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

NCT04628910 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2006024602
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Sleep Quality

Keywords

Sleep; Sensory Deprivation Tank; Wearable Technology; Dry Float

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Change in heart rate variability as measured by OURA ring

  Oura Ring is a connected health device worn on the finger that measures sleep. Heart rate variability will be quantified throughout the night via the OURA ring.

  Daily from baseline through study completion at 9 weeks

• Change in heart rate as measured by OURA ring

  Oura Ring is a connected health device worn on the finger that measures sleep. Heart rate will be quantified throughout the night via the OURA ring.

  Daily from baseline through study completion at 9 weeks

• Change in per session self-report measures

  State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) - Commonly used measure of state and trait anxiety, and done with 20 very brief questions. Values range from 20 to 80, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety. Participants will complete the STAI questionnaire before and after each session, twice a week. The sessions will take place during weeks 2-4 and weeks 6-8.

  2 times a week, in 3 week increments, through study completion at 9 weeks

• Change in testing battery self-report measures in sleep quality

  Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)- 19 item inventory with 7 subjective components that assess sleep quality over time. Each component is scored from 0 to 3 (0=very good and 3=very bad). The sum of the components is the global score and ranges 0-21 (0=no difficulty and 21=severe difficulties). The higher the global score, the poorer the sleep quality.

  Week 1, week 5, and week 9

Study Arms (2)

Traditional Float-REST Therapy

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will utilize sensory deprivation tanks.

Other: Traditional Float-REST Therapy

Simulated Flotation Therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will utilize the Zerobody dry flotation therapy.

Other: Simulated Flotation Therapy

Interventions

Simulated Flotation Therapy OTHER

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.

Also known as: Zerobody Dry Float

Simulated Flotation Therapy

Traditional Float-REST Therapy OTHER

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.

Also known as: Sensory Deprivation Tanks

Traditional Float-REST Therapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male or female 18-60 years of age

You may not qualify if:

• Weighs more than 250 pounds
• Taller than 76 inches
• Has undergone a float-REST session of any kind in the last 3 months
• Has a fresh piercings that is less than 6 weeks old from scheduled session
• Has a fresh tattoo that is less than 4 weeks old from scheduled float
• Has an injury requiring an orthopedic cast (i.e. plaster or synthetic), immovable splint or brace
• Is claustrophobic (fear of confined spaces)
• Has a skin or respiratory sensitivity or allergy to chlorine, sulfate, magnesium, rubber latex or synthetic latex
• Has a history of or is prone to motion sickness
• Has had an episode of loss of consciousness in the last 6-months
• Has had a concussion or traumatic brain injury in the last 6-months
• Has a contagious skin conditions
• Has skin ulcers, open rashes, incisions, stitches or large open wounds that could cause pain when exposed to saltwater
• Has a diagnosis of kidney disease, heart disease or other chronic illness
• Has a irremovable medical port or catheter

Sponsors & Collaborators

• West Virginia University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic; Dyssomnias; Sleep Wake Disorders; Nervous System Diseases; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Weeks 0-1: Testing battery; begin daily surveys and at home monitoring via smartphone applications. This will serve as baseline and will be collected for, at minimum, 5 days prior to the first experimental condition. Weeks 2-4: Complete daily surveys and at home monitoring via smartphone applications; Complete the first experimental condition (Float-REST or Dry Float) in 60 minute sessions, twice a week. Week 5: Complete daily surveys and at home monitoring via smartphone applications. A second round of the testing battery will be completed prior to beginning the next condition. Week 6-8: Complete daily surveys and at home monitoring via smartphone applications; Complete the first experimental condition (Float-REST or Dry Float) in 60 minute sessions, twice a week. Week 9: Complete daily surveys and at home monitoring via smartphone applications. The testing battery will be completed for the final time toward the end of the week and will signify their completion of the study.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 24, 2020
• First Posted: November 16, 2020
• Study Start: July 1, 2020
• Primary Completion: April 17, 2022
• Study Completion: October 31, 2023
• Last Updated: August 28, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-04

Locations

US (1)