The Effects of Flotation REST on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
"The Effects of Flotation REST on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia" is a recent study that explores how Floatation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) impacts individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The conclusions bear out so much of what our clients, who suffer from this debilitating condition, tell us about how they feel after floating...
Hypothesis: The study hypothesizes that Floatation REST can significantly reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, which include widespread musculoskeletal pain, stress, anxiety, and poor sleep quality.
Model: Floatation REST involves floating in a pool of water with a high concentration of Epsom salts in an environment that minimizes sensory input. This therapy is believed to alleviate physical and psychological symptoms by promoting deep relaxation.
Aim: The study aims to assess the immediate and short-term effects of Floatation REST on various symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and overall well-being.
Methodology:
Participants: 81 individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia from five countries (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, US) participated in the study.
Procedure: Each participant underwent three one-hour Floatation REST sessions within a three-week period.
Data Collection: Before and after each session, participants completed questionnaires rating their symptoms on an 11-point Likert scale. The variables measured included pain, muscle tension, stress, energy, sadness, well-being, relaxation, and anxiety.
Analysis: Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) and multilevel modeling (PROC MIXED in SAS) were used to evaluate the data, considering factors such as missing data and session-to-session changes.
Results:
Immediate Effects: Significant reductions in pain, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and sadness were observed immediately after each Floatation REST session. Participants also reported increased relaxation, well-being, energy, and ease of movement.
Long-term Effects: Improvements in pre-intervention symptom ratings across sessions indicated potential cumulative benefits from repeated Floatation REST exposure.
Sleep Quality: Participants noted improved sleep quality and duration after float sessions, although the results had some variability due to data collection issues.
Participant Feedback: Comments from participants highlighted subjective improvements in sleep, relaxation, memory, concentration, and reduced pain, contributing to overall well-being.
To sum up, the research presents convincing proof that Floatation REST can provide substantial short-term alleviation of fibromyalgia symptoms, with potential lasting advantages through repeated sessions. The results indicate a necessity for additional studies to investigate the prolonged impacts and the feasibility of incorporating Floatation REST as a standard therapeutic approach for fibromyalgia.
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