Key Takeaway
Flotation-REST provided short-term pain and anxiety relief in chronic pain patients, but no long-term benefits over placebo, with similar improvements in the sham group suggesting effects may not be specific to flotation
Summary
This randomized clinical trial examined flotation-REST for chronic pain in 99 patients. Both the intervention and placebo groups showed short-term improvements in pain intensity, relaxation, and anxiety. However, no long-term benefits were found from 5 flotation sessions, and clinically relevant changes in the placebo group suggest improvements may not be caused by flotation-specific mechanisms.
Methods
Randomized controlled trial with 99 chronic pain patients (mean age 51.7 years, 81% women). Participants received 5 sessions of flotation-REST or an active placebo. Outcomes included pain intensity, relaxation, anxiety, and pain area. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03584750).
Key Results
Both groups showed significant short-term improvements in pain intensity, relaxation, anxiety, and pain area. No significant between-group differences at long-term follow-up. Placebo group showed clinically relevant short-term pain changes, suggesting non-specific effects.
Figures
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Limitations
Difficulty in creating a true placebo for flotation. Relatively small sample size. Predominantly female participants. Short intervention period (5 sessions). Results challenge the specificity of flotation-REST effects for chronic pain.