Study on the effect of cold water stimuli on brain performance

T. J. Doering et al.

April 2001

Healing & thermal therapy

Kneipp therapy

In a randomized crossover study, the Hannover Medical School investigated the effect of cold and warm skin stimuli on the cognitive function of elderly subjects.

The sample consisted of 24 healthy geriatric subjects who were divided into two groups. Group A received a 10-12 °C cold Kneipp facial pour and then a neck wrap of the same temperature. Group B was treated with a similar procedure, consisting of a 34-36 °C warm facial pour and neck wrap. After one week, the treatments were alternated.

The flicker fusion frequency and the P3000 latencies/amplitudes of the visual evoked potentials were examined. Both parameters were intended to make it possible to draw conclusions about cognitive brain performance.

The values showed that cold water stimuli after Kneipp therapy increase cognitive functioning in old age.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: General problems with cognitive brain performance
Institution: Department of General Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Germany
Title: Study on the effect of Kneipp cold water stimuli on cognitive brain performance in old age
Brief description: The study shows that cold Kneipp water treatments improve cognitive function in older people.
Original title: Changes of cognitive brain functions in the elderly by Kneipp therapy
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11340314/