The Effect of Cold Exposure and Breath Work on Combat Soldiers
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Research Significance
This research addresses the urgent need for effective and accessible interventions for post-traumatic stress symptoms resulting from exposure to combat.
Following October 7th and amidst ongoing fighting, there is a critical need for body-based interventions that can act quickly, in the field, and at scale. The approach combines simple tools with up-to-date scientific knowledge to stimulate the vagus nerve and restore self-regulation.
Research Objectives
Scope of the Research
A six-week program that includes cold-water immersion and structured breathwork exercises.
Research Hypothesis and Objectives
That a combined cold and breath work intervention increases vagal activity, improves functional measures (HRV), and significantly reduces post-traumatic symptoms compared to baseline.
Anticipated Outcomes and Impact
The development of a body-based, non-pharmacological treatment protocol that can be integrated into public and military systems to reduce post-traumatic symptoms, enhance functional measures (HRV), and strengthen neural regulation.
Real-World Impact
Strengthening Sense of Belonging and Community Resilience
Improved Daily Functioning, Sleep, and Emotional Regulation
Reducing the Long-Term Costs of PTSD
Research Methodology
Intervention procedure
Participants take part in six weekly sessions, each of which includes
Structured breathing exercises (three techniques: circular breathing, hyperventilation, and coherent breathing)
Cold-water immersion at 6°C for 2.5 minutes, while maintaining the breathing technique
Mental preparation and daily independent practice at home (with guided audio)
Research Structure
An AABB-type study with four measurement points — two pre-intervention (A1, A2) and two post-intervention (B1, B2)
Population
40 former reserve soldiers with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PCL-5 score above 12)
Research Measures
Measurements were taken before sessions 1, 4, and 8, and for the sub-group also before and after sessions 2 and 5 (using an ear sensor and the emWave Pro Plus system)
Statistical Analysis
A one-way repeated measures ANOVA will be conducted to examine changes over time. A sample of 27–59 participants is required based on statistical power calculations, and the study includes 40 participants to ensure sufficient statistical confidence.
Psychological Questionnaires
PTSD: PCL-5, short version
Depression and Anxiety: HADS
Daily and Social Functioning: FSQ
Personal and Health Background: age, gender, home evacuation, background medications, type of exposure, and other relevant data
Join us in shaping the future of healing
Support our research
Contact us
The Effect of Cold Exposure and Breathwork on Combat Soldiers
Support Research
Research Significance
This research addresses the urgent need for effective and accessible interventions for post-traumatic stress symptoms resulting from exposure to combat.
Following October 7th and amidst ongoing fighting, there is a critical need for body-based interventions that can act quickly, in the field, and at scale. The approach combines simple tools with up-to-date scientific knowledge to stimulate the vagus nerve and restore self-regulation.
Research Objectives
Scope of the Research
A six-week program that includes cold-water immersion and structured breathwork exercises.
Research Hypothesis and Objectives
That a combined cold and breathwork intervention increases vagal activity, improves functional measures (HRV), and significantly reduces post-traumatic symptoms compared to baseline.
Anticipated Outcomes and Impact
The development of a body-based, non-pharmacological treatment protocol that can be integrated into public and military systems to reduce post-traumatic symptoms, enhance functional measures (HRV), and strengthen neural regulation.
Real-World Impact
Strengthening Sense of Belonging and Community Resilience
Improved Daily Functioning, Sleep, and Emotional Regulation
Reducing the Long-Term Costs of PTSD
Research Methodology
Intervention procedure
Participants take part in six weekly sessions, each of which includes
Structured breathing exercises (three techniques: circular breathing, hyperventilation, and coherent breathing)
Cold-water immersion at 6°C for 2.5 minutes, while maintaining the breathing technique
Mental preparation and daily independent practice at home (with guided audio)
Research Structure
An AABB-type study with four measurement points — two pre-intervention (A1, A2) and two post-intervention (B1, B2)
Population
40 former reserve soldiers with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PCL-5 score above 12)
Research measures
Measurements were taken before sessions 1, 4, and 8, and for the sub-group also before and after sessions 2 and 5 (using an ear sensor and the emWave Pro Plus system)
Statistical Analysis
A one-way repeated measures ANOVA will be conducted to examine changes over time. A sample of 27–59 participants is required based on statistical power calculations, and the study includes 40 participants to ensure sufficient statistical confidence.
Psychological Questionnaires
PTSD: PCL-5, short version
Depression and Anxiety: HADS
Daily and Social Functioning: FSQ
Personal and Health Background: age, gender, home evacuation, background medications, type of exposure, and other relevant data
Join us in shaping the future of healing
Support our research
Contact us
The Effect of Cold Exposure and Breathwork on Combat Soldiers
Support Research
Research Significance
This research addresses the urgent need for effective and accessible interventions for post-traumatic stress symptoms resulting from exposure to combat.
Following October 7th and amidst ongoing fighting, there is a critical need for body-based interventions that can act quickly, in the field, and at scale. The approach combines simple tools with up-to-date scientific knowledge to stimulate the vagus nerve and restore self-regulation.
Research Objectives
Scope of the Research
A six-week program that includes cold-water immersion and structured breathwork exercises.
Research Hypothesis and Objectives
That a combined cold and breathwork intervention increases vagal activity, improves functional measures (HRV), and significantly reduces post-traumatic symptoms compared to baseline.
Anticipated Outcomes and Impact
The development of a body-based, non-pharmacological treatment protocol that can be integrated into public and military systems to reduce post-traumatic symptoms, enhance functional measures (HRV), and strengthen neural regulation.
Strengthening Sense of Belonging and Community Resilience
Improved Daily Functioning, Sleep, and Emotional Regulation
Reducing the Long-Term Costs of PTSD
Research Methodology
Intervention procedure
Participants take part in six weekly sessions, each of which includes
Structured breathing exercises (three techniques: circular breathing, hyperventilation, and coherent breathing)
Cold-water immersion at 6°C for 2.5 minutes, while maintaining the breathing technique
Mental preparation and daily independent practice at home (with guided audio)
Research Structure
An AABB-type study with four measurement points — two pre-intervention (A1, A2) and two post-intervention (B1, B2)
Population
40 former reserve soldiers with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PCL-5 score above 12)
Research measures
Measurements were taken before sessions 1, 4, and 8, and for the sub-group also before and after sessions 2 and 5 (using an ear sensor and the emWave Pro Plus system)
Statistical Analysis
A one-way repeated measures ANOVA will be conducted to examine changes over time. A sample of 27–59 participants is required based on statistical power calculations, and the study includes 40 participants to ensure sufficient statistical confidence.
Psychological Questionnaires
PTSD: PCL-5, short version
Depression and Anxiety: HADS
Daily and Social Functioning: FSQ
Personal and Health Background: age, gender, home evacuation, background medications, type of exposure, and other relevant data
Join us in shaping the future of healing
Support Research
Contact us