The Art of the Float: a winning solution for athletes

Intense sports are on the rise. Marathon running, CrossFit, extreme races—more and more people are pushing their limits. There are also many who train regularly, for pleasure and for health.

The following article focuses on a study conducted with athletes. We believe it is just as relevant for those who enjoy regular physical activity, whether intensive or not, as the risk of injury is very real and incapacitating for them as well.

We dedicate this article to the high-level athletes of the Citadins* de l’UQAM, of whom we are proud partners. We commend their perseverance and courage as they balance their studies and their athletic endeavors.

Spa Ovarium Team

An article: The Art of the Float

Paraphrased by Laurie-Anna Babin

A single serious injury can sometimes be all it takes to end the career of a high-level athlete. Whether it’s the risk of a sprain or severe physical trauma, the intense training and performances athletes endure often have repercussions on their health.

In Search of the Ideal Balance
Aware of the seriousness of such repercussions, professional athletes are always looking for an effective training routine that minimizes the risk of pain and injuries. But despite efforts to balance exercise and rest periods, the extreme demands of such a lifestyle make injuries unavoidable. Behind the impressive performances of athletes lies an entire array of physiotherapy and various techniques aimed at strengthening their musculoskeletal system.

Injury Prevention in the Modern Era A look at any recovery program for a high-level athlete reveals a mix of cryotherapy, acupuncture, and various tools designed to relieve knots and tears.

However, as physiotherapy continues to evolve and develop new techniques, the demands of elite sports increase in parallel. This rapid evolution pushes both researchers and athletes to explore new approaches in the hope of finding solutions to alleviate sports-related pain.

Does Floating Help with Recovery? Although many are familiar with flotation tanks, few realize they aren’t just used for relaxation. In fact, numerous studies conducted in recent years demonstrate the beneficial properties of flotation tanks on physical and mental health. The enclosed, salt-saturated water environment of the flotation tank enables complete sensory isolation, which triggers automatic body relaxation and facilitates sleep. Research also shows a reduction in the production of “corticosteroids,” one of the hormones associated with stress. Additionally, a study involving brain scans of participants revealed decreased activity in areas typically linked to mental disorders.

How Does This Apply to Sports Injuries?

Float Therapy and Reduced External Stimuli Recently, researchers from the University of Waikato in New Zealand tested the effects of Float Therapy and Reduced Environmental Stimuli (Float REST) on a group of sixty elite athletes. During the study, each athlete participated in flotation sessions.

The initial hypothesis was: “Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and meditation are two methods frequently used by athletes to improve their performance and post-training recovery.” They also noted sleep as another strategy to enhance sports training.

Interestingly, the study referenced earlier research showing the effects of flotation on athletic abilities. One such study revealed positive results when flotation sessions were combined with visualization exercises before competitions. Improvements were seen in archery accuracy, higher tennis percentages, and better free-throw shooting in basketball.

What Were the Study’s Results? When a flotation session led to sleep, as suggested by the hypothesis, additional benefits to the athletes’ mental state were observed. “Twenty-eight out of sixty athletes reported falling asleep in the flotation tank. The average duration of sleep was estimated to be between 13 and 26 minutes. The group that fell asleep during the session had a significant advantage over those who didn’t, showing greater changes in 5 out of 16 mental state variables” (“worn out,” “comfortable,” “tense,” “fresh,” and “exhausted”).

Moreover, data tracking the athletes’ muscle soreness showed a decrease after the flotation session.

In other words, athletes noticed an improvement in muscle recovery after floating, further confirming the potential benefits of flotation for athletes dealing with chronic pain. Does that resonate with you?

Conclusion In addition to supporting existing research, this study sheds light on new findings. The beneficial use of flotation tanks as a preventive and recovery measure for athletes is thoroughly presented and could represent an innovative solution to the risk of sports injuries.

*The Citadins program encompasses all elite sports teams at the Université du Québec à Montréal.