A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Denise Hill from Swansea University is examining the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) on military veterans suffering from PTSD, making it the first of its kind in the UK.

This research is particularly significant as PTSD affects approximately 8% of UK veterans annually, presenting serious challenges for their mental health.

The study involves monitoring cortisol levels in participants during weekly 10-minute cold water sessions off the south Wales coast, alongside saliva samples and post-swim questionnaires assessing wellbeing and PTSD symptoms.

After each immersion session, veterans complete questionnaires that evaluate their wellbeing, depression, and PTSD symptoms, providing valuable data for the research.

Participants have reported feeling invigorated and mentally refreshed after their cold water experiences, despite the Bristol Channel's average water temperature being around 9°C (48°F).

If proven effective, this research could lead to more accessible treatment options for veterans, enhancing their mental health support.

The study aims to determine if CWI can serve as a supplementary treatment for PTSD, alongside traditional therapies.

Dr. Hill emphasizes that this study is a crucial first step in exploring CWI as a complementary therapy, with the potential to open new treatment pathways for veterans.

Initial findings suggest that cold water immersion may have a positive impact on several PTSD symptoms among the participants.

She also highlights the importance of evidence-based research to support the integration of cold water therapy into existing PTSD treatment plans.

Despite the prevalence of PTSD, with one in ten people in the UK affected, there has been limited research on the condition and virtually none focusing on the impact of cold water immersion.

Future phases of the research will include blood sampling and interviews with participants to further investigate the mental health effects of cold water immersion.