Physiological and psychological determinants of cardiovascular autonomic response in experienced Cold-Water Swimmers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v69.114955Keywords:
cardiovascular recovery, cold water, extreme environments, physiological adaptation, swimmingAbstract
Introduction: The relationship between morphological and psychological parameters and cardiovascular autonomic responses was investigated in experienced cold-water swimmers.
Objective: This study explores how morphological and psychological factors influence cardiovascular autonomic responses in experienced cold-water swimmers.
Methodology: Conducted as a cross-sectional observational study, the research involved 18 training swimmers who regularly engage in icy-water swimming (below 5°C). Participants were assessed at four key time points: baseline, pre-dive, post-dive, and recovery. Cardiovascular parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), and psychological states were measured using validated tools.
Results: Cold-water immersion triggered significant reductions in HRV, particularly in RMSSD and SDNN (p < 0.01), indicating elevated sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic modulation. Notably, overall autonomic function, reflected by a decline in the PNS index (β = -0.73, p < 0.01), was inversely associated with anxiety (β = -0.64, p < 0.01) and depression levels (β = -0.49, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the essential role of mental health in shaping physiological resilience in extreme environments. Body composition, especially visceral fat, was also found to significantly influence autonomic regulation (β = -0.77, p < 0.01).
Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of integrated training strategies that address both physiological conditioning and psychological support to enhance performance and ensure safety in cold-water environments. The results provide deeper insight into the multifaceted challenges cold-water swimmers face and highlight the need for tailored interventions to support their unique physiological demands.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Josefa Lillo Bobadilla, Aline Fieldhouse Sandoval , Pedro Fernández Fredes, Paula Bravo Sepúlveda , Matías Castillo-Aguilar, Michele Macedo Moraes , Thiago Teixeira Mendes , Cristian A. Núñez Espinosa
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