Cold pressor test
pain
COLD
The cold pressor test is a common and extensively validated test for assessing cardiovascular reactivity. Trained study staff performed the cold pressor test before and after the intervention using a standardized protocol. Before the test, the participants rested in a supine position and had their BP, PWV, and HR measured. Subsequently, they immersed their right hand in cold water (5.0 °C) for two minutes while BP, PWV, and HR were monitored using the Mobil-O-Graph device. Cardiovascular reactivity was determined as the changes (Δ) in the respective parameters between the rest measurement and the subsequent cold pressor test. A numerical rating scale was used to assess participant’s level of pain on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no experience of pain and 10 indicating the most intense experience of pain possible.