In 1702, an English doctor named Sir John Floyer conducted one of history’s first controlled experiments to test whether cold water bathing could improve athletic performance. He had two boys of similar speed race 100 yards, then dunked the loser in cold water and had them race again. The boy who was dunked in cold water won the second race, suggesting cold water might boost performance. While this experiment is fascinating from a historical perspective, it was very small and conducted centuries ago with methods we’d consider informal by today’s standards. This research shows how scientists have long been curious about whether cold exposure affects athletic ability.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether dunking a person in cold water could improve their running speed and athletic performance
  • Who participated: Two boys who were described as having similar speed and strength at the start of the experiment
  • Key finding: The boy who was immersed in cold water after losing the first race won the second race, suggesting cold water might have temporarily improved his performance
  • What it means for you: This historical experiment is interesting but too small and too old to guide modern decisions about cold water and exercise. Modern research uses much larger groups and better methods to test these ideas. Don’t try extreme cold water treatments without talking to a doctor first.

The Research Details

Sir John Floyer and Edward Baynard designed what may be one of the earliest controlled experiments in medical history. They selected two boys who appeared to have similar athletic abilities and had them race 100 yards. After the first race, they immersed the losing boy in cold water. The boys then raced again to see if the cold water treatment changed the outcome.

This type of experiment is called a ‘controlled trial’ because it compares two conditions: racing without cold water treatment versus racing after cold water treatment. The researchers kept other factors the same (the same two boys, the same distance, the same location) so they could focus on whether cold water made a difference.

Floyer published this experiment in a 1702 book about cold water bathing. Historians believe Floyer himself conducted the experiment, though it was described in a letter attributed to his colleague Baynard. The fact that Floyer wrote about it with such confidence suggests he actually witnessed it happen.

This experiment is historically important because it shows early scientific thinking about testing ideas through controlled comparison rather than just guessing or relying on stories. However, by modern standards, it’s extremely limited—only two participants, no way to know if the results happened by chance, and no detailed measurements of how much faster the boy ran.

This study has significant limitations that modern readers should understand: it involved only two boys (far too small to draw reliable conclusions), there’s no documentation of exact times or measurements, we don’t know if the result could be repeated, and there’s no way to rule out other explanations (like the boy being more motivated after the cold water, or just getting lucky). The study is valuable as a historical artifact showing early experimental thinking, but it cannot be used to make health recommendations today.

What the Results Show

According to the historical account, the boy who lost the first 100-yard race and was then immersed in cold water won the second race. This suggests that cold water exposure might have temporarily improved his running speed or performance.

Floyer appeared confident enough in this result to publish it and promote cold water bathing as a treatment. He may have used this experiment as a demonstration to convince others that his cold water therapy was effective.

However, it’s important to note that with only two participants and no precise measurements, we cannot know if this result was due to the cold water, chance, increased motivation, or other factors. Modern science would require many more participants and careful measurement to draw any conclusions.

Beyond this single race experiment, Floyer also made other observations about health and the body. He recorded how pulse rate (heart rate) changed based on age, sex, diet, and the time of year. He organized this information in basic tables and noticed that pulse rates varied naturally from person to person. By connecting different pulse rates to health outcomes, Floyer was thinking ahead to how modern doctors use measurements to make decisions about patient care.

Floyer’s work represents an early attempt at experimental medicine at a time when most medical knowledge came from observation and tradition rather than testing. His approach of comparing two similar situations to isolate the effect of one change (cold water) was innovative for 1702. However, modern research on cold water and athletic performance uses much larger groups, precise measurements, and statistical analysis to determine whether effects are real or just due to chance.

This study has several important limitations: (1) Only two boys participated, which is far too small to draw reliable conclusions; (2) No precise measurements of running times were recorded; (3) We don’t know if the result could be repeated with other boys; (4) Many other factors could explain the result, such as the boy being more motivated, warmed up, or simply getting lucky; (5) There’s no information about how cold the water was or how long the boy was immersed; (6) The experiment was never formally repeated or verified by others.

The Bottom Line

This 300-year-old experiment is historically interesting but too limited to guide modern health decisions. Modern research on cold water exposure and athletic performance is still ongoing and shows mixed results depending on the type of activity and individual factors. If you’re interested in cold water therapy, consult with a doctor or sports medicine professional rather than relying on this historical anecdote. (Confidence level: Low—this is a historical curiosity, not current medical evidence.)

This research is primarily of interest to historians of medicine and science. It shows how scientific thinking has evolved over 300 years. It should NOT be used by athletes or coaches to make decisions about cold water training, as modern research methods are far more reliable. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other health issues should definitely avoid extreme cold water exposure without medical supervision.

This is a historical study, not a modern intervention. There are no realistic timelines for health benefits because the experiment is too old and too small to provide reliable guidance for today’s world.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user is interested in cold water exposure and athletic performance, they could track: (1) Water temperature, (2) Duration of exposure, (3) Athletic performance metrics (running time, distance, or perceived effort), and (4) Recovery time. However, they should do this only under medical supervision and with proper safety precautions.
  • Rather than jumping into cold water bathing based on a 300-year-old experiment, users should: (1) Consult a healthcare provider before trying cold water therapy, (2) Start gradually with cool (not cold) water if approved, (3) Never use extreme cold water without supervision, and (4) Track how they feel rather than assuming it will improve performance.
  • Long-term tracking should focus on safety and comfort rather than performance claims. Users could monitor: (1) How their body responds to cold exposure, (2) Any adverse effects like numbness or pain, (3) Overall recovery and well-being, and (4) Whether they’re following medical guidance. This should be done in consultation with a healthcare provider.

This article discusses a historical medical experiment from 1702 that is not suitable for guiding modern health decisions. The experiment involved only two participants and lacks the rigorous methods used in modern research. Cold water immersion can pose serious health risks, including cold shock response, hypothermia, and cardiac stress, particularly for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other health issues. Do not attempt cold water bathing or extreme cold exposure without first consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. This historical account is presented for educational and historical interest only, not as medical advice or recommendation for treatment.