The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a 5-day PBC on reducing inflammation and improving motor skills in soccer players during the initial phase of the training period.

The five-day cryostimulation applied did not significantly affect the profile of inflammatory markers in soccer players. However, a reduction in visuo-motor reaction time (RT) was registered in PBC-treated soccer players, suggesting the potential benefits of this method in improving motor skills.

Cryostimulation is one of the methods of post-exercise recovery, involving short-term (3 min) exposure of the body to extremely low temperatures, oscillating between -100°C and -190°C. The purpose of this therapy is to reduce inflammation, reduce physical and mental fatigue and use it as a passive form of preparing the body for further exercise as part of the training process.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of five days of whole-body cryostimulation (PBC) on reducing inflammation and improving motor skills in soccer players. A group of 24 football players was randomly divided into a test group (PBC; -140°C ± 20°C, 3 min, 5 days) and a control group (CON). Before the cryostimulation session, both groups were subjected to visual-motor ability tests, which were repeated on the last day of the study. Blood samples were collected at four time points (P0-1 day, P1-3 day, P2-5 day, P3-2 days after the test). Levels of creatine kinase (CK), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), interleukins (IL-6, IL-10), testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) were determined in the samples.

Inclusion Criteria:

• athletes
• no previous experience with systemic cryotherapy
• any other forms of recovery or cosmetic treatments

Exclusion Criteria:

• alcohol or any other stimulants
• anti-inflammation drugs
• injuries