Body Cryotherapy Research Articles

Evidence-based physical therapy of rheumatic diseases

New studies increase the evidence, that different applications of physical therapy are effective. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) physiotherapy of the hands improve strength, joint mobility and activity without increased risk of pain nor inflammation. A theory-based physiotherapy of the hands shows clinical effectiveness and cost-utility. In patients with spondyloarthritides supervised group exercise training is more effective than home exercise programs. Compared with biologics only combined exercise training and tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitor therapy improve mobility and disease activity more effectively. Aerobic exercise training reduces fatigue in RA. Working wrist splints and static resting splints improve pain and grip strength. Static resting splints reduce the risk of hand deformities. Local and whole body cryotherapy show short term improvement of pain and inflammatory activity. German S3-guidelines recommend enhanced utilisation of physical therapy as well as coordinated multiprofessional team care and rehabilitation.

Whole body and local cryotherapy in restless legs syndrome: A randomized, single-blind, controlled parallel group pilot study

ObjectiveTreatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is primarily based on drugs. Since many patients report improvement of symptoms due to cooling their legs, we examined the efficacy of cryotherapy in RLS. Patients and methods35 patients (28 women, 60.9±12.5years) with idiopathic RLS and symptoms starting not later than 6pm were randomized into three groups: cold air chamber at −60°C (n=12); cold air chamber at −10°C (n=12); local cryotherapy at −17°C (n=11). After a two week baseline, the different therapies were applied three minutes daily at 6pm over two weeks, followed by a four week observation period. The patients completed several questionnaires regarding RLS symptoms, sleep, and quality of life on a weekly basis (IRLS, ESS), VAS and sleep/morning protocol were completed daily, MOSS/RLS-QLI were completed once in each period. Additionally, the PLM index was measured by a mobile device at the end of baseline, intervention, and follow-up. The IRLS score was chosen as primary efficacy parameter. ResultsAt the end of follow-up, significant improvement of RLS symptoms and quality of life could be observed only in the −60°C group as compared to baseline (IRLS: p=0.009; RLS-QLI: p=0.006; ESS: p=0.020). Local cryotherapy led to improvement in quality of life (VAS4: p=0.028; RLS-QLI: p=0.014) and sleep quality (MOSS: p=0.020; MOSS2: p=0.022) but not in IRLS and ESS. In the −10°C group, the only significant effect was shortening of number of wake phases per night. Serious side-effects were not reported. ConclusionsWhole body cryotherapy at −60°C and, to a less extent, local cryotherapy seem to be a treatment option for RLS in addition to conventional pharmacological treatment. However, the exact mode of cryotherapy needs to be established.

Ocena funkcji poznawczych u kajakarzy z reprezentacji narodowej przed i po zastosowaniu krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej

Introduction. Using the Quick Mind Testing method, the efficiency of cognitive functions in kayakers after physical training combined with whole body cryotherapy was assessed. Material and methods. The athletes (n = 17) performed the Quick Mind Testing on the first day and at the end of a 2-month training cycle, as well as before and after whole body cryotherapy conducted between the 5th and the 15th day of the cycle. Cryotherapy was administered twice a day, before and after training (20 sessions altogether). One cryotherapy session lasted 3 mins with the temperature gradually decreased from the initial -120 o C to the final -145 o C. Results. After the training period, the kayakers committed approx. 2 times less incorrect Go and NoGo reactions, and approx. 12% more correct NoGo (p < .004) reactions, as well as gave more correct answers in the ATTENTION test (p < .004) than on the first day of training. After cryotherapy, as compared with the results obtained before the cryochamber stimulation, the kayakers gave more correct answers in the ATTENTION test. Conclusions. Physical training combined with whole body cryotherapy increases the mental efficiency of kayakers, which may affect the efficiency of physical exercise.

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.

Impact of Whole Body Cryotherapy at -110°C on Subjects with Arterial Hypertension.

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) in a cryo-chamber as a medical treatment was first established in Japan in the 1980s, later in Central Europe, and is now becoming more popular also in the United States. The exposure to extreme, non-physiological environmental conditions in a cryo-chamber at -110°C may exceed the normal adaption capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WBC on blood pressure (BP) readings in adult subjects with rheumatic disorders and normal or moderately elevated BP. A sample of 23 subjects (8 female, 15 male) which were recruited according to their pathology between the age of 35 and 69years undergoing 21 WBC applications was divided into three groups: a group of subjects with anti-hypertensive therapy, a group of subjects with mild arterial hypertension without medical treatment, and a normotensive control-group. A total of 483 BP readings were taken immediately before and after each WBC application. The systolic and diastolic BP were recorded, and the mean arterial pressure, and the amplitude of BP were calculated. A statistically significant rise of BP after WBC was found in the whole sample and in the normotensive group. Over the course of time, no significant change of BP behavior was observed, except for normotensive subjects, who showed a wider range in their systolic BP values. Generally accepted exclusion criteria were applied, and in our sample group WBC was safe with respect to unwanted BP alterations for adult subjects under 70years-regardless of a pre-existing untreated mild or pharmacologically treated arterial hypertension. Greater changes of BP values might infrequently occur, so an individual monitoring of subjects is necessary.

Whole body cryotherapy in rehabilitation of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. A randomised controlled study

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affecting joints and ligamentous attachments of axial skeleton. AS causes characteristic inflammatory back pain, inflammation of the tendons, stiffness, and often peripheral arthritis. The prevalence of AS is between 0.1 and 1.4%.Men aremore often affected than are women, with a ratio of roughly 2 to 1. About 80% of patients develop the first symptoms at an age younger than 30 years, and less than 5% of patients present at older than 45 years. Physiotherapy and supervised exercise are widely accepted part of the non-pharmacological treatment of patients with AS. Cryotherapy is frequently used to supplement the rehabilitation of patients with rheumatic diseases owing to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. There is little research which examines the use of whole body cryotherapy in rehabilitation of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Whole body cryotherapy is an extreme method administered at −110 degrees for 2 to 3minutes. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the whole body cryotherapy −110 ◦C combined with kinesiotherapy and kinesiotherapy alone have effect on: disease activity and functional capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Methods: Patients with AS (n= 43) were recruited in a randomised controlled study to receive whole body cryotherapy at −110 degrees (3min) with combined kinesiotherapy (Group 1, n= 20) and the use of kinesiotherapy alone (Group 2, n= 23). Group 1 had 1 cryotherapy session daily plus 45min of kinesiotherapy for 8 days. Group 2 had just 45min of kinesiotherapy for 8 days. Both groups received 15min of morning exercises. Patients were assessed according to functional capacity (BASFI, BASMI), disease activity (BASDAI), chest expansion (CE). The evaluation was performed before and after 8 days of therapy. Results: The treated groups did not differ with respect to Age (p= 0.956), BMI (p= 0.978), BASDAI (p= 0.952). After the therapy, both groups exhibited similar improvements. Statistically significant differences were noted after therapy in Group 1 in every test: BASFI (4.55± 2.03 vs. 6.48± 1.68, p= 0.0029); BASMI (5.26± 1.57 vs. 6.06± 1.49; p= 0.0029); BASDAI (3.91± 1.69 vs. 6.01± 1.52; p= 0.0047); CE 2.08± 1.48 vs. 1.54± 1.41; p= 0.0077). Statistically significant differences were noted after therapy in Group 2 in two tests: BASFI (4.27± 1.56 vs. 5.85± 1.65; p= 0.0019); BASMI (4.39± 1.29 vs. 4.66± 1.26; p= 0.1005); BASDAI (4.56± 1.60 vs. 5.80± 1.33; p= 0.0047); CE (1.96± 1.36 vs. 1.92± 1.24; p= 0.8336). Group 1 had statistically significant better therapy than Group 2 in BASMI (p= 0.038). Conclusion(s): Whole body cryotherapy with kinesiotherapy and kinesiotherapy alone for a 8 days period led to the improvement in functional capacity and reduce disease activity. Both therapies shows positive effects on patients withAS. Further studies are necessary. Implications: There are few studies that confirm the effectiveness of cryotherapy in ankylosing spondylitis. Our research presented only effects right after treatment. Consideration should be given long-term effects.

To compare the effectiveness of whole body cryotherapy against steam therapy in patients with Chronic Fibromyalgia

To compare the effectiveness of whole body cryotherapy against steam therapy in patients with Chronic Fibromyalgia

An attempt to improve Ferreira-Junior model concerning the anti-inflammatory action of whole-body cryotherapy after exercise induced muscular damage (EIMD).

Recently, an interesting model trying to explain the anti-inflammatory action of whole body cryotherapy (WBC) after exercise induced muscular damage (EIMD) was published by Ferreira Junior et al. in Frontiers in Physiology (Ferreira-Junior et al., 2014). The authors have suggested that soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) could be one of the main influencing compounds that could regulate the cryotherapy anti-inflammatory response. According to the authors, after EIMD sarcomeres are disrupted leukocytes (neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes) are mobilized to the injured tissue via sICAM-1. Afterward, pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species are produced in muscle by leukocytes. Together, leukocytes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species cause intramuscular degradation, which amplifies the initial muscle damage. The authors suggested that a drop in core temperature induced by WBC would likely cause constriction of local arterioles and venules and lower the amount of leukocytes arriving to the exercise-induced muscular inflammation. Moreover, WBC may hasten the recovery from EIMD by reducing sICAM-1 and therefore limiting the migration of leukocytes from blood circulation to the damaged tissues. The first part of the explanation concerning the WBC-induced vasoconstriction is understandable though a drop in core temperature is not always clear (no changes in core temperature has been observed after 2 min exposure at −110°C Westerlund et al., 2003). However, concerning the second part of the explanation dealing with a lower concentration of circulating sICAM-1. I would argue that an increase in the blood concentration of this analyte might paradoxically occur. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is a widely distributed adhesion factor present on the surfaces of endothelial cells and leukocytes. This protein mediates adhesion and transmigration of leukocytes through the endothelium. Surface expressed ICAM-1 is apparently shed from the cells and then circulates as soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) although the full mechanism is not clear. Therefore, blood sICAM-1 concentration increase may be due to several mechanisms: - an increase in the shedding of the ICAM-1 due to increased secretases activaty - an increase in the expression of ICAM-1 on cell membranes with no changes in secretases activity - an increase both in the shedding of the ICAM-1 and in the expression of ICAM-1 on cell membranes. If we suppose that the amount of ICAM-1 expressed on membranes (endothelium and leukocytes) remains relatively stable, an increase in the shedding of ICAM-1 will increase the circulating concentration of sICAM-1 and lower the possibilities of initiating leukocyte diapedesis. The regulation of sICAM-1 in blood is not clear. However, secretases responsible for the shedding may be stimulated through catecholamines and other factors. One study showed that exercise induced increase in sICAM-1 may be blocked by the infusion of propanolol (Rehman et al., 1997). Moreover, we have shown that catecholamines (especially noradrenaline) and diverse cytokines are produced and released in circulation after cold stimulation, especially after a 2-min exposure at −110°C (Leppaluoto et al., 2008). Therefore, cold exposure could induce an extra release of sICAM-1 and subsequently could induce a decrease of muscle inflammation. A few years ago, we studied the effects of psychological and physical stress in humans on the concentration of many analytes and stress hormones, and among those compounds we analyzed serum sICAM-1 (Dugue et al., 1999). We observed an increased concentration of circulating sICAM-1 after both psychological (driving license examination) and thermal (sauna and bathing in ice-cold water) stress. Other authors have observed similar changes after cold exposure (Buemi et al., 1997). Interestingly, in the thermal stress setting we had regular winter swimmers (some enthusiastic people appreciating a dip in ice-cold water several times per week during the winter season e.i. October to April in Finland where those studies were conducted) among our volunteers. At the end of the winter season, our regular winter swimmers had a higher concentration of sICAM-1 compared with occasional winter swimmers. Adaptation to repeated hot and cold stress has been postulated as a mechanism resulting in increased resistance to stress and diseases, and winter swimmers feel that regular swimming/bathing in ice-cold water is wholesome and that they fall ill less often than others (Dugue and Leppanen, 2000). Similarly, regular exercise is suppose to be wholesome. However, exercise training over a period of 2 months leads to an increase in sICAM-1 (Baum et al., 1994). Nevertheless, there is for the time being no information available on the changes of sICAM-1 due to the combine effects of EIMD and whole-body cryostimulation (maybe a better term in that context than cryotherapy). sICAM-1 may be an important regulating substance in EIMD and cryostimulation and it should definitely be advisable to investigate that compound in that context.

Muscular disorders associated with ankylosing spondylitis and their correction with the help of whole body cryotherapy

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the possibilities for the correction of muscular disorders associated with ankylosing spondylitis and their correction with the help of whole body cryotherapy. The study included 55 patients randomly allocated to two groups. Group 1 was comprised of the patients treated with the use of the common mineral baths, physiotherapy, therapeutic physical exercises, spinal massage, and whole body air-cryotherapy. Group 2 contained the patients who were treated in a similar way with the exception of whole body cryotherapy; they served as controls. Muscular disorders were diagnosed by means of functional muscular testing. The study has demonstrated the high prevalence of muscular disorders in the patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. Moreover, it revealed the profile of such disorders associated with ankylosing spondylitis and showed significant correlation between the results of functional muscular testing, BASMI and BASFI indices as well as characteristics of chest excursions (p<0.01). The analysis of the results of the treatment gave evidence of the higher effectiveness of the combined treatment including whole body cryotherapy in comparison with the alternative therapeutic modalities employed in the present study. This therapeutic modality ensured the statistically more pronounced improvement of functional muscular testing parameters (p<0.05), muscle strength and extensibility, as well as certain other clinical and functional characteristics. The groups of muscles most susceptible to cryogenic therapy have been identified. The data obtained in the present study shed light on some specific features of the action of whole body cryotherapy accounting for its corrective influence on the muscular disorders in the patients presenting with ankylosing spondylitis. It is concluded that the proposed approach can be recommended for the introduction in the combined therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment of muscular disorders associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

Effects of a single whole body cryotherapy (-110°C) bout on neuromuscular performance of the elbow flexors during isokinetic exercise.

It has been demonstrated that body cooling may decrease neuromuscular performance. However, the effect of a single session of whole body cryotherapy (-110°C) on neuromuscular performance has not been well documented. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single exposure of WBC on elbow flexor neuromuscular performance. Thirteen physically active, healthy young men (age=27.9±4.2 years, mass=79.4±9.7 kg, height=176.7±5.2 cm) were randomly exposed to 2 different experimental conditions separated by a minimum of 72 h: 1) whole body cryotherapy- 3 min at -110°C; 2) control- 3 min at 21°C. All subjects were tested for maximal isokinetic elbow flexion at 60°.s(-1) 30 min before and 10 min after each condition. There were no significant differences in peak torque, average power, total work or muscle activity between conditions. Peak torque was lower at post-test compared to pre-test in both conditions (F=6.58, p=0.025). However, there were no differences between pre-test and post-test for any other variables. These results indicate that strength specialists, athletic trainers and physical therapists might utilize whole body cryotherapy before training or rehabilitation without compromising neuromuscular performance of the elbow flexors.

Cardiovascular and autonomic responses to whole-body cryostimulation in essential hypertension

Over recent years, a considerable increase in the popularity of cryostimulation and whole body cryotherapy (WBC) procedures has occurred both among healthy individuals and in various groups of patients, including those with primary untreated hypertension. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of WBC on the functional parameters of cardiovascular system in normotensive and primarily hypertensive individuals.The study included 26 young male volunteers with normal blood pressure range (NormoBP) and 13 with essential arterial hypertension (HyperBP). Each subject was exposed to cryotherapeutic factor (whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation, WBC) at a temperature of approximately −115°C to −125°C for a period of 3min. The cardiovascular and autonomic parameters were measured noninvasively with Task Force® Monitor. Measurements in a supine position and tilt test were performed “before WBC” and “after WBC”.Our study revealed that cryogenic temperatures exert strong modulatory effect on the cardiovascular system. Both groups showed adaptive changes of myocardial and vascular parameters in response to rapid cooling of virtually the whole body surface. While the profiles of some of these changes were similar in both the groups, also several considerable intergroup differences were documented. Consequently, the cryostimulation and cryotherapy treatment should be prescribed carefully to individuals who present with cardiovascular failure of any degree.

Whole Body Cryotherapy Differentially Affects Postural Control Depending on Experimental Conditions

Whole Body Cryotherapy Differentially Affects Postural Control Depending on Experimental Conditions

The effect of three different (-135°C) whole body cryotherapy exposure durations on elite rugby league players.

BackgroundWhole body cryotherapy (WBC) is the therapeutic application of extreme cold air for a short duration. Minimal evidence is available for determining optimal exposure time.PurposeTo explore whether the length of WBC exposure induces differential changes in inflammatory markers, tissue oxygenation, skin and core temperature, thermal sensation and comfort.MethodThis study was a randomised cross over design with participants acting as their own control. Fourteen male professional first team super league rugby players were exposed to 1, 2, and 3 minutes of WBC at −135°C. Testing took place the day after a competitive league fixture, each exposure separated by seven days.ResultsNo significant changes were found in the inflammatory cytokine interleukin six. Significant reductions (p<0.05) in deoxyhaemoglobin for gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis were found. In vastus lateralis significant reductions (p<0.05) in oxyhaemoglobin and tissue oxygenation index (p<0.05) were demonstrated. Significant reductions (p<0.05) in skin temperature were recorded. No significant changes were recorded in core temperature. Significant reductions (p<0.05) in thermal sensation and comfort were recorded.ConclusionThree brief exposures to WBC separated by 1 week are not sufficient to induce physiological changes in IL-6 or core temperature. There are however significant changes in tissue oxyhaemoglobin, deoxyhaemoglobin, tissue oxygenation index, skin temperature and thermal sensation. We conclude that a 2 minute WBC exposure was the optimum exposure length at temperatures of −135°C and could be applied as the basis for future studies.

Tissue viability imaging of skin microcirculation following exposure to whole body cryotherapy (-110°C) and cold water immersion (8°C)

Cryotherapy is currently used in various clinical, rehabilitative and sporting settings. However, very little is known regarding the impact of cooling on the microcirculatory response. Objectives: The present study sought to examine the influence of two commonly employed modalities of cryotherapy, whole body cryotherapy (WBC; -110°C) and cold water immersion (CWI; 8±1°C), on skin microcirculation in the mid thigh region. Methods: The skin area examined was a 3 ´ 3 cm located between the most anterior aspect of the inguinal fold and the patella. Following 10 minutes of rest, 5 healthy, active males were exposed to either WBC for 3 minutes or CWI for 5 minutes in a randomised order. Volunteers lay supine for five minutes after treatment, in order to monitor the variation of red blood cell (RBC) concentration in the region of interest for a duration of 40 minutes. Microcirculation response was assessed using a non-invasive, portable instrument known as a Tissue Viability imaging system. After a minimum of seven days, the protocol was repeated. Subjective assessment of the volunteer’s thermal comfort and thermal sensation was also recorded. Results: RBC was altered following exposure to both WBC and CWI but appeared to stabilise approximately 35 minutes after treatments. Both WBC and CWI affected thermal sensation (p 0.05). Conclusions: As both WBC and CWI altered RBC, further study is necessary to examine the mechanism for this alteration during whole body cooling.

Effects of Whole Body Cryotherapy and Cold Water Immersion on Knee Skin Temperature

This study sought to (a) compare and contrast the effect of 2 commonly used cryotherapy treatments, 4 min of -110 °C whole body cryotherapy and 8 °C cold water immersion, on knee skin temperature and (b) establish whether either protocol was capable of achieving a skin temperature (<13 °C) believed to be required for analgesic purposes. After ethics committee approval and written informed consent was obtained, 10 healthy males (26.5±4.9 yr, 183.5±6.0 cm, 90.7±19.9 kg, 26.8±5.0 kg/m2, 23.0±9.3% body fat; mean±SD) participated in this randomised controlled crossover study. Skin temperature around the patellar region was assessed in both knees via non-contact, infrared thermal imaging and recorded pre-, immediately post-treatment and every 10 min thereafter for 60 min. Compared to baseline, average, minimum and maximum skin temperatures were significantly reduced (p<0.001) immediately post-treatment and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after both cooling modalities. Average and minimum skin temperatures were lower (p<0.05) immediately after whole body cryotherapy (19.0±0.9 °C) compared to cold water immersion (20.5±0.6 °C). However, from 10 to 60 min post, the average, minimum and maximum skin temperatures were lower (p<0.05) following the cold water treatment. Finally, neither protocol achieved a skin temperature believed to be required to elicit an analgesic effect.

THU0347 Efficacy and safety of whole body cryotherapy in fibromyalgic patients

BackgroundPatients suffering from fibromyalgia (FM) had widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment and other symptoms, which seriously affects their quality of life (QoL), making it difficult...

Effects of 15 consecutive cryotherapy sessions on the clinical output of fibromyalgic patients

Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain disorder in which, the neurogenic origin of the pain, featured by allodynia and hyperalgesia, results from an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters and consequently of the peripheral pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Whole body cryotherapy is a peculiar physical therapy known to relieve pain and inflammatory symptoms characteristics of rheumatic diseases, through the regulation of the cytokine expression. The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the effects of cryotherapy on the clinical output of fibromyalgic patients. A total of 100 fibromyalgic patients (age range 17-70years) were observed; 50 subjects were addressed to cryotherapy, while the second group (n = 50) did not underwent to the cryotherapic treatment. All subjects kept the prescribed pharmacological therapy during the study (analgesic and antioxidants). The referred health status pre- and post-observation was evaluated with the following scales: Visual Analogue Scale, Short Form-36, Global Health Status and Fatigue Severity Scale. Fibromyalgic patients treated with cryotherapy reported a more pronounced improvement of the quality of life, in comparison with the non-cryo treated fibromyalgic subjects, as indicated by the scores of the qualitative indexes and sub-indexes, that are widely recognized tools to assess the overall health status and the effect of the treatments. We speculate that this improvement is due to the known direct effect of cryotherapy on the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators having a recognized role in the modulation of pain.

Hematological Profile and Martial Status in Rugby Players during Whole Body Cryostimulation

Cold-based therapies are commonly applied to alleviate pain symptoms secondary to inflammatory diseases, but also to treat injuries or overuse, as done in sports rehabilitation. Whole body cryotherapy, a relatively new form of cold therapy, consists of short whole-body exposure to extremely cold air (−110°C to −140°C). Cryostimulation is gaining wider acceptance as an effective part of physical therapy to accelerate muscle recovery in rugby players. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated cryostimulation sessions on the hematological profile and martial status markers in professional rugby players. Twenty-seven professional rugby players received 2 daily cryostimulation treatments for 7 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected before and after administration of the cryotherapic protocol and hematological profiles were obtained. No changes in the leukocyte count or composition were seen. There was a decrease in the values for erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin content, and an increase in mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width. Platelet count and mean volume remained unchanged. Serum transferrin and ferritin decreased, while soluble transferrin receptor increased. Serum iron and transferrin saturation were unchanged, as was reticulocyte count, whereas the immature reticulocyte fraction decreased substantially. In conclusion, in this sample of professional rugby players, cryostimulation modified the hematological profile, with a reduction in erythrocyte count and hemoglobinization paralleled by a change in martial status markers.

Muscle, Skin and Core Temperature after −110°C Cold Air and 8°C Water Treatment

The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the reductions in muscle, skin and core temperature following exposure to −110°C whole body cryotherapy (WBC), and compare these to 8°C cold water immersion (CWI). Twenty active male subjects were randomly assigned to a 4-min exposure of WBC or CWI. A minimum of 7 days later subjects were exposed to the other treatment. Muscle temperature in the right vastus lateralis (n = 10); thigh skin (average, maximum and minimum) and rectal temperature (n = 10) were recorded before and 60 min after treatment. The greatest reduction (P<0.05) in muscle (mean ± SD; 1 cm: WBC, 1.6±1.2°C; CWI, 2.0±1.0°C; 2 cm: WBC, 1.2±0.7°C; CWI, 1.7±0.9°C; 3 cm: WBC, 1.6±0.6°C; CWI, 1.7±0.5°C) and rectal temperature (WBC, 0.3±0.2°C; CWI, 0.4±0.2°C) were observed 60 min after treatment. The largest reductions in average (WBC, 12.1±1.0°C; CWI, 8.4±0.7°C), minimum (WBC, 13.2±1.4°C; CWI, 8.7±0.7°C) and maximum (WBC, 8.8±2.0°C; CWI, 7.2±1.9°C) skin temperature occurred immediately after both CWI and WBC (P<0.05). Skin temperature was significantly lower (P<0.05) immediately after WBC compared to CWI. The present study demonstrates that a single WBC exposure decreases muscle and core temperature to a similar level of those experienced after CWI. Although both treatments significantly reduced skin temperature, WBC elicited a greater decrease compared to CWI. These data may provide information to clinicians and researchers attempting to optimise WBC and CWI protocols in a clinical or sporting setting.

Application of thermovision for estimation of the optimal and safe parameters of the whole body cryotherapy

Exposure to the extreme low temperatures, ranging between −60 and −140 °C, has many beneficial effects on the human body what is exploited for example in sport medicine, for treatment of locomotory system diseases or even some psychiatric disorders. To insure the safe treatment in a cryochamber, careful planning of the procedure and proper qualification of patients, is required. Cardiovascular system, especially skin vasculature plays the major role of the body response to the extreme cold. The changes in skin blood flow are reflected in changes of the temperature distribution. Therefore, the thermal imaging, which allows to analyze the temperature distribution on the human body, may be successfully exploited to examine the influence of extremely low temperatures on the skin vascular system. The aim of this work was to examine the temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate changes after the whole body cryotherapy in healthy subjects to determine the safety conditions of the treatment. 480 healthy students of the Wroclaw University School of Physical Education were divided into two groups (each 240 persons). All subjects were exposed for 1–3 min to the extremely low temperatures: −60, −100, −120, and −140 °C. In one group, the thermograms were recorded before and 5 and 30 min after the cryotherapy by means of ThermoVision A20 M thermal camera. In the other one, heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and 5 min after the cryotherapy. It was demonstrated that 3-min exposure in the cryochamber and the temperature −120 °C are the optimal and safe cryotherapy parameters.