Table 1.
The studies investigating the acute effects of cryostimulation on the physical recovery.
| References |
Outcomes /subjects |
WBC or PBC treatment protocol | Cryostimulation effects compare to control condition (“+”: positive effect; “-”: negative effect; “=”: no change) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bouzigon et al. (2020) | Isometric muscle recovery Motocross riders 18 males |
WBC (Aurore Concept, France) 1 exposure After training 30 s at −25°C and 3 min at −70°C with wind chill |
+ Isometric strength - CMJ performance = Reaction time = Handgrip strength + Perceptive recovery |
| De Nardi et al. (2020) | The range of motion 11 young adult females |
PBC (Criomed, Ukraine) 1 exposure 2 min 30 between −130 and −170°C |
+ Range of motion |
| De Nardi et al. (2017) | Isometric strength Healthy adults 100 females 100 males |
PBC (Criomed, Ukraine) 1 exposure 2 min 30 s between −130 and −160°C |
+ Handgrip strength |
| De Nardi et al. (2015) | The range of motion Healthy adults 60 females 60 males |
PBC (Criomed, Ukraine) 1 exposure 2 min 30 s between −130 and −140°C |
+ Range of motion |
| Ferreira-Junior et al. (2014) | Neuromuscular performance Recreationally resistance-trained participants 13 males |
PBC (Cryoness, Poland) 1 exposure 3 min at −110°C |
= Peak torque = Average power = Total work = Muscle activity |
| Fonda and Sarabon (2013) | Muscle damage Healthy men 11 males | PBC Criomed 6 exposures 1 per day/6 days 3 min −140 to −195°C |
+ Pain + knee flexion rate of torque development + Squat jump start power + Maximal torque production = CK concentration in blood + Heart rate variability (HRV) indices |
| Hausswirth et al. (2011) | Markers of muscle damage Well-trained runners 9 males |
WBC (Zimmer Elektromedizin, Germany) 3 exposures at 1, 24, and 48 h post exercise −10°C, −60°C and 3 min at −110°C then 10 min seated comfortably in a temperate room (24°C) |
Effect post 1 h/post 24 h/post 48 h +/+/+ MVC =/=/= CK concentration in blood +/+/+ perceived pain +/+/+ perceiced tiredness =/+/+ Well-being |
| Hohenauer et al. (2020) | Recovery after muscle damage Recreationally trained participants 28 females |
PBC (Criomed, Ukraine) 1 exposure After training 30 s at −60°C and 2 min at −135° |
- Muscular oxygenation = Arterial pressure + DOMS = Muscle swelling = MVIC = CMJ performance |
| Kruger et al. (2015) | Acute recovery Endurance athletes 11 males |
WBC (Zimmer, Germany) 1 exposure After training −10°C, −60°C and 3 min at −110°C. |
During subsequent exercise: + Maximal endurance performance + Cardio-respiratory parameters (VO2, HR) + Rating of perceived exertion + Muscular oxygenation |
| Piras et al. (2019) | Recovery during concurrent training Rugby players 9 males |
PBC (Criomed, Ukraine) 1 exposure Between strength and endurance training 3 min at −160°C |
During recovery: + HRV indices (SDNN, RMSSD, HF) + Baroreflex sensitivity During endurance training: + HR + VO2 + Minute ventilation + Energy cost = Respiratory exchange ratio = Blood lactate concentration = Net energy expenditure derived from aerobic energy sources |
| Russell et al. (2016) | Physiological performance and perceptual responses English Premier League academy soccer players 14 males |
WBC (Juka, Poland) 1 exposure After training 30 s at −60°C and 2 min at −135°C |
= CMJ performance = Blood lactate concentration = CK concentration in blood + Salivary testosterone concentration = Salivary cortisol concentration |
| = Perceived soreness = Perceived recovery |
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| Vieira et al. (2015) | Vertical jump recovery Resistance-trained participants 12 males |
PBC (Cryoness, Poland) 1 exposure After training 3 min at −110°C |
= Muscle power |
| Wilson et al. (2019) | Recovery after resistance training Resistance-trained participants 24 males |
WBC (Juka Cryotherapy Chamber) 2 exposures After training 3 min at −85°C, 15 min warming period and 4 min at −85°C |
Effects post 24 h / post 48 h / post 72 h: = / - / = DALDA score + / = / = Perceived soreness - / = / = Peak torque = / = / = MVIC = / - / - Reactive strength - / = / - CMJ performance = / + / = Isometric peak force - / + / = RFD = / - / - CK concentration in blood = IL-6 concentration in blood = / - / - CRP concentration in blood = / - / = TNF-α concentration in blood |
| Wilson et al. (2017) | Recovery following a marathon Endurance athletes 31 males |
WBC (Mecotec, Germany) 2 exposures After marathon 3 min at – 85°C, 15 min warming period and 4 min at−85°C |
Post 24 h / post 48 h effects: = / = DALDA score = / + Perceived soreness - / - Muscle function (peak torque, reactive strength index) - / = CK concentration in blood - / - IL-6 concentration in blood - / + CRP concentration in blood = / = TNF-α concentration in blood |
WBC, whole-body cryotherapy; PBC, partial-body cryotherapy; DALDA, The Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes; DOMS, delayed onset of muscle soreness; CMJ, countermovement jump; MVIC, maximal voluntary isometric contraction; RFD, rate of force development; HR, heart rate; HRV, heart rate variability; RMSSD, root mean square standard deviation; SDNN, standard deviation of the NN (R–R) intervals; HF, high-frequency power; LF, Low-frequency power; VO2, Oxygen consumption; VO2 max, Maximal oxygen consumption; CK, creatine kinase; IL-6, interleukin 6; IL-15, interleukin 15; CRP, C reactive protein; TNF- α, tumor necrosis factor-α; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; IGF1, insulin-like growth factor.