Effect of Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) and exercise on functional status in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)

The impact of systemic cryotherapy and exercise on the psychophysical functioning of patients with multiple sclerosis

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12626000300370

Enrollment

Registered

2026-03-10

Start date

2013-05-01

Completion date

2014-02-28

Last updated

2026-03-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Exercise therapy is a beneficial factor in reducing disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is no universal rehabilitation model for patients with MS, therefore, each patient should be approached individually, taking into account their current needs and the primary goal of improving quality of lifeThese include primarily analgesic and anti-edematous effects, skeletal muscle relaxation, and increased joint mobility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of whole-body cryotherapy and exercise on depression and anxiety, muscle strength and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Interventions

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of whole-body cryotherapy and exercise on depression and anxiety, muscle strength and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis. Patients were randomly divided into three experimental groups: Group 1 (CryoGym) – 23 patients participating in whole-body cryotherapy and in strengthening exercises using Thera-Band equipment, Group 2 (Cryo) – 23 patients participating in whole-body cryotherapy treatments, Group 3 (Gym) – 23 patients participating in lower limb exercise using Thera-Band equipment to strengthen their lower limb muscles. The patients' psychofunctional status (mood, anxiety, depression) was assessed and muscle strength and muscle function parameters were measured. Assessments were conducted at two predefined time points: baseline (T1), prior to the initiation of treatment, and post-intervention (T2), after 10 days of therapy and a two-day washout period to avoid fatigue-related effects. In the study, the primary outcome is RMI, and secondary outcomes include peak torque, total work, and average power. The Rivermead Mobility Index assesses general motor skills and functional mobility, while the isokinetic measurement shows the biomechanical characteristics of the knee extensors and flexors.

Study design

Allocation

Randomised controlled trial

Primary purpose

Educational / counselling / training

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

30 Years to 60 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• consent to participate in the study, • diagnosed Multiple sclerosis (MS), • a period of disease remission (minimum 6 months since the last relapse), • independent mobility (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS 0-6), • approval from the attending physician,

Exclusion criteria

• adherence to training units below 70%, • use of other non-pharmacological (e.g. rehabilitation) forms of support during the project, • lack of consent to participate in the study.

Outcome results