Short to Long Effects of Whole Body Cryostimulation on Insulin Sensitivity Among Overweight

Therapeutic effectiveness of coldness in relieving pain and reducing inflammation has been known for many years now. Over that time, various coldness therapies have gained in popularity, including winter swimming, snow baths or whole body cryostimulation (WBC) . Recent researches have shown positive effects of WBC on metabolic profile, low-to-moderate chronic inflammation and related diseases (e.g., obesity). WBC could be, thus, intended as an adjuvant method in the treatment of dysmetabolic conditions, such as overweight or obesity. WBC is a cheap easily accessible practice, with a few well-defined contraindications and limited non severe possible adverse events, if performed in specialized centres. At the same time, in sport science appears data, which indicated on inhibition of adaptive changes induced by regular training. The primary aim is to define, through a randomized controlled approach, the relative effectiveness of up to 20 consecutive sessions of either WBC, high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT), or their combination (WBC and HIIT) in improving the metabolic status of overweight and obese subjects. The effects will be assessed, at different time-points, in terms of insulin sensitivity and modification in the profile of hormones regulating the energy metabolism (adipokines, myokines, bone-derived hormones) and the inter-organ cross-talk.