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Acute effects of cryotherapy on postural control
Czesław Giemza1, Piotr Czech, Adam Paluszak
1Faculty of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław, al. I.J. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland.
Neuroscience Letters
|January 22, 2013
Summary
Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) temporarily impairs balance control, specifically in the sagittal plane. This whole-body cryotherapy leads to reduced postural sway complexity and adaptability post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Postural control is crucial for maintaining stability during daily activities.
- Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is increasingly used for recovery and performance enhancement.
- The acute effects of WBC on postural control remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of WBC on postural control in healthy young adults.
- To analyze changes in postural sway, variability, and strategies following WBC exposure.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four healthy young adults underwent a 2-minute WBC session at -110°C.
- Postural sway was measured using center of pressure (COP) analysis in quiet stance with eyes open.
- Measurements were taken before and at 1, 6, and 11 minutes after WBC, with data analyzed for variability, frequency, and entropy.
Main Results:
- Postural sway significantly increased in the sagittal plane immediately after WBC and remained elevated throughout the 11-minute observation period.
- No significant changes were observed in the frontal plane.
- Postural strategies showed decreased frequency and entropy, indicating reduced complexity and adaptability.
Conclusions:
- WBC acutely impairs postural control, particularly in the sagittal plane, by reducing sway complexity, adaptability, and automaticity.
- These effects are attributed to the physiological constraints imposed by cooling on the postural system.
- Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and implications for athletes.
