Impact of Whole-Body Cryostimulation (WBC) on Hemostatic Parameters in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves neuroinflammation, demyelination and hemostatic disturbances linked to blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and the resulting neurovascular dysfunction. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) is used as an adjunct therapy; however, its influence on coagulation and fibrinolysis remains unclear. This study evaluated the hemostatic effects of a 10-session WBC protocol in MS and non-MS participants.

Methods

Seventy-two adults (MS n = 29; non-MS n = 43) underwent 10 consecutive WBC sessions (3 min, -120 °C to -130 °C). Blood samples were collected at baseline (T1), after the 10th session (T2), and 10 days later (T3). Hemostatic parameters were evaluated using plasma coagulation times (PT, TT, aPTT), as well as thrombus formation under flow conditions (T-TAS®) and Clot Formation and Fibrinolysis (CFF).

Results

WBC induced mild alterations in coagulation times, particularly within the extrinsic (PT) and final fibrin-generation (TT) pathways, without affecting the intrinsic pathway (aPTT). No significant changes in thrombus formation or fibrinolysis were detected in T-TAS® or CFF methods, suggesting preserved overall hemostatic balance.

Conclusions

In both groups, a 10-session WBC protocol did not disrupt global hemostatic function, despite minor changes in several coagulation parameters. These findings support the hemostatic safety of WBC and indicate that the intervention does not promote a prothrombotic state in patients with MS.