The Effectiveness of the Wim Hof Method

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

Official Title
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The Effectiveness of the Wim Hof Method on Cardiac Autonomic Function, Blood Pressure, Arterial Compliance, and Different Psychological Parameters

Conditions
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Healthy, Blood Pressure, Cold Exposure, Stress

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Wim Hof Method


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Randomized controlled trial with parallel arms
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Intervention<br>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. | Behavioral: Wim Hof Method<br>* 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.<br>|
| No Intervention: Control<br>The control group received noch intervention throughout the intervention period. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline in the mean systolic blood pressure | 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. | 15 days | 
| Change from baseline in the mean diastolic blood pressure | 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. | 15 days | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline in the mean pulse wave velocity | 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. | 15 days | 
| Change from baseline in the mean heart rate variability | 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. | 15 days | 
| Change from baseline in positive affect | The German version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used. | 15 days | 
| Change from baseline in negative affect | The German version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used. | 15 days | 
| Change in subjective vitality | The German 6-item Version of the Subjective Vitality Scale was used. | 15 days | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Blood pressure, Hemodynamics, Heart rate variability, Perceived stress, Meditation, Cold exposure, Breathing-method