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Journal of Education, Health and Sport

Winter swimming – is it possible to develop adaptation to cold temperature? A literature review
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  • Winter swimming – is it possible to develop adaptation to cold temperature? A literature review
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Winter swimming – is it possible to develop adaptation to cold temperature? A literature review

Authors

  • Martyna Brzoza Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8975-4462
  • Julia Stawińska-Dudek Ortho.pl Dental and Orthodontic Centre, Buforowa 34, 52-131 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1677-3741
  • Barbara Buras Amerident Non-public Health Care Institution civil law partnership Maria and Lazarz Legien, Jana Kasprowicza 7, 43-300 Bielsko-Biala, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9914-507X
  • Milena Orzeł Wroclaw Medical University, Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1303-2778
  • Bartłomiej Orzeł Wroclaw Medical University, Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1442-6790
  • Ali Aboud Medical Innovation Centre, Krakowska 26, 50-426, Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8485-9302
  • Wiktoria Józefowicz Wroclaw Medical University, Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7530-1710
  • Aleksandra Bielecka The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3150-2058
  • Bartosz Dubniański Wroclaw Medical University, Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8481-3297
  • Kornelia Stawińśka Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8128-5076

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.80.59375

Keywords

cold adaptation, cold water immersion, ice swimming, hypothermia, winter swimming

Abstract

 

Introduction and purpose

Over the years winter swimming has gained popularity, becoming an eagerly practiced form of physical activity. This review aims to examine its influence on the human organism and explore the mechanisms of adaptation developed by winter swimmers.  

Materials and methods

This work is based on the analysis of the materials obtained from “PubMed” and “Google Scholar” scientific databases using the key words selected based on their relevance to examining the matter in subject, such as: cold adaptation, cold water immersion, ice swimming, hypothermia, winter swimming

The state of knowledge

Investigated studies indicate that winter swimming influences human organism in various aspects, having a completely different impact depending on previous cold-water exposures, health status and individual adaptation. Winter swimmers tend to develop a wide range of compensatory mechanisms including hormonal, metabolic and immunological changes, improved thermoregulation and enhanced antioxidative protection. In contrast, for unadopted individuals cold water immersions may lead to severe complications including hypothermia and even fatal consequences.

Conclusions

Winter swimmers develop mechanisms of cold adaptation that enable them to perform and benefit from such activity. However, proper adjustment, following preventive measures and guidelines such as gradual, regular adaptation, warm-up exercises and being aware of individual health status are vital to minimize detrimental effects that concern especially inexperienced individuals.

References

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Published

2025-04-28

How to Cite

1.
BRZOZA, Martyna, STAWIŃSKA-DUDEK , Julia, BURAS , Barbara, ORZEŁ, Milena, ORZEŁ, Bartłomiej, ABOUD, Ali, JÓZEFOWICZ, Wiktoria, BIELECKA, Aleksandra, DUBNIAŃSKI, Bartosz and STAWIŃŚKA, Kornelia. Winter swimming – is it possible to develop adaptation to cold temperature? A literature review. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. Online. 28 April 2025. Vol. 80, p. 59375. [Accessed 6 July 2025]. DOI 10.12775/JEHS.2025.80.59375.
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Vol. 80 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Martyna Brzoza, Julia Stawińska-Dudek , Barbara Buras , Milena Orzeł, Bartłomiej Orzeł, Ali Aboud, Wiktoria Józefowicz, Aleksandra Bielecka, Bartosz Dubniański, Kornelia Stawińśka

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