A semi-randomised control trial assessing psychophysiological effects of breathwork and cold immersion.

ABSTRACT: The paradoxical nature of stress lies in its ability to both enhance and hinder psychological, physiological, and cognitive functioning. While chronic stress impairs functioning, acute stress can enhance resilience, cognition, and performance. We examined whether intentional short-term stress induced by cyclic hyperventilation and cold exposure (the Wim Hof Method (WHM)) improves psychophysiological and cognitive outcomes compared to an active control (mindfulness meditation). In this semi-randomised controlled trial, healthy adults (N = 404; 226 females, 177 males, 1 other; mean age = 37) completed one of three 29-day interventions: WHM in-person, WHM-remote, or meditation. Measures included physiological and sleep biometrics, executive function tests, and psychometric event sampling surv

SUBMITTER: Fox N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12708851 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature