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

Sonja de Groot (), Frank W. L. Ettema, Christel M. C. van Leeuwen, Wendy J. Achterberg, Thomas W. J. Janssen and Sven P. Hoekstra
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Sonja de Groot: Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Frank W. L. Ettema: Reade Center for Rehabilitation & Rheumatology, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Christel M. C. van Leeuwen: Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3583 TM Utrecht, The Netherlands
Wendy J. Achterberg: Reade Center for Rehabilitation & Rheumatology, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Thomas W. J. Janssen: Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, 1054 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Sven P. Hoekstra: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 18, 1-11

Abstract: This 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). Ten individuals with SCI participated in this pilot study. These ten participants followed a 4-week WHM intervention, with one weekly group session in the rehabilitation center and daily practice at home using the WHM app. An in-person exit-interview was conducted post-intervention to collect qualitative information on participants’ experiences, regarding the feasibility and effects of the intervention. Furthermore, tests and questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention to assess physical and mental health outcomes. Adherence to the weekly in-person meetings was excellent and no adverse events occurred. Physical and mental health outcomes in this small sample size showed some pre–post differences. 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.

Keywords: preventative medicine; Wim Hof Method; secondary complications; spirometry; spinal cord injury (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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