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

  • Lucy Hammond
    ,
  • S. Cuttell
    ,
  • P. Nunley
    ,
  • J. Meyler
  • Moulton College
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

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.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

BioMed Research International (Volume 2014)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 28/12/2014

Publication status

Published - 28/12/2014

ISSN

2314-6133

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/623160
  • Scopus: 84904791064

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