Interaction was significant (p=0,00005). The arterio�Cvenous Calcitriol FDA reflex index (microcirculation��s reaction to change of position) was significantly higher after WBCT in both groups (women- p=0,0001, men – p=0,0001). Ten days later men showed further significant increase compared to the second measurement (p=0,01). In women the increase was insignificant. The interaction between men and women was significant (p=0,00018).The recorded results (values recorded for post-occlusive hyperaemic reaction, reaction to temperature and the arterio�C venous reflex index) are shown in Table 2. Table 2 Mean values (x) and standard deviation (SD) of the analyzed variables in succeeding measurements for both sexes with statistical verification The myogenic frequency (MF) significantly rose in the second measurement compared to the first one in both men and women (p=0,0001) and on the third measurement did not change significantly with values close to those obtained during the second measurement.
Heart frequency (HF) decreased remarkably after cryostimulation (F, M p=0,0001) and remained stable after ten days in both groups. Neurogenic rhythm (SF) increased significantly after cryostimulation in women (p=0,016). Other variables did not alter significantly. The recorded results (the values of frequency in the range of 0,01 Hz to 2 Hz) are shown in Table 3. Table 3 Mean values (x) and standard deviation (SD) of the variables analyzed in basal flow in particular frequencies in succeeding measurements for both sexes with statistical verification Discussion Despite the fact that WBCT has become an accepted physiotherapy method, it remains unclear how the extremely low temperatures work, what is the optimal number of sessions and how long the positive therapeutic effects for the cutaneous microcirculation last.
In healthy individuals the analgesic and relaxing effects persist for several months after a series of cryotherapy sessions (Zagrobelny and Zimmer, 1999; Wojtecka-Lukasik et al., 2010). In this study 10 cryogenic sessions were applied during 10 consecutive days as this is the most frequently applied procedure, recommended by the producers of cryogenic chambers, which does not mean it is optimal. Lubkowska et al. (2010a) proved that best therapeutic effect was observed after 20 sessions. The flows in the cutaneous microcirculation were measured with the use of laser Doppler flowmeter.
It is a safe, non-invasive and reproducible method and it records data from thermoregulation area of the vessel bed excluding the tissues underneath (Rousti et al., 2010; Sokolnicki et al., 2009). No reference values have been determined for this Batimastat method, therefore the status of the skin vessel bed is defined with the use of provoked reactions to heat, occlusive or orthostatic stimulus. Many authors studied changes in skin microcirculation after local cooling but there are no data regarding the impact of extreme low temperature (WBCT) in this area.
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