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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-08-2020 | Cryotherapy | Original Article

The use of whole-body cryotherapy: time- and dose-response investigation on circulating blood catecholamines and heart rate variability

Authors: Julien Louis, Dimitri Theurot, Jean-Robert Filliard, Marielle Volondat, Benoit Dugué, Olivier Dupuy

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2020

Abstract

Purpose

A predominance of parasympathetic drive is observed following cold exposure. Such modulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is associated with faster post-exercise recovery. Within this context, whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) has been spreading in sport medicine, though the optimal temperature and frequency are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different cryotherapy conditions on the sympathovagal balance.

Methods

Forty healthy males were randomly assigned into five different groups (− 110 °C, − 60 °C, − 10 °C, control temperature [≃ 24 °C]) and undertook 5 WBC sessions over 5 consecutive days. Cardiac autonomic activity was assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) using power density of high frequency (HF), root-mean square difference of successive R–R intervals (RMSSD) and sympathovagal balance (LF/HF). Systemic sympathetic activity was assessed via circulating blood catecholamines.

Results

Mean weekly RMSSD (pre: 48 ± 22 ms, post: 68 ± 29 ms) and HF (pre: 607 ± 692 ms², post: 1271 ± 1180 ms²) increased (p < 0.05) from pre to post WBC, only in the − 110 °C condition. A rise in plasma norepinephrine was found after the first − 110 °C WBC session only (pre: 173 ± 98, post: 352 ± 231 ng L⁻¹, p < 0.01); whereas, it was not significant after the 5th session (pre: 161 ± 120, post: 293 ± 245 ng L⁻¹, p = 0.15).

Conclusion

These results suggest that one − 110 °C WBC exposure is required to stimulate the ANS. After five daily exposures, a lower autonomic response was recorded compared to day one, therefore suggesting the development of physiological habituation to WBC.

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Title: The use of whole-body cryotherapy: time- and dose-response investigation on circulating blood catecholamines and heart rate variability
Authors: Julien Louis
Dimitri Theurot
Jean-Robert Filliard
Marielle Volondat
Benoit Dugué
Olivier Dupuy
Publication date: 01-08-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04406-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The use of whole-body cryotherapy: time- and dose-response investigation on circulating blood catecholamines and heart rate variability

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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