Acute floatation-REST improves perceived recovery after a high-intensity resistance exercise stress in trained men

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether a 1-h floatation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy (floatation-REST) session could augment recovery from high-intensity resistance exercise (6 × 10 back squats, 2-min rest) known to induce significant metabolic, adrenergic, and mechanical stress. Methods: Eleven healthy resistance-trained males (age, 22.5 ± 2.3 yr; height, 176.4 ± 6.0 cm; weight, 85.7 ± 6.2 kg; back squat one-repetition maximum, 153.1 ± 20.1 kg; strength-to-weight ratio, 1.8 ± 0.2) completed the within-subject, crossover controlled study design. Participants completed two exercise testing blocks separated by a 2-wk washout. In one block, the high-intensity resistance exercise protocol was followed by a 1-h floatation-REST session, whereas recovery in the alternate block consisted of a passive sensory-stimulating control. Markers of metabolic stress, neuroendocrine signaling, structural damage, inflammation, and perceptions of soreness, mood state, and fatigue were assessed over a 48-h recovery window. Results: Floatation-REST significantly attenuated muscle soreness across recovery (P = 0.035) with greatest treatment difference immediately after the intervention (P = 0.002, effect size (ES) = 1.3). Significant differences in norepinephrine (P = 0.028, ES = 0.81) and testosterone (P = 0.028, ES = 0.81) immediately after treatment revealed the modification of neuroendocrine signaling pathways, which were accompanied by greater improvements in mood disturbance (P = 0.029, ES = 0.81) and fatigue (P = 0.001, ES = 1.04). Conclusions: Because no adverse effects and significant and meaningful benefits were observed, floatation-REST may prove a valuable intervention for managing soreness and enhancing performance readiness after exercise.

RAS ID

44768

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

1-1-2022

Volume

54

Issue

8

PubMed ID

35389942

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences / Exercise Medicine Research Institute

Copyright

subscription content

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer

Comments

Caldwell, L. K., Kraemer, W. J., Post, E. M., Volek, J. S., Focht, B. C., Newton, R. U., ... & Maresh, C. M. (2022). Acute floatation-REST improves perceived recovery after a high-intensity resistance exercise stress in trained men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 54(8), 1371-1381. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002906

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1249/MSS.0000000000002906