Body Cryostimulation Research Articles

Whole Body Cryostimulation: A New Adjuvant Treatment in Central Sensitization Syndromes? An Expert Opinion.

Central sensitisation is defined as a multifactorial etiopathogenetic condition involving an increase in the reactivity of nociceptive neurons and alterations in pain transmission and perception in the central nervous system. Patients may present with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, dizziness, psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety, and anger) and social impairment. Pain can be spontaneous in onset and persistence, characterised by an exaggerated response and spread beyond the site of origin, and sometimes triggered by a non-painful stimulus. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) could be an adjuvant therapy in the management of this type of pain because of its global anti-inflammatory effect, changes in cytokines and hormone secretion, reduction in nerve conduction velocity, autonomic modulation, and release of neurotransmitters involved in the pain pathway. In several conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain), WBC affects physical performance, pain perception, and psychological aspects. Given its multiple targets and effects at different organs and levels, WBC appears to be a versatile adjuvant treatment for a wide range of conditions of rehabilitation interest. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of analgesic effect and potential actions on pain pathways, as well as to study long-term effects and potential uses in other chronic pain conditions.

Thermal responses induced by nitrogen and forced convection based partial-body cryostimulation

Partial Body Cryostimulation (PBC) involves a very cold air flow directed to the body of subjects with minimal clothing. PBC is performed in a rapid timeframe, inside an on-purposed designed cryo-cabin. Recently, cryo-cabins have been built with different energy systems, however a validation study on relative thermal responses is missing. This study was aimed at comparing thermal responses following a PBC in an electrically powered cryo-cabin based on forced convection or into a standard nitrogen-fueled cryo-cabin. In a randomized crossover fashion, thirty-six subjects (F=20; M=16) underwent both cryo-exposures lasting 150 s each. Thermal responses were assessed before and immediately after completing each PBC session. Mixed model analysis of variance revealed a significantly colder temperature after electric PBC in all the body regions (except for the thighs) with respect to a standard nitrogen based PBC (F: 16.4 ± 1.4 vs 18 ± 5.8 °C; M: 16.4 ± 1.7 vs 20.9 ± 4 °C). Moreover, a significant lower thermal discomfort was perceived at the end of electric PBC as compared to that one felt following standard PBC. For the first time, the safety and thermo-effectiveness of an electric cryo-cabin based on forced convection was ensured. This methodology can be viable for practitioners of PBC and clinicians.

Thermographic Assessment of Skin Temperature Changes following Partial Body Cryostimulation (PBC) in Football Players

Infrared thermography has been widely used to visualize skin temperature in human science. One of the important areas of its application is the analysis of changes in body surface temperature as a result of the use of physical medicine treatments in post-exercise regeneration in sports. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous temperature response in selected body areas and the range of chosen markers of skeletal muscle damage to partial body cryostimulation (PBC) as a method of post-match regeneration. Fourteen football players underwent PBC after a match. Thermographic analyses of anterior and posterior surfaces of the body were performed before and immediately after the treatment. Before, directly after, and 24, 48, and 72 h after the match serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated. After PBC, a significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in skin temperature (Tsk) in all analyzed areas occurred. The greatest drop was observed in the areas of the thighs (∆ = 9.96–11.02 °C); the smallest temperature drop occurred in the areas of the upper and lower part of the back (∆ = 6.18−6.70 °C) and in the area of the chest (∆ = 6.80 °C). The most significant positive relationships between the magnitude of change in Tsk of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the thighs, body fat, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been shown. There were no significant differences between temperatures in selected areas in relation to the sides of the body, both before and after PBC. The range of temperature changes confirms the stimulating effect of PBC. The course of changes in the concentration of CK and AST indicates a potentially beneficial effect of PBC on the course of post-workout regeneration, without side effects. Maintaining a constant body temperature during PBC comes at the expense of thermoregulatory mechanisms leading to a lower body surface temperature.

Pituitary-Thyroid System in Rats of Different Ages Under Desynchronosis, Whole-Body Cryostimulation, and Cord Blood Injection

The state of the pituitary-thyroid system central and peripheral links (according to the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T4 and T3 in blood serum) were studied in 6- and 18-month-old rats under initiated circadian desynchronosis (CD) by the light regime inverting. The CD was simulated against the background of separate and combined eff ect of both the whole body cryostimulation (–120°C) (WBC) and injections of the nucleated cells (NCs) of human cord blood, applied preventively (for a day and week, respectively). In 6-month-old rats, the TSH level decreased under the CD and its initiation after separate NCs administration and combined with WBC (by 3.4, 3.9 and 6.3 times, respectively) and remained unchanged under CD against the WBC. In 18-month-old rats the TSH level was reduced only at CD by 1.8 times. The T4 level in rats of both age groups did not change under the CD as well as during its development against the background of a combined effect of WBC and NCs administration in 6-month-old animals and against the NCs injection in 18 months-old rats. The T4 level in rats of both age groups decreased at the background of separate effect of the WBC (by 1.6 and 1.4 times, respectively). In 18-month-old animals, the T4 increased under the CD development after a combined effect of WBC and NCs injection by 1.3 times. No changes in the T3 level were found.

Different Changes in Adipokines, Lipid Profile, and TNF-Alpha Levels between 10 and 20 Whole Body Cryostimulation Sessions in Individuals with I and II Degrees of Obesity.

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. While cold therapy influences the pro/antioxidative status of an individual, by affecting adipokine levels and the lipid profile, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the response to cold exposure is unclear. We analyzed the link between BMI and the differences in effects of whole-body stimulation, depending on the number of treatments, on specific physiological parameters in men. Twenty-seven non-active men were divided into three groups: N (n = 9, BMI < 24.9), IOb (n = 9, BMI 30.0–34.9), and IIOb (BMI ≥ 35.0). The subjects participated in 20 3-min cryochamber sessions (−120 °C), 1/day, 5 days/week. Body composition was analyzed before and after treatment. Blood adiponectin (ADP), leptin (LEP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, and the lipid profile were analyzed three times: at baseline and up to 2 h after 10 and 20 sessions. The 20 treatments caused significant changes in body composition. Between 10 and 20 whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) sessions, a significant decreased was observed in the LEP and TNF-alpha levels. No significant changes in the lipid profile were noted. However, a positive tendency to regain the metabolic balance in adipose tissue was apparent in the IOb group in the tested period (decreased TG levels, increased HDL levels or the HDL/LDL ratio, and significantly decreased visceral adiposity index levels). Collectively, for people with obesity increasing the number of treatments above the standard 10 should be recommended.

Complex effects of whole body cryostimulation on hematological markers in patients with obesity.

BackgroundAdaptation, including changes in blood properties, to whole-body cryostimulation may depend on many factors, including body mass.AimThis study investigates whether hematological parameters change similarly in a group of people with obesity and a group of men with normal body weight after 10 and 20 cryostimulation treatments.MethodsIn our non-randomized trial, the participants were divided into two groups based on their body fat percentage: 14 men with a high (HBF = 29.35%) and 10 with a normal percent of body fat (NBF = 11.40%) and subjected to 20 whole body cryostimulation treatments (-120°C for 2–3 minutes). Blood samples were taken before the first and after the 10th and 20th cryostimulation. The following parameters were determined: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT), red blood cell distribution width (RDW-SD), mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), monocytes (MONO), eosinophils (EO) and basophiles (BASO).ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in red blood cells parameters such as RBC, HCT, MCV and MCHC. Time influence was noted for HCT, MCV and MCHC. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant correlation (for time and group) for 2 paramateres: RBC and MCV. For platelet parameters statistically significant differences were found for PLT (group influence) and MPV (time and group interaction). In white blood cells parameters statistically significant differences in levels of LYMPH were noted. Higher levels were observed for HBF group.ConclusionsAll observed changes were within the reference range, but hematological markers changed unevenly in people who are obese and non-obese. Therefore, it appears that an amount of fat tissue could be a factor causing the differences in adaptation to low temperature. It is suggested that 20 whole body cryostimulation sessions restore the state of homeostasis disturbed after 10 sessions.Trial registrationACTRN 12619000524190.

Blood Leukocytes in Young and Aged Rats After Whole Body Cryostimulation (–120°C)

The whole body cryostimulation (WBC) (–120°C) induces significant changes in blood leukocyte parameters in young and aged rats (total leukocyte number (leukocytosis or leukopenia); quantitative and qualitative correlation of their types, and shift direction in leukocyte formula); appearance of immature, plasm and polychromatophilic cells, cytoplasm plasmatization in some leukocytes, and changes in the integral leukocyte indices. The direction and severity of these changes depend on animals age (6–7 or 18–20 months old), number of the WBC sessions (1, 2 or 3), terms of observation (day and week) and mainly indicates physiological alterations in a body, that may be associated with the strain of involved functional systems and stress. In aged rats only, 24 hrs after the 2nd WBC session the lymphocyte percentage corresponded to a lower control value, thus indicating the training response formation at this stage. The integral leukocyte indices of aged rats underwent considerably smaller changes if compared with the young ones, especially in 24 hrs and a week after the WBC; the Garkavi adaptation index increased only in aged rats and just 24 hrs after the 3rd WBC session.

The impact of a single whole body cryostimulation treatment on selected skin properties of healthy young subjects

IntroductionSystemic cryotherapy is a popular treatment involving a short stay in a cryogenic chamber at a temperature below −100 °C. This leads to a number of physiological reactions, some of them also observed in the skin. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a single cryogenic treatment on selected skin characteristics (skin pH, level of hydration and TEWL – Transepidermal Water Loss) in young, healthy people. Materials and methodsSkin characteristics in 77 young people (23.63 ± 1.36 years) were assessed. In the study, 43 women and 33 men who took part in a one-time treatment (−120 °C) lasting 3 min. Measurements were made on the forearm skin and (in men) on the face twice: before and immediately after the procedure. Results: Initial differences in hydration of the stratum corneum and TEWL were observed between the group of women and men. After one treatment, the examined characteristics of the forearm skin did not change, and an unfavorable increase in TEWL in men was indicated in the facial area. ConclusionsA single stay in the cryogenic chamber, while maintaining the correct methodology of the treatment, is safe for the skin. The changes taking place depend on the body surface area tested, which indicates that the skin on the limbs and on the face reacts differently to the cryogenic stimulus.

Effectiveness and safety of a thermal insulating coverage on the top of the cryo-cabin during a partial-body cryostimulation.

Partial Body Cryostimulation (PBC) consists of exposing minimally dressed participants to very cold air, in a specially designed cabin (cryo-cabin), for a short period of time. In recent years, cryo-cabins have been launched with a coverage to limit thermo-dispersion, however a validation study is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare thermal responses after a PBC protocol in an open cryo-cabin or into a cryo-cabin closed at the top with a polyurethane-made lid. Eighteen young male adults completed the two 150s PBC sessions in a cross-over fashion. Temperature of the inner cabin and thermal responses were measured prior and 1, 5, 10, 20min after completing each PBC session. When covered, cryo-cabins maintained a lower temperature in the front with respect to the back. There was a significant interaction regarding coverage*time*position with a main effect of coverage. Body surfaces were significantly colder under covered condition compared to open PBC. Subjects perceived a greater thermal discomfort during a covered PBC rather than during an open condition. For the first time, the use of a coverage placed on the top of the cabin was demonstrated to maintain lower temperatures of the inner environment and the users' skin with respect to a standard PBC. This evidence indicates that practitioners and clinicians making use of PBC can successfully and safely cover cryo-cabins with an insulating lid so to improve the effectiveness of their treatments.

The Specific Judo Training Program Combined With the Whole Body Cryostimulation Induced an Increase of Serum Concentrations of Growth Factors and Changes in Amino Acid Profile in Professional Judokas.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a specific training program, supported by 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation, on growth factors concentrations, amino acids profile and motor abilities in professional judokas. Ultimately, twelve athletes took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to the cryostimulation group (CRY, n = 6) or the control group (CON, n = 6). During 2 weeks of the judo training program, the CRY group performed 10 cryo-sessions (3-min, at a temperature of −110°C) and the CON group rested passively. Anthropometric measurements, a strength test, the Special Judo Efficiency Test (SJET) were assessed 2 days before and after the judo training program. Blood samples were collected at rest, 1 h after the first and the second SJET and 1 h after the first and the last cryo-session to establish growth factors and amino acid concentrations. Lactate level was measured before, immediately after and 1 h after the first and the second SJET. The applied intervention resulted in a significant increase of resting concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (from 10.23 ± 1.61 to 15.13 ± 2.93 ng⋅ml–1; p = 0.01) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1; from 174.29 ± 49.34 to 300.50 ± 43.80 pg⋅ml–1; p = 0.00) in the CRY group. A different response was registered 1 h directly post SJET in the CRY group (a significant increase of IGF-1, interleukin 15 and irisin: p = 0.01; p = 0.00; p = 0.03). Additionally, the significant drop of proline and leucine concentrations in the CRY group was obtained. Athletes’ performance remained unchanged in both groups. However, subjects perceived positive changes induced by the intervention – not directly after cryostimulation but in response to the specific training workload. The increase of growth factors concentrations and the improvement of amino acid profile (proline and leucine) contributed to maintaining a high level of muscle function.

Blood pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in young men with class II obesity after 20 sessions of whole body cryostimulation: a preliminary study

ABSTRACT Objectives: In obesity, there is a shift in the pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance towards the oxidationreactions. However, it has been shown that in people with normal body composition, after a series of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), the balance shifts in the opposite direction. Design: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of 20 WBC treatments on blood pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance. Interventions: Study included 14 obese (BMI > 35) and 10 non-obese volunteers. Methods: The total antioxidative (TAS/TAC) and pro-oxidative status (TOS/TOC) in serum and activity of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes were determined before the first and 2 hours after the last cryostimulation. Results: In the obese group, a significantly higher level of TOS/TOC, and its significant decrease after the WBC series, was observed. Cryotherapy had no influence on TAS/TAC level which was similar in both groups. Changes in activity of antioxidant enzymes were multidirectional. An increase in CAT activity in the obese group was observed. OSI, both before and after a series of treatments, was significantly higher in obese subjects. Conclusions: A beneficial effect on the level of TOS/TOC and CAT activity was indicated, but the proposed number of treatments for patients with class II obesity turned out to be insufficient. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12619000524190.

Preliminary study on the effect of sex on skin cooling response during whole body cryostimulation (−110 °C): Modeling and prediction of exposure durations

In order to determine the required duration of whole-body exposure to extreme cold (−110 °C) in males and females for achieving the same cold-induced response, a mathematical model of skin cooling kinetics was developed. This modeling is derived from the implementation of a new experimental cryotherapy protocol to obtain continuous skin temperature maps over time. Each 3-min whole-body cryostimulation session was divided into six incremental sessions of 30 s carried out over six consecutive days. Seventeen young, healthy subjects (8 males aged 22.6 ±3.0 years and 9 females aged 23.7 ±4.7 years) agreed to participate in this study. The smallest sex-related difference in temperature was found in the trunk area (2.93 °C after 3 min) while the greatest temperature drop was found in the lower limbs (5.92 °C after 3 min). The largest temperature variation was observed between the trunk and the lower limbs, and peaked at 2.67 °C in males and 6.99 °C in females. For both sexes, skin cooling kinetics showed a strong transient exponential type decrease followed by linear regression behavior. It appeared that for achieving the same cold-induced response, the required duration of cryostimulation is longer for males. For example, a trunk skin cooling of −12 °C could be achieved in 125s for females vs 170s for males (+36% longer); for the lower limbs, the same skin cooling magnitude could be reached after 87s for females vs 140s for males (+62% longer).

The Effect of Repeated Whole-Body Cryostimulation on the HSP-70 and Lipid Metabolisms in Healthy Subjects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to 30 daily whole body cryostimulation (WBC) on lipid metabolic parameters and serum HSP-70 concentration. The study involved 45 volunteers, homogeneous in terms of diet and daily physical activity. Blood samples were collected before and after the 10(th), the 20(th), and the 30(th) session and one month after the intervention. Total cholesterol, HDL, TG concentrations and Apolipoprotein A-I, ApoB and HSP-70 protein levels were determined in serum. Additionally, the LI (Lipid Index) and the LDL level were calculated. During exposure, positive changes in the lipid profile that included a decrease in the TCh, initiated after the 20th WBC session with a simultaneous decrease in TG and LDL levels, and an increase in the HDL concentration were observed. These changes were accompanied by a downward trend in the ApoB concentration and a decrease in the ApoB:ApoA-I ratio after 30 sessions. The nature of these changes persisted for a month after the exposure. The obtained results indicate metabolic benefits that result from prolonged exposure to cryogenic temperatures, confirming the postulate of using WBC in the regulation of lipid metabolism and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Влияние разных режимов охлаждения (краниоцеребральной и иммерсионной гипотермии, поверхностных ритмических и экстремальных холодовых воздействий) на лейкоцитарные показатели крови крыс

A comparative analysis of leukocyte types number in rat blood smears at the craniocerebral (CCH 32°C) and immersion (IH 27°C) hypothermia, surface rhythmic cold exposures (RCEs 5°C) and whole body cryostimulation (WBC –120°C), as well as in 24 hrs revealed the leukocytosis (at IH and 24 hrs after CCH and IH), leukopenia (at CCH, RCEs and 24 hrs after WBC), lymphopenia, an increase in band and segmented cells (under all conditions except IH) and eosinophils (only at CCH and 24 hrs after WBC). Plasmatic cells (except WBC), polychromatophilic and immature cells (immediately and in 24 hrs after CCH and IH), cytoplasm plasmatization in some leukocytes (24 hrs after CCH and IH) were observed. Leukocyte indices showed the immunoreactivity disorder, decreased allergization, activation of cell immunity, nonspecific cell protection and inflammation (under all conditions, except IH), as well as microphages (at WBC and 24 hrs after CCH and IH), an effector component of immunity (at CCH, RCEs and 24 hrs after WBC), immediatetype hypersensitivity responses (except at CCH and 24 hrs after WBC). The nuclear shift index was increased (except RCEs and WBC). The adaptation index was raised only at IH. Probl Cryobiol Cryomed 2018; 28(4): 293-310

Effects of evening partial body cryostimulation on the skin and core temperatures

Cryostimulation is widely used to treat inflammation, rheumatism, acute soft tissue injuries, and neurodegeneration. It helps prevent injury and promotes recovery. This study aimed to examine the duration of the effects of evening partial body cryostimulation (PBC) on core and skin temperatures. Seven male athletes participated in this study. On the day of PBC, at 18:00, each athlete was exposed to PBC (approx. −180 °C) in a specially designed cabin for 3 min. On the control day, at 18:00, the participants sat still on a sofa for 10 min. On both days, bedtime was at around 23:00. Wrist and abdominal skin temperatures, except during PBC, were recorded with Thermochron thermistors after 17:30. Core temperatures were monitored with an ingestible and telemetric core body temperature sensor and a data recorder. The circadian rhythm of the core temperature was observed on both days. The core temperature at 22:30 was found to be lower on the PBC day. Wrist and abdominal skin temperatures recovered after PBC; however, the residual effects on both were different. The abdominal skin temperature at 22:30 was lower on the PBC day. Subjective sleep quality and next morning sleepiness did not differ between the conditions. These results suggested that the effects of a 3-min evening PBC session on the core and skin temperatures lasted for several hours. However, these differences did not affect the subjective sleep quality.

A 2-Week Specific Volleyball Training Supported by the Whole Body Cryostimulation Protocol Induced an Increase of Growth Factors and Counteracted Deterioration of Physical Performance.

Potentially beneficial effects of cold therapies on training adaptation still remain unequivocal. We have, thus, decided to evaluate the effects of a 2-week volleyball training program supported by 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation (WBC) on growth factors and physical performance. Twenty healthy college-aged men and women randomly assigned either to the cryostimulation group (CRY) or the control group (CON; executed passive rest). Both groups took part in the same 2-weeks training program. Additionally, the CRY group attended in 10 cryo-sessions (3 min, -110°C temperature, five times/week). Blood samples were collected at baseline, 1 h after the first cryo-session as well as before and 1 h after the last session of WBC to assess growth factors, myokines concentration and the amino acid profile. Motor abilities were tested before commencing the training program and 2 days after its completion. The applied intervention resulted in an increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations. The adjusted effect describing the difference between groups in response to applied procedures was for both growth factors large and very likely in the CRY, higher than in the CON group (113%; Coefficient Interval: 38–230%, 45%; Coefficient Interval: 17–79%, respectively). Physical performance dropped in both groups, yet in the CRY group, the magnitude of change was smaller. The fibroblast growth factor dropped significantly 1 h following the first cryo-session, yet irisin remained statistically unchanged. The similar tendency was maintained after the whole procedure, still the range of changes was smaller. In the CRY group, an elevated uptake of tryptophan and valine noted in response to the whole intervention, could have induced a significant decrease of fasting glucose concentration (the adjusted effect small and very likely -6%; Coefficient Interval: -10 to -2%). Overall, a 2-week volleyball training program supported by the whole body cryostimulation protocol resulted in an increase of growth factors and offset a decline of physical performance. Thus these procedure can be applied in professional sport during competition period, especially among those disciplines focusing on an explosive power and ability to concentrate.

Fatty acids composition in erythrocyte membranes of athletes after one and after a series of whole body cryostimulation sessions

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is a treatment often used by athletes as part of biological renewal. Despite the large interest in this form therapy there is still a lack of information on the effects of WBC on the concentration of fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes. Our study aimed at comparing the fatty acids (FA) composition of erythrocyte membranes of athletes after one session and after a series of sessions of whole body cryostimulation. In our study small changes in the level of total cholesterol (decrease) were observed 24 h after a single session. After the twelfth session of whole body cryostimulation, the level of saturated fatty acids (SFA), mainly palmitic acid (C16:0) and n-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic (EPA, C20:5n-3) increased almost two-times fold in the red blood cell membranes. The level of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA n-6), mainly gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3n-6) as well as trans fatty acids (elaidic acid) decreased in the erythrocyte membranes from men after a series of session in a cryochamber, when compared to the control sample. The n-3/n-6 FA ratio in the erythrocyte membranes was higher after twelfth session in a cryochamber in comparison to the control sample.The data obtained during our study will be important for further research regarding the biochemistry of lipids in men after sessions of whole body cryostimulation.

Repeated cryostimulation improves position sense and simple reaction time.

[Purpose] Whole body cryotherapy has been shown to have many benefits, yet nothing is known if and how this modality can improve neuromuscular performance and retain those improvements. [Subjects and Methods] Joint position sense based on the bilateral knee joint matching test and simple reaction time was investigated in 25 young healthy adults who underwent an extended period of whole body cryostimulation. The measurements were taken at baseline and after 10, 20, and 30 whole body cryotherapy sessions, with three days elapsing after the last treatment, and comparing the results with 24 control subjects. [Results] Only when 20 sessions were completed did joint position sense and simple reaction time improve in the intervention group. After 30 sessions, the outcome was similar. Equal results were found at baseline and after 10 sessions in both groups, but the intervention group outstripped controls after 20 and 30 sessions in both joint position sense and simple reaction time. [Conclusion] These results indicate that the common standard of 10 sessions is insufficient, while approximately 20 sessions of whole body cryotherapy may efficiently enhance neuromuscular performance with an ability to sustain the effects for at least three days.

The whole body cryostimulation modifies irisin concentration and reduces inflammation in middle aged, obese men

The anti-inflammatory effect induced by exposure to low temperature might trigger the endocrine function of muscle and fat tissue. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the whole body cryostimulation (CRY) on irisin, a myokine which activates oxygen consumption in fat cells as well as thermogenesis. In addition, the relationship between hepcidin (Hpc) – hormone regulating iron metabolism, and inflammation was studied.A group of middle aged men (n = 12, 38 ± 9 years old, BMI > 30 kg m−2) participated in the study. Subjects were exposed to a series of 10 sessions in a cryogenic chamber (once a day at 9:30 am, for 3 min, at temperature −110 °C). Blood samples were collected before the first cryostimulation and after completing the last one. Prior to treatment body composition and fitness level were determined. The applied protocol of cryostimulation lead to rise the blood irisin in obese non-active men (338.8 ± 42.2 vs 407.6 ± 118.5 ng mL−1), whereas has no effect in obese active men (371.5 ± 30.0 vs 343.3 ± 47.6 ng mL−1). Values recorded 24 h after the last cryo-session correlated significantly with the fat tissue, yet inversely with the skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, we concluded the subcutaneous fat tissue to be the main source of irisin in response to cold exposures. The applied cold treatment reduced the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Hpc concentration confirming its anti-inflammatory effect.

Muscular Damage and Kidney Function in Rugby Players after Daily Whole Body Cryostimulation

Muscular damage, consequent to strenuous activities, could exceed the recovery potential of muscles and determine renal failure. Whole body cryostimulation is a cold-based therapy used to improve recovery or overcome fatigue symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated sessions of cryostimulation on muscle damage, renal function, and their relationship. Serum samples, from 27 elite rugby players, under training, before and after 2 sessions/day of cryotherapy over 7 days, were tested for markers of muscular (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase) and renal (creatinine, cystatin C) functions. eGFR was calculated with two formulas based on either serum creatinine concentration (MDRD) or serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations (creatinine/cystatin C CKD EPI). Pre- and posttreatment differences were determined by Wilcoxon’s test; correlations were evaluated with Spearman’s test. Cryostimulation helped muscular recovery (increased lactate dehydrogenase activity (P&lt;0.001) and the stabile creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activities). Creatinine was unaffected while cystatin C was increased (P=0.013). Creatinine-based eGFR was not affected by cryostimulation, while creatinine/cystatin C-based eGFR showed a slight decrease (P=0.015). eGFR and muscular biomarkers were not correlated, suggesting a real recovery effect of cryotherapy. Cystatin C seemed more sensible than creatinine in evaluating the kidney function.