- Explores the novel and efficient cryogenic approach to different clinical conditions
- Describes the state-of-the-art of the molecular and clinical effects of Whole-body Cryostimulation
- Written by international leading experts in the field
This book entails chapters ranging from cell to clinical studies exploring the state-of-the-art of the molecular and clinical effects of Whole-Body Cryostimulation (WBC).
Based on consolidated evidence, WBC is nowadays widely used in elité athletes for recovery from muscle fatigue or injury but, despite growing scientific support, it remains a niche topic in the field of Rehabilitation. At present, WBC is used mostly in eastern Europe as add-on treatment for rheumatological conditions, but recent literature suggests that its positive effects can have a clinically significant impact on a wider range of conditions.
The novelty of the book consists of documenting the clinical and functional effects of WBC in a range of conditions including post/long-Covid symptoms, fibromyalgia, rheumatologic, metabolic, psychiatric, sleep and respiratory disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, spasticity.
It addresses clinicians, researchers and postgraduate students, trying to provide evidence-based support for the use of WBC in pain and fatigue reduction, and improvement in functioning, mood, quality of sleep in various clinical conditions. The recently unveiled metabolic effects of the chronic exposure to cryogenic temperatures represent cutting-edge research in the field of obesity and diabetes management.
The book describes the work-in-progress of an international panel of experts and provides the latest indications for a safe use of WBC in the clinical setting in different medical conditions. It is about time to pinpoint to the clinical audience the current achievements on this topic together with the limitations of the existing studies, the lack of standard protocols with regard to individual “doses” of cryogenic exposure in specific health conditions and the safety concerns in order to foster research on the application of clinically useful and safe WBC protocols as add-on treatments able to boost rehabilitation programs.
Table of ContentsIntroduction- Prolonged or Repeated Cold Exposure: From Basic Physiological Adjustment to Therapeutic Effects
- Adaptive Endocrine and Metabolic Effects
- Cellular Cold Perception
- Subjective Cold Perception
- Muscular and Cerebral Tissue Oxygenation and Blood Flow
- Muscle Exercise
- Metabolomics: Metabolite Changes in Response to Cold Stress with a Special Focus on Whole-body Cryostimulation
- Metabolites, Bioactive Compounds, and Browning: Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Whole-Body Cryostimulation for Metabolic Health
- Possible Applications of Cold Stimulus in Obesity and Diabetes
Applications in Clinical Conditions- Fibromyalgia
- Obesity
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-COVID-19 Condition
- Cryostimulation as a Nonpharmacological Intervention for the Promotion of Mental Health: A Focus on Depressive and Anxiety Disorders
- Sleep Disorders
- Risks
- Toward Personalized Protocols: A Scoping Review
- Future Perspectives
