Change in sympathetic activity, cardiovascular functions and plasma hormone concentrations due to cold water immersion in men.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Uncontrolled pre-post physiological study without a separate control group
PubMed 8891513 · doi:10.1007/BF00376507
What was done
Healthy young male athletes were evaluated during a single head-out cold water immersion (14°C for 1 hour) and after a repeated cold acclimation protocol (immersion 3 times per week for 6 weeks). Sympathetic nervous system activity (plasma noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine), plasma renin-angiotensin activity, plasma aldosterone, heart rate, skin temperature, and blood pressure were measured.
What was found
Acute immersion produced a 4-fold increase in plasma noradrenaline (P < 0.05), halved plasma renin-angiotensin activity (P < 0.05), increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 10%, and induced peripheral vasoconstriction without significant changes in adrenaline, dopamine, aldosterone, or heart rate. Following 6 weeks of repeated immersions, no clear change in sympathetic reactivity, renin-angiotensin activity, aldosterone, or general cardiovascular parameters was observed, though lowered diastolic pressure and increased peripheral vasoconstriction were noted.
Why it matters
This study demonstrates that while acute cold water exposure elicits strong sympathetic and pressor responses, six weeks of intermittent immersion is insufficient to produce meaningful autonomic or endocrine adaptations.
Limits
The abstract omits sample size (n) and exact quantitative values for resting and post-adaptation variables. The study lacked a non-cold control group, and results from young male athletes cannot be generalized to females, sedentary individuals, or older adults.
Cited by
- contradicts Cold exposure induces a sustained release of dopamine and adrenaline that lasts for multiple hours.