Thermal responses during and after whole-body cryotherapy (-110°C)

Abstract

The effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on rectal and skin temperatures was measured in healthy subjects before, during and after WBC exposure. WBC did not cause any significant change in rectal temperature. The lowest local skin temperatures were recorded in the forearm, 5.2 (2.8)°C, and in the calf, 5. 3 (3.0)°C. WBC involves no risk for frostbites. After WBC, all skin temperatures recovered rapidly, indicating that the analgetic effects of WBC only occur during a limited period after the exposure. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.