karinezag Publications, Santé

Whole-body cryotherapy – promising add-on treatment of depressive disorders

par SFCCE | 2020 | Publication Santé

Objectives: New, effective biological interventions for treatment of depressive episodes and recurrent depression are still needed. Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), which is a treatment using cryogenic temperature, is a novel therapeutic modality in neurology and rheumatology. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of WBC as an add-on treatment for depressive episode.

Methods: 30 adults diagnosed with depressive episode were recruited to an observational, prospective study. 21 participants (17 women, 81%), mean age 46.1 (±16.7), completed the whole study procedure. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. Additionally, quality of life and anhedonia were assessed with the WHOQoL-BREF and the SHAPS. Participants undertook 10, 2-minute (from – 110 C to – 135 degrees C) WBC sessions within two weeks.

Results: Patients after WBC sessions showed significant improvement in the form of a reduction in total scores in scales assessing depressive symptoms: the HDRS (p< 0.00001) between T1 (16.94±4.3) and T4 (4.50±4.2) and the BDI-II (T1: 13.48±4.6; T4: 6.14±6.7, p<0.03), lower anhedonialevelon SHAPS (p =0.011) and higher quality of lifein thefollowing domains: physical health (p =0.024), psychological health (p =0.016) and environmental domain (p =0.003). Pre/post comparison of self-report well-being measured by the VAS scale showed a significant increase (p< 0.00001). It was shown that WBC have no effect on the level of cytokines, NO, hsCRP, ESR and TAS in blood (p> 0.05).

Conclusions: WBC proved to be an effective, safe, and tolerable add-on intervention in patients with depressive episode. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted.

Keywords: depression; whole-body cryotherapy.

Rymaszewska, J, Urbanska, K, Szcześniak, D, Pawłowski, T, Pieniawska-Śmiech, K, Kokot, I, Pawlik-Sobecka, L, Płaczkowska, S, Zabłocka, A, Stańczykiewicz, B. (2020)

Full Article :  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31955185/ 

karinezag Publications, Santé

Is the whole-body cryotherapy a beneficial supplement to exercise therapy for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

par SFCCE | 2020 | Publication Santé

Background: The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients requires a combination of non-pharmacological (education, exercise and physical therapy), as well as pharmacological treatment modalities. The optimal management of AS still remains unresolved.

Objective: The aim was to measure and compare the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) at -110∘C and at -60∘C and exercise therapy alone on disease activity and the functional parameters of patients with AS.

Methods: Ninety-two patients were allocated to three groups: with WBC at -110∘C or at -60∘C (each concurrent with exercise therapy), or exercise therapy alone. Disease activity and the functional parameters of the patients were measured at study entry and at the end of the 8-day treatment.

Results: Supervised therapy, irrespective of the program, led to a significant reduction in disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index: BASDAI, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score: ASDAS-CRP), disease-related back pain, fatigue, duration and intensity of morning stiffness and a significant improvement in the patient’s functional capacity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index: BASFI), spine mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index: BASMI) and chest expandability, with no changes in the levels of CRP. It has been demonstrated that following therapy, the group that underwent cryotherapy at -110∘C manifested significantly reduced disease activity (BASDAI) compared with exercise therapy only (p= 0.024).

Conclusion: Adding cryotherapy at -110∘C to exercise therapy led to significantly reduced disease activity expressed in BASDAI, compared with exercise therapy alone.

Wojciech Romanowski, M, Straburzyńska-Lupa, A. (2020)

Full Article :  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31594196/ 

karinezag Publications, Santé

Effects of Whole-Body Cryostimulation (-90°C) on Somnolence and Psychological Well-Being in an Older Patient with Restless Legs Syndrome

par SFCCE | 2020 | Publication Santé

Background: We aimed at evaluating the feasibility and effects of intense (i.e. -90°C) whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) on somnolence and psychological well-being in an older-adult patient diagnosed with restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Methods: An interrupted time series approach was used in which the efficacy of cryostimulation was evaluated by measuring self-reported fatigue, wake time sleepiness, and well-being several times prior to, during, and after exposure to treatment (i.e. daily 3-min sessions of intense WBC).

Results: No adverse event occurred. Reported levels of sleepiness decreased immediately following the beginning of the treatment phase. In the same time, self-reported well-being significantly increased. Effects sizes were of large magnitude.

Conclusion: In summary, the present study demonstrated that daily exposure to extremely cold air in an enclosed space for 2 weeks was feasible and effective in promoting physical and psychological states in an older patient with sleep disturbances.

Kasmi, S, Filliard, JR, Polidori, G, Bouchet, B, Blancheteau, Y, Legrand, FD. (2020)

Full Article :  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31515948/ 

karinezag Publications, Santé

Impact of acute partial‑body cryostimulation on cognitive performance, cerebral oxygenation, and cardiac autonomic activity

par SFCCE | 2021 | Publication Santé

We assessed the effects of a 3‑min partial‑body cryostimulation (PBC) exposure—where the whole body is exposed to extreme cold, except the head—on cognitive inhibition performance and the possible implications of parasympathetic cardiac control and cerebral oxygenation. In a randomized controlled counterbalanced cross‑over design, eighteen healthy young adults (nine males and nine females) completed a cognitive Stroop task before and after one single session of PBC (3‑min exposure at − 150 °C cold air) and a control condition (3 min at room temperature, 20 °C). During the cognitive task, heart rate variability (HRV) and cerebral oxygenation of the prefrontal cortex were measured using heart rate monitoring and near‑infrared spectroscopy methods. We also recorded the cerebral oxygenation during the PBC session. Stroop performance after PBC exposure was enhanced (562.0 ± 40.2 ms) compared to pre‑PBC (602.0 ± 56.4 ms; P < 0.042) in males only, accompanied by an increase (P < 0.05) in HRV indices of parasympathetic tone, in greater proportion in males compared to females. During PBC, cerebral oxygenation decreased in a similar proportion in males and females but the cerebral extraction (deoxyhemoglobin: ΔHHb) remained higher after exposure in males, only. These data demonstrate that a single PBC session enhances the cognitive inhibition performance on a Stroop task in males, partly mediated by a greater parasympathetic cardiac control and greater cerebral oxygenation. The effects of PBC on cognitive function seem different in females, possibly explained by a different sensitivity to cold stimulation.

Dimitri Theurot1, Benoit Dugué1, Wafa Douzi1, Paul Guitet1, Julien Louis2 & Olivier Dupuy 1,3* 

Full article : | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87089-y

karinezag Publications, Santé

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

par SFCCE | 2021 | Publication Santé

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.

Pilch, W, Wyrostek, J, Piotrowska, A, Czerwińska-Ledwig, O, Zuziak, R, Sadowska-Krępa, E, Maciejczyk, M, Żychowska, M. (2021) 

Full Article : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33560197/&nbsp;

karinezag Publications, Santé

The improvement of cognitive deficits after whole-body cryotherapy

par SFCCE | 2021 | Publication Santé

Background: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) – a repetitive, short-term exposure to extremely low temperatures – may become an effective early intervention for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is a heterogeneous group of symptoms associated with cognitive dysfunction which is estimated to transform into dementia in 50% cases.

Study design: The prospective randomised double-blind sham-controlled study aimed to determine the efficacy of WBC on cognitive functioning and biological mechanisms. The study was registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001627145).

Methods: Participants with MCI (n = 62; (20<MoCA>26) were randomly allocated to cryogenic temperatures (-110 °C till -160 °C) (EG, n = 33) or placebo-controlled group (CG, n = 29). Cognitive functions were measured at baseline (T1), after the 10th WBC session (T2) and after 2 week-break (T3) with DemTect, SLUMS and Test Your Memory (TYM). Secondary outcome measures included quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF), self-reported well-being (VAS) and depressive symptoms (GDS). Whole blood samples (10 ml) were collected at T1 and T2 to evaluate levels of cytokines, neurotrophins, NO and biochemical parameters CRP total cholesterol, prolactin).

Results: There were significant differences between groups measured at T2 in immediate recall (DemTect) and in orientation (TYM) in favour of WBC group. Improvement in mood was detected in self-reported depressive symptoms level (WHOQoL-26; T2 p = 0.04; VAS mood T2 p = 0.02; T3 p = 0.07). The significant reduction of BDNF level was observed (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: WBC may increase the performance of cognitive functions. It seems promising to combine WBC with existing behavioural and cognitive trainings in the future studies investigating early interventions methods in MCI.

Rymaszewska, J, Lion, KM, Stańczykiewicz, B, Rymaszewska, JE, Trypka, E, Pawlik-Sobecka, L, Kokot, I, Płaczkowska, S, Zabłocka, A, Szcześniak, D. (2021)

Full Article : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33454354/ 

karinezag Publications, Santé

Adaptive changes in muscle activity after cryotherapy treatment: Potential mechanism for improvement the functional state in patients with multiple sclerosis

par SFCCE | 2021 | Publication Santé

Background: The available literature lacks data about the influence of whole body cryotherapy (WBC) on muscle activity in patients with sclerosis multiplex (MS).

Objective: Assessment of the influence of the 20 WBC series on the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal and the relationship between it and the functional state in patients with MS.

Methods: The study group was 114 of MS patients (aged 45.24±11.88yr.,) which 74 of them received 20 of WBC. An assessment was made of: the hand grip (HGS), Timed 25-Foot Walk, Fatigue Severity Scale, sEMG signal from the dominant limb.

Results: After a series of 20 WBC: in the rest electromyograms, an increase of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and a decrease of flexor carpi radialis (FCR) amplitude were demonstrated (non-normalized signal ECR p = 0.0001); significant differences in sEMG rest signals between ECR and FCR have decreased; for voluntary contraction in both assessed antagonistic muscle amplitude was significantly decreased (p = 0.0005; p = 0.0316, p = 0.0185); an increase of HGS (p < 0.001); gait improvement (p = 0.001); decrease fatigue (p = 0.024). No significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusions: Series of 20 WBC improves the functional state and reduces fatigue in patients with MS, which may be due to adaptive changes in bioelectrical muscle activity.

Radecka, A, Knyszyńska, A, Łuczak, J, Lubkowska, A. (2021)

Full Article :  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33386821/ 

karinezag Publications, Santé

Serial whole-body cryotherapy in fibromyalgia is effective and alters cytokine profiles

par SFCCE | 2021 | Publication Santé

Introduction: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) has shown to be beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). There is cumulative evidence that cytokines play a crucial role in FM. It’s unknown whether clinical effects of WBC can be demonstrated at the molecular level and how long the effects last.

Methods: We compared effects of serial WBC (6 sessions (- 130 °C in 6 weeks) in FM patients and healthy controls (HC). Primary outcome was the change in pain level (visual analogue scale 0-100 mm) after 6 sessions. Secondary outcomes were a change in disease activity (revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) and pain after 3 sessions and 3 months after discontinued therapy and in cytokine levels (interleukin (IL-)1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-10). The patients’ opinions on the satisfaction, effectiveness and significance of WBC were evaluated.

Results: Twenty-three FM patients and 30 HC were enrolled. WBC resulted in a significant reduction in pain and disease activity after 3 and 6 sessions. No clinical benefit could be measured 3 months after discontinued treatment. Overall, probands were satisfied with WBC and considered WBC to be important and effective. FM patients had significantly different levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 at each reading point compared to HC. Levels of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly altered over time in FM patients. Compared to HC FM patients showed a significantly different response of IL1, – 6 and – 10 to WBC.

Conclusion: Serial WBC is a fast acting and effective treatment for FM. Proven effects of WBC may be explained by changes in cytokines.

Klemm, P, Becker, J, Aykara, I, Asendorf, T, Dischereit, G, Neumann, E, Müller-Ladner, U, Lange, U. (2021)

Full Article :  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33436106/ 

karinezag Publications, Santé, Sport

Le froid n’existe pas !

Auteur : Dr Ivan Zagori

Agitation thermique – Mouvements Browniens
L’agitation thermique représente le phénomène microscopique principal qui fait qu’un matériau peut stocker de la chaleur: tout ce qui est chaud, c’est-à-dire au dessus de la température du zéro absolu (-273,15 °C), stocke la chaleur sous la forme d’agitation moléculaire.
Essentiellement le mouvement brownien.

Les états de la matière
Azote liquide (195,79°C) = Cryo-Sauna
Compresseur mono-étagé
Compresseur tri-étagés en cascade
Complexe sensitif du trijumeau










Gradient de température

Nous ne sommes pas égaux devant le froid…