Exercise-Induced FatigueWBC-ISONCT07617857
Whole-Body Cryotherapy and Isokinetic Performance After Exercise-Induced Fatigue
A study testing Whole-Body Cryotherapy in people with Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Recovery, run by Biruni University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized crossover study investigated the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on isokinetic knee performance following running-induced fatigue in physically active healthy male university students. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Exercise-Induced Fatigue, Recovery
- What is being tested?
- Whole-Body Cryotherapy
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 2 Sep 2024to 1 May 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy male participants aged 18-30 years with no exercise limitation
- No history of knee or lower-extremity injury requiring physiotherapy or surgical intervention
- No current lower-extremity pain
- No limitation in lower-extremity range of motion
- No chronic disease
- No mental or psychological disorder
Who cannot join
- Presence of cardiovascular disease
- Presence of respiratory disease
- History of cold allergy
- Presence of a tumor-related disease
- Presence of a viral or bacterial infection
- Diagnosis of Raynaud's disease
- Presence of claustrophobia
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Isokinetic Performance After Exercise-Induced Fatigue
This randomized crossover study investigated the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on isokinetic knee performance following running-induced fatigue in physically active healthy male university students. Participants completed two recovery conditions, WBC and passive rest, on separate days following a standardized treadmill fatigue protocol. Knee extension and flexion strength were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60°/s and 240°/s. In addition, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived fatigue responses were monitored throughout the recovery period. The study aimed to determine whether WBC improves post-exercise recovery and lower-extremity muscle performance compared with passive rest.
Read the detailed description
This study was designed to investigate the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on recovery and isokinetic muscle performance following exercise-induced fatigue in physically active healthy male university students. Exercise-induced fatigue is associated with reduced muscle force production, impaired performance, and increased injury risk. Various recovery strategies have been used to minimize these negative effects, and WBC has gained increasing attention in sports medicine because of its potential physiological and neuromuscular recovery benefits.
The study used a randomized within-subject crossover design in which participants completed two recovery conditions, WBC and passive rest, on separate days following a standardized treadmill-based fatigue protocol. During the WBC condition, participants were exposed to a two-stage cryogenic chamber consisting of an adaptation chamber at -30°C followed by a main chamber at -85°C. Passive rest sessions were performed under the same laboratory conditions without cryotherapy exposure.
Primary outcome measures included isokinetic knee extension and flexion performance assessed at angular velocities of 60°/s and 240°/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque and body mass-normalized peak torque values were analyzed for both dominant and non-dominant lower extremities. Secondary outcome measures included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived fatigue responses measured throughout the recovery period.
The aim of the study was to determine whether WBC provides superior recovery effects compared with passive rest following running-induced acute fatigue.
- Conditions
- Exercise-Induced Fatigue, Recovery
- Being tested
- Whole-Body Cryotherapy
- Keywords
- Whole-Body Cryotherapy, Cryotherapy, Exercise-Induced Fatigue, Recovery, Isokinetic Dynamometer
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Whole-Body CryotherapyProcedure or surgery
Participants underwent whole-body cryotherapy following a standardized running-induced fatigue protocol. The intervention was performed in a two-stage cryogenic chamber consisting of a 30-second adaptation phase at -30°C followed by a 3-minute exposure at -85°C.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-Body Cryotherapy | Experimental | Participants underwent whole-body cryotherapy following the running-induced fatigue protocol. Receives: Procedure: Whole-Body Cryotherapy |
| Passive Rest | No intervention | Participants completed passive seated rest following the running-induced fatigue protocol. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Peak Torque During Knee Extension and Flexion
Assessment of isokinetic knee extension and flexion peak torque at 60°/s and 240°/s following whole-body cryotherapy and passive rest recovery conditions.
Measured: Immediately after the 30-minute recovery period
Peak Torque Normalized to Body Mass
Assessment of body mass-normalized peak torque values during isokinetic knee extension and flexion testing at 60°/s and 240°/s.
Measured: Immediately after the 30-minute recovery period
Secondary outcomes (4)
Heart Rate
Assessment of heart rate responses throughout the recovery period following exercise-induced fatigue.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after exercise, and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute recovery period
Blood Pressure
Assessment of systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses throughout the recovery period.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after exercise, and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute recovery period
Oxygen Saturation
Assessment of peripheral oxygen saturation during the recovery period.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after exercise, and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute recovery period
Perceived Fatigue
Assessment of perceived fatigue using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale (6-20 points). Scores range from 6 (no exertion) to 20 (maximal exertion), with higher scores indicating greater perceived fatigue and exertion.
Measured: Immediately after exercise, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes after exercise
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Jun 2026
- Study start2 Sep 2024
- Primary completion1 May 2025
- Study completion1 May 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Exercise-Induced FatigueStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Biruni UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Participants completed both recovery conditions (whole-body cryotherapy and passive rest) in a randomized crossover manner on separate days following a standardized running-induced fatigue protocol. Each participant served as his own control, and sessions were separated by at least 48 hours.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Biruni University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zeynep Koluman, Biruni University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07617857
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024/1567
- Acronym
- WBC-ISO
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 24 May 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Krueger M, Costello JT, Achtzehn S, Dittmar KH, Mester J. Whole-body cryotherapy (-110 degrees C) following high-intensity intermittent exercise does not alter hormonal, inflammatory or muscle damage biomarkers in trained males. Cytokine. 2019 Jan;113:277-284. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.07.018. Epub 2018 Jul 19.
PubMed 30031682Abaidia AE, Lamblin J, Delecroix B, Leduc C, McCall A, Nedelec M, Dawson B, Baquet G, Dupont G. Recovery From Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: Cold-Water Immersion Versus Whole-Body Cryotherapy. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2017 Mar;12(3):402-409. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0186. Epub 2016 Aug 24.
PubMed 27396361Wilson LJ, Cockburn E, Paice K, Sinclair S, Faki T, Hills FA, Gondek MB, Wood A, Dimitriou L. Recovery following a marathon: a comparison of cold water immersion, whole body cryotherapy and a placebo control. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2018 Jan;118(1):153-163. doi: 10.1007/s00421-017-3757-z. Epub 2017 Nov 10.
PubMed 29127510Rose C, Edwards KM, Siegler J, Graham K, Caillaud C. Whole-body Cryotherapy as a Recovery Technique after Exercise: A Review of the Literature. Int J Sports Med. 2017 Dec;38(14):1049-1060. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-114861. Epub 2017 Nov 21.
PubMed 29161748
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Isokinetic Performance After Exercise-Induced Fatigue
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07617857
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- WBC-ISO / 2024/1567
- Conditions
- Exercise-Induced Fatigue, Recovery
- Keywords
- Whole-Body Cryotherapy, Cryotherapy, Exercise-Induced Fatigue, Recovery, Isokinetic Dynamometer
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Biruni UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 May 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized crossover study investigated the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on isokinetic knee performance following running-induced fatigue in physically active healthy male university students. Participants completed two recovery conditions, WBC and passive rest, on separate days following a standardized treadmill fatigue protocol. Knee extension and flexion strength were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60°/s and 240°/s. In addition, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived fatigue responses were monitored throughout the recovery period. The study aimed to determine whether WBC improves post-exercise recovery and lower-extremity muscle performance compared with passive rest.
Detailed description
This study was designed to investigate the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on recovery and isokinetic muscle performance following exercise-induced fatigue in physically active healthy male university students. Exercise-induced fatigue is associated with reduced muscle force production, impaired performance, and increased injury risk. Various recovery strategies have been used to minimize these negative effects, and WBC has gained increasing attention in sports medicine because of its potential physiological and neuromuscular recovery benefits.
The study used a randomized within-subject crossover design in which participants completed two recovery conditions, WBC and passive rest, on separate days following a standardized treadmill-based fatigue protocol. During the WBC condition, participants were exposed to a two-stage cryogenic chamber consisting of an adaptation chamber at -30°C followed by a main chamber at -85°C. Passive rest sessions were performed under the same laboratory conditions without cryotherapy exposure.
Primary outcome measures included isokinetic knee extension and flexion performance assessed at angular velocities of 60°/s and 240°/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque and body mass-normalized peak torque values were analyzed for both dominant and non-dominant lower extremities. Secondary outcome measures included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived fatigue responses measured throughout the recovery period.
The aim of the study was to determine whether WBC provides superior recovery effects compared with passive rest following running-induced acute fatigue.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants completed both recovery conditions (whole-body cryotherapy and passive rest) in a randomized crossover manner on separate days following a standardized running-induced fatigue protocol. Each participant served as his own control, and sessions were separated by at least 48 hours.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-Body Cryotherapy | Experimental | Procedure: Whole-Body CryotherapyParticipants underwent whole-body cryotherapy following the running-induced fatigue protocol. |
| Passive Rest | No intervention | –Participants completed passive seated rest following the running-induced fatigue protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Healthy male participants aged 18-30 years with no exercise limitation
- No history of knee or lower-extremity injury requiring physiotherapy or surgical intervention
- No current lower-extremity pain
- No limitation in lower-extremity range of motion
- No chronic disease
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Presence of cardiovascular disease
- Presence of respiratory disease
- History of cold allergy
- Presence of a tumor-related disease
- Presence of a viral or bacterial infection
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-Body CryotherapyParticipants underwent whole-body cryotherapy following a standardized running-induced fatigue protocol. The intervention was performed in a two-stage cryogenic chamber consisting of a 30-second adaptation phase at -30°C followed by a 3-minute exposure at -85°C. | Procedure or surgery | Whole-Body Cryotherapy |
Primary outcome
Peak Torque During Knee Extension and Flexion
Time frame: Immediately after the 30-minute recovery period
Assessment of isokinetic knee extension and flexion peak torque at 60°/s and 240°/s following whole-body cryotherapy and passive rest recovery conditions.
Peak Torque Normalized to Body Mass
Time frame: Immediately after the 30-minute recovery period
Assessment of body mass-normalized peak torque values during isokinetic knee extension and flexion testing at 60°/s and 240°/s.
4 secondary outcomes
Heart Rate
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after exercise, and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute recovery period
Blood Pressure
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after exercise, and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute recovery period
Oxygen Saturation
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after exercise, and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute recovery period
Perceived Fatigue
Time frame: Immediately after exercise, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes after exercise
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Jun 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 30031682Krueger M, Costello JT, Achtzehn S, Dittmar KH, Mester J. Whole-body cryotherapy (-110 degrees C) following high-intensity intermittent exercise does not alter hormonal, inflammatory or muscle damage biomarkers in trained males. Cytokine. 2019 Jan;113:277-284. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.07.018. Epub 2018 Jul 19.
- Results publication: PubMed 27396361Abaidia AE, Lamblin J, Delecroix B, Leduc C, McCall A, Nedelec M, Dawson B, Baquet G, Dupont G. Recovery From Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: Cold-Water Immersion Versus Whole-Body Cryotherapy. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2017 Mar;12(3):402-409. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0186. Epub 2016 Aug 24.
- Results publication: PubMed 29127510Wilson LJ, Cockburn E, Paice K, Sinclair S, Faki T, Hills FA, Gondek MB, Wood A, Dimitriou L. Recovery following a marathon: a comparison of cold water immersion, whole body cryotherapy and a placebo control. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2018 Jan;118(1):153-163. doi: 10.1007/s00421-017-3757-z. Epub 2017 Nov 10.
- Results publication: PubMed 29161748Rose C, Edwards KM, Siegler J, Graham K, Caillaud C. Whole-body Cryotherapy as a Recovery Technique after Exercise: A Review of the Literature. Int J Sports Med. 2017 Dec;38(14):1049-1060. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-114861. Epub 2017 Nov 21.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Exercise-Induced Fatigue
Not yet recruiting
Acute Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Pain, Muscle Stiffness, and Grip Strength in Healthy Adults
Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue, Fatigue Recovery
RecruitingPhase 2
LIFT: Life Improvement Trial
ME/CFS, Long COVID
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Hydrogen-rich Water Consumption on Transient Fatigue During an Official Football Match.
Exercise-Induced Fatigue, Football Performance
RecruitingObservational study
Fatigue Investigation Using Digital Outcomes
Multiple Sclerosis, Long Covid
Not yet recruiting
Physiological Responses to Basketball-Specific Interval Exercise in Female Basketball Players
Exercise, Fatigue
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Whole-Body Cryotherapy in people with Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Recovery, run by Biruni University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Peak Torque During Knee Extension and Flexion (time frame: Immediately after the 30-minute recovery period). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07617857, which also lists 4 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Jun 2026.