The Acute Effects of Flotation R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) Following Maximal Eccentric Exercise

To determine acute effects of flotation REST following maximal eccentric knee extensions and flexions. A randomized crossover study of twenty-four (N=24) untrained male subjects (23.29 + or - 2.1 yr, 184.17 + or - 6.85 cm, 85.16 + or - 11.54 kg) participated over a 14 day period. Subjects performed 50 maximal eccentric repetitions of knee extension and flexion on two occasions separated by one week. Either one hour flotation R.E.S.T. (FLOAT) or one hour seated control (SEAT) followed exercise. Mean blood lactate lower following FLOAT (1.11 + or - .27 vs 1.77 + or - .98, p < 0.05) as was mean pain of knee extensors (.67 + or - 1.03 vs .99 + or - 1.26, p < 0.05). Mean torque (N times M) of knee extensors greater following SEAT (242.12 + or - 65.46 vs 223 + or - 58.03, p < 0.05). No significance observed in knee flexors, heart rate, glucose, RPE, pain of knee flexors, DOMS (p > .05).