The Influence Of Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy On Recovery From High Intensity Resistance Exercise

Flotation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy (flotation-REST) attenuates afferent nervous system signaling to promote relaxation of the body and mind. Despite limited research, the intervention has become increasingly popular among high performance populations (e.g., athletes, military) seeking to accelerate recovery and enhance performance readiness. PURPOSE: to determine whether flotation-REST augments recovery from high intensity resistance exercise known to induce significant metabolic, adrenergic and mechanical stress. METHODS: Eleven resistance trained males (age: 22.5± 2.3 years; height: 176.4±6.0 cm; weight: 85.7±6.2 kg; back squat 1RM: 153.1±20.1 kg; strength to weight ratio: 1.8±0.2) participated in a randomized, crossover-controlled research study. In one testing block high intensity resistance exercise (6 x 10 back squats at 80% 1RM, 2 min rest) was followed by a one-hour flotation-REST session, while recovery in the remaining block consisted of a sensory stimulating control. Markers of neuroendocrine signaling (catecholamines, cortisol, testosterone), structural damage (myoglobin, creatine kinase), inflammation (IL-6, TNF-alpha) and psychological perception (soreness, mood, fatigue) were measured before exercise (PRE), immediately post exercise (IP), post 1-hour recovery (1R), twenty-four hours post exercise (+24) and forty-eight hours post exercise (+48). Mean differences were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA with pairwise post-hoc comparisons (p ≤ .05). Effect sizes (ES) were calculated to evaluate magnitude of significant treatment differences. RESULTS: Flotation-REST significantly decreased soreness across the 48-hour recovery period (ES, IR: 0.68, +24: 0.47, +48: 0.28). Immediate improvements in positive affect (ES, IR: 0.74), negative affect (ES, IR: 1.03) and fatigue (ES, 1R: 1.13) were accompanied by differences in neuroendocrine signaling. Norepinephrine was significantly reduced (ES, 1R: 0.99) and testosterone significantly increased (ES, 1R: 0.32) in flotation-REST compared to control. No treatment differences were displayed for structural damage or inflammation. CONCLUSION: The data suggest a positive impact of flotation-REST in the first 48 hours of recovery, particularly where psychological appraisal is involved.