Whole-body Cryostimulation Sessions Research Articles

Determination of the Effects of a Series of Ten Whole-Body Cryostimulation Sessions on Physiological Responses to Exercise and Skin Temperature Behavior following Exercise in Elite Athletes.

The present study investigated the effects of a series of 10 whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) sessions (3 min; -110 °C) on physiological and thermal responses to a submaximal exercise test in 17 elite athletes. Participants performed an exercise test twice at similar levels of intensity before and after a series of ten WBC sessions. Before and during the test, each participant's oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), internal temperature (Ti), and skin temperature in selected areas of the skin were measured, and the mean arterial pressure (MAP), physiological strain index (PSI), and mean skin temperature (Tsk) were calculated. The results show that during exercise, increases in Ti and the PSI were significantly lower after the WBC sessions, and although there were no significant changes in HR or the MAP, the Tsk was significantly higher. Following exercise, an increase in skin temperature asymmetry over the lower-body muscles was detected. A series of WBC sessions induced a tendency toward a decrease in temperature asymmetry over the thigh muscles. In conclusion, a series of ten WBC sessions does not induce significant modifications in physiological variables but does influence the PSI and Ti during exercise. Moreover, a series of ten WBC sessions influences the distribution of skin temperature and the magnitude of temperature asymmetries in the early phase of recovery.

Whole-Body Cryostimulation in Fibromyalgia

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> to determine whether the addition of Whole-Body Cryostimulation (WBC) to a rehabilitation program is able to induce a greater reduction of pain, depressive symptoms, disease impact and improvement in function and sleep quality in female patients with fibromyalgia (FM) as compared to matched controls undergoing only a rehabilitation program. <h3>Design</h3> Randomized controlled trial. <h3>Setting</h3> Participants were recruited consecutively from the in-patients of the Rehabilitation Unit in our hospital. <h3>Participants</h3> We selected 45 patients with: i) age between 18 and 65 years; ii) FM diagnosed by a rheumatologist according to American College of Rheumatology criteria; iii) FM diagnosed for more than one year. 25 patients were randomly allocated to the WBC group and 20 patients to the control group. <h3>Interventions</h3> Daily 45-min physiotherapy and 45-min standard supervised adapted physical activity sessions for an average length of hospital stay of 26 days. Patients allocated to the WBC group received additional ten 2-minute WBC sessions at a temperature of -110°. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Pain severity (VAS 0-10); Disease impact (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire); Depressive symptomatology(BDI-II25); Sleep quality (VAS 0-10); 6-min walking test (meters) were measured before (T0) and after the completion of the rehabilitation program (T1). <h3>Results</h3> No significant differences between groups at T0 in terms of age, BMI, pain duration, number of pain medications, and scores on questionnaires were observed. Both groups reported positive changes in all outcomes at T1. The between-group comparison showed a statistically larger magnitude of changes in the WBC group at T1, specifically, in pain severity, disease impact, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms. Statistically significant improvements in 6MWT were observed at T1 in both groups. The between-group comparison at T1 did not show significant differences, but longer distances walked were evident in the WBC group. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our preliminary results suggest that WBC could represent an effective add-on treatment for improving pain, disease impact, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms in FM patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> Nothing to disclose.

Is Whole-Body Cryostimulation an Effective Add-On Treatment in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Obesity? A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Pain severity, depression, and sleep disturbances are key targets for FM rehabilitation. Recent evidence suggests that whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) might be an effective add-on treatment in the management of FM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an add-on WBC intervention to a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on pain intensity, depressive symptoms, disease impact, sleep quality, and performance-based physical functioning in a sample of FM patients with obesity. We performed a randomized controlled trial with 43 patients with FM and obesity undergoing a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program with and without the addition of ten 2-min WBC sessions at −110 °C over two weeks. According to our results, the implementation of ten sessions of WBC over two weeks produced additional benefits. Indeed, both groups reported positive changes after the rehabilitation; however, the group that underwent WBC intervention had greater improvements in the severity of pain, depressive symptoms, disease impact, and quality of sleep. On the contrary, with respect to performance-based physical functioning, we found no significant between-group differences. Our findings suggest that WBC could be a promising add-on treatment to improve key aspects of FM, such as pain, depressive symptoms, disease impact and poor sleep quality.

Whole-Body Cryostimulation: A Rehabilitation Booster in Post-COVID Patients? A Case Series

Given the severity and prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms in the general population, the identification of boosters for rehabilitation programs appears to be of paramount importance. The purpose of this case series is to provide some preliminary evidence about the role of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) as an effective adjuvant for the recovery of patients with the post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). We recruited seven patients with previously confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptoms of PCC of different severities for a comprehensive rehabilitation program, including WBC. The main symptoms were dyspnea, chronic and muscular fatigue, chronic pain, and poor sleep quality. Moreover, some patients presented high levels of hematological markers of inflammation. Because we provided a range of interventions, including nutritional and psychological support along with physical exercise and physiotherapy, we could not determine to what extent WBC may per se have accounted for the clinical and functional improvements. However, for all reported cases, it was observed that the introduction of WBC sessions represented a turning point in the patient’s subjective and objective improvements related to health and functioning.

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.

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 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.

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.

Whole-body cryostimulation (cryotherapy) provides benefits for fatigue and functional status in multiple sclerosis patients. A case-control study.

To study the effects of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) on fatigue and functional status in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with different levels of fatigue. Two groups of 24 MS patients with fatigue were studied. At the beginning of the study, the first group presented a Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score between 38 and 42 (low-fatigue (LF) group), and the second group had an FSS score between 48 and 52 (high-fatigue (HF) group). Both groups were matched for age and sex. All patients were exposed to 10.3-min session of WBC (one exposure per day at -110°C or lower). Functional status was assessed before and after the series of WBC exposures using the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA), the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The RMA was estimated in three sections: gross function (RMA1), leg and trunk (RMA2), and arm (RMA3). MSIS-29 consists of two subscales assessing the physical (MSIS-29-PHYS) and psychological (MSIS-29-PSYCH) status. In both groups, the WBC sessions induced a significant improvement in the functional status and in the feeling of fatigue. However, the changes observed in HF patients were significantly greater than those observed in LF patients, especially in the MSIS-29-PHYS, MSIS-29-PSYCH, RMA1, and RMA3. The changes observed in the EDSS, RMA2, and FSS were similar in both groups. WBC appears to be effective in improving functional status and the feeling of fatigue in patients with MS and especially in those who are the most fatigued.

Whole-Body Cryostimulation Limits Overreaching in Elite Synchronized Swimmers.

Elite athletes frequently undergo periods of intensified training (IT) within their normal training program. These periods can lead athletes into functional overreaching, characterized by high perceived fatigue, impaired sleep, and performance. Because whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) has been proven to be an effective recovery method in the short term (<76 h), we investigated whether daily WBC sessions during IT could prevent exercise and sleep-related signs of overreaching. After a normal training week (BASE), 10 elite synchronized swimmers performed two 2-wk IT periods in a randomized crossover fashion using WBC daily (ITWBC) or not (ITCON), separated by 9 d of light training. Swim time trials (400 m) were performed at BASE and after each IT to quantify blood lactate ([La]B), HR (HR400), salivary alpha amylase ([α-amylase]s400), and cortisol ([cortisol]s400) responses. Swimmers wore a wrist actigraph nightly to monitor sleep patterns. Swim speed (400 m), [La]B400, and [α-amylase]s400 decreased from BASE to ITCON, although no significant changes were found after ITWBC. Decreased swim speed was correlated to decreased HR400 and [cortisol]s400. During ITCON, significant decreases in actual sleep duration (-21 ± 7 min) and sleep efficiency (-1.9% ± 0.8%) were observed, with increased sleep latency (+11 ± 5 min) and fatigue compared with BASE, although these variables did not change during ITWBC. Using a qualitative statistical analysis, we observed that daily WBC use resulted in a 98%, 59%, 66%, and 78% chance of preserving these respective variables compared with ITCON. WBC use during IT helped mitigate the signs of functional overreaching observed during ITCON, such as reduced sleep quantity, increased fatigue, and impaired exercise capacity. These results support the daily use of WBC by athletes seeking to avoid functional overreaching during key periods of competition preparation.

Whole-body cryostimulation as an effective way of reducing exercise-induced inflammation and blood cholesterol in young men.

Inflammation may accompany obesity and a variety of diseases, or result from excessive exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of whole-body cryostimulation on the inflammatory response induced by eccentric exercise under laboratory conditions. The study also sought to establish if cold treatment changes the lipid profile and modifies energy expenditure in young people. Eighteen healthy and physically active, college-aged men volunteered to participate in the experiment. They were divided into two subgroups: CRY- submitted to whole-body cryostimulation, and CONT- a control group. Both groups performed eccentric work to induce muscle damage. Blood samples were collected before and 24h after the exercise. Over the five days that followed, the CRY group was exposed to a series of 10 sessions in a cryogenic chamber (twice a day, for 3 min, at a temperature of -110̊C). After this period of rest, both groups repeated a similar eccentric work session, following the same schedule of blood collection. The perceived pain was noted 24h after each session of eccentric workout. A 30-minute step up/down work-out induced delayed-onset muscle soreness in both groups. The five-day recovery period accompanied by exposure to cold significantly enhanced the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. It also led to a pronounced reduction in levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, and reduced muscle damage. The values for IL-10 before the second bout of eccentric exercise in the CRY group were 2.0-fold higher in comparison to baseline, whereas in the CONT group, the concentration remained unchanged. Furthermore, blood concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β fell significantly in the CRY group. The main finding of this study was that a series of 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation significantly reduced the inflammatory response induced by eccentric exercise. The lipid profile was also improved, but there was no effect on energy expenditure during the exercise.

Parasympathetic Activity and Blood Catecholamine Responses Following a Single Partial-Body Cryostimulation and a Whole-Body Cryostimulation

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a single whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) and a partial-body cryostimulation (PBC) (i.e., not exposing the head to cold) on indices of parasympathetic activity and blood catecholamines. Two groups of 15 participants were assigned either to a 3-min WBC or PBC session, while 10 participants constituted a control group (CON) not receiving any cryostimulation. Changes in thermal, physiological and subjective variables were recorded before and during the 20-min after each cryostimulation. According to a qualitative statistical analysis, an almost certain decrease in skin temperature was reported for all body regions immediately after the WBC (mean decrease±90% CL, -13.7±0.7°C) and PBC (-8.3±0.3°C), which persisted up to 20-min after the session. The tympanic temperature almost certainly decreased only after the WBC session (-0.32±0.04°C). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were very likely increased after the WBC session, whereas these changes were trivial in the other groups. In addition, heart rate almost certainly decreased after PBC (-10.9%) and WBC (-15.2%) sessions, in a likely greater proportion for WBC compared to PBC. Resting vagal-related heart rate variability indices (the root-mean square difference of successive normal R-R intervals, RMSSD, and high frequency band, HF) were very likely increased after PBC (RMSSD: +54.4%, HF: +138%) and WBC (RMSSD: +85.2%, HF: +632%) sessions without any marked difference between groups. Plasma norepinephrine concentrations were likely to very likely increased after PBC (+57.4%) and WBC (+76.2%), respectively. Finally, cold and comfort sensations were almost certainly altered after WBC and PBC, sensation of discomfort being likely more pronounced after WBC than PBC. Both acute cryostimulation techniques effectively stimulated the autonomic nervous system (ANS), with a predominance of parasympathetic tone activation. The results of this study also suggest that a whole-body cold exposure induced a larger stimulation of the ANS compared to partial-body cold exposure.

IMPACT OF 10 SESSIONS OF WHOLE BODY CRYOSTIMULATION ON AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CAPACITY AND ON SELECTED BLOOD COUNT PARAMETERS

The systemic effect of low temperature suggests that sessions in a cryogenic chamber might improve athletes' capacity as a standard element of training. Therefore the authors decided to evaluate the impact of 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation (WBCT) on aerobic and anaerobic efficiency as well as on selected blood count parameters. The study group included 32 volunteers - 16 women and 16 men. The volunteers underwent 10 sessions of WBCT in a cryogenic chamber. Blood samples (RBC, WBC, PLT, HGB, HCT) were taken, and aerobic and anaerobic efficiency and lactate concentration in capillary blood were measured before the first session and one day after the last one. No significant differences were observed in values of aerobic capacity after 10 sessions of WBCT. There was a rising trend in men and a declining trend in women. The lactate concentration did not differ significantly before and after WBCT. A slight rise in aerobic and anaerobic threshold was observed in men, while in women the values slightly fell. The Wingate test showed no significant differences in results before and after cryostimulation. Only the TOBT was significantly shorter in men (6.12±1.49 vs 3.79±1.14 s). The WBCT sessions resulted in a significant rise of the haematological parameters both in women and men, excluding HCT, which showed a statistically insignificant rise. Ten sessions of whole body cryostimulation did not affect aerobic or anaerobic capacity in the tested group, although it improved the blood count parameters.

Impact of 10 Sessions of Whole Body Cryostimulation on Cutaneous Microcirculation Measured by Laser Doppler Flowmetry

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the basic and evoked blood flow in the skin microcirculation of the hand, one day and ten days after a series of 10 whole body cryostimulation sessions, in healthy individuals.The study group included 32 volunteers – 16 women and 16 men. The volunteers underwent 10 sessions of cryotherapy in a cryogenic chamber. The variables were recorded before the series of 10 whole body cryostimulation sessions (first measurement), one day after the last session (second measurement) and ten days later (third measurement). Rest flow, post-occlusive hyperaemic reaction, reaction to temperature and arterio–venous reflex index were evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry.The values recorded for rest flow, a post-occlusive hyperaemic reaction, a reaction to temperature and arterio – venous reflex index were significantly higher both in the second and third measurement compared to the initial one. Differences were recorded both in men and women. The values of frequency in the range of 0,01 Hz to 2 Hz (heart frequency dependent) were significantly lower after whole-body cryostimulation in both men and women. In the range of myogenic frequency significantly higher values were recorded in the second and third measurement compared to the first one.Recorded data suggest improved response of the cutaneous microcirculation to applied stimuli in both women and men. Positive effects of cryostimulation persist in the tested group for 10 consecutive days.