The Effectiveness of the Wim Hof Method

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Healthy; Stress; Cold Exposure; Blood Pressure
• Interventions: Behavioral: Wim Hof Method

• Registration Number: NCT05894031
• Lead Sponsor: University of Bern

Brief Summary

The Wim Hof Method is a multi-disciplinary approach to physical and mental well-being combining cold exposure, breathing exercises, and meditation. This study evaluated the effects of a 15-day WHM intervention on cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test, as well as on various psychological parameters.

Detailed Description

The Wim Hof Method (WHM) is a multi-disciplinary approach to physical and mental well-being combining cold exposure, breathing exercises, and meditation. This study evaluated the effects of a 15-day WHM intervention on cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test (CPT), as well as on various psychological parameters.

42 participants were randomized into an intervention (IG) and a control (CG) group. Throughout the 15-day intervention, the IG performed the WHM daily. The intervention followed the guidelines provided by Wim Hof. The intervention comprised three components: cold water exposure, breathing exercise, and meditation. The participants were instructed to perform the WHM daily over the course of 15 days. The participants could choose when to do so throughout the day, however, the components were to be performed in a strict, sequential order: breathing exercises, followed by meditation, and then cold exposure. Participants were asked to complete a daily log in which they documented whether they performed the procedure and for how long. Altogether, the procedure lasted about 15 minutes. The CG did not receive an intervention throughout the intervention period.

Before and after the intervention, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), root mean sum of squared distance (RMSSD), and standard deviation of intervals between successive heartbeats (SDNN) were assessed at rest and during a CPT. Furthermore, perceived stress (PSS), positive affect (PANAS+), negative affect (PANAS-), and subjective vitality (trait (SVSt) and state (SVSs)) was determined.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2022-05-01
• Primary Completion: 2022-07-30
• Study Completion: 2022-09-30
• Status Verified: 2023-05
• Study First Submitted: 2023-05-30
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-05-30
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-05-30
• Study First Posted: 2023-06-08
• Last Update Posted: 2023-06-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 42

Inclusion Criteria

• Being male
• No underlying health conditions
• Not using antihypertensive or other cardiovascular medications
• Not engaging in regular exercise training
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Having prior experience with any of the components of the intervention (breathing, meditation, or cold exposure)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Intervention	Wim Hof Method	The intervention group was instructed to perform the Wim Hof Method daily over the course of 15 days. The participants could choose when to do so throughout the day, however, the components were to be performed in a strict, sequential order: breathing exercises, followed by meditation, and then cold exposure. Participants were asked to complete a daily log in which they documented whether they performed the procedure and for how long. Altogether, the procedure lasted about 15 minutes.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from baseline in the mean systolic blood pressure	15 days	Participants were instructed to rest in a supine position for 10 minutes prior to the measurement. At least two readings were taken on the right upper arm, using custom-fitted arm cuffs.
Change from baseline in the mean diastolic blood pressure	15 days	Participants were instructed to rest in a supine position for 10 minutes prior to the measurement. At least two readings were taken on the right upper arm, using custom-fitted arm cuffs.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from baseline in the mean heart rate variability	15 days	Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using a heart rate monitor and chest strap. Participants were instructed to empty their bladder before the measurement, which was conducted after a 5-minute supine rest period with a stabilized HRV signal. The measurement consisted of a 5-minute recording of intervals between successive heartbeats at a 1000 Hz sampling rate. Participants were instructed to breathe normally, remain quiet, and maintain a calm state throughout the measurement.
Change in subjective vitality	15 days	The German 6-item Version of the Subjective Vitality Scale was used.
Change from baseline in the mean pulse wave velocity	15 days	Participants were instructed to rest in a supine position for 10 minutes prior to the measurement. At least two readings were taken on the right upper arm, using custom-fitted arm cuffs.
Change from baseline in positive affect	15 days	The German version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used.
Change from baseline in negative affect	15 days	The German version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Bern; 🇨🇭 Bern, Switzerland