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Whole-Body Cryostimulation in Functional Neurological Disorders: A Case Report
Federica Verme1, Jacopo Maria Fontana1, Paolo Piterà1
1Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, 28824 Verbania, Italy.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 11, 2024
Summary
Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) may enhance rehabilitation for functional neurological disorders (FNDs). A patient with FND experienced significant functional improvements when WBC was added to her multidisciplinary treatment program.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Cryotherapy
Background:
- Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are complex, disabling conditions requiring multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
- Current rehabilitation approaches for FNDs can be challenging and may benefit from novel adjunct therapies.
Observation:
- A case study explored the integration of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) into a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for a wheelchair-dependent woman with FND and comorbidities.
- The 4-week program included physiotherapy, nutritional support, psychological intervention, and WBC at -110°C for 2 minutes daily.
Findings:
- The patient demonstrated improvements in body composition, hematological biomarkers, physical performance, and self-reported outcomes (disease impact, pain, fatigue, sleep quality).
- Remarkably, the patient achieved independent walking with a walker for medium distances, reporting significant functional gains.
- WBC appeared to act as a catalyst, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the rehabilitation interventions.
Implications:
- Whole-body cryostimulation shows potential as an adjunctive therapy to boost functional recovery in patients with FND.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings, explore the specific mechanisms of action, and control for placebo effects in FND rehabilitation.
