Author(s): ROBERTS, M., BERGDAHL, A., COMTOIS, A.S., Institution: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, Country: CANADA, Abstract-ID: 2001

INTRODUCTION:
Reduced environmental stimulation through isolation tanks (flotation-REST) induces rapid relaxation by eliminating sensory inputs. This is facilitated by the buoyancy provided by the high saline content of the water, allowing individuals to effortlessly float, without exposure to somatosensory, visual, and vestibulocochlear stimuli. Consequently, the vagus nerve can promptly initiate feelings of tranquility and calmness. Athletes employ flotation-REST as a method to rest and recover. While previous studies have emphasized its effectiveness in promoting relaxation, there is still a need to comprehensively understand how this technique influences the pathways of athlete recuperation. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the impact of flotation-REST on muscle oxygenation of the vastus lateralis (VL) in university athletes.
METHODS:
Twelve university athletes (5 males and 7 females; 23.9 ± 3.9 years old) participated in weekly one-hour flotation-REST sessions over 10 weeks. Muscle oxygenation of the VL was evaluated before and after each trial using near-infrared spectroscopy, with a Moxy monitor positioned over the muscle belly- 5 minutes supine followed by 5 minutes standing. With significance set to p<0.05, a repeated measures ANOVA (with Bonferroni correction) assessed within-subject effects over the 10 weeks, paired t-tests compared pre-to-post measures in both supine and standing, and a multivariate analysis of variance was carried out between male and female athletes.
RESULTS:
No significant effects were observed over the 10-week period. However, a consistent increase in VL oxygenation was observed immediately after each weekly flotation-REST session in both positions (Supine pre-post: t(93) = -10.433, p < 0.001; Standing pre-post: t(93) = -10.433, p < 0.001). Notably, no significant differences were detected between male and female participants.
CONCLUSION:
The relaxation induced by flotation-REST manifests in improved VL muscle oxygenation in both male and female athletes, though this effect appears transient in nature. While flotation-REST seems to be an efficient relaxation and recovery technique for athletes, akin to other recuperative methods, its benefits may necessitate consistent practice. Future research should investigate additional parameters, such as postural stability and heart rate variability, to comprehensively understand the multifaceted advantages of flotation-REST.