Controlled study on the effects of isothermal head-out water immersion on psychological variables in healthy subjects

Objective: Head-out water immersions in isothermal water are mainly used with regard to the effects of buoyancy and to apply chemical ingredients. However, changes of well-being and mood are reported by the patients. This may be of therapeutic significance in psychosomatic disorders. No systematic studies have been published to evaluate the effects of isothermal bath on psychological variables. Methods: In a controlled study 20 healthy subjects were studied. In a cross-over-design isothermal head-out water immersions (36°C, 20min) were applied. The control intervention consisted in a resting period of 20min dura…