BREAKING Feds giving Toronto more than $104M to host 2026 FIFA World Cup
The federal government will provide Toronto just over $104 million in funding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In recent years, ice baths have been championed as an optimal remedy for physical recovery.
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
The Mayo Clinic, a U.S.-based academic medical centre focused on integrated health care, education and research, says many ice bath claims are not rooted in qualitative science.
In an article published on its website, the clinic said the physiological benefits of cold plunges "do not live up to the hype."
In a 2023 study published in Nature Scientific Reports, for instance, researchers aimed to measure positive changes in blood pressure, heart rate, heart function or mood among participants after 15 days of cold water exposure.
The study found no notable changes among participants.
"In addition, while other scientific evidence seems to point to some benefits of (cold water exposure), much of the research is too weak to support many of the claims with confidence," the Mayo Clinic wrote.
"Moreover, consideration must also be given to the lengths you'd need to go to achieve, at best, a modest beneficial effect."
Andrew Jagim, a sports medicine specialist with Mayo Clinic, says the science and practical applications of cold exposure have changed in recent decades.
In the article, Jagim recommended applying ice to the location of an acute injury to reduce swelling and pain, adding that ongoing cold therapy beyond the first few days could slow healing and delay recovery.
"If an athlete has an intense two-week period of practice or a three-day tournament and they are struggling with pain or soreness, I may recommend adding ice baths post-workout or throughout the day," he said.
"But I would advise against using them every day throughout an entire season or training cycle as research shows that they may hinder long-term adaptations in athletes, particularly for strength and muscle growth."
The Mayo Clinic also pointed out a gap in research regarding changes in fat tissue as a response to cold-water immersion.
One study, involving laboratory rodents, was able to draw a correlation between cold exposure and metabolic responses, but the literature on human metabolic systems is far more ambiguous.
"Just because rodents become a little leaner doesn't mean that the same thing will happen in humans, were it to be studied," the Mayo Clinic explained.
The Mayo Clinic also mentioned that conclusions drawn about the mental health response of cold water immersion are built on weak scientific foundation.
One small study, with a sample size of 33 participants, found that a five-minute dip in cold water enhanced alertness and decreased anxiety, suggesting that cold plunges can trigger the release of endorphins and noradrenaline in the brain.
Another small study, which had participants immerse their hand in cold water for three minutes after being awoken in the middle of the night, suggested that the cold water can improve cognition despite sleepiness.
"These studies are not only small but offer scenarios for achieving benefits that are far from practical — unless you really need to solve math problems at two in the morning," the Mayo Clinic said.
"Larger-scale, randomized controlled trials in humans are needed to know whether this effect might extend to more realistic and routine situations."
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Scientists know much more about the dangers of cold temperatures than they know about the benefits."
Researchers know that cold water immersion can trigger a "cold shock response" that can lead to hyperventilation, as well as increased heart rate and spikes in blood pressure, "all of which could pose health risks for people who are susceptible to cardiac events," the Mayo Clinic points out.
Aside from the threats of hypothermia or frostbite, which are more tied to open-water swims in a frozen lake, for example, Jagim says cold plunges in controlled tubs are not a "big level of concern."
"However, if someone walks across a frozen lake in sub-zero temperatures, cuts a hole in the ice, jumps into 30-degree to 40-degree waters, and then exits the lake into a cold and sub-zero environment while being wet, the risks would be significantly higher."
To help people understand the potential benefits of cold plunges, Jagim uses an analogy.
"Exercise, a nutritious diet, sleep and stress management are the veggies, whole grains and meat are the main course. Cold plunges serve as a potential garnish," he said.
"Focus on the entree before worrying about the garnish."
The federal government will provide Toronto just over $104 million in funding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
What do you need to pack for a cruise? When it comes to this upcoming cruise from tour and travel company Bare Necessities, the answer appears to be very little.
Danny DeVito had the opportunity to know way more about Drew Barrymore than the rest of us.
A British Columbia mayor has been censured by city council – stripping him of his travel and lobbying budgets and removing him from city committees – for allegedly distributing a book that questions the history of Indigenous residential schools in Canada.
Three men in Quebec from the same family have fathered more than 600 children.
A group of SaskPower workers recently received special recognition at the legislature – for their efforts in repairing one of Saskatchewan's largest power plants after it was knocked offline for months following a serious flood last summer.
A police officer on Montreal's South Shore anonymously donated a kidney that wound up drastically changing the life of a schoolteacher living on dialysis.
Since 1932, Montreal's Henri Henri has been filled to the brim with every possible kind of hat, from newsboy caps to feathered fedoras.
Police in Oak Bay, B.C., had to close a stretch of road Sunday to help an elephant seal named Emerson get safely back into the water.
Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
The lawyer for a residential school survivor leading a proposed class-action defamation lawsuit against the Catholic Church over residential schools says the court action is a last resort.