Whole-body cryostimulation application with age: A review

Abstract

In this review we examine studies exploring the effects of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) from the perspective of applications with age with subjects over the age of 55 years old. Blood based factors such as Erythropoietin and Il-3 increased in exercised trained and normal subjects after WBC while other parameters did not change. WBC treatment of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis decreased levels of the inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α with a in the elasticity of erythrocytes. In older subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) a significant improvement of short-term memory was noted with reduced levels of IL-6 with an increase in BDNF release when whole blood was challenged with Aβ42. WBC appears to be an exciting non-pharmacological treatments with pleiotropic action. It has potential in enhancing performance and alleviating chronic conditions in older subjects as part of an active rest programme in combination with regular physical exercise. In conditions associated with cognitive dysfunction including Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia the many properties of WBC as an affordable treatment has exciting therapeutic potential.

Keywords: Cold; Cryostimulation; Gerontology; Older; Physical medicine; Whole-body cryotherapy.