Mindfulness training combined with cold water immersion effects on mood and perception of executive functioning in middle-aged and older adults: a pilot study

Background Age-related cognitive decline typically begins during middle age and persists into old age. In parallel, mood (and, in particular, anxiety and depression) can be a significant predictor of neurodegenerative pathologies. To prevent these negative consequences, mindfulness trainings were used to improve mood and executive functioning in middle-aged and older adults. Less is known about cold water immersion, which apparently favors cognitive enhancement and mood restoration. Methods The current pilot study involved a sample of 46 adult participants (63% F; mean age: 60.67 years, SD: ±8.51), who completed a combined mindfulness and cold-water immersion program of 20 weeks. Before and after the training period, participants completed questionnaires about depressive and anxiety symptoms and executive functioning perception. A linear mixed model was run to evaluate pre-post differences with the presence of potential confounders (i.e., country, occupation, physical activity practice). Results The results showed a positive effect of the combined training on depression (mean difference = −2.59, t = −3.10, p = 0.003), with higher effectiveness for older adults compared to middle-aged participants (mean difference = −3.26, p = 0.042). Moreover, a significant effect of the training was found concerning anxiety (F 1,50.08 = 7.70, p = 0.008), without differences between the two age groups (F 1,51.06 = 0.10, p = 0.75). Finally, a non-significant effect of the combined training was found between pre- and post-treatment phase concerning executive functioning perception (F 1,52.64 = 3.61, p = 0.06). Conclusion Cold water immersion combined with mindfulness sessions could be considered by future researchers as a possible training for healthy aging.