Whole-body cryotherapy does not augment adaptations to high-intensity interval training.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cryotherapy Research

Background:

• High-intensity interval training (HIT) is effective for improving aerobic fitness.
• Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a recovery method used post-exercise.
• The efficacy of WBC in augmenting HIT adaptations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of regular post-exercise whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on physiological and performance adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIT).
• To assess if WBC enhances training-induced improvements in aerobic capacity, performance, hormonal balance, and sleep patterns.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two well-trained males completed four weeks of cycling HIT.
• Participants were randomized into two groups: one receiving immediate post-exercise WBC (-110°C for 3 min) and a passive control (CON) group.
• Assessments included graded exercise tests (GXT), time-to-exhaustion (Tmax), 20-km time trial (20TT), submaximal test (SM120), basal adrenal hormone levels, and sleep patterns via actigraphy.

Main Results:

• WBC intervention showed no significant effect on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) or peak aerobic power (Ppeak) compared to CON.
• No differences were observed in Tmax duration, work performed (WTmax), 20TT performance, substrate oxidation, or basal hormone concentrations between groups.
• Sleep patterns assessed by actigraphy were not significantly altered by post-exercise WBC.

Conclusions:

• Regular post-exercise whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) does not appear to enhance physiological or performance adaptations to four weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIT) in well-trained males.
• Current evidence suggests WBC is not an effective strategy for augmenting HIT-induced aerobic adaptations or improving recovery markers in this population.