| NCT ID | NCT07611422 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Catholic University of the Sacred Heart |
| Condition | Healthy Volunteers |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 120 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-05-10 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-07-15 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 120 participants in total. It began in 2026-05-10 with a primary completion date of 2026-07-15.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The study investigates whether repeated exposure to cold showers can improve the ability to cope with and respond to stress. In particular, it examines both the psychophysiological effects of cold showers and the role of expectations regarding their effectiveness. The research adopts a 2×2 experimental design with approximately 120 healthy adults, randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, and further divided based on the presence or absence of information emphasizing the potential benefits of the intervention. The experimental group takes warm or lukewarm showers with a final 30-second exposure to cold water at least four times per week, while the control group takes only warm or lukewarm showers. In parallel, some participants receive positive information about the effectiveness of the intervention for stress management, while others receive no specific information. At baseline and at the end of the study, participants complete questionnaires assessing perceived stress, psychological well-being, and quality of life, along with a physiological measure and a cognitive stress task (Stroop test with heart rate monitoring). During the four-week intervention period, participants keep a daily diary recording shower habits and perceived stress levels.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria Participants will be eligible for the study if they meet the following criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Good general health status, self-reported and/or certified by a medical document (e.g., general medical certificate or sports medical clearance) * Willingness to participate for the full duration of the study (4 weeks) * Ability to understand and independently complete questionnaires and study diaries * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria Participants will be excluded from the study if they present: * Uncompensated cardiovascular, neurological, or endocrine conditions considered relevant to stress or cold exposure tolerance * Medical conditions contraindicating cold exposure (e.g., Raynaud's phenomenon, cold urticaria, etc.) * Pregnancy * Use of medications that may interfere with stress responses (e.g., beta-blockers, anxiolytics, systemic corticosteroids) * Acute or unstable psychiatric disorders * Inability to comply with the experimental protocol or complete study materials * Concurrent participation in other studies involving stress or physiological regulation interventions
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07611422 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 60 Years, studying Healthy Volunteers. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07611422 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07611422 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at francesco.pagnini@unicatt.it for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07611422 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Milan, Italy.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07611422 clinical trial?
NCT07611422 is sponsored by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. The trial plans to enroll 120 participants.