Effects of Winter Swimming on Blood Indicators and Oxidative Stress in Males

Effects of Winter Swimming on Blood Morphological, Rheological, and Biochemical Indicators and Oxidative Stress in Males

Exposure of the human body to cold water triggers numerous beneficial physiological changes. The study aimed to assess the impact of regular winter swimming on blood morphological, rheological, and biochemical indicators and activity of antioxidant enzymes in males. The study includes winter swimmers and a control group. Blood samples were taken twice - before the start (November) of the winter swimming season and after its end (March). The average duration of ice water baths was 3-5 minutes, with a minimum frequency of once a week. The water temperature during the swimming did not exceed 10°C, approaching 0°C during the winter period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Good health, practitioners of winter swimming
• control group: never did winter swimming and had a sedentary lifestyle.

Exclusion Criteria:

• medical contraindications to winter bathing