NCT04628910

Examining the Differential Effects of Traditional Float-REST and Dry Float on Subjective and Objective Health Outcomes

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (actual)
• Sponsor: West Virginia University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The objective of this research study is to assess how the implementation of various modern strategies for augmented recovery affect sleep quality, subjective wellness and other indices of general well-being.

Detailed description

Traditional flotation therapy (Float-REST; Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) uses sensory deprivation tanks that consist of a very large warm water enclosure with a high concentration of Epsom salt to create a completely buoyant environment. This, along with a combination of temperature that is kept equal to skin temperature (94 degrees), allows the participant to eliminate the gravitational effects on the body, and along with lack of sound and low to no light (depending on comfort) allows the brain and body to completely relax for augmented physical and mental recovery. Provided the growing understanding that sleep quality and quantity are at the forefront of ensuring optimal human performance states, compounded by the deleterious effects of high stress and anxiety on sleep, utilizing flotation therapy as a mechanism for enhancing sleep requires further investigation. In addition to the traditional Float- REST, there have been developments in newer technologies that enhance the convenience of receiving these proposed benefits; Zerobody Dry Float technology (www.Zerobody.com) rids the need for multiple showers by its user, frequent water treatments, and extensive maintenance experienced with traditional flotation environments. However, research is still needed to assess how this recovery modality compares to traditional Float-REST. To assess whether traditional (Float-REST) or simulated (Dry Float) flotation therapy positively influences sleep and perceptual recovery, participants will undergo a crossover study. Over the course of 9 weeks, participants will alternate Float-REST and Dry Float in 3 week segments with a 1 week break in-between to gather baseline data (known as the testing battery). In addition, testing battery data will be collected at weeks 1 and 9. The order in which participants begin their crossover study, either Float-REST or Dry Float, will be randomly assigned. All participants may wear a fitness tracker and a sleep monitoring ring worn on the finger for the duration of the study. In addition, daily, per session, and pre/post-study questionnaires will be submitted via a smartphone application.

Conditions

• Sleep Quality

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Simulated Flotation Therapy	The Zerobody is a new technology designed to simulate the effects of traditional Float-REST therapy, but without the contact with salt water. The system has a very thin membrane that cradles the body and provides a warm sensation, similar to that experienced in a traditional flotation tank. The system will be housed in a room that allows for significant reductions in light and sound to mimic the experience of a flotation tank. The room will contain an intercom that allows participants to communicate with study personnel in the event they need assistance. Participants will undergo 60 minute sessions twice a week for 3 weeks using the Zerobody, also termed "dry floating," as one of the two interventions.
OTHER	Traditional Float-REST Therapy	Traditional Float-REST therapy uses sensory deprivation tanks that consist of a very large warm water enclosure with a high concentration of Epsom salt to create a completely buoyant environment. This, along with a combination of temperature that is kept equal to skin temperature (94 degrees), allows the participant to eliminate the gravitational effects on the body, and along with lack of sound and low to no light (depending on comfort) allows the brain and body to completely relax for augmented physical and mental recovery. The room will contain an intercom that allows participants to communicate with study personnel in the event they need assistance. Participants will undergo 60 minute sessions twice a week for 3 weeks as one of the two interventions.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-07-01
• Primary completion: 2022-04-17
• Completion: 2023-10-31
• First posted: 2020-11-16
• Last updated: 2025-08-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States