Recommended by the IIR / IIR document

Whole body cryotherapy / cryostimulation, 39th Informatory Note on Refrigeration Technologies.

Summary

Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) and Partial-Body Cryotherapy (PBC) – grouped under the term Cryostimulation – are new techniques consisting in exposing the whole body (head excluded for PBC) to extreme cold for a short period of time (typically 3 minutes at -110 °C). After exposure, patients experienced decreased soreness, oedema and inflammation, as well as musculoskeletal relaxation and increased range of motion. Cryostimulation is also effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression and accelerating muscle recovery in athlets. However, solid scientific evidence of these benefits has yet to be provided. An intensification of research is necessary to identify the key variables inducing the benefits of cryostimulation and to define and adapt treatment protocols (frequency and exposure parameters in particular). In addition, safety issues related to the use of cryostimulation are essential, in particular the consideration of medical contraindications and physical risks such as anoxia. This also requires certification of the operators and cryogenic devices used.

Available documents

Informatory Note - Whole body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (English)

Pages: 9 p.

Available

Free

Note d'Information - Cryothérapie corps entier/cryostimulation (French)

Pages: 10 p.

Available

Free

Summary for policymakers - Whole body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (English)

Pages: 2

Available

Free

Résumé pour les décideurs - Cryothérapie corps entier/cryostimulation (French)

Pages: 2

Available

Free

Details

  • Original title: Whole body cryotherapy / cryostimulation, 39th Informatory Note on Refrigeration Technologies.
  • Record ID : 30027803
  • Languages: French, English
  • Publishers: IIF-IIR
  • Publication date: 2020/10
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iif.NItec39.09.2020
  • Notes:

    This Informatory Note was prepared by the following experts of the IIR Working Group on Whole-Body Cryotherapy or Cryostimulation (listed in alphabetical order): Jean-Pierre Bernard, Romain Bouzigon, Massimo De Nardi, Wafa Douzi, Benoit Dugué, Joao Ferreira Junior, Jacques Guilpart, Giovanni Lombardi, Elzbieta Miller and Ivo Tiemessen.
    The note was also reviewed by several other experts in this Working Group as well as by Judith Evans (President of IIR Section C), Laurie Huget (Cryogenic Society of America) and other experts on the editorial board of Cold Facts magazine, under the supervision of Jean-Luc Dupont (Head of the Scientific and Technical Information Department). It was proofread by Nathalie de Grissac and designed by Aurélie Durand (IIR headoffice).

  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.