Search Results

Ethics in Float Research: Building Trust and Protecting Participants As floatation-REST research expands, more float centers are exploring how they can participate in or even lead studies. While the opportunity is exciting, it also comes with serious responsibilities. Research is not just about collecting data—it’s about protecting people. At a recent FTA webinar, Dr. Emily Choquette reminded us that ethics must sit at the heart of every research project. What Counts as Research? Human subjects research is defined as any systematic investigation that involves living individuals—whether through interaction, intervention, or collection of identifiable private information—with the goal of contributing to generalizable knowledge. That means even something as simple as distributing surveys to your float clients could qualify as research if you intend to publish or share results broadly. What doesn’t count? If data is collected strictly for internal operations (e.g., customer feedback forms used only to improve your services), it is not considered human subjects research. But the line can easily blur, so centers should always examine their intent. Why Ethical Oversight Matters History offers sobering reminders of why protections are needed. The Nuremberg Code (1947)  and Belmont Report (1979)  were responses to unethical practices such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where participants were deceived and denied treatment. These cases underscore that ethical safeguards are non-negotiable—not just for legal compliance but to avoid causing real harm and mistrust in communities. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) If your center wants to participate in formal research, IRB approval is essential. These committees review study designs to ensure participant safety, informed consent, and ethical conduct. While private IRBs can charge fees and require regulatory expertise, many universities and hospitals have their own IRBs that may be more accessible if you conduct research though a partnership with them. Key misconception:  IRB approval doesn’t transfer liability. Even with approval, centers are responsible for understanding and following ethical principles. Informed Consent and Vulnerable Populations Clear, transparent consent is the backbone of ethical research. Participants should understand risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw. This is especially crucial for vulnerable populations , such as: Children and adolescents Prisoners People with diminished capacity (e.g., cognitive impairments) Economically or educationally disadvantaged individuals These groups may face unique pressures or lack the resources to fully evaluate their participation, so extra care is required. Protecting Data Float research often involves sensitive personal information—names, health histories, or even biometric data. Protecting that information isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s an ethical responsibility. Breaches can cause lasting harm. Strong privacy practices help safeguard participants. Common Pitfalls for Float Centers Many float center owners ask, “I’m not a researcher—can I still collect data?”  The answer is yes—but only if you’re committed to doing it right. Collecting data without ethical oversight, even with good intentions, can erode trust. Dr. Choquette emphasized that other health fields have faced criticism for bypassing ethical safeguards; our industry must hold itself to higher standards. Case Studies and Storytelling Sharing unique client experiences can be valuable, but it must be handled carefully. Case studies should protect identities and focus on educational value, not marketing spin. Anecdotes are meaningful, but they cannot replace formal research. The Takeaway For float research to flourish, we need more than data—we need integrity. Ethical research ensures participants are respected, communities are protected, and findings are credible. By following established principles of consent, oversight, and privacy, float centers can contribute to meaningful, trustworthy research that benefits the entire industry. Want to learn more? Contact echoquette@laureateinstitute.org  or email info@floatation.org . Presentation slides from this webinar were made available for download from Dr. Emily Choquette as FTA member resources: :

We’re excited to share a new resource — a ready to use floating brochure template  available in Canva! Why a Brochure? Brochures are one of the simplest and most effective ways to introduce new guests to the benefits of floating. They’re easy to hand out at community events, display in your lobby, or share with local businesses. A well-designed brochure helps demystify the experience, highlight the science-backed benefits, and spark curiosity in first-time floaters. What’s Inside This template includes: An approachable “What is Floating?” overview  Benefits at a glance  What to expect in a first float  A powerful quote  Easy to Customize The template is built in Canva, so you can: Add your logo, brand colors, and images. Swap in your pricing, contact info, and call to action. Print at home, through a local print shop, or share digitally. The QR codes link to the FTA website, but you can also generate your own in Canva. Edit the text to fit your specific float suites and facilities. ✨ Tip: We recommend keeping one version printed and another saved as a PDF so you can email it to potential clients or partners. Find the template: HERE Or copy the link into your browser: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGx9H1oFQ4/T_oPpPqWlkqdVQu-lWLjtg/view?utm_content=DAGx9H1oFQ4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

This is the final post in our Community-Sourced Checklists and SOP Series, where we've been sharing real examples of how float centers structure their daily operations . So far, we’ve covered opening and closing procedures, now we’re highlighting the daily tasks that keep things running smoothly in between. From mid-shift laundry flips and room resets to keeping retail stocked and bathrooms tidy, these are the recurring responsibilities that don’t always have a fixed time but still play a big role in maintaining a clean, consistent experience for every guest. These examples were submitted by float centers in our community and are available to download, adapt, and build on. You can drop these checklists into Helm or print and laminate them for easy access throughout the day, whatever fits your workflow best. Whether you’re solo or working with a team, utilizing a task generator or physical checklist can keep things from falling through the cracks. Below are a handful of general/daily checklists shared by float centers. These are available to download as member resources. Feel free to use them as-is or customize them for your space. Have a daily task flow that works well for your center? Share your tips in the comments, we’re always learning from each other.

Full Article Title: Enhanced independence and quality of life after treatment with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a patient with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome: A case report. Authors: Hanna Edebol, Anette Kjellgren, Sven-Åke Bood and Torsten Norlander Karlstad University, Sweden Published July 2009 Hypothesis: The research assumes that use of Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (Flotation-REST) will improve the quality of life and independence of patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Aim : The present study aimed to qualitatively measure the effect of Flotation-REST on the patient with AS and ADHD, namely arousal control, activity regulation, sensory integration, cognitive processes, and emotional maturity. The intervention was a single-case study of a Swedish woman aged 36 with the diagnoses of ADHD and AS who completed 19 flotation sessions over one year. The changes and experiences of the patient were recorded through interviews and interpreted through the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological (EPP) method. Methodology : Patient Profile :  Female aged 36, diagnosed with ADHD and AS by a neuropsychological team. Medication included Concerta® for ADHD and Efexor® depot for depression. Flotation Sessions :  19 sessions in total: the first six sessions were 45 minutes long, and the other 13 sessions were 90 minutes long each. Data Collection:  Carried out three semi-structured interviews with the patient. The interviews covered her experiences with ADHD, AS, and the flotation sessions. Analysis :  Interview data was analyzed using the EPP method. Split data into Meaning Units (MUs) and converted into abstract language to find underlying psychological phenomena. Patterns of situational and typological formations were developed and validated using the Norlander Credibility Test for purposes of ensuring reliability. Results: Arousal Control: Improved ability for control of levels of arousal to enjoy deep relaxation and reduced stress. Activity Regulation: Improved ability for control of body movements and reduction of impulsive acts. Increased ability for remaining still and reduction of restlessness. Sensory Integration and Interpretation: Improved ability to control sensory impressions and regain sensory resistance. Sensations of coordinated sensory functioning and inner peace. Cognitive Functioning: Improved concentration, focus, motivation, preparation, and organization. Fewer struggles with completing tasks, reading, writing, and thinking in a systematic way. Emotional Maturity: More ability to handle and manage emotions, leading to patience and persistence. More acceptance of own feelings and more awareness of other people's feelings. Sense of inner balance and self-acceptance. Personal Independence and Quality of Life: These abilities developing facilitated the development of a sense of personal independence and quality of life. Support sessions were required in order for these gains to be maintained. The research found that Flotation-REST was an important intervention for the patient, leading to significant improvement in many areas. The positive effects were found to persist at the four-month follow-up, although the need for ongoing support sessions was noted. Conclusion : The case study supports the hypothesis that Flotation-REST has the potential to significantly enhance the independence and quality of life in individuals who have ADHD and AS. The favorable changes in arousal control, activity regulation, sensory integration, cognitive functioning, and emotional maturity demonstrate that the technique works. Other researchers are invited to examine the effectiveness of the treatment in a larger population. Read the full article: Marketing Takeaway for Float Center Users Feel the revolutionary impact of Floatation-REST! An astonishing research study highlights how the profound benefits of float therapy can work miracles for people with ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome. Imagine greater relaxation, focus, emotional health, and independence—all due to the use of float tanks on a regular basis. Benefits of Floatation-REST: Widespread Relaxation: Experience unprecedented stress release and tranquility. Improved Concentration and Focus: Enhance mental capacities so that work and organization become easier. Emotional Balance: Enhanced capacity to manage and accept emotions, creating inner peace and self-acceptance. Sensory Integration: Commanding sensory perception, leading to a peaceful, centered, and balanced state of mind. Personal Independence: Significantly enhancing personal autonomy and overall well-being. Why Choose Our Float Center? Our state-of-the-art float tanks provide you with the ideal scenario for experiencing all of these life-changing benefits.

This is our second post in our Community Sourced Checklists and SOP Series , highlighting real examples of how float centers wrap up their day. In this post, we’re focusing on closing procedures : the tasks that help ensure your center ends the day smoothly and is set up for a calm, clean start tomorrow. Even if you're closing your center solo, having a list can help you wind things down with confidence and consistency. It helps prevent those moments when you finally get home, settle in to bed, and remember the pile of clean laundry you left unfolded in the lounge, where you usually fold towels at the end of a long day. Below are a handful of closing checklists shared by float centers in our community. These are available to download as member resources. Use them as they are or customize to better fit your own space and work flow. You can add closing tasks into the Helm and set them to generate each evening for your team to check off as they shut things down. Alternatively, you could print and laminate closing task lists for your team to physically check off each night. These examples were shared by members of our community and are available for you to download, adapt, and build upon. Do you have tips that have made a difference in your closing procedures? Checklists to share? Tell us in the comments.

This is the first post in our Community-Sourced Checklists and SOP Series , highlighting examples of how float centers structure their daily operations. In this post, we’re focusing on opening procedures —the routines that help centers start the day with clarity and consistency for all team members. These examples were shared by members of our community and are available for you to download, adapt, and build upon. You can add opening tasks into Float Helm and set them to generate each morning for your team to check off. Alternatively, you could print and laminate your checklist so staff can mark off items as they go. Even if you're opening solo at your center, a checklist can help ensure nothing gets missed. It can save you from awkward moments—like realizing the sauna wasn’t turned on in time for a guest, or opening a tank mid-orientation only to find a scum ball floating inside. Below are a handful of opening checklists submitted by float centers. These are available to download as member resources. Feel free to use them as-is or modify them to suit your own space and workflow.

To test for color transfer in freshly dyed hair, simply keep a spray bottle of water and small white towels at the front desk of your facility. Have the guest spray a small section of their hair with water and pat the area dry with the towel. If none of the hair color transfers, and the towel remains white, they are likely safe to float without staining the inside of the tank or linens in the float suite. It may be helpful to post this information for guests and/or employees at your facility. Feel free to utilize this information and graphic in guest communications or on your social media pages. White Towel Hair Test 10 X 8 in Poster White Towel Hair Test 1080 X 1350 px Instagram Post Click button below to open as a Canva template and make changes to align with your branding materials:

We are excited to announce the release of the 2023 State of the Float Industry Report, a collaborative effort between Float Tank Solutions (FTS) and the Floatation Tank Association (FTA). This annual report provides valuable insights into our industry's trends, challenges, and growth, serving as an essential resource for all floatation professionals. Since 2014, FTS has been gathering data from float centers worldwide to compile these comprehensive reports. The information is voluntarily contributed by float centers globally, making it an incredibly useful resource for the entire industry. The 2023 report is now available for download as a PDF below. We encourage all members to access this highly anticipated report to stay informed about the latest industry developments. For those interested in reviewing previous years' reports, FTS offers a full archive available for download. You can access individual reports by year, dating back to 2014, on their website. Float Tank Solutions . We hope you find the 2023 State of the Float Industry Report insightful and beneficial for your operations. Your participation and support are crucial in fostering a thriving floatation community.

Connecting with Researchers: A Guide for Float Center Owners Are you interested in collaborating with researchers to explore the clinical benefits of floating? Reaching out to potential research partners can feel daunting, but a well-crafted email can make all the difference. Below is a simple outline you can follow when drafting an email to a researcher in your area. Remember to keep it brief, relevant, and customized to their specific field of study. Email Outline for Connecting with Researchers 1. Introduction Start by introducing yourself and your float center. Keep it concise but engaging. Example: Hello [Researcher's Name], My name is [Your Name], and I run [Your Float Center Name] in [Your Location]. I’m reaching out because I’m interested in potential collaborations to explore the clinical benefits of floating. 2. Briefly Explain Floating Provide a short and clear explanation of floating and its history. Example: Floating, also known as float therapy or floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy), has been studied academically since the 1950s and commercially for over 50 years. In a float session, a person rests effortlessly in a pod or pool of highly concentrated Epsom salt water, free from external stimuli. 3. Highlight Relevant Research Tailor this section to the researcher’s specific field. Below are a few research areas with sample language you can use: Anxiety & Stress Reduction : Floating has been extensively studied for its effects on anxiety and stress reduction. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in anxiety, with benefits lasting up to 48 hours post-float, and no serious negative side effects (Johnson & Kjellgren, 2016; Feinstein et al., 2018a; Feinstein et al., 2018b; Garland et al., 2024). Eating Disorders : Emerging research suggests that floating may support individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) by reducing anxiety and body image disturbances. A recent clinical trial found that floating, when added to residential treatment, led to long-term improvements in body dissatisfaction (Khalsa et al., 2020; Choquette et al., 2023). Performance & Pain Management : Many collegiate and professional sports teams use floating to aid recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Research suggests that floatation-REST may help with perceived muscle soreness and pain (Caldwell et al., 2022; Morgan et al., 2013). However, more research is needed to establish the effects on physiological recovery markers (Kraemer et al., 2020). 4. Closing & Next Steps Invite them to visit your float center and express your enthusiasm for potential collaboration. Example: I’d love to invite you to visit my center to experience floating firsthand and discuss how we might work together. I’m passionate about the potential of floating as a tool in [researcher’s field] and would love to explore ways we could collaborate. Please let me know if you’d be interested in connecting further! Best, [Your Name] [Your Float Center Name] [Your Contact Information] Final Tips: Keep your email concise and relevant to their research area. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information upfront. Show genuine enthusiasm for their work and how floating could support their research. Follow up if you don’t hear back after a week or two. By reaching out in a thoughtful and targeted way, you can help grow the body of research on floating while building meaningful partnerships with researchers in your community.

There has been a good amount of discussion about cold plunge tubs and their sanitation needs over the past year or so. The FTA dis publish a bulletin about best practices, including cold plunges. Unfortunately there isn't a leading organization managing the standards for these tanks. The good news is that we have found a comprehensive review of cold plunge operations and we are excited to share it with you. This report is brought you you from the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NSSCEH) in Canada. The NCCEH is one of six National Collaborating Centres created in 2005 to foster linkages and provide knowledge translation within Canada’s public health community. The centres are funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) through the National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCPH) program. The NCCEH is hosted within the BC Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver, BC. In short, cold plunges need specific and unique sanitation practices. Please be sure to do thorough research and regular testing to keep your guests safe! Click HERE for a comprehensive review of Cold Plunge operations from the NCCEH. Or, download the pdf:

Research By: Feinstein JS, Khalsa SS, Yeh H-w, Wohlrab C, Simmons WK, Stein MB, Paulus MP Participant Information 50 participants, many with multiple disorders 26 with Generalized Anxiety Disorder 16 with Social Anxiety Disorder 12 with Panic Disorder 8 with Agoraphobia 17 with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder 92% of participants also suffered from unipolar Major Depression Methods/Procedures 3 types of measurement: Baseline- used to measure symptoms/mood during the study Pre/post float- used 30 min before float and 30 min after, to see the effects on symptoms/mood Follow-up questions- questions concerning the participants’ overall float experience  The floats were followed by a 43 question side effect list revolving around anxiety/depressive symptoms An interview was performed after each float to gauge what the participants’ overall opinion on floating Participants floated in open circular float tank w/ blue LED light that had the option of being turned off or kept on Participants could remain in the tank for 60 minutes or stop their float early Key Findings 48 out of 50 of the participants floated for the full hour session 50% of the participants floated with the light on Minimal Negative side effects reported, most commonly itchiness and dry mouth Many Positive side effects reported; feeling of complete serenity/relaxation and feeling revived/refreshed after the fact. All participants reported decrease in overall anxiety, stress, depression, muscle tension; with an increase in mood and energy-levels. 100% of participants would float again 47/50 participants said floating could be used as a form of therapy/treatment Practical Implications The above evidence suggests that floating does have a large, positive effect on disorders such as Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Major Depression, PTSD, Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia. The reductions in negative symptoms suggest that floating could be used as an effective form of treatment for those dealing with these conditions.  Read the full article:

Full title: Effects of Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) on Stress Related Muscle Pain: Are 33 flotation sessions more effective THAN 12 sessions? By: Sven Bood, Ulf Sundequist, Anette Kjellgran, Gun Nordstrom, and Torsten Norlander (Karlstad University, Sweden) Hypothesis:   The study hypothesized that 33 flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) sessions would be more effective than 12 sessions in reducing stress-related muscle pain. Model:   The research model was designed to compare the effectiveness of two different treatment regimens (12 vs. 33 flotation-REST sessions) on patients with stress-related muscle pain, including those with and without burn-out depression. Aim:   The aim was to determine if a longer duration of flotation-REST therapy (33 sessions) provided more significant improvements in stress-related ailments compared to a shorter duration (12 sessions). Methodology: Participants:  37 patients (29 women, 8 men) with stress-related muscle pain. The average age was 49.54 years. Design:  Participants were randomly assigned to either 12 or 33 flotation-REST sessions. The study used a three-way split-plot design. Procedure:  Both groups received two treatments per week for three weeks, followed by a week off. The 12-session group stopped here, while the 33-session group continued with weekly sessions for an additional 28 weeks. Assessments:  Pain intensity, stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and blood pressure were measured before and after the treatments using various validated instruments. Results: Pain Reduction:  Both groups showed significant improvements in pain intensity and frequency, with no major additional benefits observed after 33 sessions compared to 12. Psychological Variables:  Significant reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, and negative affectivity were noted after 12 sessions, with no further significant improvements after 33 sessions. Optimism and sleep quality improved after 12 sessions. Blood Pressure:  No significant changes were observed in systolic blood pressure. Diastolic blood pressure showed a significant reduction only after 33 sessions. Conclusion:  The study concluded that while both 12 and 33 flotation-REST sessions are effective in reducing stress-related muscle pain and psychological stress, extending the therapy to 33 sessions does not provide substantial additional benefits for most variables except for diastolic blood pressure. Thus, 12 sessions are generally sufficient, though individual needs and specific conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, whiplash) might require longer treatment programs. Download the full research paper: Marketing Takeaway (use this for your float center marketing!) Discover Enhanced Wellness with Flotation Therapy at [float center] Are you tired of persistent stress-related muscle pain and looking for an effective, natural solution? Studies show that just 12 sessions of flotation-REST therapy can significantly reduce muscle pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. Imagine a treatment that not only alleviates your physical discomfort but also improves your overall mental well-being. Why Choose [float center] for Your Flotation Therapy? 1. Proven Pain Relief:  Studies show that 12 sessions of flotation therapy can lead to considerable pain reduction, making it an ideal treatment for chronic muscle tension. 2. Enhanced Mental Health:  Our flotation sessions aren't just about physical relief. They also help decrease stress and anxiety while boosting your mood and overall sense of optimism. 3. Improved Sleep Quality:  Experience better sleep with just a few sessions, as flotation therapy has been shown to enhance sleep quality by creating a deeply relaxed state. 4. Long-Lasting Benefits:  Even though 12 sessions can provide significant improvements, our flexible plans allow for additional sessions to ensure you continue to reap the benefits, especially for those with chronic conditions. 5. Personalized Treatment Plans:  At [float center], we tailor your flotation therapy to meet your specific needs, ensuring maximum benefits whether you're dealing with stress-related pain or other health issues. Call to Action Experience the transformative power of flotation therapy at [float center] today. Book your first session and start your journey towards a pain-free, stress-free life. Contact us now to learn more about our special introductory packages! Visual Ideas: Before and After Graphics:  Show a visual comparison of a person’s stress levels or muscle pain before and after flotation therapy. Testimonial Videos:  Feature satisfied clients sharing their success stories and how flotation therapy at [float center] improved their lives. Relaxing Imagery:  Use images of the serene floatation tanks and relaxed individuals floating to evoke a sense of calm and relief. Infographics:  Create infographics that highlight the key benefits of flotation therapy backed by research findings.