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Float Therapy - Researched Benefits
Definitions:
REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy)
There are two main types of REST therapy. One is conducted in a darkened, quiet room - this is called Chamber-REST. The other is conducted in either a tank or shallow pool of heavily salted water that ensures your buoyancy - this is called Floatation-REST.
REST is a therapy where as much sensory stimulation as possible is removed.
The room in which REST is experienced is:
- sound proofed to some degree (the experiencer may choose to have music but outside noises are diminished);
- darkened (light will either be dimmed or absent depending on the desire of the experiencer)
- the room may be kept at an isotonic temperature (same temperature as your skin)
The quiet and dimmed lights are experienced in CHAMBER REST which is typically conducted in a normal room for longer periods of time - like 24hrs.
Floatation-REST also:
- removes the necessity to support yourself with your muscles because the salty water is doing that for you
- the water is isotonic (same temperature as your skin) so that when you are still there is no sensation of touch except when you may gently bump into the edge of the float pool.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
PLEASE NOTE THAT CASE STUDIES ARE CONSIDERED ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE. WHAT HELPS ONE PERSON DOESN’T ALWAYS HELP ANOTHER PERSON IN THE SAME WAY. WE WELCOME YOU TO TRY FLOAT THERAPY FOR YOURSELF TO SEE IF FLOATATION-REST WILL REDUCE YOUR ADHD SYMPTOMS.
Case Study:
A 36 year old lady diagnosed with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome underwent 19 floats and was interviewed three times. She reported that:
• abilities of arousal control developed…due to the “deep relaxation and decreased stress”
• abilities of activity regulation (ability to inhibit, control and calibrate physical movements and impulsive activities) developed during flotation. “I do not have the same restless ness in the body like before, so it is easier for me to sit still.”
• “Abilities of sensory integration and interpretation develop as reduced levels of stimuli enable the senses to relax and regain resistance. Tolerance and management of impressions are facilitated. The sensory deprivation during flotation also induces experiences of integrated sensory functioning and sensory wholeness.”
• “Cognitive abilities concerning concentration, focusation, motivation, preparation and organisation improve through the series of flotation.”
• “Emotional abilities of managing and modulating emotions develop during flotation.”
https://doi.org/10.4076/1757-1626-2-6979
Case Study:
A 24 year old lady diagnosed with ADHD, atypical autism, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression floated regularly for 18 months. The lady reported an “improved quality of life, wellbeing and healthy behavior” without any negative side-effects.
Altered state of consciousness
8 patients with depression and/or burn-out syndrome and/or chronic pain where interviewed to obtain knowledge regarding the effects of flotation REST therapy.
The group perceived Floatation-REST therapy to be pleasant and comfortable.
They experienced pain relief, very deep relaxation and affirmed that altered states of consciousness were experienced. “Examples of experiences… included visual imagery, acoustic, perceptual phenomena, an altered sense of time, a changed bodily sense, perinatal experiences of the foetal stage and birth, and even transpersonal experiences. The experiences may be both powerful and profound, but they are most often viewed as positive and desirable.”
http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR13-4/kjellgren.pdf
After 12 Floatation_REST sessions people who self reported having GAD (Generalised anxiety disorder) on a scientific measure experienced mild deviations from normal states of consciousness. Participants reported: feeling more “in the now”; feeling in a state between sleep and wakefulness; altered time perception; a sense of weightlessness; and seeing dots or lights.
Anxiety
Healthy people undergoing a 12 session float therapy regime over a 7 week period reported statistically significant decreases in anxiety
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-417
After 12 Floatation_REST sessions people who self reported having GAD (Generalised anxiety disorder) on a scientific measure experienced improved emotional regulation after their treatment and 37% reported a full remission of their GAD. These improvements were maintained at the 6 month follow up.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12906-016-1089-x
People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (back/neck) were assigned to a control group (17 people) or to the opportunity for 9 floats over three weeks (20 people). The Flotation-REST treatment decreased participants’ anxiety.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2001/768501
Flotation-REST (which encourages interoceptive perception) generated a significant anxiolytic (anxiety reducing drug) effect on a group (31 members) experiencing high anxiety sensitivity when compared with an exteroceptive comparison treatment.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.02.005
70 people (54 women, 16 men) who held a diagnosis of stress related pain (26 also had a diagnosis of burnout depression) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a control group or a flotation-REST group for 12 sessions. It was found that anxiety was reduced after the 12 flotation-REST sessions and that the benefit was maintained 4 months later.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.13.2.154
Fifty participants were recruited across a spectrum of anxiety and stress-related disorders most with co-morbid unipolar depression. One one hour float session was found to substantially reduce the state of anxiety, to reduce stress, muscle tension, pain, depression, negative affect with accompanying increases in serenity, relaxation, happiness and overall wellbeing. This study concluded that Floatation-REST may be a promising technique for transiently reducing the suffering in those with anxiety and depression.
http://dx.doi.org/10.137/journal.pone.0190292
Decrease in anxiety/tension:
Subjects were male and female university students, half of whom spent one hour in a float environment and the other half in a darkened room. Each was tested before and after experimental trial on the Guilford and other creativity measures and on two personality/affect scales. Float subjects showed significant increases on the Guilford test from the pre- to post-float and meaningful increases on other thinking measures as compared to non-floating control subjects. Floating was associated with a decrease in anxiety/tension, depression, hostility, and fatigue, but with an increase in vigour and a maintenance of curiosity scores, and it is speculated that the creativity benefits may be a result of these state changes.
Arthritis
Fourteen patients with chronic osteoarthritis of the weight bearing joints (4 dropped out) attended 6 weekly floatation sessions and reported significant improvement on the MYMOP quality of life questionnaire.
Blood pressure
Flotation-REST significantly reduced blood pressure during the session in a group experiencing high anxiety sensitivity.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.02.005
After experiencing 8 floats 21 healthy 22-28 year olds (15 male, 6 female) who were new to Floatation-REST demonstrated a decrease in mean arterial pressure.
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00999120
A meta-analysis of 27 studies "showed that REST has positive effects on physiology (lowers cortisol levels and lowers blood pressure).
https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440412331337093
Flotation-REST therapy reduces blood pressure more effectively than REST therapy by itself.
Burn out
PLEASE NOTE THAT CASE STUDIES ARE CONSIDERED ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE. WHAT HELPS ONE PERSON DOESN’T ALWAYS HELP ANOTHER PERSON IN THE SAME WAY. WE WELCOME YOU TO TRY FLOAT THERAPY FOR YOURSELF TO SEE IF FLOATATION-REST WILL REDUCE YOUR BURN OUT SYMPTOMS.
A case study following a lady (in her 50’s) with “burn out depression” who attended Floatation-REST therapy along with group therapy, conversational therapy and picture production for a year led to transformation of feelings and self-insight. The whole process led to an increased sense of meaning and enhanced well-being.
http://doi.org/10.2190/9338-1352-Q6K7-0183
Four women and two men between the ages of 33 and 57 who were on the brink of sick leave and suffering from ‘burn-out syndrome’ attended a 10 week combined treatment program with float tank sessions and subsequent psychotherapeutic sessions. The results revealed a significant decrease in degree of depression and anxiety and an increase in positive outlook on life. There was also a decrease in extent of painful areas and a decrease in their worst experienced pain-intensity. After the program was completed they all continued to work without a need for sick-leave.
https://www.ijpsy.com/volumen11/num2/299/preventing-sick-leave-for-sufferers-of-high-EN.pdf
Creativity
Jazz Improvisation
Intermediate-level jazz improvisation students floated for one hour a week for 4 weeks. This group demonstrated higher technical ability and higher final class grades than the control group. These results suggest that Floatation-REST therapy can improve perceptual-motor skills in jazz improvisation.
http://mmd.iammonline.com/index.php/musmed/article/view/MMD-2011-3-4-4
“Subjects were male and female university students, half of whom spent one hour in a float environment and the other half in a darkened room. Each was tested before and after experimental trial on the Guilford and other creativity measures and on two personality/affect scales. Float subjects showed significant increases on the Guilford test from the pre- to post-float and meaningful increases on other thinking measures as compared to non-floating control subjects. Floating was associated with a decrease in anxiety/tension, depression, hostility, and fatigue, but with an increase in vigour and a maintenance of curiosity scores, and it is speculated that the creativity benefits may be a result of these state changes.”
Depression
Healthy people undergoing a 12 session float therapy regime over a 7 week period reported statistically significant decreases in depression
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-417
People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (back/neck) were assigned to a control group (17 people) or to the opportunity for 9 floats over three weeks (20 people). The Flotation-REST treatment decreased participants’ depression.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2001/768501
After 12 Floatation_REST sessions people who self reported having GAD (Generalised anxiety disorder) on a scientific measure experienced lowered levels of depression compared to a control group.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12906-016-1089-x
70 people (54 women, 16 men) who held a diagnosis of stress related pain (26 also had a diagnosis of burnout depression) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a control group or a flotation-REST group for 12 sessions. It was found that depression was reduced after the 12 flotation-REST sessions and that the benefit was maintained 4 months later.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.13.2.154
Decrease in depression:
Subjects were male and female university students, half of whom spent one hour in a float environment and the other half in a darkened room. Each was tested before and after experimental trial on the Guilford and other creativity measures and on two personality/affect scales. Float subjects showed significant increases on the Guilford test from the pre- to post-float and meaningful increases on other thinking measures as compared to non-floating control subjects. Floating was associated with a decrease in anxiety/tension, depression, hostility, and fatigue, but with an increase in vigour and a maintenance of curiosity scores, and it is speculated that the creativity benefits may be a result of these state changes.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80081-7
Fifty participants were recruited across a spectrum of anxiety and stress-related disorders most with co-morbid unipolar depression. One one hour float session was found to substantially reduce the state of anxiety, to reduce stress, muscle tension, pain, depression, negative affect with accompanying increases in serenity, relaxation, happiness and overall wellbeing. This study concluded that Floatation-REST may be a promising technique for transiently reducing the suffering in those with anxiety and depression.
http://dx.doi.org/10.137/journal.pone.0190292
Emotional Regulation/Mood
After 12 Floatation_REST sessions people who self reported having GAD (Generalised anxiety disorder) on a scientific measure experienced improved emotional regulation after their treatment compared to a control group. This improvement was maintained at the 6 month follow up. They also reported experiencing deep feelings of peace.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12906-016-1089-x
60 elite international athletes from 9 sports (28 male, 32 female) underwent a single 45 minute float session after training. 27 of these athletes napped during the float. The float session was found to “significantly enhance 15 of 16 mood variables” on the MDMQ (multidimensional mood-state questionnaire). Athletes that napped during the float session experienced greater enhancement of 9 of the mood variables than athletes that did not nap. This study concluded that Float therapy "may be an effective tool for both physical and psychological recovery following training”.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peh.2016.08.002
After experiencing 8 floats 21 healthy 22-28 year olds (15 male, 6 female) who were new to Floatation-REST experienced mood state improvement on the POMS (profile of mood states questionnaire) scale.
Energy
Decrease in fatigue and increase in vigour:
Subjects were male and female university students, half of whom spent one hour in a float environment and the other half in a darkened room. Each was tested before and after experimental trial on the Guilford and other creativity measures and on two personality/affect scales. Float subjects showed significant increases on the Guilford test from the pre- to post-float and meaningful increases on other thinking measures as compared to non-floating control subjects. Floating was associated with a decrease in anxiety/tension, depression, hostility, and fatigue, but with an increase in vigor and a maintenance of curiosity scores, and it is speculated that the creativity benefits may be a result of these state changes.
Faster recovery time post exercise
60 elite international athletes from 9 sports (28 male, 32 female) underwent a 45 minute float session after training. 27 of these athletes napped during the float. The single float session was found to “significantly enhance 15 of 16 mood variables” on the MDMQ (multidimensional mood-state questionnaire). The single float session also reduced perceived muscle soreness. The athletes that napped during the float session experienced greater enhancement of 9 of the mood variables than athletes that did not nap. This study concluded that Float therapy "may be an effective tool for both physical and psychological recovery following training”.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peh.2016.08.002
24 untrained male students in their early to mid 20s completed two exercise sessions. After one session they underwent a one hour floatation REST and after the other they underwent a one hour seated control (passive recovery). The floatation REST had a “significant impact on blood lactate and perceived pain” compared to one hour passive recovery session in untrained healthy males.”
The study concluded that “Flotation REST may be utilised for recreational and professional athletes to help reduce blood lactate levels after eccentric exercise.”
Fibromyalgia
See article by pain doctor
https://paindoctor.com/float-tanks-fibromyalgia/
PLEASE NOTE THAT CASE STUDIES ARE CONSIDERED ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE. WHAT HELPS ONE PERSON DOESN’T ALWAYS HELP ANOTHER PERSON IN THE SAME WAY. WE WELCOME YOU TO TRY FLOAT THERAPY FOR YOURSELF TO SEE IF FLOATATION-REST WILL REDUCE12 YOUR FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS.
Case study - a lady (in her 50’s) with fibromyalgia who attended Floatation-REST therapy along with group therapy, conversational therapy and picture production for a year led to transformation of feelings and self-insight. The whole process led to an increased sense of meaning and enhanced well-being.
http://doi.org/10.2190/9338-1352-Q6K7-0183
23 volunteers (mostly women aged 30 - 62) completed 3 one hour Floatation-REST sessions over a 3 week period. Muscle tension and pain decreased 25% after the first session and 33% after the third session. Pain relief lasted an average of 2.5 days after a float. (Not all volunteers completed all sessions but the initial float provided 1.9 days of pain reduction; the second float elicited 2.5 days of pain relief; the third session resulted in 3.2 days of relief. Relaxation increased 30% and stress was reduced 30%.
Dr. Roderick Borrie and Dr. Tamara Russell; June 8, 2011; Flotation REST Therapy Results in Pain Relief and Relaxation for Fibromyalgia Patients
General
Studies applying Floatation-REST therapy and REST therapy have shown reductions in stress and inappropriate behaviour among patients suffering from drug-induced mania, agitation, autism and Alzheimer’s; reduced phobic symptoms; significantly lower relapse in habit modification interventions (e.g. smoking, alcohol intake, weight loss); proved stress management; amelioration of tension headaches, insomnia and other stress related symptoms; reduction of chronic pain; and better muscle control among cerebral palsy patients and others.
Headaches
6 men and 25 women who experienced at least 3 muscle contraction headaches per week were randomly assigned to one of 4 conditions in a 4 week program (soundproof room, flotation tank and room, tank plus progressive muscle relaxation, room plus progressive muscle relaxation). Mean reductions from the baseline headache index (measure of frequency, intensity and duration) across groups were 32% at end of treatment, 15% at 2 months, 31% at 4 months, and 57% at 6 months. The flotation tank plus progressive muscle relaxation group reported the greatest reduction - 74%.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-1-4613-9701-4_15
Hormones - healthy hormones
70 people (54 women, 16 men) who held a diagnosis of stress related pain (26 also had a diagnosis of burnout depression) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a control group or a flotation-REST group for 12 sessions. It was found that prolactin levels were increased immediately post 12 flotation-REST sessions - but levels had returned to pre-float state after 4 months.
Hormones - stress hormones
People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (back/neck) were assigned to a control group (17 people) or to the opportunity for 9 floats over three weeks (20 people). The Flotation-REST treatment significantly reduced participants’ circulating levels of the noradrenaline metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2001/768501
After experiencing 8 floats 21 healthy 22-28 year olds (15 male, 6 female) who were new to Floatation-REST demonstrated a decrease in plasma cortisol.
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00999120
A meta-analysis of 27 studies "showed that REST has positive effects on physiology (lowers cortisol levels and lowers blood pressure). well being, and performance”.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440412331337093
24 untrained male students in their early to mid 20s completed two exercise sessions. After one session they underwent a one hour floatation REST and after the other they underwent a one hour seated control (passive recovery). The floatation REST had a “significant impact on blood lactate and perceived pain” compared to one hour passive recovery session in untrained healthy males.”
The study concluded that “Flotation REST may be utilised for recreational and professional athletes to help reduce blood lactate levels after eccentric exercise.”
Mindfulness
Healthy people undergoing a 12 session float therapy regime over a 7 week period reported statistically significant increases in mindfulness (dependent on degree of altered state during floatation)
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-417
Improved mindfulness over time reduces mood disturbances and reduces stress
Brown KW, Ryan RM. The benefits of being present: mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822
Flotation-REST increased awareness and attention for heart beat and breathing sensations.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.02.005
Muscle relaxation
Flotation-REST reduced muscle tension in a group experiencing high anxiety sensitivity.
Optimism/well-being
Healthy people undergoing a 12 session float therapy regime over a 7 week period reported statistically significant increases in optimism
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-417
People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (back/neck) were assigned to a control group (17 people) or to the opportunity for 9 floats over three weeks (20 people). The Flotation-REST treatment raised participants’ optimism.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2001/768501
70 people (54 women, 16 men) who held a diagnosis of stress related pain (26 also had a diagnosis of burnout depression) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a control group or a flotation-REST group for 12 sessions. It was found that optimism improved after the 12 flotation-REST sessions and that the benefit was maintained 4 months later.
http://dx.doi.org/10/1037/1072-5245.13.2.154
A meta-analysis of 27 studies "showed that REST has positive effects on “well-being, and performance”.
Pain reduction
Healthy people undergoing a 12 session float therapy regime over a 7 week period reported statistically significant decreases in their highest levels of pain
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-417
People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (back/neck) were assigned to a control group (17 people) or to the opportunity for 9 floats over three weeks (20 people). The most severe perceived pain intensity was reduced whereas low perceived pain intensity remained unchanged.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11854763
Chronic stress related muscle tension pain reduced
Ability to endure experimentally induced pain improved
Bood SÅ, Kjellgren A, Norlander T. Treating Stress related Pain with Flotation-REST: Are there differences between women and men. Pain Res Manage. 2009;4:293–298.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1155%2F2009%2F298935
70 people (54 women, 16 men) who held a diagnosis of stress related pain (26 also had a diagnosis of burnout depression) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a control group or a flotation-REST group for 12 sessions. It was found that pain areas were stress reduced immediately post 12 flotation-REST sessions and that the benefit was maintained 4 months later.
This study concluded that flotation-REST therapy is an effective method for treating stress-related pain.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.13.2.154
60 elite international athletes from 9 sports (28 male, 32 female) underwent a single 45 minute float session after training. The single float session reduced perceived muscle soreness. This study concluded that Float therapy "may be an effective tool for both physical and psychological recovery following training”.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peh.2016.08.002
24 untrained male students in their early to mid 20s completed two exercise sessions. After one session they underwent a one hour floatation REST and after the other they underwent a one hour seated control (passive recovery). The floatation REST had a “significant impact on blood lactate and perceived pain” compared to one hour passive recovery session in untrained healthy males.”
The study concluded that “Flotation REST may be utilised for recreational and professional athletes to help reduce blood lactate levels after eccentric exercise.”
Performance / Athletic performance
A meta-analysis of 27 studies "showed that REST has positive effects on “well-being, and performance”.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440412331337093
Twenty archers (13 male, 7 female) underwent 45 minutes of floatation-rest therapy prior to shooting four salvo series of three shots each. The comparison group at in an armchair for 45 minutes prior to shooting. The floatation-rest recipients experienced less perceived exertion during marksmanship; enhanced performance consistency and lower muscle tension in the Extensor Digitorum.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10413209908404200
A study of the use of Floatation-REST and Imagery with beginner or first time basketball players provided “strong empirical evidence of improvement in an athletic skill after flotation-REST. It concluded “In the training of high-performace athletes even a marginal improvement may justify the use of Flotation-REST; it is economical, rapid, has no known negative side effects, ad requires minimal effort.”
Sleep quality
Healthy people undergoing a 12 session float therapy regime over a 7 week period reported statistically significant improvements in sleep quality
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-417
70 people (54 women, 16 men) who held a diagnosis of stress related pain (26 also had a diagnosis of burnout depression) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a control group or a flotation-REST group for 12 sessions. It was found that sleep quality was improved post 12 flotation-REST sessions and that the benefit was maintained 4 months later.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.13.2.154
After 12 Floatation_REST sessions people who self reported having GAD (Generalised anxiety disorder) on a scientific measure experienced less sleep difficulties when compared with a control group. This improvement was maintained at the 6 month follow up.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12906-016-1089-x
People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (back/neck) were assigned to a control group (17 people) or to the opportunity for 9 floats over three weeks (20 people). The people who underwent flotation-REST fell asleep more easily at night time.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2001/768501
36 people (20 women, 16 men) with psychophysiological insomnia were randomly assigned to flotation-REST only, flotation-REST with autogenic relaxation, autogenic relaxation only, or delayed treatment control. They received four two-hour treatment sessions in a fortnight and sleep latency was measured subjectively and objectively before treatment and at one, four and 12 weeks after treatment.
It was concluded that flotation REST (on its own and in combination with autogenic relaxation) improved both subjective and objective sleep latency up to twelve weeks after treatment.
Stress
Healthy people undergoing a 12 session float therapy regime over a 7 week period reported statistically significant reductions in stress
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-417
70 people (54 women, 16 men) who held a diagnosis of stress related pain (26 also had a diagnosis of burnout depression) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to a control group or a flotation-REST group for 12 sessions. It was found that stress was reduced immediately post 12 flotation-REST sessions and that the benefit was maintained 4 months later.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.13.2.154
A meta-analysis of 27 studies "showed that REST has positive effects on physiology (lower cortisol levels and lower blood pressure), well-being, and performance”. The study concluded that flotation REST therapy “can be a useful stress management tool in addition to or instead of other stress management tools”.
Whiplash
6 Women and one man diagnosed with Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) underwent float therapy. Results indicated that flotation-REST is a meaningful alternative for treating chronic whiplash-associated disorder.