Research highlights health benefits from cold-water immersions
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Researchers analyzed the results from 11 studies involving 3,177 people. For most, cold-water exposure involved sitting in an ice bath at or above chest level. (One study used cold showers.) Water temperatures ranged from 45° to 59° F. Exposure time varied from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. (One study included durations from 10 minutes to two hours, and another included intervals of one minute in cold water and one minute out, repeated seven times.) Immersions were done multiple days a week for several weeks.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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