Cold-water immersion effects on decision-making
Voluntary Cold-Water Immersion Effects on Value-Based Choice
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | German Institute of Human Nutrition Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nuthetal) |
| Trial ID | NCT06908447 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Nuthetal
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.