Impact of cold exposure on life satisfaction and physical composition of soldiers

Abstract

IntroductionOptimal mental state and physical fitness are crucial factors affecting training of military personnel. Incorporating components aimed at improving mental status and physical composition of soldiers into training programmes can lead to better outcomes. Previously, cold exposure has been used to promote human health in multiple ways, with a plethora of reported benefits. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of regular cold exposure on the psychological status and physical composition of healthy young soldiers in the Czech Army.MethodsA total of 49 (male and female) soldiers aged 19–30 years were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (intervention and control). The participants regularly underwent cold exposure for 8 weeks, in outdoor and indoor environments. Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and InBody 770 device were used to evaluate life satisfaction and body composition, respectively. Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale was used to assess anxiety produced by cold exposure.ResultsTheoretical and practical training in cold immersion in the winter did not induce anxiety. Regular cold exposure led to a significant (p=0.045) increase of 6.2% in self-perceived sexual satisfaction compared with the pre-exposure measurements. Furthermore, considerable increase (6.3% compared with the pre-exposure period) was observed in self-perceived health satisfaction; the change was borderline significant (p=0.052). In men, there was a reduction in waist circumference (1.3%, p=0.029) and abdominal fat (5.5%, p=0.042). Systematic exposure to cold significantly lowered perceived anxiety in the entire test group (p=0.032).ConclusionsCold water exposure can be recommended as an addition to routine military training regimens. Regular exposure positively impacts mental status and physical composition, which may contribute to the higher psychological resilience. Additionally, cold exposure as a part of military training is most likely to reduce anxiety among soldiers.

The Effects of Intermittent Cold Exposure on Adipose Tissue

“…Here, and in Table 2, we outline the effects of ICE on body weight (BW), adipose tissue weight (white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), adipose tissue morphology (WAT and BAT), EE, and outcomes that may be related to EE. Winter swimmers: higher supraclavicular skin temp in response to cold exposure, no BAT glucose uptake at thermoneutrality (controls had glucose uptake at thermoneutrality), ↑glucose uptake in perirenal BAT during cold exposure (not significant for control), ↑REE during cold exposure Humans Zhang [37] ↓BW, ↑EI (trend) Rats McKie [38] ↑BW, ↑iWAT, ↑eWAT, ↑BAT, ↑EI, ↑↑EI (within 4 h post ICE) Obese Mice Weng [39] ↑sWAT, ↔vWAT Obese Rats Nema [9] ↔BW, ↔BMI, ↔FM, ↔FFM, ↓Waist Circumference (men only) Humans (Soldiers)…”

“…The effects of ICE on BW are mixed, with studies reporting increases [ 21 , 25 , 33 , 38 ], decreases [ 19 , 22 , 37 ], and null effects [ 9 , 24 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 35 ]. Still, the methodologies were varied, and a closer look provides some potential insights.…”

“…Still, the methodologies were varied, and a closer look provides some potential insights. Studies using human subjects generally show no change in BW [ 9 , 35 ] but do report a modest decrease in waist circumference [ 9 ], while rodent studies represent much of the variability initially mentioned. ICE duration was examined directly by Ravussin et al and Tsibul’nikov et al The former directly measured the differential effects of ICE at 1, 4, or 8 h/d and all conditions demonstrated no change in BW [ 27 ].…”

“…Recently, the practice of intermittent cold exposure (ICE) has received attention in popular culture as a modality for improving mood, increasing immune function, and reducing inflammation, with some scientific evidence backing those anecdotal reports [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. ICE has also been suggested as a potential modulator of body weight and adipose tissue function.…”

Combined cold-water immersion and breathwork may be associated with improved mental health and reduction in the duration of upper respiratory tract infection - a case–control study

“…A beneficial effect of polar plunge on immune system and wellbeing has been reported. Lower levels of stress and higher salivary immunoglobulin A concentration were noted among polar plungers compared to those who do not practice CWI [ 10 , 11 ]. Moreover, a prospective study from The Netherlands conducted in 2016 provided indirect evidence for those claims.…”