Actively Recruiting
Voluntary Cold-Water Immersion Effects on Value-Based Choice
Led by German Institute of Human Nutrition · Updated on 2026-04-21
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how short-term full-body cold-water immersion affects decision-making, psychological well-being, and body functions compared to warm-water immersion. This behavioral study uses a randomized within-subject cross-over design and focuses on healthy adults aged 18 to 40 years. The aim is to better understand the effects of cold exposure on value-based choices and related physiological and psychological responses. Participants will attend two visits approximately 30 days apart. During each visit, they will undergo a 10-minute full-body head-out immersion in either cold water (10-16°C) or warm water (30-36°C). The study measures responses before and after immersion, including heart and respiratory activity, skin conductance, pupil size, body temperature, blood samples, and various decision-making and psychological tasks. Each session includes resting and task-based evaluations to compare the effects of cold versus warm water. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires on emotions, stress, self-efficacy, and well-being. Researchers will perform non-invasive recordings and collect blood samples at four time points during visits. The primary outcomes include risk-taking behavior, heart rate variability, skin conductance, and blood markers, all assessed on both visits. This comprehensive monitoring aims to capture changes in physiology, behavior, and psychological states linked to cold-water exposure.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cold Water and Decision-Making
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 40 years
- Consent to participate in the study
- Fluent in German language
- Physically and mentally healthy
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 30 kg/m2
- Normal day-night sleep rhythm
You will not qualify if you...
- Raynaud syndrome
- Cold urticaria
- Resting heart rate greater than 160 beats per minute
- Current acute infection
- Diagnosed illnesses of the brain or mind
- Diagnosed illnesses of the heart or blood circulation
- Diagnosed illnesses of the gastrointestinal system
- Diagnosed illnesses of the endocrine system
- Other serious past or present medical conditions
- Wearing medical devices such as pacemakers
- Fear of blood, needles, or blood drawing procedures
- Allergies to plasters, gels, or medical equipment
- Allergies to commercial liquid meals
- Regular use of medication affecting metabolism
- Regular nicotine use including cigarettes or vaping
- Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 14 servings per week)
- Illegal drug use within 2 weeks prior to study
- Strong mental or physical stress
- Excessive high-intensity exercise (more than 2 hours per day)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Inability to wear swimwear that exposes skin for study procedures
- Frequent participation in winter swimming, cryotherapy, or breathwork more than 3 times per year
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 visits separated by approximately 30 days
Participants undergo two experimental visits approximately 30 days apart. Each visit includes a 10-minute full-body head-out cold-water or warm-water immersion, physiological recordings, blood sampling, computer-based decision-making tasks, and questionnaires.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke
Nuthetal, Germany
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Trust Centre of the Human Study Centre Recruitment Officer
M
Mine Schmidt
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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