The influence of whole body cryotherapy on the functional efficiency in patients with spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar spine

Background: Osteoarthrosis (OA) is considered as the most common disease affecting mankind. The aim of the study was to present the impact of whole body cryotherapy (WBCT) together with kinesiotherapy (KT) and with KT alone on functional efficiency in patients with OA. Material and methods: ‪The study group consisted of 120 patients. They were randomly divided into two groups. Patients from the study group underwent a series of WBCT combined with KT, while patients from the control group underwent KT alone. Each patient was examined before and after the therapy by VAS, ODI and functional tests. Results: ‪After the therapy the VAS decreased by 33% in both study groups. Functional efficiency improved by 17% (ODI) in the study group, while in the control group by 10% (p < 0.0001). The Schöber test result increased after the therapy in the study group by 0.32 ±0.1 cm, while in the control group by 0.4 ±0.1 cm. In the Thomayer test spinal ROM increased after the therapy by 3.09 ±0.1 cm in the study group and increased by 2.63 ±0.1 cm in the control group (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ‪WBCT as well as kinesiotherapy decreases LBP and slightly increases lumbar spine ROM. Improvement in functional efficiency measured by ODI was higher in patients after WBCT combined with kinesiotherapy.