Evaluation of the Safety and the Influence of a W Whole Body Cryotherapy on the Level of Pain Perception and Functional Capacity of Patients at Different Age

Abstract

Introduction: Whole body cryotherapy with kinesitherapy can potentially improve the everyday functioning of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of whole body cryotherapy on the pain perception and functional efficiency of patients with pain syndromes in a different age and to assess the occurrence of adverse effects during treatment. Material and Methods: The study involved 40 patients with pain syndromes aged between 24 and 73 divided into 2 groups: group I (younger) up to 55 years old and group II (older) over 55 years old. The subjects underwent a series of 10 treatments of cryotherapy. The following tests were used to assess functional performance and pain: FTSST (Five Times Sit- to- Stand Test), TUG (Timed Up and Go Test), VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) Modified Pain Questionnaire according to Laitinen. Results: In the group I: the intensity of pain on the VAS scale was reduced after the first treatment (p=0.003); after a series of 10 treatments improvement in pain scales (VAS: p = 0.001, Laitinen Questionnaire: p = 0.002) and functional tests (TUG: p = 0.002, FTSST: p <0.001) was obtained. In the group II: improvement in pain perception at VAS scale after first treatment (p = 0.01) was achieved and after a series of 10 treatments, functional improvement (TUG: p = 0.006, FTSST: p <0.001) and in results in pain scales (VAS: p = 0.04, Laitinen questionnaire: p = 0.05) was obtained. Conclusions: Whole body cryotherapy with kinesitherapy contribute to the reduction of pain after only a single exposure, and after a series of 10 treatments occur to improve performance of functional tests. Cryotherapy may be associated with adverse effects, which are relatively rare, disappear quickly and do not endanger the life or health of patients. The age of patients has no significant effect on the final outcomes of therapy and on the occurrence of adverse effects.