Comparison of 1-hour floatation-REST versus conventional napping on heart rate variability in active individuals

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Autonomic Neuroscience
• Sports Science

Background:

• Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of autonomic nervous system function and recovery.
• Floatation-RESTING (FLO) and napping (NAP) are recovery strategies, but their comparative effects on HRV in athletes are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the short-term effects of a 1-hour FLO session versus conventional NAP on HRV in highly trained individuals.
• To assess the impact of these interventions on both supine and standing autonomic function.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized interventional study involving 20 non-fatigued, highly trained participants.
• HRV measurements (supine and standing) were taken before and after FLO and NAP interventions.
• Subjective well-being was assessed using questionnaires.

Main Results:

• NAP significantly increased supine parasympathetic activity (RMSSD and spectral analysis), indicating enhanced autonomic recovery.
• FLO did not significantly alter supine HRV parameters but was rated as subjectively more enjoyable.
• Both interventions decreased supine heart rate, with a trend towards a non-significant increase in standing HR for FLO compared to NAP.

Conclusions:

• Conventional napping appears more effective than FLO for short-term parasympathetic enhancement in athletes.
• FLO may offer benefits in subjective well-being, but its acute impact on autonomic function is limited.
• Individualized recovery strategies are crucial, and further research on long-term effects is warranted.