Introduction
CVDs, Cardiovascular diseases, anxiety, inflammation, , reduced stress
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, INFLAMMATION, CARDIOVASCULAR MORBIDITY, COLD
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwideMindfulness-based interventions aim to reduce blood pressure (BP) by employing stress-reduction techniques, including meditation, which are designed to foster a state of inner awareness and calmnessCold water immersion is hypothesized to result in increased body sturdiness, inter alia, through long-term antioxidative adaptationBreathing exercises have garnered considerable attention as promising approaches for both the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Research has demonstrated that these techniques can contribute to stress reductionThe Wim Hof Method (WHM), a multi-disciplinary approach to physical and mental well-being, has recently gained tremendous popularity. Developed by Dutch extreme athlete and multiple world record holder Wim Hof, the WHM combines cold exposure, breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation. The cold exposure component involves exposing the body to colder temperatures through activities such as ice baths, cold showers, and cold-water immersion. The breathing exercises involve a specific pattern of deep breaths, retention, and exhalation designed to relieve tension, and activate the autonomic nervous system. The mindfulness component involves meditation and visualization techniques aimed at improving focus and reducing stressThe WHM has been claimed to have a range of benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced immune function, improved cardiovascular function, and increased energy and vitality, which should be evident after only 10 daysPreliminary research suggests that the WHM may have benefits in areas such as inflammation and mood regulation. Petraskova et al.Further research is necessary to understand the effects of the method and its underlying mechanisms. Currently, the effects of the WHM on cardiovascular risk factors have not been assessed.Beyond BP, which is arguably one of the most robust predictors of future cardiovascular health, other risk markers like pulse wave velocity (PWV) have gained significant attentionConsequently, the present study aimed to assess the effects of the WHM on BP, PWV, and HRV. Moreover, the possible effects of the WHM on cardiovascular response to a stressor have yet to be assessed. Literature shows that cardiovascular reactivity can predict future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is thus regarded as an important risk factor for developing future CVDsResearch on possible positive effects of the three components (cold exposure, breathing exercise, meditation) of the WHM supports the assumption that this method may induce positive effects on cardiovascular risk factorsIn this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of a 15 days WHM intervention on different cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a standardized stress test, as well as on various psychological parameters to better understand its potential benefits and limitations.