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

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.