Cold-water immersion effects on decision-making
Official title: Voluntary Cold-Water Immersion Effects on Value-Based Choice
Run by German Institute of Human Nutrition · NCT06908447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test sees if a 10-minute full-body cold-water immersion versus a warm-water control changes decision-making, mood, and body responses in healthy adults aged 18–40.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | German Institute of Human Nutrition Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nuthetal) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 28, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06908447 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18–40 who are fluent in German, have a BMI of 18–30 kg/m2, maintain a normal day-night rhythm, and are willing to undergo cold-water immersion and blood draws are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, or gastrointestinal disorders, Raynaud syndrome, cold urticaria, pacemakers or other medical devices, those on medications that affect metabolism, regular nicotine users, or those who fear blood draws are excluded and unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized within-subject crossover study exposes each participant to a 10-minute head-out full-body cold-water immersion (10–16°C) and a warm-water control (30–36°C) on two visits about 30 days apart. During each visit researchers record non-invasive electrophysiology (heart, pulse, respiration, skin conductance, pupil), take thermographic images, and collect blood at four time points. Participants complete two computer-based decision-making tasks, a brief food choice task, and psychometric questionnaires before and after immersion. The design isolates acute peripheral physiological effects of cold exposure on value-based choice and psychological well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to a simple, non-drug way to temporarily influence decision-making and mood or help guide new interventions for stress-related problems.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that cold-water immersion affects physiology and mood, but applying it specifically to value-based decision-making in a controlled within-subject crossover format is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-40 years of age * Consent to participate * Fluency in German * Physically and mentally healthy * BMI 18-30 kg/m2 * Normal day-night rhythm Exclusion Criteria: * Raynaud syndrome * Cold urticaria * High resting heart rate (\>160 beats per minute) * Acute infection * Diagnosed current or former illnesses of * Brain and mind * Heart and blood circulation * Gastrointestinal system * Endocrine system * Other serious past or present medical conditions * Wearing of medical devices (e.g., pacemaker) * Fear of blood, needles, or phlebotomy * Allergies to plasters, gels, and other medical equipment * Allergies to commercially available liquid meals (e.g., shakes, yfood Labs GmbH) * Recurrent intake of medication which affect metabolism * Regular nicotine consumption (e.g., vaping, cigarettes) * Excessive alcohol consumption (\>14 servings/week) * Recent illegal drug consumption (within 2 weeks prior) * Strong mental or physical stress * Excessive exercise (\>2 h high-intensity exercise/day) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Inability to wear skin-exposing swimwear, e.g., for religious reasons * Affinity for winter swimming, cryotherapy, breathwork (\>3 times/year)
Where it's running
-
German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke
Nuthetal, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Soyoung Q Park, Prof. Dr. — German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke
- Study coordinator: Trust Centre of the Human Study Centre Recruitment Officer
- Email: CoVa-Studie@dife.de
- Phone: +4933200 882753
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.