Cold-water immersion has mixed findings for balance
A small review found both favorable and null results, with studies too different to combine into a single effect estimate.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Cold-water immersion showed inconsistent effects on balance and postural control in healthy young people. Some studies reported improvements, while others found no clear effect. Because the studies differed too much to pool, the review does not provide a reliable overall estimate or establish a particular immersion approach as best.
The abstract provides no study-level effect sizes or precise follow-up times. Its population description also mixes a young-adult label with a mean age of 16.
Why the results resist pooling
The authors considered immersion duration and temperature important, but the abstract does not provide the underlying comparisons. Their preference for shorter, more moderate immersions cannot be turned into a supported temperature or timing recommendation.
Keeping the outcome in view
Balance and postural control were the review's outcomes. The abstract's discussion of recovery and injury prevention supplies context, but it does not present evidence that cold-water immersion reduced injuries or improved sporting performance.
The original publication
Effect of cold water immersion on balance and postural control in young healthy individuals: a systematic review.
Shahani O, Khoshraftar Yazdi N, Mokhtaran S
J Orthop Surg Res · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41185024
- Record checked
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