The efficacy of the float tank for the recovery of athletes during the early season

Aim. The paper aims to identify a relevant therapeutic effect of a float tank during the early season. Materials and methods. The study involved 62 athletes from 18 to 21 years of age. Following a training microcycle, the experimental group had a 60-minute session in the float tank. The recovery program consisted of 12 sessions in the float tank, twice a week, during a month and a half. The float tank was a light- and sound-proof environment filled with warm, concentrated magnesium sulfate. Physiological measurements (R-R cardiac intervals) were performed during sleep by means of the Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 heart rate monitor (Finland). Results. The results obtained demonstrated a positive effect of the float tank on the recovery of athletes during the early season. In the experimental group, the quality of sleep was significantly higher compared to the control group. Conclusion. Heart rate variability measurements confirmed a positive effect of this procedure on the cardiovascular system.