Whole-Body Cryostimulation in Fibromyalgia: A Scoping Review

Applied Sciences

Emanuele Maria Giusti¹  Paolo Capodaglio²  Michele Gobbi²  Jacopo Maria Fontana²  Paolo Piterಠ

[1] Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy;Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit and Research Lab in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Via Cadorna 90, 28824 Verbania, Italy;

关键词: whole-body cryostimulation;    fibromyalgia;    cryotherapy;    inflammation;    pain;    rehabilitation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/app12094794

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Currently, all available therapies for the control and management of fibromyalgia (FM) are mostly focused on relieving patients’ symptoms and improving their quality of life. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) in patients with FM and evidence-based guidance on the possible adjuvant use of WBC in the treatment of FM. We searched the most recent literature by retrieving 10 eligible studies, 4 of which were abstracts only, from a total of 263 records. Thermal stress caused by cryostimulation induces an analgesic effect, improving pain, redox balance, and inflammatory symptoms in an exercise-mimicking fashion. In addition, it reduces the feeling of fatigue, improves mood, and reduces mental health deterioration with positive consequences on depressive states and improved sleep quality. Although the studies included in this review are not of sufficient quality and quantity to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of WBC in FM, initial evidence indicates WBC as a promising add-on option in the multidisciplinary treatment of FM, due to its rapid action and high patients’ compliance. The application of WBC protocols has the potential to expand therapeutic options for the treatment of FM and related disorders; however, larger, high-quality primary studies are still needed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown