Cold Water Exposure's Effects on Physical and Mental Health

Once thermoneutral procedures are complete, participants in the CI group will be seated in the cold tub and submerged into the water (10º C). The sternal notch of each participant will be used as the anatomical marker to mark submersion point. Participants will sit with both arms outstretched underwater with their backs not touching the sides of the tub. Participants with a shorter stature will be provided an underwater cushion to meet the submersion requirements. The 4-minute timer will begin once confirmation of the participants submersion level and posture is determined. Once completed, the participant will be instructed to slowly exit the tub and allowed to dry and change as necessary.

Once thermoneutral procedures are complete, participants in the CS group will be instructed to enter the research shower area in Gunter 1610. Within the shower area, the walls of the shower will be numbered from 1 to 4, with 1 defined as facing the faucet, 2 defined as 90° to the right of side 1, 3 defined as 180° from the faucet, and 4 defined as 270° to the right or 90° C to the left from side 1. Participants will be instructed to turn 90° to the right cycling through sides 1 to 4 and then back to 1 every 15 seconds prompted by the researcher. This will allow the participant to complete three full rotations in the shower during the 4-minute intervention time. The shower faucet is modified and oriented in a way where it only produces cold water (10º C) when turned on. Once completed, the participant will be instructed to slowly exit the shower and is allowed to dry and change as necessary.