The Effect of Mindset and Breathing Exercises on Physical and Mental Health in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury—A Pilot Feasibility Study

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186784 · Published: September 20, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how the Wim Hof Method (WHM), focusing on breathing and mindset exercises, affects the physical and mental well-being of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Ten participants with SCI engaged in a 4-week WHM intervention, attending weekly group sessions and practicing daily using a WHM app. The study found that the WHM is feasible and may have positive effects on physical and mental health outcomes in people with SCI, suggesting that a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Ten individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants experienced positive changes such as better sleep, feeling more relaxed, and having more energy.
2
A statistically significant improvement was found in the respiratory parameter FVC (forced vital capacity) from the beginning to the end of the study.
3
Sleep quality significantly improved, and the hyperventilation sumscore was significantly decreased following the intervention.

Research Summary

This pilot study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of mindset and breathing exercises (Wim Hof Method (WHM)) on physical and mental health in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). This pilot feasibility study provides preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and efficacy of the WHM, including mindset and breathing exercises, on physical and mental health of people with SCI. These results warrant a randomized-controlled trial, including cold exposure, of this novel intervention in people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Feasibility and Safety

The WHM, involving breathing exercises and mindset, can be safely and feasibly applied in people with SCI.

Potential Improvements

The WHM may lead to improvements in physical (e.g., respiratory function) and mental health outcomes in individuals with SCI.

Future Research

The study supports the need for a larger randomized-controlled trial to further investigate the efficacy of the WHM in this population.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not formally monitor the adherence of the home-based practice with the WHM app.
2
The duration of the intervention, i.e., 4 weeks, was rather short due to practical (clinical) reasons.
3
Subjective outcomes reported through questionnaires may be influenced by motivational aspects associated with participating in a study investigating a novel intervention.

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