Cold Therapy Improves Heart Control in Obese Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Nadia Solaro, Luca Giovanelli, Laura Bianchi, Paolo Piterà, Federica Verme, Mara Malacarne, Massimo Pagani, Jacopo Maria Fontana, Paolo Capodaglio, Daniela Lucini, Gian Luigi Nicolosi
Primary Institution: IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano
Hypothesis
Does whole-body cold stimulation (WBC) improve cardiac autonomic control in obese patients regardless of the temperature used?
Conclusion
Whole-body cold stimulation significantly improves cardiac autonomic control in obese patients, regardless of whether the temperature is -55 °C or -110 °C.
Supporting Evidence
- WBC improved cardiac autonomic control as measured by the Autonomic Nervous System Index (ANSI).
- Both temperature treatments resulted in significant increases in ANSI post-treatment.
- Improvements in heart rate variability were observed from pre- to post-treatment.
- Patients tolerated the cold exposure well with no reported adverse events.
Takeaway
This study shows that being in a really cold room can help people with obesity have better heart control, which is good for their health.
Methodology
23 obese patients underwent 10 sessions of whole-body cold stimulation at either -55 °C or -110 °C, with heart rate variability assessed before and after treatments.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the lack of blinding for treatment assignment and the absence of a control group.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and lacked a control group, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
23 patients with obesity (18 women and 5 men), mean age 45.48 years.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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