Research Review

Articles tagged with "Research Review".

Systematic Review: Effects of Cold Exposure on Cognitive Performance

Tags: Neurology, Exercise Recovery, Cold Therapy, Research Review

January 16, 2026

Can Cold Air or Cold Water Affect Your Brain Function?

Yes. This 2021 systematic review found that in 15 of 18 studies, cold exposure caused measurable drops in thinking ability. Attention, memory, processing speed, and executive function were all affected, and the impairment happened before body temperature dropped to dangerous levels.

Researchers analyzed studies from 1975 to 2021 that tested healthy adults in controlled cold environments. Eight studies used cold air chambers (temperatures from -10°C to 10°C), while ten studies used cold water immersion (temperatures from 4.7°C to 15°C).

Systematic Review/meta-analysis: Postexercise Cwi and Resistance

Tags: Exercise Recovery, Cold Therapy, Research Review, Evidence-Based Medicine

January 16, 2026

Do Ice Baths After Weight Training Hurt Muscle Growth?

Yes. This meta-analysis of 8 studies found that cold water immersion immediately after resistance training likely reduces muscle growth. The effect appears to be at least small in magnitude and applies to both trained and untrained individuals.

Researchers combined data from all available studies comparing resistance training alone versus resistance training followed by cold water immersion. While ice baths may help with short-term recovery, they appear to work against your long-term muscle-building goals.

Trigeminal Cardiac Reflex and Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation Review

Tags: Cardiovascular Health, Cold Therapy, Surgery, Research Review

January 16, 2026

Does the Trigeminal Cardiac Reflex Affect Blood Flow to the Brain?

Yes. This review shows that stimulating facial nerves triggers a powerful reflex that changes both heart rate and blood flow to the brain. When researchers activated this reflex in rats using jaw extension, they observed blood pressure drops and prolonged dilation of brain blood vessels lasting up to 3 hours.

The trigeminal cardiac reflex (TCR) is a well-known phenomenon in surgery. When facial nerves are stimulated, heart rate and blood pressure drop. This review explores something less understood: how this reflex also affects blood flow to the brain.