%) swim all year around, swimming for mainly 30-60 min in the summer and 5-15 min in the winter. The women mostly swim wearing swimming costumes (skins) throughout the year. The majority of the free-text responses showed women found mental and physical benefits from cold water swimming. CONCLUSION It was not surprising to learn that women swim for longer in the summer than the winter, but hearing how they feel cold water swimming helps their physical and mental health is important. With the limitations on access and safety of many wild swimming sites in the United Kingdom, it is time to ensure that cold water swimming is safer and more supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Pound
- Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Heather Massey
- Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Brighton, UK
| | | | | | - Mark Harper
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
- Sørlandet Sykehus, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Mike Tipton
- Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Brighton, UK
| | - Jill Shawe
- University of Plymouth and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall, UK
| | - Malika Felton
- Department of Rehabilitation & Sport Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Joyce Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
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Yankouskaya A, Massey H, Totman JJ, Lai LH, Williamson R. The Effects of Whole-body Cold-water Immersion on Brain Connectivity Related to the Affective State in Adults Using fMRI: A Protocol of a Pre-post Experimental Design. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4794. [PMID: 37719079 PMCID: PMC10502154 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
An emerging body of behavioural studies indicates that regular swimming in cold water has positive effects on mental health and wellbeing, such as reducing fatigue, improving mood, and lessening depressive symptoms. Moreover, some studies reported immediate effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) on elevating mood and increasing a positive emotional state. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. The lack of studies using neuroimaging techniques to investigate how a whole-body CWI affects neural processes has partly resulted from the lack of a tested experimental protocol. Previous protocols administered tonic limb cooling (1-10 °C) while recording functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) signals. However, using very low water temperature constitutes points of contrast to painful experiences that are different from what we experience after a whole-body head-out CWI. In our protocol, healthy adults unhabituated to cold water were scanned twice: immediately before (pre-CWI) and after (post-CWI) immersion in cold water (water temperature 20 °C) for 5 min. We recorded cardiac and ventilatory responses to CWI and assessed self-reported changes in positive and negative affects. Our protocol showed reliable changes in brain connectivity after a short exposure to cold water, thus enabling its use as a tested experimental framework in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Yankouskaya
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and
Technology, Poole House, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, UK
| | - Heather Massey
- Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport
Health and Exercise Science, Faculty of Science and Heath, Spinnaker Building,
Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
| | - John James Totman
- Department Radiography and Medical Imaging, Fatima
College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lin Hui Lai
- Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport
Health and Exercise Science, Faculty of Science and Heath, Spinnaker Building,
Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
| | - Ruth Williamson
- University Hospitals Dorset, NHS Foundation Trust,
Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, UK
- Bournemouth University, Poole House, Fern Barrow,
Poole, Dorset, UK
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Papa V, Li Pomi F, Borgia F, Genovese S, Pioggia G, Gangemi S. "Mens Sana in Cute Sana"-A State of the Art of Mutual Etiopathogenetic Influence and Relevant Pathophysiological Pathways between Skin and Mental Disorders: An Integrated Approach to Contemporary Psychopathological Scenarios. Cells 2023; 12:1828. [PMID: 37508493 PMCID: PMC10377895 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The negative socioeconomic impact of mental health disorders and skin diseases has increased in part due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been a fertile ground for the emergence of psychopathologies. It is firmly established that there is a direct thread of etiopathogenetic communication between skin diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders, and the literature has tried to reveal the pathophysiological mechanisms governing such bidirectionality. This paper discusses this complex network of molecular pathways that are targeted by conventional and biological pharmacological agents that appear to impact two pathological spheres that previously seemed to have little connection. This molecular discussion is supplemented with a literature review, from a clinical viewpoint, regarding skin-brain etiopathogenetic bidirectionality. We focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be considered for all intents and purposes a systemic inflammatory disease that also affects the skin. A brief overview is also provided on the diagnostic-therapeutic and follow-up potential of oxidative and inflammatory markers potentially involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms treated. The aim is to clarify how these mechanisms may be useful in defining different stress-coping strategies and thus individual phenotypes of stress sensitivity/resistance in order to promote personalized medicine in the field of psychodermatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Papa
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Federica Li Pomi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Francesco Borgia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Sara Genovese
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy; (S.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy; (S.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.)
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Demori I, Grasselli E. The Role of the Stress Response in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology-Based Perspective. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030795. [PMID: 36771500 PMCID: PMC9921904 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which has been proposed to describe the major cause of hepatic disease, pinpoints the coexistence of multiple metabolic disturbances and liver steatosis, giving rise to different phenotypic manifestations. Within the psychoneuroendocrineimmunological (PNEI) network that regulates body-mind interactions, the stress response plays a pervasive role by affecting metabolic, hormonal, immune, and behavioral balance. In this perspective, we focus on chronic psychosocial stress and high levels of cortisol to highlight their role in MAFLD pathogenesis and worsening. From a PNEI perspective, considering the stress response as a therapeutic target in MAFLD allows for simultaneously influencing multiple pathways in the development of MAFLD, including dysmetabolism, inflammation, feeding behaviors, gut-liver axis, and dysbiosis, with the hope of better outcomes.
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Short-Term Head-Out Whole-Body Cold-Water Immersion Facilitates Positive Affect and Increases Interaction between Large-Scale Brain Networks. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020211. [PMID: 36829490 PMCID: PMC9953392 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
An emerging body of evidence indicates that short-term immersion in cold water facilitates positive affect and reduces negative affect. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. For the first time, we employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify topological clusters of networks coupled with behavioural changes in positive and negative affect after a 5 min cold-water immersion. Perceived changes in positive affect were associated with feeling more active, alert, attentive, proud, and inspired, whilst changes in negative affect reflected reductions in distress and nervousness. The increase in positive affect was supported by a unique component of interacting networks, including the medial prefrontal node of the default mode network, a posterior parietal node of the frontoparietal network, and anterior cingulate and rostral prefrontal parts of the salience network and visual lateral network. This component emerged as a result of a focal effect confined to few connections. Changes in negative affect were associated with a distributed component of interacting networks at a reduced threshold. Affective changes after cold-water immersion occurred independently, supporting the bivalence model of affective processing. Interactions between large-scale networks linked to positive affect indicated the integrative effects of cold-water immersion on brain functioning.
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Pawłowska M, Mila-Kierzenkowska C, Boraczyński T, Boraczyński M, Szewczyk-Golec K, Sutkowy P, Wesołowski R, Budek M, Woźniak A. The Influence of Ambient Temperature Changes on the Indicators of Inflammation and Oxidative Damage in Blood after Submaximal Exercise. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2445. [PMID: 36552653 PMCID: PMC9774713 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity has a positive effect on human health and well-being, but intense exercise can cause adverse changes in the organism, leading to the development of oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of short-term cold water immersion (CWI) and a sauna bath as methods of postexercise regeneration on the indicators of inflammation and oxidative damage in the blood of healthy recreational athletes. Forty-five male volunteers divided into two groups: 'winter swimmers' who regularly use winter baths (n = 22, average age 43.2 ± 5.9 years) and 'novices' who had not used winter baths regularly before (n = 23, mean age 25 ± 4.8 years) participated in the study. The research was divided into two experiments, differing in the method of postexercise regeneration used, CWI (Experiment I) and a sauna bath (Experiment II). During Experiment I, the volunteers were subjected to a 30-min aerobic exercise, combined with a 20-min rest at room temperature (RT-REST) or a 20-min rest at room temperature with an initial 3-min 8 °C water bath (CWI-REST). During the Experiment II, the volunteers were subjected to the same aerobic exercise, followed by a RT-REST or a sauna bath (SAUNA-REST). The blood samples were taken before physical exercise (control), immediately after exercise and 20 min after completion of regeneration. The concentrations of selected indicators of inflammation, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as the activity of indicators of oxidative damage: α1-antitrypsin (AAT) and lysosomal enzymes, including arylsulfatase A (ASA), acid phosphatase (AcP) and cathepsin D (CTS D), were determined. CWI seems to be a more effective post-exercise regeneration method to reduce the inflammatory response compared to a sauna bath. A single sauna bath is associated with the risk of proteolytic tissue damage, but disturbances of cellular homeostasis are less pronounced in people who regularly use cold water baths than in those who are not adapted to thermal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pawłowska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Tomasz Boraczyński
- Department of Health Sciences, Olsztyn University College, 10-283 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Michał Boraczyński
- Department of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Szewczyk-Golec
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Paweł Sutkowy
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Roland Wesołowski
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Marlena Budek
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Alina Woźniak
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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Kelly JS, Bird E. Improved mood following a single immersion in cold water. LIFESTYLE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/lim2.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John S. Kelly
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health University of Chichester Chichester UK
| | - Ellis Bird
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health University of Chichester Chichester UK
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