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Clinical Trial
. 2014:2014:628724.
doi: 10.1155/2014/628724. Epub 2014 Jun 29.

Anthropometric characteristics and sex influence magnitude of skin cooling following exposure to whole body cryotherapy

L E Hammond  1 , S Cuttell  2 , P Nunley  2 , J Meyler  2
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Anthropometric characteristics and sex influence magnitude of skin cooling following exposure to whole body cryotherapy

L E Hammond et al. Biomed Res Int. 2014.

Abstract

This study explored whether anthropometric measures influence magnitude of skin cooling following exposure to whole body cryotherapy (WBC). Height, weight, body fat percentage, and lean mass were measured in 18 male and 14 female participants. Body surface area, body surface area to mass ratio, body mass index, fat-free mass index, and fat mass index were calculated. Thermal images were captured before and after WBC (-60°C for 30 seconds, -110°C for 2 minutes). Skin temperature was measured at the chest, arm, thigh, and calf. Mean skin temperature before and after WBC and change in mean skin temperature (ΔT sk) were calculated. ΔT sk was significantly greater in females (12.07 ± 1.55°C) than males (10.12 ± 1.86°C; t(30) = -3.09, P = .004). A significant relationship was observed between body fat percentage and ΔT sk in the combined dataset (P = .002, r = .516) and between fat-free mass index and ΔT sk in males (P = .005, r = .622). No other significant associations were found. Skin response of individuals to WBC appears to depend upon anthropometric variables and sex, with individuals with a higher adiposity cooling more than thinner individuals. Effects of sex and anthompometrics should be considered when designing WBC research or treatment protocols.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Significant association between body fat percentage and ΔT sk in combined males and females.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Nonsignificant association between FMI and ΔT sk which demonstrates a highly similar pattern to that observed with body fat percentage and ΔT sk.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Association between FFMI and ΔT sk which was significant for males but not females.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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