Evaluation of changes in selected skin parameters under the influence of extremely low temperature

Pre-exercise cryotherapy reduces myoglobin and creatine kinase levels after eccentric muscle stress in young women

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-exercise whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on muscle damage indicators following eccentric treadmill exercise in young women. Methods: Twenty-seven participants underwent two 1-h downhill treadmill runs, replicating 60% of their maximal oxygen uptake, with a 4-week intermission for recovery and treatment application. In this intermission, one group underwent 20 sessions of WBC, delivered five times a week at -120°C for 3 min each, while the comparison group received no such treatment. Markers of muscle injury-serum myoglobin concentration, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity and also uric acid, and cell-free DNA concentration-were measured before and after downhill runs. Results: The study observed a notable reduction in post-exercise myoglobin and CK levels in the WBC group after the second running session. Discussion: The results suggest that WBC can have a protective effects against muscle damage resulting from eccentric exercise.

The Effect of Physical Activity and Repeated Whole-Body Cryotherapy on the Expression of Modulators of the Inflammatory Response in Mononuclear Blood Cells among Young Men

Background: Series of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) among healthy and physically active individuals can potentially reduce inflammatory response, although exact mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: The impact of whole-body cryotherapy on inflammation modulators among 28 young males, categorized as non-training (NTR, N = 10), non-training with WBC (NTR-WBC, N = 10), and training with WBC (TR-WBC, N = 8), is investigated in this study. Over a period of eight weeks, NTR-WBC and TR-WBC subjects underwent 24 WBC treatments (-130 °C for 3 min, three times a week), examining changes in mRNA expressions of IL-1A, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-G, SIRT1, SIRT3, SOD2, GSS, and ICAM-1. Results: The received data indicate an acute inflammatory response to initial WBC (increased IL-1A, IL-6, and SIRT), with a greater effect in NTR-WBC. Subsequent sessions showed enhanced expressions of antioxidative genes in both WBC groups, particularly non-trained, suggesting improved oxidative stress adaptation. A notable decrease in ICAM-1 mRNA post-24 WBC treatments in NTR-WBC signifies a potential systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that the combination of regular physical activity with WBC administered three times per week can potentially modulate inflammatory and antioxidant responses. This modulation is evidenced by changes in the expression of genes related to these processes.

The Use of Cryotherapy in Cosmetology and the Influence of Cryogenic Temperatures on Selected Skin Parameters—A Review of the Literature

Cryotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular method used in medicine, physiotherapy, and cosmetology. It is used in the form of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and local cryotherapy. It is a tool for achieving analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Since the beginning of its use, its influence on the mental state has also been pointed out. The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature on the effect of cryogenic temperatures on the skin and the mechanisms induced by such a stimulus and its influence on well-being. A literature search of keywords or phrases was performed in PubMed®. Various effects of WBC on skin characteristics (hydration, pH, level of transepidermal water loss), mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects, and effects on adipocytes were shown. Research on the impact of individual skin characteristics is not consistent. Positive effects on the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress have been noted. Cryotherapy is also successfully used in dermatology to treat lentil spots, actinic keratosis, and ingrown toenails, remove viral warts, or relieve itching in atopic dermatitis. The results of the review also indicate the effectiveness of WBC as an adjunctive treatment for obesity. The number of papers available on the direct effects of WBC on the skin is still limited, despite the fact that it represents the first contact of the human body with cryogenic temperatures. Available data show that cold as a physical stimulus can be a safe and useful tool in cosmetology.

Low temperature exerts protective effects by inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway following pressure injury to rat muscle

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the effect of different low-temperature range interventions at different time-points in a rat model of pressure injury (PI) produced by Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to blank control, injury control, and temperature intervention groups. Rats in the injury control and temperature intervention groups (involving exposure to different temperature range at different time-points) were subjected to three cycles of I/R injury with 2-h ischemia and 0.5-h reperfusion to induce PI.

RESULTS

The muscle tissues exhibited degenerative changes after compression. Low temperature intervention of 16-18°C in the ischemia period resulted in the lowest degree of tissue damage and significantly decreased levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-9, and caspase-3. Moreover, it resulted in the highest expression level of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and lowest expression levels of Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in muscle tissues among all intervention groups.

CONCLUSION

Low-temperature intervention at 16-18°C during the ischemia period showed optimal effects on the expressions of apoptotic factors during the development of PI with I/R-induced tissue damage.

Evaluation of the influence of whole-body cryotherapy on selected skin parameters in healthy individuals: Pilot study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the paper was to evaluate changes in selected skin parameters (hydration, sebum level and pH of the skin) after whole-body cryotherapy (WBC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study encompassed of 16 individuals (8 men and 8 women), who participated in 15 WBC sessions. There were 4 measurements of skin parameters performed in the following way: prior to the first cryotherapy session, directly after the first session, after the 15th session, and after 3 weeks from the moment when the therapy was discontinued.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed for hydration and skin pH. Sebum level significantly decreased after 2nd cryotherapy session.

CONCLUSION

Whole-body cryotherapy seems to be safe for skin.

The impact of a single whole body cryostimulation treatment on selected skin properties of healthy young subjects

INTRODUCTION

Systemic cryotherapy is a popular treatment involving a short stay in a cryogenic chamber at a temperature below -100 °C. This leads to a number of physiological reactions, some of them also observed in the skin. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a single cryogenic treatment on selected skin characteristics (skin pH, level of hydration and TEWL - Transepidermal Water Loss) in young, healthy people.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Skin characteristics in 77 young people (23.63 ± 1.36 years) were assessed. In the study, 43 women and 33 men who took part in a one-time treatment (-120 °C) lasting 3 min. Measurements were made on the forearm skin and (in men) on the face twice: before and immediately after the procedure.

RESULTS

Initial differences in hydration of the stratum corneum and TEWL were observed between the group of women and men. After one treatment, the examined characteristics of the forearm skin did not change, and an unfavorable increase in TEWL in men was indicated in the facial area.

CONCLUSIONS

A single stay in the cryogenic chamber, while maintaining the correct methodology of the treatment, is safe for the skin. The changes taking place depend on the body surface area tested, which indicates that the skin on the limbs and on the face reacts differently to the cryogenic stimulus.

Whole-Body Cryostimulation Improves Inflammatory Endothelium Parameters and Decreases Oxidative Stress in Healthy Subjects

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) and subsequent kinesiotherapy on inflammatory endothelium and oxidative stress parameters in healthy subjects.

METHODS

The effects of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 min per day and followed by a 60-min session of kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and inflammatory endothelium parameters in healthy subjects (WBC group n = 32) were analyzed. The WBC group was compared to a kinesiotherapy only (KT; n = 16) group. The following parameters were estimated one day before the start, and one day after the completion of the studies: oxidative stress parameters (the total antioxidant capacity of plasma (FRAP), paraoxonase-1 activity (PON-1), and total oxidative status (TOS)) and inflammatory endothelium parameters (myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), serum amyloid A (SAA), and sCD40L levels).

RESULTS

A significant decrease of PON-1 and MPO activities and TOS, SAA, and sCD40L levels as well as a significant FRAP increase were observed in the WBC group after the treatment. In addition, the SAA levels and PON-1 activity decreased significantly after the treatment in both groups, but the observed decrease of these parameters in the WBC group was higher in comparison to the KT group.

CONCLUSION

WBC procedures have a beneficial impact on inflammatory endothelium and oxidative stress parameters in healthy subjects, therefore they may be used as a wellness method.

Assessment of the Influence Systemic Cryotherapy Exerts on Chosen Skin Scores of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Pilot Study

Background

One of the most important tasks in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is alleviation of racking skin dryness and persistent pruritus, because these factors exert a significant influence on worsening patients' quality of life. Cryotherapy being a new form of rehabilitation in AD may supplement and support a long-term process of AD treatment, because it has anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects and exerts a positive influence on the nervous system.

Methods

14 adults (mean age 32 ± 10.8) with mild to moderate AD were enrolled. WBC (15 treatments in total) took place in winter 2018/2019. Patient skin parameters (hydration of the epidermis, sebum level, and skin pH level) were measured with probes produced by Courage + Khazaka Electronic GmbH.

Results

Changes were observed in the hydration level of the epidermis. The SCORAD index evaluating the AD intensity level also changed (decreased).

Conclusion

Due to these properties, hypothesis has been put forward that WBC can be an effective, supporting method in the treatment of AD.

Decreased Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Subjects Who Underwent Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Closed Cryochamber with Subsequent Kinesiotherapy

Objective

The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and subsequent kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile when performed in a closed cryochamber on healthy subjects.

Material and Methods

The effect of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 minutes a day followed by a 60-minute session kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile in healthy subjects (WBC group, n = 16) was investigated. The WBC group was compared to the kinesiotherapy only (KT; n = 16) group. The routine parameters of oxidative stress (antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)) and lipid profile were estimated one day before the beginning and one day after the completion of the research program.

Results

After treatment, in the WBC group, a significant decrease of oxidative stress markers (TOS and OSI) and a significant increase of total antioxidant capacity were observed. The activity of plasma SOD-Mn and erythrocyte total SOD increased significantly in the WBC group. In the KT group, the erythrocyte activity of total SOD, CAT, and GR decreased significantly after the treatment. The levels of T-Chol and LDL-Chol decreased significantly after treatment in both groups, but the observed decrease of these lipid parameters in the WBC group was higher in comparison to the KT group. The level of TG decreased significantly after treatment in the WBC group only.

Conclusion

WBC performed in a closed cryochamber followed by kinesiotherapy improves lipid profile and decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects.

Does CABG with Saphenous Vein Grafting and Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation Affect Lower Limb Function? A Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess lower limb function in response to two cardiac rehabilitation (CR) protocols after coronary artery bypass surgery with saphenous vein grafting.

METHODS

Clinically-stable male patients aged 50-70 years were recruited 4 weeks post-surgery in which to group. Group I (n = 47) receive standard CR in a hospital setting for 3 weeks and Group II (n = 14) receive CR with a resistance training component in an outpatient setting for 8 weeks. Measures included body mass and composition, lower limb temperature distribution, lower limb hemodynamics, and dorsal and plantar flexor muscle strength.

RESULTS

Average temperature of the operated limb decreased only in Group II after cardiac rehabilitation. Venous blood flow improved in both groups as evidenced by increased blood refilling time. Isokinetic strength was greater in Group I.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest a 3-week intensive CR protocol to be most effective in restoring lower limb function in CABG patients after saphenectomy.

Local cryostimulation acutely preserves maximum isometric handgrip strength following fatigue in young women

Several types of cryostimulation have been recently proposed to rapidly lower skin temperature therefore gaining a possible neuro/muscular recovery after strenuous exercise or, more generally, in sports. Local cryostimulation may be a viable and relatively portable tool to obtain physiological benefits in previously-efforted muscular districts. However, cohesive and standardized cryo-exposure protocols are lacking as well as the righteous procedure to efficaciously combine duration, treatments and temperature in relation to desirable effects on muscular strength. In this randomized-controlled study, fifty young women were tested for maximum isometric handgrip strength, before and after exhausting contractions. Following the fatiguing protocol, the intervention group (cryo, n = 25, 24.7 ± 2.5 years, BMI 21.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2) underwent a 6-min local cryostimulation (-160 °C) on the extensor-flexor muscles of the dominant arm, while control-matched peers sat rested in a thermo-neutral room (22 ± 0.5 °C). Handgrip tests were repeated at baseline (T0), after cryostimulation (T1), and 15 min after T1 (T2). Throughout the protocol, the AUC of the strength performance was significantly higher in the cryo- compared to control group (P = 0.006). In particular, following fatigue and cryostimulation, the cryo group preserved higher strength at T1 with respect to controls (26.8 ± 2.8 vs 23.9 ± 2.8 kg, Bonferroni's post-hoc, P < 0.01). Likewise, ventral and dorsal temperature, recorded with a thermal camera, were lower in cryo- than control group (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, a brief session of local cryostimulation may acutely preserve maximal isometric force in young women following a fatiguing protocol. These findings may have implications in orchestrating strategies of district muscular recovery.