Effect of whole body cryotherapy interventions on health-related quality of life in fibromyalgia patients: A randomized controlled trial. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vitenet, M.; Tubez, F.; Marreiro, A.; Polidori, G.; Taiar, R.; Legrand, F.; Boyer, F.C.
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 36(2018)
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Whole body cryotherapy -- Fibromyalgia -- Quality of life; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; Médecines parallèles -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Alternative medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.10.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2299

Abstract

Highlights: Whole body cryotherapy can improve health-reported quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. This study offers a perspective on the impact of Cryotherapy on health. Patients in the WBC group reported significantly improved for health-reported quality of life. Abstract: Introduction: Although fibromyalgia syndrome (SFM) affects 2–4 percent of adults, research has not identified a preferred therapeutic option for patients worldwide yet. Based on recent findings, it can be expected that whole body cryotherapy can improve health-reported quality of life by alleviating the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Objective: Our aim was to determine whether whole body cryotherapy only can result in improved perceived health and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. Methods: 24 patients with fibromyalgia diagnosis were randomized into 2 groups (n = 11 in the whole body cryotherapy group, n = 13 in the control group). In the whole body cryotherapy group, 10 sessions of whole body cryotherapy were performed (in addition to usual care) in a standard cryotherapy room over a duration of 8 days. Subjects in the control group did not change anything in their everyday activities. Quality of life was assessed just before and one month after treatment. Results: Compared with the control group, patients in the whole body cryotherapy group reported significantly improved for health-reported quality of life. These effects lasted for at least one month following intervention. Conclusion: Based on these findings, whole body cryotherapy can be recommended as an effective clinically adjuvant approach in the improvement of health-related quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.