Acute Cryotherapy on Musculoskeletal Function and Biomarkers

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Conditions studied: Exercise Induced Muscle Damage, Cryotherapy

In brief

In 2020, Dubois and Esculier proposed a paradigm shift in the acute management of musculoskeletal injuries, advocating for the transition from the traditional PRICE protocol- Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation-to the more holistic PEACE \& LOVE framework. This updated model emphasizes Protection, Elevation, Avoiding anti-inflammatories, Compression, and Education, followed by Load, Optimism, Vascularization, and Exercise. Notably, the PEACE \& LOVE approach omits the use of ice, a decision that has sparked considerable debate. While the rationale centers on avoiding interference with the natural inflammatory and regenerative processes, this omission stands in contrast to a substantial body of animal research suggesting that cryotherapy can mitigate secondary tissue injury by reducing inflammation and metabolic activity. Despite its widespread clinical use, human studies have yet to provide conclusive evidence supporting or refuting the efficacy of cryotherapy in acute injury management, leaving clinicians to navigate between tradition, emerging evidence, and evolving philosophies of care. Even though it is important to consider natural inflammation for a better regenerative process, animal models have shown that the original injury can elicit oxidative stress, which will enhance cellular damage (secondary damage) and inflammation. Clinically, it is unknown if this secondary damage would increase functional impairment. Therefore, this proposal will determine if cryotherapy can decrease secondary damage, after exercise-induced muscle damage, and if this decrease is associated to lower inflammation, oxidative stress and functional impairments.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT07211412
Run by
University of Texas, El Paso
People needed
60
Starts
2025-10-15
Expected to finish
2026-05-15
Last updated by the study team
2025-10-08

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 30. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

You may not qualify if…

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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