Effects of Repeated Cold Shower Exposure on Stress Response: A Psychophysiological Analysis With Expectancy Manipulation
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 入组人数
- 120
- 试验地点
- 1
研究概览
简要总结
The study investigates whether repeated exposure to cold showers can improve the ability to cope with and respond to stress. In particular, it examines both the psychophysiological effects of cold showers and the role of expectations regarding their effectiveness. The research adopts a 2×2 experimental design with approximately 120 healthy adults, randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, and further divided based on the presence or absence of information emphasizing the potential benefits of the intervention. The experimental group takes warm or lukewarm showers with a final 30-second exposure to cold water at least four times per week, while the control group takes only warm or lukewarm showers. In parallel, some participants receive positive information about the effectiveness of the intervention for stress management, while others receive no specific information. At baseline and at the end of the study, participants complete questionnaires assessing perceived stress, psychological well-being, and quality of life, along with a physiological measure and a cognitive stress task (Stroop test with heart rate monitoring). During the four-week intervention period, participants keep a daily diary recording shower habits and perceived stress levels.
详细描述
The study aims to explore the effect of repeated exposure to cold showers on the ability to respond positively to stressful stimuli. The psychophysiological effects of cold showers will be analyzed in combination with expectancy manipulation, which will be emphasized in only one of the two experimental conditions.
The study adopts a 2×2 factorial experimental design. The sample, consisting of approximately 120 healthy adults, will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Within each group, participants will be further subdivided based on the presence or absence of expectancy manipulation regarding the effectiveness of the intervention on stress management. In the experimental group, participants will be instructed to take warm or lukewarm showers at least four times per week at home, with the addition of a final 30-second exposure to cold water. The control group, on the other hand, will be asked to take only warm or lukewarm showers on a daily basis. The second factor considered is expectancy: one group will receive information designed to induce the expectation that this practice may improve stress management, while the other group will receive no specific information. At baseline assessment, participants will complete questionnaires aimed at evaluating psychological well-being, perceived stress, and quality of life. In addition, they will perform a Stroop task with restricted time limits, which is commonly used as a cognitive stressor, while wearing a heart rate monitoring device (Garmin Vivoactive 5). During the intervention phase, which will last four weeks, participants will keep a daily diary to track whether they performed the shower (cold/warm) and their levels of perceived stress. At the end of the intervention, the same measures administered at baseline will be collected again.
Methods and Instruments
The study involves the use of the following questionnaires:
- Demographic data (gender, age)
- Stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10)
- Resilience (Resilience Scale for Adults, RSA)
- Psychological well-being (Psychological General Well-Being Index, PGWBI-6) All questionnaires will be administered through the Qualtrics platform.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Factorial
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Participant)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 60 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Participants will be eligible for the study if they meet the following criteria:
- •Age ≥ 18 years
- •Good general health status, self-reported and/or certified by a medical document (e.g., general medical certificate or sports medical clearance)
- •Willingness to participate for the full duration of the study (4 weeks)
- •Ability to understand and independently complete questionnaires and study diaries
- •Signed informed consent
排除标准
- •Participants will be excluded from the study if they present:
- •Uncompensated cardiovascular, neurological, or endocrine conditions considered relevant to stress or cold exposure tolerance
- •Medical conditions contraindicating cold exposure (e.g., Raynaud's phenomenon, cold urticaria, etc.)
- •Pregnancy
- •Use of medications that may interfere with stress responses (e.g., beta-blockers, anxiolytics, systemic corticosteroids)
- •Acute or unstable psychiatric disorders
- •Inability to comply with the experimental protocol or complete study materials
- •Concurrent participation in other studies involving stress or physiological regulation interventions
研究者
Diletta Barbiani
Assistant Professor
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart