Physiological responses to partial-body cryotherapy performed during a concurrent strength and endurance session

Abstract

This investigation examined the effect of partial-body cryostimulation (PBC) performed in the recovery time between a strength training and an interval running (IR). Nine rugby players [age 23.7±3.6, BMI 28.0±2.6 kg/m2] were randomly exposed to two different conditions: i) PBC: 3-min at -160°C; ii) passive recovery at 21°C. We recorded the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), temperature, and cardiac autonomic variables in three moments: at baseline, after strength training (R0) and after 90-min of recovery (R90). Additionally, the blood lactate concentration was measured 1-min before and 2.5-min after the IR. The heart rate, energy cost, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake and metabolic power were assessed during the IR. The homeostatic hydration status was affected by the execution of intense strength training sub-session. Then, after PBC the BIA vector was restored back, close to normohydration status. Autonomic variables changed over time in both conditions, although the mean differences and effect sizes were higher in the PBC condition. During IR, the heart rate was 3.5% lower after PBC, and the same result was observed for the oxygen uptake (~4.9%) and ventilation (~6.5%). The energy cost measured after cryotherapy was ~9.0% lower than after passive recovery. Cryotherapy enhances recovery after a single strength training, while during the subsequent interval running it shows a reduction in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters. PBC may be used in those athletes who compete or train more than once in the same day to improve recovery between successive training sessions or competitions.

Maturity Related Differences in Body Composition Assessed by Classic and Specific Bioimpedance Vector Analysis among Male Elite Youth Soccer Players

“…Classic BIVA is the traditional vector method proposed by Piccoli et al [10], where bioimpedance measurements (resistance (R) and reactance (Xc)) are adjusted for the height of the subjects. Changes in vector length represent variations in total body water (TBW) or in FM% depending on which BIVA approach is applied [11][12][13][14][15][16]. The specific BIVA method corrects R and Xc according to the body cross-sections in addition to height [17].…”

Classic Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Reference Values for Assessing Body Composition in Male and Female Athletes

“…Recent studies conducted on athletes have highlighted the need for sport-specific BIVA references by establishing data from sets of sports such as soccer, volleyball, or cycling [12][13][14]. In the absence of appropriate references for each sport category, researchers continue to use reference values from the general healthy population [15][16][17][18]. A characteristic and innovative aspect of BIVA is that it provides soft tissue classification (under, normal, and over) and ranking (more or less than before intervention), comparing the position of an individual vector to a reference population.…”

Lifetime Exposure to Recreational Swimming Training and its Effects on Autonomic Responses

“…Indices of cardiac vagal outflow, that is SDNN, RMSSD and HF power, were clearly different in swimmers as compared to sedentary counterparts. Furthermore, differences were observed in BRS, which is a measure of reflex cardiac vagal responsiveness [17][18][19][20]. Loimaala et al [10] suggest that, to obtain a clinically significant increase in HRV and BRS, exercise training should be practiced consistently for many years.…”