CompletedNot Applicable

Cold Water Exposure and Immune Function Study

United States37 participantsStarted 2024-10-10

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this clinical trial is to explore the effects of a 4 week cold-water immersion (CWI) intervention on measures of immune function, sleep quality, mental health and well-being, and muscular strength. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a 4 week CWI intervention improve measures of immune function, sleep quality, mental health and well-being, and muscular strength? * Are there any differences in these measures when comparing cold tubs versus cold showers? Researchers will compare chronic use of cold tubs to cold showers to see if cold water immersion may improve overall immune health and well-being. Participants will: * Undergo 4 weeks of Cold Tub or Cold Shower interventions at a frequency of 3 times a week for 4 minutes, if placed in the CWI intervention groups * Undergo testing measures at the two pre- and post- intervention time points, if placed in the healthy control group or the CWI intervention groups

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Males and Females * Aged 18-45 Exclusion Criteria: * Currently practices CWI for \[\>3 times in the last month\] * Pregnant or planning to become pregnant * Chronic use of anti-inflammatory medication * Prior history of chronic disease conditions: * Cardiovascular Disease * Diabetes * Cancer * Raynaud\'s Disease * Severe and untreated anxiety or depression

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

C-Reactive Protein

Timeframe: Visit 1A (Week 1) and Visit 2A (Week 4): 15 minutes for blood draw. The assay itself takes 3 hours.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

Timeframe: Visit 1A (Week 1) and Visit 2A (Week 4): 15 minutes for blood draw. The assay itself takes 3 hours.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06667479

SponsorUniversity of Northern Colorado

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-02-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cold Water Immersion trials