Partial-Body Cryostimulation Increases Resting Energy Expenditure in Lean and Obese Women

Cryostimulation is currently seen as a potential adjuvant strategy to tackle obesity and dysmetabolism by triggering cold-induced thermogenesis. Although suggestive, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly elucidated. We tested whether single or repeated applications of partial-body cryostimulation (PBC) could influence resting energy expenditure (REE) in exposed individuals. Fifteen middle-aged obese and sixteen control lean women (body mass index 31 +/- 1.6 kg/m(2) and 22 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)) underwent a daily PBC (-130 degrees C x 150 s) for five consecutive days. Resting energy metabolism (REE) was assessed by indirect calorimetry pre- and post-PBC on day 1 and day 5. As concerns REE, the linear mixed model revealed that REE changes were explained by session and time (F-1,F-29 = 5.58; p = 0.02; n(p)(2) = 0.16) independent of the group (F-1,F-29 = 2.9; p = 0.09; n(p)(2) = 0.09). REE pre-PBC increased from day 1 to day 5 either in leans (by 8.2%, from 1538 +/- 111 to 1665 +/- 106 kcal/day) or in obese women (by 5.5%, from 1610 +/- 110 to 1698 +/- 142 vs kcal/day). Respiratory quotient was significantly affected by the time (F-1,F-29 = 51.61; p < 0.000001, n(p)(2) = 0.64), as it increased from pre- to post-PBC, suggesting a shift in substrate oxidation. According to these preliminary data, cold-induced thermogenesis could be explored as a strategy to elevate REE in obese subjects. Longitudinal studies could test whether chronic PBC effects may entail favorable metabolic adaptations.