PhD Studentship: Understanding the Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Ice Baths

In recent years there has been an increase in the popularity of cold exposure such as cold-water swimming and ice baths. There have been many claims in the media that cold exposure can bring about a wide range of health improvements. Yet many of these claims are anecdotal and therefore lack substantive evidence. Important aspects that have received considerable attention are the reported benefits to mental health and wellbeing. As such there is a clear need for scientific research to provide empirical evidence for these claims and to develop a better understanding of the specific stimulus (e.g. water temperature and exposure duration) and psycho-physiological processes that underpin how these benefits are conferred. 

Project details

This industry co-funded project with Brass Monkey Health Ltd ® and aims to deliver scientific evidence for the efficacy of various ‘ice bath’ immersion practices to improve mental health and wellbeing alongside developing our understanding of the underlying psycho-physiological mechanisms.

The PhD programme will aim to:

• characterise and quantify the magnitude of improvement in health and wellbeing in relation to the duration and conditions of various ‘ice bath’ exposures.
• better understand how using ‘ice baths’ works to improve specific aspects of human health and wellbeing.
• develop guidance for safe and effective ‘ice bath’ use.

To address these aims a series of acute and chronic studies will be designed and conducted to assess how individuals respond to single and repeated sessions of cold-water immersion at varying temperatures and durations. A range of psycho-physiological measurements will be made to better understand responses to these stimuli. The student will receive training in a range of techniques across the fields of applied physiology, psychology, thermal biology and biochemistry.

Interested applicants are welcome to contact Dr Tom Cullen for an informal discussion about position. 

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Additional requirements

• Applicants should have 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area such as human physiology, psychology, neuroscience or sports science.
• The potential to engage in innovative research and complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study. 

How to apply

To find out more about the project, please contact Dr Tom Cullen plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

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