Rapid habituation of the cold shock response

Sudden immersion into cold water initiates a series of cardio-respiratory responses collectively known as the cold shock response (CSR) which may increase an individual's risk of drowning. The CSR is stimulated by a rapid fall in skin temperature and includes tachycardia, a reflex inspiratory gasp followed by uncontrollable hyperventilation. Repeated cold water immersions conducted over several days have been shown to reduce the magnitude of the CSR [1]. This study investigated whether an habituation could be achieved in a couple of hours; it was hypothesised that following this rapid habituation the CSR would be reduced on a subsequent cold water immersion.