A particular brain scan was taken from a certain volunteer who dipped for five minutes in a 20-degree Celsius bath. The image revealed small changes in brain connections. This is the first time scientists have ever observed such alterations. Scientists explain that such brain activity could be the reason why individuals feel alert after having a cold shower or swimming in cold water.
How Does Cold Water Immersion Affect the Brain and Mental Health?
While this was observed, the scientists wanted to go deeper and see how cold water impacts the brain and mental health, according to the Daily Mail,
They proceeded with their study, which was later on published in the Biology journal. As part of their procedures, they had participants who were healthy and whose ages ranged from 20 to 45 years old. The participants then spent five minutes immersing in a water pool set to 20 degrees Celsius.
The Daily Mail reports that swimmers and other fanatics claim that this is equivalent to rivers and lakes over the summer.
All the volunteers then went through an emotional state evaluation. They also got an fMRI scan to trace their brain structure and activity. This was done before and right after the immersion. The researchers ensured that this was done in order to observe for any significant alterations in brain activity or mood.
The findings revealed heightened connections between the parietal cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex. These were signified by patches of red within the images.
Such areas are particularly in charge of keeping attention, regulating emotions, and aiding decision-making.
Survey reports also revealed that the participants were more attentive, alert, and active afterward. They also felt less distressed.
Is Swimming in Cold Water Good For Your Brain and Mental Health?
Study author and senior lecturer Dr. Ala Yankouskaya states that each tiny area of the brain is linked to each other in a particular pattern in order for day-to-day activities to be carried out. This means that the brain functions as a whole unit. Dr. Yankouskaya reports that after the volunteers were immersed in the cold water, there were physiological effects observed, including heavy breathing and shivering.
According to the Evening Standard, Dr. Yankouskaya stated that the scans revealed how the brain alters connectivity in order to cope and handle the shock. Dr. Yankouskaya notes that when the volunteers reported feeling better after the immersion, they expected to spot alterations in the links in these areas, which is exactly what they spotted in the scans.
The researchers are hoping to utilize such results to learn more about brain interactions and wiring for those with psychiatric conditions. The Daily Mail reports that Dr. Yankouskaya mentions how the parietal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex both have varied wiring among those dealing with anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
Knowing the capacity of cold water to alter such brain areas may help in knowing the reason behind the connectivity difference among those with such conditions. Dr. Yankouskaya expresses how these could potentially lead to alternative and additional treatments.
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