RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) has seen a recent surge in popularity with patients with inflammatory conditions, athletes, and even people seeking to improve general health and quality of life. WBC treatment usually requires participation in a dozen of 3-min long sessions. But compliance is considered difficult due to possible cold-induced unpleasant sensations. Based on hedonic psychology assumptions, ratings of pleasure-displeasure experienced during a taks or activity may be important to understand individual differences in attendance. METHODS: Two hundred fifty nine customers from two French cryocenters took the Feeling Scale immediately after their first WBC session. RESULTS: End affect appeared to be negatively valenced (M = -1.85, SD = 1.38, 95 % confidence interval: -2.02 to -1.68). Additional statistical analyses revealed a moderating influence of past experience, in women only. Similarly, BMI was found to be negatively associated with displeasure in women, but not in men. CONCLUSION: These findings are discussed and further research directions are suggested.
Asunto(s)
Crioterapia/psicología , Placer , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Índice de Masa Corporal , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Calidad de Vida , Factores Sexuales , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We aimed at evaluating the feasibility and effects of intense (i.e. -90°C) whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) on somnolence and psychological well-being in an older-adult patient diagnosed with restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS: An interrupted time series approach was used in which the efficacy of cryostimulation was evaluated by measuring self-reported fatigue, wake time sleepiness, and well-being several times prior to, during, and after exposure to treatment (i.e. daily 3-min sessions of intense WBC). RESULTS: No adverse event occurred. Reported levels of sleepiness decreased immediately following the beginning of the treatment phase. In the same time, self-reported well-being significantly increased. Effects sizes were of large magnitude. CONCLUSION: In summary, the present study demonstrated that daily exposure to extremely cold air in an enclosed space for 2 weeks was feasible and effective in promoting physical and psychological states in an older patient with sleep disturbances.