Critical Evaluation of Whole-Body Cryostimulation Protocol in Race Horses.

The research examines whether the whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) protocol used for humans – relieving pain and enhancing muscle recovery using cold therapy – is effective when used for racehorses. The study, which used infrared thermography to measure skin temperature, found that the conventional method for human cryostimulation doesn’t trigger the necessary cold reflexes in horses, suggesting a need for a protocol designed specifically for equine use.

For a better understanding, let’s delve into the details of the research:

Whole-Body Cryostimulation – Its Applications and Extent

• The study starts with a discussion on Whole-Body Cryostimulation (WBC), a technique frequently used in human medicine where cold therapy, provided with a temperature of -140°C for 3 minutes, helps to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and aid muscle recovery post-exercise.
• The researchers have observed similar applications of this technique in veterinary practice, particularly in the treatments for race horses.

The Experiment with Equine Whole-Body Cryostimulation

• Although conventional WBC has been extended to horses, this study critically evaluated the effectiveness of this application, particularly in terms of reducing skin temperature, which allows the triggering of beneficial cold reflexes.
• To do this, the researchers used infrared thermography, a technique that can measure and visualize skin temperature distributions.

The Consequences of Using Human WBC Protocols on Horses

• It was found that the temperature and exposure time parameters currently used in human WBC protocols are not sufficient to induce the desired thermal gradients in horse skin.
• This implies that the cold reflexes typically beneficial in WBC, such as vasomotor, neuroconduction, and certain biochemical reactions, cannot be triggered effectively in horses using the human based protocols.

Conclusions and Further Research

• The conclusion suggests that the WBC protocols typically used for humans are not directly transferable to horses, leading to calls for further research and investigations to develop an appropriate protocol specifically for equine use.