The Effectiveness of the Wim Hof Method

Healthy Clinical Trial

Official title:

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

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT05894031
• Other study ID #: 2022-04-00004
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: May 1, 2022
• Est. completion date: September 30, 2022

Study information

• Verified date: May 2023
• Source: University of Bern
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

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.

Description:

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.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 42
• Est. completion date: September 30, 2022
• Est. primary completion date: July 30, 2022
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: Male
• Age group: 18 Years to 65 Years

Eligibility

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)

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Blood Pressure
• Cold Exposure
• Healthy
• Stress

Intervention

Behavioral:
• Wim Hof Method
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.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Switzerland	University of Bern	Bern

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
University of Bern

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Switzerland, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	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
Primary	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	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
Secondary	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
Secondary	Change from baseline in positive affect	The German version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used.	15 days
Secondary	Change from baseline in negative affect	The German version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used.	15 days
Secondary	Change in subjective vitality	The German 6-item Version of the Subjective Vitality Scale was used.	15 days