The Wim Hof Methods Effect on Heart Rate Variability and Subjective Well-Being

Abstract: The Wim Hof Method (WHM) is a contemporary combination of techniques including a breathing exercise, mindset and cold exposure. Interest in the method has blossomed in recent years as scientific studies has presented promising results on the methods impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as well as the immune system. However, although biological factors have been demonstrated as a result of the method, psychological measures are lacking. In this study Subjective Well Being (SWB) was measured which refers to psychological attributes such as happiness, fulfilment and enrichment. As a biological marker Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was measured as it is theorised to be an indirect measure of the ANS which in turn often have been associated to reflect mental health. Measures of SWB and HRV were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Thirty-two participants met the inclusion criteria and were randomised into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group was asked to do 10 days of WHM home practice after an initial introductory training. Meanwhile the control group were asked to live life as usual. Twenty-six participants completed the post assessments, and the collected data were analysed across time. It was found that participants in the intervention group reported a significant decrease in negative affect from pre-intervention to post-intervention in comparison to those in the control group. The present study adds to the existing research on the WHM by assessing new measures that reflect psychological well-being, namely SWB and HRV.