Search Results (26)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a key indicator of hygienic and operational deficiencies in swimming pools, particularly in tourist facilities with high and variable user loads. This study reports the results of a four-year regulatory surveillance program (2016–2019) assessing P. aeruginosa contamination in tourist swimming pools in Andalusia, Spain. The program involved 14 hotels and 58 unique installations. A total of 2053 water samples collected from different installation types (outdoor and indoor pools, whirlpools, and cold-plunge pools) were analyzed using standardized ISO methods within the framework of Spanish legislation, and prevalence comparisons were based on proportion tests. The overall prevalence of P. aeruginosa was 5.1%, with marked differences among installation types, reflecting both variation in contamination rates and unequal sampling intensity. Whirlpools consistently showed the highest contamination rates, whereas indoor pools and cold-plunge pools exhibited lower prevalence. No significant differences were observed between chlorine- and bromine-treated pools, and contaminated samples were detected across the full range of disinfectant concentrations, including values within regulatory limits. Temporal analysis revealed that apparent seasonal peaks were installation-dependent rather than reflecting a uniform seasonal trend. Winter detections were confined to indoor pools and whirlpools, which remain operational year-round, while outdoor pools and cold-plunge pools were underrepresented during the low season due to reduced sampling. A marked increase in prevalence was observed in 2019, driven mainly by summer months and high-risk installations; however, this rise was not directly associated with tourist volume and does not support causal inference. These findings highlight the importance of installation-specific and operational factors in shaping P. aeruginosa contamination patterns. The study underscores the need for targeted surveillance strategies focusing on high-risk installations and for cautious interpretation of seasonal patterns in datasets derived from routine regulatory monitoring. Full article

This study examined the effects of contrast water therapy (CWT) on physiological, perceptual, and performance-related recovery in collegiate male swimmers following high-intensity interval training. Fifteen freestyle swimmers (19.3 ± 1.1 years) completed two sessions of five 100 m maximal-effort intervals under two recovery conditions, CWT and passive rest (PAS), in a crossover design. The CWT protocol consisted of 10 alternating immersions in hot (40–41 °C, 60 s) and cold (20–21 °C, 30 s) water. Blood lactate (LA), blood pressure (BP), and subjective fatigue (VAS-FAS) were assessed at multiple time points. Compared with PAS, CWT resulted in significantly lower post-recovery blood LA (7.75 ± 2.08 vs. 10.86 ± 2.86 mmol/L, p = 0.002) and reduced subjective fatigue (6.60 ± 1.30 vs. 7.60 ± 0.91 cm, p = 0.021), whereas no significant differences were observed in BP or 100-m swimming performance. Individual-level analyses revealed heterogeneous responses, with most swimmers demonstrating improved lactate clearance and reduced fatigue following CWT, although performance responses varied among participants. These findings indicate that CWT facilitates physiological and perceptual recovery without producing immediate performance enhancement. CWT may be considered a practical short-term recovery option for competitive swimmers, although its effectiveness likely depends on individual response characteristics. Further research involving larger and more diverse samples is warranted to clarify optimal application parameters and individual recovery profiles. Full article

The aim of the study is to carry out a technical assessment of a Hungarian baths complex, which is a major tourist center with approximately 180,000 visitors per year. The bath complex had been partially closed. Following the partial closure of the spa, a comprehensive survey was carried out, identifying four main problem areas: operational difficulties with the thermal and cold-water wells, outdated water treatment technology, structural damage to the swimming pool and general mechanical deficiencies. Based on these investigations, recommendations were made for a safe and sustainable reopening of the spa, such as the reactivation of the geothermal system, the installation of modern filtration and dosing systems, and the application of energy-efficient and intelligent technologies. Based on the recommendations, the safe, economical, and sustainable reopening of the spa can be achieved, while also providing guidance for the modernization of other spa complexes. A separate section presents detailed development proposals, such as restarting the geothermal system, applying modern water treatment technologies and intelligent control systems, renovating the pool structure, and modernizing the mechanical and electrical systems. These proposals contribute to the modernization of the spa infrastructure and can also provide guidance for solving technical problems in other similar facilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases and is often intensified by psychological stress, which can also affect bone metabolism. Although both conditions independently compromise bone health, their combined impact—particularly under acute and chronic stress—remains unclear. This pilot study aimed to assess the effects of such stressors on bone structure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods: Forty male rats, both normotensive and SHRs, were randomly assigned to control, acute stress, or chronic stress groups. Acute stress involves a single 2 h physical restraint. Chronic stress was induced over 10 days using alternating stressors: agitation, forced swimming, physical restraint, cold exposure, and water deprivation. Tibial bones were analyzed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and histology was performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome stains. Results: Micro-CT showed increased trabecular bone volume in normotensive rats under chronic stress, whereas SHRs displayed impaired remodeling under both stress types. Histological analysis revealed preserved connective tissue overall but evident changes in growth plate structure among stressed rats. SHRs exhibited exacerbated trabecular formation and cartilage abnormalities, including necrotic zones. Conclusions: Both acute and chronic stress, especially in the context of hypertension, negatively affect bone remodeling and maturation. Despite the absence of overt inflammation, structural bone changes were evident, indicating potential long-term risks. These findings highlight the importance of further studies on stress–hypertension interactions in bone health as well as the exploration of therapeutic approaches to mitigate skeletal damage under such conditions. Full article

The psychological response to cold is complex. The present study aimed to determine if regular winter swimmers differed from those who did not practise winter swimming in terms of (1) daily perceived emotional states, (2) subjectively perceived satisfaction with life, and (3) hormone concentrations. An additional objective was to investigate how a single immersion in cold water in regular winter swimmers affected their subjectively assessed emotional states and levels of stress hormones. The study involved 30 males aged 30–50 years. The experimental group consisted of 15 males who regularly practised winter swimming. The control group (n = 15) had no contact with cold water. Three measurements were taken in the study: 24 h before cold-water immersion, immediately after coming out of the 4 °C water, and 24 h after cold-water immersion. Winter swimmers had significantly higher adrenaline levels than controls. Moreover, 24 h after cold-water immersion, the winter swimming group was characterized by a significant reduction in noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations and a slight increase in cortisol concentration compared with the control group. Of interest, a slight increase in serotonin levels in the control group was observed, unlike in the winter swimming group. Dopamine levels remained unchanged. Full article

An important area of health is health promotion. A healthy lifestyle supports health improvement and early prevention of chronic diseases. Stimulation of the body by cold water swimming and swimming in a swimming pool can lead to adaptive changes beneficial for the human cardiovascular system. Within the winter swimming season of 2023/2024, for a period of 5 months, from November to March, once a week, study participants (n = 30; n = 15 females and n = 15 males) from the Krakow Society of Winter Swimmers ‘Kaloryfer’ in Krakow (Poland) practiced winter swimming in cold water (4–5 °C) and swam in the sports pool of the University of Physical Culture in Krakow in water at a temperature of 28 °C. After a full season of winter swimming and swimming pool sessions, both males and females exhibited a tendency towards lower erythrocyte (p = 0.002), leukocyte (p < 0.001), and platelet counts (p < 0.001), as well as an increase in blood plasma viscosity (within normal limits) (p = 0.001), without any changes in blood aggregation or fibrinogen indicators. The remaining morphological indicators and the elongation index demonstrated only limited variation. Winter swimming induces positive changes in blood morphology and rheology. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen associated with recreational water facilities and poses risks to public health. However, data on the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in tourist destinations like the Canary Islands, Spain, remain limited. We assessed P. aeruginosa prevalence in 23 tourist facilities from 2016 to 2019. Compliance with water quality standards was evaluated, and 3962 samples were collected and analyzed. We examined different types of recreational water installations, including outer swimming pools, whirlpools, and cold wells. Of the sampled facilities, 31.2% did not comply with the current legislation’s parametric values, mainly due to inadequate disinfectant levels, water temperature, and P. aeruginosa presence. The prevalence of P. aeruginosa was 4.8%, comparable to some European countries but lower than others. Cold wells displayed the highest non-compliance rate (89.2%) and yet exhibited a lower P. aeruginosa prevalence (1.9%) than outer swimming pools and whirlpools. Children’s presence did not significantly impact P. aeruginosa contamination. Chlorine-based disinfectants are more effective than bromine-based ones in controlling P. aeruginosa. Regional variability in contamination was observed, with Fuerteventura showing lower colonization rates. Disinfectant levels play a critical role in P. aeruginosa control, and maintaining adequate levels is essential, particularly in bromine-treated installations. Our findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of P. aeruginosa in recreational waters within tourist facilities. Tailored strategies are needed to ensure water safety in different Spanish regions. Continued monitoring and assessment, combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, will enable the implementation of targeted interventions to protect the health of recreational water users. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a series of 20 whole-body cryotherapy sessions and 20 winter swimming sessions on the level of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The experimental group consisted of 60 people (30 people received cryotherapy and 30 people swam in cold water). The control group—without intervention: 30 people. Each of the three groups was tested twice. Analyzing the changes in the examined indicators, a statistical increase of CAT was observed in men after the use of WBC, as well as an increase of SOD in women and a decrease of SOD in men after the winter swimming season. Regular WS does not seem to place an excessive burden on the body in terms of intensifying oxidative processes. WS sessions once a week can be recommended as an effective method of improving health by causing positive adaptive changes and strengthening the body’s antioxidant barrier. WBC may be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of diseases caused by oxidative stress, as it improves the body’s antioxidant capacity. Further research is needed to elucidate antioxidant mechanisms in humans and to determine the short- and long-term effects of exposure to WS and WBC. Full article

Our study aimed to explore the potential positive effects of cold water exercise on mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle energy metabolism in aging rats. The study involved 32 male and 32 female rats aged 15 months, randomly assigned to control sedentary animals, animals training in cold water at 5 ± 2 °C, or animals training in water at thermal comfort temperature (36 ± 2 °C). The rats underwent swimming training for nine weeks, gradually increasing the duration of the sessions from 2 min to 4 min per day, five days a week. The results demonstrated that swimming in thermally comfortable water improved the energy metabolism of aging rat muscles (increased metabolic rates expressed as increased ATP, ADP concentration, TAN (total adenine nucleotide) and AEC (adenylate energy charge value)) and increased mRNA and protein expression of fusion regulatory proteins. Similarly, cold-water swimming improved muscle energy metabolism in aging rats, as shown by an increase in muscle energy metabolites and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. It can be concluded that the additive effect of daily activity in cold water influenced both an increase in the rate of energy metabolism in the muscles of the studied animals and an intensification of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics (related to fusion and fragmentation processes). Daily activity in warm water also resulted in an increase in the rate of energy metabolism in muscles, but at the same time did not cause significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics. Full article

Swimming is a good form of physical activity that keeps swimmers fit and healthy. In countries with cold climates, swimming is allowed only indoors. Since adequate water and air parameters must be ensured in these buildings, they are very energy-consuming. In new buildings, modern solutions can be used, thanks to which technologically advanced energy-saving systems can be used. Unfortunately, in existing buildings, it is not always possible to make technical changes, or they are associated with high financial expenses. In this article, a method of in situ measurement of selected air parameters is proposed, on the basis of which it is possible to suggest scenarios for changes in the control of air technology and parameters in order to achieve energy savings. The easy measurement method was applied in a typical swimming pool building, and energy-saving measurements were taken on the first day to obtain a baseline. Seven scenarios were analyzed that would lead to a reduction in energy consumption without the introduction of new elements into the facility. The main task was to find a solution that ensured adequate thermal comfort in the building. Significant energy savings were achieved in each scenario: 6–47% compared to measured energy consumption. To improve the energy efficiency of swimming pools, especially in the current energy crisis related to the economic and political situation, all methods for reducing the energy demand are desirable. The proposed assessment method will allow for energy-consuming elements and allow for changes in the use of equipment in the swimming pool building. However, the main objective is to maintain the thermal comfort of swimming pool users, as no savings can be achieved at the expense of worsening the feeling of building users. Full article

Previous studies have demonstrated the energy- and water-saving potentials of showering facilities in residential buildings. However, the prospect of public showering places where multiple showerheads usually worked together according to their opening hours has often been overlooked and rarely investigated. This study measured the water flow rate in a water supply pipe to understand the water-use patterns and water consumption of showering facilities in a swimming pool. The measurements were carried out on typical cold and warm days. The results showed that the average water consumption was 50.5 L/person in December (T = 19.7 °C) and 38.6 L/person in April (T = 24.5 °C). The fluctuation of the water flow rate demonstrated a water demand pattern for the showering facilities, where the maximum water flow rate was more than twice the average level, indicating inefficient working modes of the water supply pump. To improve the current situation, an appropriately sized water tank was suggested to be installed, which could ensure a more stable water flow rate in the main supply pipe, enhancing the water supply system efficiency and saving energy for the water pump. These results contribute to establishing the design data for optimizing water tank design in swimming pools or similar buildings with public showering demand and illustrate the energy-saving potential of water supply systems in showering facilities. Nevertheless, the results of this study are only based on theoretical calculations. More comprehensive field studies with a water tank are required to confirm these findings and better elucidate the effects. Full article

Baths in cold water are a popular physical activity performed to improve health. This study aimed to determine whether repeated cold-water exposure leads to the up-regulation of antioxidant defenses and whether or not this leads to a reduction in basal and/or acute pulses of oxidative distress in humans. The study group consisted of 28 healthy male members of the WS club (average age 39.3 ± 6.1 years). The study sessions occurred at the beginning and the end of the WS season. During the WS season, the participants took 3-min cold-water baths in a cold lake once a week. Blood samples were collected three times during each session: before the bath, 30 min after the bath, and 24 h after the bath. The activity of selected antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the concentration of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, including thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD), were determined in erythrocytes. The concentration of TBARS, CD, retinol, and α-tocopherol were determined in the blood plasma, whereas the level of other LPO products, including 4-hydroxynonenal and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, were determined in the blood serum. The repeated cold exposure up-regulated most antioxidant defenses, and this led to an attenuation of most indicators of oxidative stress at the baseline and acute pulses in response to cold exposure. In conclusion, due to regular cold exposure, the antioxidant barrier of winter swimmers was stimulated. Thus, short cold-bath sessions seem to be an effective intervention, inducing promoting positive adaptive changes such as the increased antioxidant capacity of the organism. Full article

Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) causes peripheral nerve injury complications with motor and sensory dysfunction of the upper limb. Growing evidence has shown an active role played by cold-water swimming (CWS) in alleviating peripheral neuropathic pain and functional recovery. This study examined whether CWS could promote functional recovery and pain modulation through the reduction of neuroinflammation and microglial overactivation in dorsal horn neurons at the early-stage of BPA. After BPA surgery was performed on rats, they were assigned to CWS or sham training for 5 min twice a day for two weeks. Functional behavioral responses were tested before and after BPA surgery, and each week during training. Results after the two-week training program showed significant improvements in BPA-induced motor and sensory loss (p < 0.05), lower inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuole formation in injured nerves among the BPA–CWS group. Moreover, BPA significantly increased the expression of SP and IBA1 in dorsal horn neurons (p < 0.05), whereas CWS prevented their overexpression in the BPA–CWS group. The present findings evidenced beneficial rehabilitative effects of CWS on functional recovery and pain modulation at early-stage BPA. The beneficial effects are partially related to inflammatory suppression and spinal modulation. The synergistic role of CWS combined with other management approaches merits further investigation. Full article

The Yellow Sea Bottom Cold Water (YSBCW) refers to seawater with a water temperature of 10 °C or less found at the bottom of the center of the Yellow Sea. The spatiotemporal variability of the YSBCW directly affects the distribution of organisms in the marine ecosystem. In this study, hydroacoustic and net surveys were conducted in April (spring) to understand the spatial distribution of the sound scattering layer (SSL) and estimate the density of Euphausia pacifica (E. pacifica) in the YSBCW. Despite the shallow water in the YSBCW region, E. pacifica formed an SSL, which was distributed near the bottom during the daytime; it showed a diel vertical migration (DVM) pattern of movement toward the surface during the nighttime. The mean upward and downward swimming speeds around sunset and sunrise were approximately 0.6 and 0.3–0.4 m/min, respectively. The E. pacifica density was estimated in the central, western, and eastern regions; the results were approximately 15.8, 1.3, and 10.3 g/m², respectively, indicating significant differences according to region. The results revealed high-density distributions in the central and eastern regions related to the water temperature structure, which differs regionally in the YSBCW area. Additional studies are needed regarding the spatial distribution of E. pacifica in the YSBCW and its relationship with various ocean environmental parameters according to season. The results of this study contribute to a greater understanding of the structure of the marine ecosystem in the YSBCW. Full article

Regular exposure to a cold factor—cold water swimming or ice swimming and cold air—results in an increased tolerance to cold due to numerous adaptive mechanisms in humans. Due to the lack of scientific reports on the effects of extremely low outdoor temperatures on the functioning of the human circulatory system, the aim of this study was to evaluate complete blood count and biochemical blood indices in multiple Guinness world record holder Valerjan Romanovski, who was exposed to extremely cold environment from −5 °C to −37 °C for 50 days in Rovaniemi (a city in northern Finland). Valerjan Romanovski proved that humans can function in extremely cold temperatures. Blood from the subject was collected before and after the expedition. The subject was found to have abnormalities for the following blood indices: testosterone increases by 60.14%, RBC decreases by 4.01%, HGB decreases by 3.47%, WBC decreases by 21.53%, neutrocytes decrease by 17.31%, PDW increases by 5.31%, AspAT increases by 52.81%, AlAT increase by 68.75%, CK increases by 8.61%, total cholesterol decreases by 5.88%, HDL increases by 28.18%. Percentage changes in other complete blood count and biochemical indices were within standard limits. Long-term exposure of the subject (50 days) to extreme cold stress had no noticeable negative effect on daily functioning. Full article