Physiological - Increased Testosterone
Testosterone is a key hormone and determining factor in building muscle mass, strength and is linked to one’s desire to compete and aggression [8]. Whole body cryotherapy has been shown to increase testosterone levels significantly, both after short term exposure and over longer periods.
One study found that after a single instance of whole body cryotherapy treatment, testosterone levels increased 28% compared to the control group [27]. Another found, over a 2 week application period, a 13% increase in testosterone levels after the use of whole body cryotherapy [28].
Physiological – Oxidative Stress & Free Radical Reduction
Free radicals are extremely reactive molecules generated as a waste product of the body’s cells (metabolic waste). Though part of the body’s normal processes, too high a concentration of these molecules can lead to damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in your body. Free radicals and oxidative stress have been linked to many diseases including; neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as cancer.
Studies have shown the positive effect whole body cryotherapy has on total antioxidative status in significantly increasing levels of superoxide dismutase [28][29]. Superoxide dismutase is a molecule which facilitates the breakdown of the superoxide radical (a free radical) into normal oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. It is known to reduce damage from free radicals or reactive oxygen species [30].
One study directly targeted multiple sclerosis patients and found a significant increase in superoxide dismutase in those participants given whole body cryotherapy treatment [28]. Another study found the same results in healthy men [29].
Application – Chronic Disease Relief & Rehabilitation
Whole body cryotherapy has been shown to effectively improve the quality of life and offer relief to those suffering from chronic diseases. Diseases studied include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, spondylitis, and eczema.
We found two studies showing the positive effect whole body cryotherapy has on oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis patients [31][34]. Two more studies concluded that cryotherapy or cryostimulation had a positive effect on rehabilitating patients with MS and improved functional ability [32][33].
Another study explored the effects of whole body cryotherapy on fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic low back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. Perceived pain was significantly lowered in the short term, and the study concluded that whole body cryotherapy could significantly assist in patient rehabilitation [35].
Whole body cryotherapy has also been shown to improve eczema [36].
Note: Information contained within this website and in all materials, communications, or presentations by High Tech Healing is for informative purposes only. Cryotherapy machines are neither designed nor advised for treatment or cure of any illness or disease. No cryotherapy chambers have been tested or approved by the FDA. Please consult with your medical professional before beginning any cryotherapy or recovery method.
References
[27] Five-day whole-body cryostimulation, blood inflammatory markers, and performance in high-ranking professional tennis players - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23182015/
[28] [The effects of whole-body cryotherapy and melatonin supplementation on total antioxidative status and some antioxidative enzymes in multiple sclerosis patients] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21991843/
[29] Whole-Body Cryostimulation - Potential Beneficial Treatment for Improving Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Men - Significance of the Number of Sessions - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3471883/
[30] Superoxide dismutases: Dual roles in controlling ROS damage and regulating ROS signaling - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29669742/
[31] [Cryostimulation as an antioxidative factor in sclerosis multiplex] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21991852/
[32] [Cryostimulation factor supporting rehabilitation patients with multiple sclerosis and fatigue syndrome] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20941916/
[33] Long-term effects of whole body cryostimulation on uric acid concentration in plasma of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24219650/
[34] Effects of whole-body cryotherapy on a total antioxidative status and activities of antioxidative enzymes in blood of depressive multiple sclerosis patients - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21083503/
[35] [Whole-body cryotherapy in rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid diseases--pilot study] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10832164/
[36] Assessment of the Influence Systemic Cryotherapy Exerts on Chosen Skin Scores of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Pilot Study - https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/5279642/
