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Alito A, Verme F, Mercati GP, Piterà P, Fontana JM, Capodaglio P. Whole Body Cryostimulation: A New Adjuvant Treatment in Central Sensitization Syndromes? An Expert Opinion. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:546. [PMID: 38470657 PMCID: PMC10931027 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Alito
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Federica Verme
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (F.V.); (P.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Gian Paolo Mercati
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Degree Course in Physiotherapy, University of Torino, 10121 Torino, Italy;
| | - Paolo Piterà
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (F.V.); (P.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Jacopo Maria Fontana
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (F.V.); (P.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Paolo Capodaglio
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (F.V.); (P.P.); (P.C.)
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Torino, 10121 Torino, Italy
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Morsy H, Meister M, Spitznagle T, Scott C, Zhang T, Ghetti C, Chu C, Sutcliffe S, Lowder JL. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Vaginal Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Pelvic Floor Myofascial Pain. Int Urogynecol J 2024; 35:215-225. [PMID: 38133837 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05692-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Pelvic floor myofascial pain (PFMP) is a common but underrecognized component of chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders symptoms with limited, well-studied treatment modalities. Our objective was to determine the effect of vaginal cryotherapy on PFMP with palpation. METHODS Following a standardized PFMP screening examination, individuals with a pain score ≥4/10 in ≥1 of four muscle groups were invited to participate in a randomized controlled trial comparing patients undergoing vaginal cryotherapy with controls. Participants in both arms could choose to participate in a single in-office treatment; a 2-week, at-home daily treatment; or both. RESULTS Between March 2019 and September 2021, a total of 163 participants were enrolled and randomized: 80 to cryotherapy, and 83 to the control group. Sixty-three (28 cryotherapy; 35 controls) completed in-office treatment and 56 (32 cryotherapy; 24 controls) completed at-home therapy. In the in-office comparison, mean pain scores decreased significantly in both arms: cryotherapy (5.13 vs 4.10; p=0.02) and controls (5.60 vs 4.72; p<0.01), with a similar magnitude of reduction between arms (p=0.75). In the at-home comparison, mean pain scores decreased significantly in the cryotherapy arm (6.34 vs 4.75; p<0.01), and nonsignificantly in the control arm (5.41 vs 4.66; p=0.07), resulting in a nonsignificant difference between arms (p=0.14). CONCLUSIONS Pelvic floor myofascial pain with palpation improved following both a single cryotherapy session and 2 weeks of daily cryotherapy. Interestingly, pain scores also improved with room temperature therapy. Whether these findings reflect a therapeutic effect of both cold and room temperature intravaginal therapy or a placebo effect is unclear but should be explored in larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidy Morsy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, MSC 8064-37-1005, 4901 Forest Park Avenue, COH, 10th Floor, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
- Geisinger, Wilkes Barre, PA, USA
| | - Melanie Meister
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Carter Scott
- Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chiara Ghetti
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, MSC 8064-37-1005, 4901 Forest Park Avenue, COH, 10th Floor, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Christine Chu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Siobhan Sutcliffe
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, MSC 8064-37-1005, 4901 Forest Park Avenue, COH, 10th Floor, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jerry L Lowder
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, MSC 8064-37-1005, 4901 Forest Park Avenue, COH, 10th Floor, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Verme F, Fontana JM, Piterà P, Alito A, Saffioti S, Baccalaro G, Zebellin G, Capodaglio P. Whole-Body Cryostimulation in Functional Neurological Disorders: A Case Report. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:71. [PMID: 38200977 PMCID: PMC10778987 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are complex disabling conditions requiring a multiple rehabilitation intervention. Here, we propose a new use of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) that was implemented in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme in a wheelchair-ridden woman diagnosed with FND and other comorbidities. WBC is a promising adjuvant treatment in various conditions of rehabilitation interest, mainly because of its wide range of rapid effects, from anti-inflammatory to pain and autonomic modulating effects. The 4-week program included physiotherapy, nutritional intervention, psychological support, and WBC (-110 °C for 2 min). Questionnaires to assess disease impact, pain level, fatigue and sleep quality were administered. At discharge, improvements in body composition, haematological biomarkers, physical performance, and questionnaire scores were observed. The patient was able to walk independently with a walker for medium distances and reported unprecedented improvements, particularly in functional parameters and questionnaire scores. Although the extent to which WBC per se contributed to the measured improvements cannot be ascertained, subjective reports and our clinical observations indicate that WBC, the only intervention not previously experienced by the patient, acted as a booster for the rehabilitation interventions. Further research will be necessary to rule out any possible placebo effect and to confirm the effects of WBC on FND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Verme
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (J.M.F.); (P.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (G.Z.); (P.C.)
| | - Jacopo Maria Fontana
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (J.M.F.); (P.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (G.Z.); (P.C.)
| | - Paolo Piterà
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (J.M.F.); (P.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (G.Z.); (P.C.)
| | - Angelo Alito
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Silvia Saffioti
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (J.M.F.); (P.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (G.Z.); (P.C.)
| | - Gabriele Baccalaro
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (J.M.F.); (P.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (G.Z.); (P.C.)
| | - Giuliano Zebellin
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (J.M.F.); (P.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (G.Z.); (P.C.)
| | - Paolo Capodaglio
- Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (J.M.F.); (P.P.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (G.Z.); (P.C.)
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Tabisz H, Modlinska A, Kujawski S, Słomko J, Zalewski P. Whole-body cryotherapy as a treatment for chronic medical conditions? Br Med Bull 2023; 146:43-72. [PMID: 37170956 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a controlled exposure of the whole body to cold to gain health benefits. In recent years, data on potential applications of WBC in multiple clinical settings have emerged. SOURCES OF DATA PubMed, EBSCO and Clinical Key search using keywords including terms 'whole body', 'cryotherapy' and 'cryostimulation'. AREAS OF AGREEMENT WBC could be applied as adjuvant therapy in multiple conditions involving chronic inflammation because of its potent anti-inflammatory effects. Those might include systemic inflammation as in rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, WBC could serve as adjuvant therapy for chronic inflammation in some patients with obesity. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY WBC probably might be applied as an adjuvant treatment in patients with chronic brain disorders including mild cognitive impairment and general anxiety disorder and in patients with depressive episodes and neuroinflammation reduction as in multiple sclerosis. WBC effects in metabolic disorder treatment are yet to be determined. WBC presumably exerts pleiotropic effects and therefore might serve as adjuvant therapy in multi-systemic disorders, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). GROWING POINTS The quality of studies on the effects of WBC in the clinical setting is in general low; hence, randomized controlled trials with adequate sample size and longer follow-up periods are needed. AREAS ARE TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Further studies should examine the mechanism underlying the clinical efficacy of WBC. Multiple conditions might involve chronic inflammation, which in turn could be a potential target of WBC. Further research on the application of WBC in neurodegenerative disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders and ME/CFS should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Tabisz
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Świętojańska 20, Bydgoszcz 85-077, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Modlinska
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Świętojańska 20, Bydgoszcz 85-077, Poland
| | - Sławomir Kujawski
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Świętojańska 20, Bydgoszcz 85-077, Poland
| | - Joanna Słomko
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Świętojańska 20, Bydgoszcz 85-077, Poland
| | - Pawel Zalewski
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Świętojańska 20, Bydgoszcz 85-077, Poland
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Warsaw Medical University, 1b Banacha Street, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
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The Impact of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Endothelium Parameters in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020521. [PMID: 36830079 PMCID: PMC9952202 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to assess the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) with subsequent exercise training (WBC group) or exercise-only training (ET group) on endothelium inflammation parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS The WBC procedure lasted 3 min, and exercise training consisted of one 60 min session a day, which was the same in each group. The ET group was compared to the WBC group. Endothelium (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble P-Selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), neopterin), and oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), protein sulfhydryl (PSH), lipofuscin, paraoxonase-1(PON-1), and albumin) parameters were estimated 1 day before and 1 day after the completion of the study. RESULTS A significant decrease in hsCRP, sP-Selectin, sVCAM-1, and neopterin concentrations was observed in the WBC group after the treatment. After the treatment, in both groups, LHP and lipofuscin levels and PON-1 activity decreased significantly. The observed drop in these parameters was higher in the WBC group compared to the ET group. Albumin concentration increased in the WBC group after treatment. CONCLUSION Procedures of WBC have a beneficial effect on endothelium parameters in AS patients; therefore, this method can be applied in the treatment of this group of patients.
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Lo YJ, Mishra VK, Lo HY, Dubey NK, Lo WC. Clinical Spectrum and Trajectory of Innovative Therapeutic Interventions for Insomnia: A Perspective. Aging Dis 2022:AD.2022.1203. [PMID: 37163444 PMCID: PMC10389812 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing incidences of insomnia in adults, as well as the aging population, have been reported for their negative impact on the quality of life. Insomnia episodes may be associated with neurocognitive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and metabolic disorders. Epidemiological evidence also revealed the association of insomnia with oncologic and asthmatic complications, which has been indicated as bidirectional. Two therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and drugs-based therapies are being practiced for a long time. However, the adverse events associated with drugs limit their wide and long-term application. Further, Traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure, and pulsed magnetic field therapy may also provide therapeutic relief. Notably, the recently introduced cryotherapy has been demonstrated as a potential candidate for insomnia which could reduce pain, by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. It seems that the synergistic therapeutic approach of cryotherapy and the above-mentioned approaches might offer promising prospects to further improve efficacy and safety. Considering these facts, this perspective presents a comprehensive summary of recent advances in pathological aetiologies of insomnia including COVID-19, and its therapeutic management with a greater emphasis on cryotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Navneet Kumar Dubey
- Victory Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Taipei 114757, Taiwan
- ShiNeo Technology Co., Ltd., New Taipei City 24262, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Lo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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Is Whole-Body Cryostimulation an Effective Add-On Treatment in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Obesity? A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154324. [PMID: 35893415 PMCID: PMC9332222 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Abstract
Currently, all available therapies for the control and management of fibromyalgia (FM) are mostly focused on relieving patients’ symptoms and improving their quality of life. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) in patients with FM and evidence-based guidance on the possible adjuvant use of WBC in the treatment of FM. We searched the most recent literature by retrieving 10 eligible studies, 4 of which were abstracts only, from a total of 263 records. Thermal stress caused by cryostimulation induces an analgesic effect, improving pain, redox balance, and inflammatory symptoms in an exercise-mimicking fashion. In addition, it reduces the feeling of fatigue, improves mood, and reduces mental health deterioration with positive consequences on depressive states and improved sleep quality. Although the studies included in this review are not of sufficient quality and quantity to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of WBC in FM, initial evidence indicates WBC as a promising add-on option in the multidisciplinary treatment of FM, due to its rapid action and high patients’ compliance. The application of WBC protocols has the potential to expand therapeutic options for the treatment of FM and related disorders; however, larger, high-quality primary studies are still needed.
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Lange U, Dischereit G, Klemm PM. Schmerzreduktion durch physikalische Medizin. Z Rheumatol 2022; 81:376-385. [DOI: 10.1007/s00393-022-01182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Piotrowska A, Aszklar K, Dzidek A, Ptaszek B, Czerwińska-Ledwig O, Pilch W. The impact of a single whole body cryostimulation treatment on selected skin properties of healthy young subjects. Cryobiology 2021; 100:96-100. [PMID: 33753092 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic 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 METHODS Skin 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. CONCLUSIONS A 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Piotrowska
- Institute for Basics Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland.
| | - K Aszklar
- Science Club By Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
| | - A Dzidek
- Science Club By Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
| | - B Ptaszek
- Institute of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
| | - O Czerwińska-Ledwig
- Institute for Basics Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
| | - W Pilch
- Institute for Basics Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
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