WHOLE-BODY CRYOSTIMULATION: A REHABILITATION BOOSTER

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Thermotherapy

Background:

• Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) is increasingly recognized for its potential as an adjuvant therapy in rehabilitation.
• It is currently employed for symptom management in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and post-COVID syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the potential medical applications of WBC.
• To emphasize its relevance in rehabilitation and stimulate further scientific research.

Main Methods:

• WBC involves repeated exposure to cryogenic cold stimuli across the entire body surface.
• This process induces physiological reactions in multiple body systems.

Main Results:

• WBC acts as an "adaptation therapy" by stimulating autonomic, endocrine, circulatory, neuromuscular, and immunological systems.
• It functions as a training method for the autonomic nervous system, offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Benefits include improved body composition and adipose tissue modulation.

Conclusions:

• WBC's potent physiological effects can potentially enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
• Further studies are warranted to explore WBC's efficacy as an adjuvant treatment in diverse rehabilitation settings.