Ice baths vs cold showers: which is better for your health?
NCT ID NCT06667479
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether taking cold tubs or cold showers for 4 weeks (3 times a week, 4 minutes each) improves immune function, sleep, mental health, and muscle strength in healthy adults aged 18-45. Researchers compared the two methods to see if one works better. The goal is to understand how cold water immersion affects overall health.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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37 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2024
- Finished
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Mar 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and Females * Aged 18-45 Exclusion Criteria: * Currently practices CWI for \[\>3 times in the last month\] * Pregnant or planning to become pregnant * Chronic use of anti-inflammatory medication * Prior history of chronic disease conditions: * Cardiovascular Disease * Diabetes * Cancer * Raynaud\'s Disease * Severe and untreated anxiety or depression
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Northern Colorado - Gunter Hall
Greeley, Colorado, 80631, United States
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