floating toward sustainability: a uwinnipeg campus ......sensory deprivation tank, float tank, float...

FloatingTowardSustainability:AUWinnipegCampusPerspective

CodyLapointe

AreportsubmittedinpartialfulfilmentoftherequirementsforENV-4614CampusSustainability

DepartmentofEnvironmentalStudiesandSciences

TheUniversityofWinnipeg

2016

Acknowledgements

IamgratefultoBradDaukandLeahDawnatFloat.Calmforgenerouslysharingtheirfloatingknowledgeandexpertise,whichaddedtremendousvaluetotheproject;toAlanDiduckforgreatleadershipandtimelyadvicethroughoutthecreativeprocess;toAlanaLajoie-O’MalleyandAlexWiebfortheirengagementintheproject,alongwithhelpfulfeedbackandsuggestions;andtoTessaAusborn,PatrickCarty,MaureenHanlon,NadineKanik,andSamanthaLeechforalltheirgreatideasandsuggestions,whichreallyhelpedmovetheprojectinamoreinterestingdirection.Thankyouallforembracingthefloattankproject!

Contents

1.Purpose………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1

2.Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1

3.Methods………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1

4.Terms…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1

5.Background……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1

5.1.History……………………………………………………………………………………………….......................2

5.2.TypesofFloatTanks…………………………………………………………………………………………….….3

6.Results……………………………………………………………………………………………………………........................4

6.1.Rationale…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

6.1.1.SustainabilityRelatedBenefits………………………………………………………………….4

Relaxation/StressReduction……………………………………………………………………5

EnhancedWell-being……………………………………………………………………………...6

EnhancedAthleticPerformance/Recovery……………………………………………...9

MeditativeStates…………………………………………………………………………………11

PainManagement…………………………………………………………………………………11

6.1.2.RelevancetoCurrentSocialSustainabilityInitiatives………………………………12

6.1.3.OtherBenefits…………………………………………………………………………………………13

EnhancedLearning………………………………………………………………………………..13

EnhancedCreativity………………………………………………………………………………14

MagnesiumAbsorption…………………………………………………………………………14

6.2.Feasibility………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14

6.2.1.Sanitation……………………………………………………………………………………………….14

6.2.2.SpaceandLocation………………………………………………………….........................15

6.2.3.Cost…………………………………………………………………………………………………….....16

CostList…………………………………………………………………………………………….....16

CostEstimate………………………………………………………………………………………..16

6.3.FeasibleNextSteps………………………………………………………………………………………………..17

6.4ConcludingComments……………………………………………………………………………………………17

AppendixA………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………18

AppendixB………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………19

AppendixC………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………22

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….23

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1.Purpose

ThepurposeofthisprojectistodevelopareportthatsuccessfullyinformsthereaderaboutfloatinganditsrelevancetosocialsustainabilityattheUniversityofWinnipeg.Inaddition,thereportwillprovideinformationregardingthefeasibilityofafloatcentresituatedoncampus.TheinformationprovidedwilllayafoundationforfuturedecisionsregardingafloatcentreattheUniversityofWinnipeg.

2.Objectives

Therearetwomainobjectivesthisreportattemptstomeet,

1. Thedevelopmentofarationale,whichsuccessfullydemonstratestherelevanceoffloatingtosocialsustainabilityattheUniversityofWinnipeg.

2. Thedevelopmentofafeasibilitystudy,whichprovidesinformationandanalysisforissuesrelatingtotheintroductionofafloatcentreoncampus.

3.Methods

Avarietyofsourceswereusedintheconstructionofthisreport,including:scientificresearchpapers,internetsources,andbooks.Inaddition,expertinformationfromtheownersofFloat.Calmisincluded.

4.Terms

Sensorydeprivationtank,floattank,floatpod,andisolationtankareallinterchangeable.Themostcommonnameusedinresearchandindustryisfloattankandthisistheprimarytermusedforthepurposeinthisreport.

FlotationREST,floating,andflotationtherapyareallinterchangeable.ThemostcommontermusedinresearchisflotationRESTandthemostcommonnameusedinindustryisfloating.Bothofthesetermswillbeusedinthisreport.

5.Background

Thefloattankisalightless,soundproofstructure,insidewhichanindividualfloatsinEpsomsaltsaturatedwaterheatedtobodytemperature.Thefunctionofthetankistodeprivetheparticipantofsensoryperceptions,inordertocreateanenvironmentofminimalstimulation.Floatingoffersmanytherapeuticbenefits,bothphysicalandmental.

InatypicalflotationRESTsession,aparticipantwouldenterthefloattankandlayina

Figure1.(befreefloating.com,2013)

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supineposition,withtheEpsomsaltsaturatedwateractingassupportforthebody.Duetothedensityofthesaltwaterittakesaconsciousefforttoturnover,ensuringthesafetyofeachparticipant.Participantstypicallyspendforty-fivetoninetyminutesinthefloattankpersession,whichgivesthemampletimetorelaxandheal.

Intermsofoperationthereisnothingthatneedstobedonewhileaparticipantisinthefloattank.Anassociatemustbeavailableincaseofanemergency,butthefloatsessionitselfisaverysimpleprocess.Thereareproceduresrelatedtosanitationthatmustbefollowedinbetweenparticipants,butthiswillbediscussedinfurtherdetaillaterinthereport.

5.1History

Originalresearchregardingsensorydeprivationbeganinthe1950s,butitwasnotconductedinamodernstylefloattank.Sensorydeprivationwasachievedthroughisolationinawaterlesschamberorthroughatechniquewhichrequiredtheparticipanttowearamaskwhilesubmergedinwater.Whilethesetechniquesweresuccessfulinachievingsensorydeprivationtheywereultimatelyinconsistentandgenerallystressfulforparticipants.

In1977,sensorydeprivationresearchchangedwhenJohnC.LillyinventedtheSamadhifloattank.Lillyhadbeeninvolvedinearlyresearchinsensorydeprivationandhisdesignprovedtobemuchmoreuserfriendlyincomparisontoprevioustechniques.ThisformofsensorydeprivationisbetterknownasflotationREST(RestrictedEnvironmentalStimulationTechnique),whichistheacceptedtechniqueinmodernresearch.

TherewasaboominthefloatingworldafterthedesignoftheSamadhitankin1977.Manystudieswereconductedduringthe80sandfloatcentresbegantopopupallovertheUnitedStates,stimulatingtheindustry.Unfortunately,the90swerenotaskindtotheworldoffloating.ItisspeculatedthattheAIDSepidemicplayedamajorroleinthecommercialdownturn,and,inextension,theeffortsinresearch.

The2000sbroughtarenewedoptimismasresearchinflotationRESTbecameprominentonceagain,withnewresearchcomingoutofSweden.Inadditiontotheincreaseinresearchtherewasareboundintheindustryaswell,withnewfloatcentresopeningtheirdoors.CurrentlythereareovertwohundredandfiftycommercialfloatcentresintheUnitedStatesandover45inCanada(FloatationLocations,2016).In2010thefirstfloatsummitwasheldinLondon,Englandandin2012thefirstannualfloatconferencewasheldinPortland,Oregon.FlotationRESTresearchcontinuestoimprove,withtheintroductionofafloatlabequippedwithanfMRImachineattheUniversityofTulsa(Oaklander,2016).

Figure2.(Turner&Fine,1983)

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5.2TypesofFloatTanks

Therearemanydifferentfloattankmanufacturersaroundtheglobe,eachofferingadifferentaestheticwhenitcomestothedesignofthetank.However,thesetanksareallmanufacturedtoperformthesamefunction,sotherearespecificaspectsthatareconsistentacrossdesigns.Allfloattankscomewithafiltrationsystem,whichallowsthetanktofunctionwithoutaplumbinghookup.Thewateriscycledthroughthefiltrationsystemaminimumoffourtimes(thisisindustrystandard)betweeneachfloater.Thefiltrationsystemscanoperateunderastandardelectricalcurrent;howevertheydoneedspecialelectricalfittingstofunctionproperly.Aheateralsocomeswitheachdesigntoensurethewaterstaysatbodytemperature.Floattanksoftencomewithaspeakersystemaswelltoallowformusicorrecordings(thisistypicallyanoption).Additionally,eachfloattankcanbedisassembledandmovedifnecessary.Somedifferentfloattankdesignsinclude:theSamadhiFloatTank,OasisFloatTank,andi-sopod.TherearealsoFloatCabinsandFloatRoomswhichwillnotbediscussed(butpictureswillbeincluded).

TheSamadhidesignisa44”widex94”longx44.5”highstructure(4’x8’),madeoutofdoublewalledABS(thermoplasticpolymer).Thespaceneededforhousingthetankisdependentonthepositioningofthefiltrationsystem,asitisseparatefromthefloattankunit(seeAppendixA).TheSamadhitankusesaheaterintheceilingofthetanktopreventcondensationfromdrippingandalsoincludesalightontheinterior.Thistankcomeswithanaircirculationsystemaswell.

TheOasisfloattankisverysimilarinaestheticwhencomparedtotheSamadhitank;however,theydifferinacoupleofways.Firstly,theOasisfloattankisslightlylargerthantheSamadhitankmeasuring56”widex99”longx45”high.Another6”to36”inchesofspaceisneededtohousethefiltrationsystem(puttingitbehindthetankwouldbemoreefficientintermsofspace).An8’x9’space(filtrationsystemontheside)ora5’x11’space(filtrationsystembehind)isneededforsufficienthousing.TheOasisfloattankismadeoutofsinglewalledfiberglassandcomeswithaUVlight(Samadhidoesnot)asanadditionalsanitationprocedure.Insteadofaheaterinstalledintheceiling,

theceilingitselfisslopedtopreventcondensationfromdripping.Thisdesigndoesnotcomewithabuiltinlightoraircirculationsystem,howeveritisventilated.

Figure3.(pearltrees.com,2011)

Figure4.(oasisrelaxation.com,2014)

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Thei-sopoddesignislargerandmorepleasingaestheticallythanboththeSamadhiandOasisdesign.Itisa60”widex101”longx51”highstructure,needingroughlya6’x9’spaceforsufficienthousing.ItismadeoutofdoubleskinnedglassreinforcedplasticandcomeswithaUVlight(similartoOasis).Itisalsoequippedwithamechanicalventilationsystem.Condensationisavoidedduetoitsdesign(slopedtop).Oneadvantageofthei-sopoddesignisthatithousesthefiltrationsysteminthebackofthetank,ratherthanoutsideofthestructure,whicheliminatesextraplanningintermsofspace.Italsois

biggerontheinteriorthantheothertwodesignsandcomeswithalightontheinside(similartoSamadhi).

Floatcabinsandfloatroomsaremorespaciousversionsofthefloattank.Thesedesignsmaybemorecomfortableforindividualswhoareveryclaustrophobicorintimidatedbythesmallerspaceofthefloattank;howeverthereisnodifferenceintheoverallexperience.

6.Results

6.1Rationale

6.1.1SustainabilityRelatedBenefits

FlotationRESThasbeenresearchedextensivelysincetheinventionoftheSamadhifloattankin1977.ResultsfromtheresearchsuggestthattherearemanypositiveoutcomesassociatedwithflotationREST,including:relaxationandstressreduction,enhancedwell-being,enhancedathleticperformance/recovery,meditativestates,andpainmanagement.ThesespecificbenefitswillbediscussedinthecontextofsustainabilityattheUniversityofWinnipeg.Additionalbenefitsincludeenhancedlearning,enhancedcreativity,andmagnesiumabsorptionthroughtheEpsomsalt.

Figure6(above).FloatCabin(floatspa.hu)

Figure7(left).FloatRoom(wheretofloat.com)

Figure5.(blessthisstuff.com)

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RelaxationandStressReduction

AccordingtoBen-Menachem(1977)(ascitedinBoodetal.,2006)twoconditionsmustbepresenttoelicitarelaxationresponse,including:reducedsensoryinputandreducedbodilymovements(pg.155).AsflotationRESTbegantoberecognizedasalegitimaterelaxationtechnique,researchwasconductedontheoveralleffectivenessofthetechniqueintermsofinducingrelaxationonparticipants.

Jacobsetal.conductedastudyin1984,whichcomparedtheeffectsofflotationRESTandtheeffectsofanormalsensoryenvironmentonrelaxationlevelsofparticipants.Theexperimentalandcontrolgroupssharedthesamerelaxationprogram(ten45minutessessions,breathingtechniques,visualimagerytechniquesetc.)andwentthroughthesamepreandpostsessiontesting(electromyogram,galvanicskinresponse,peripheralskintemperature,andbloodpressure).Thepost-testincludedasubjectivequestionnaire.Twoimportantresultscamefromthisstudy.

Firstly,participantsintheexperimentalgroupreportedgreaterrelaxationwhenrespondingtothesubjectiverelaxationquestionnaire.AccordingtoJacobsetal.,“theexperimentalgroupreportedgreaterrelaxationonthreeofthefivequestionsandsimilartrendsontheremainingtwo”(1984,pg.106).Inaddition,participantsfromtheexperimentalgroupreportedrelaxationasabenefitoftheexperiencemorethantwiceasoftenasmembersofthecontrolgroup(Jacobsetal.,1984,pg.107).ThesefindingssuggestthatflotationRESTinducesmoresubjectiverelaxationthannormalsensoryenvironments.

Secondly,participantsintheexperimentalgrouprecordedahigherreductioninbloodpressureacrosssessions(Jacobsetal.,1984,pg.106).Thisgivessomephysiologicalevidencetobackupthesubjectiveresults.

Overall,thestudydonebyJacobsetal.suggeststhattheenvironmentcreatedbythefloattankismoreconducivetorelaxationthananormalsensoryenvironment.Itisonlylogicaltosuggestthatsomeofthisrelaxationisinducedbecauseoftheextrareliefthefloattankcreatesfromeverydaychronicstressors(smartphones,artificiallightingetc.).Thenervoussystemisallowedtoexperienceahigherqualitybreakfromnormalstressorsinthefloattankcomparedtoanormalsensoryenvironment.

Inaddition,astudyconductedbyTurnerandFine(1983)associatedflotationRESTwithsignificantdecreasesinplasmacortisol(plasmacortisolisalaboratorytestusedtodeterminecortisollevelsintheblood).ThestudywassimilarinmethodwhencomparedwithJacobsetal.,asthecontrolgroupandflotationRESTgroupweretrainedinthesamerelaxationtechniques.TheyfoundthattheparticipantsintheflotationRESTconditionexperiencedamoresignificantdecreaseinplasmacortisolfrompretopostsession.Forexample,theRESTassistedgroupexperiencea20.3percentdropinplasmacortisolinsession5,whilethecontrolgrouponlyexperienceda7.3percentdrop(Turner&Fine,1983,pg.119).ItwasalsonotedthattherewasamoresignificantdecreaseinplasmacortisolacrosssessionsfortheRESTassistedgroup.(Turner&Fine,1983,pg.120).

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Thephysiologicalimprovementsnotedinthesestudies(decreaseincortisolandbloodpressure)alongwiththesubjectiveresultscollectedfromparticipants,offersevidencethatflotationRESTisnotonlyalegitimaterelaxationandstressreductiontechnique,butahighqualitytechniqueaswell.

EnhancedWell-Being

Westernsocietyhasexperiencedanincreaseinawarenessofnegativeandoftendebilitatingeffectsofanxietyanddepressionduringthe21stcentury.Methodstoalleviateindividualsfromtheirsufferingwhendealingwiththeseparticularillnessesareevolvingandexpanding.ResultsfromresearchinthefieldofflotationRESTsuggeststhatthefloattankisnotonlyaviablemethodtoalleviatesymptomsinindividualswiththeseconditions,butitcanalsoenhanceotheraspectsofanindividual’swell-being(eg.sleepqualityandoptimism).

AstudyconductedbyBoodetal.(2006)foundresultswhichsupportedtheideathatflotationtherapycanbeausefulmethodtoenhancedifferentareasofwell-being.SeventyparticipantssufferingfromstressrelatedpainwererandomlysplitintoacontrolgroupandaflotationRESTgroup(twenty-sixparticipantsalsohadburnoutdepression).TheflotationRESTgroupcameforforty-fiveminutesoffloatationtherapy,twiceaweek,forsixweeks(twelvesessionsintotal).Thecontrolgroupreceivedthesameamountoftreatment;howevertheywereonlypermittedtositinacomfortablearmchairandreadmagazines.

Priortotheexecutionofthestudy,theresearchersinterviewedtheparticipants.PartoftheinterviewprocesswastogaugethelevelofanxietyanddepressiontheparticipantswereexperiencingusingtheHospitalAnxietyDepressionscale(HAD).OtherrelevantmeasuresusedweretheLifeOrientationTest(measureofdispositionaloptimism),andaquestionnaire,whichmeasuredforavarietyofvariablesincludingsleepquality(Boodetal.,2006).Afollowupstudywasconductedfourmonthsaftertreatmentconcludedtodeterminethelong-termeffectsofthetherapy.

Thestudyyieldedsignificantresults,includinganimprovementamongparticipantsintheflotationRESTgroupinallfourrelevantareas(anxiety,depression,dispositionaloptimism,andsleepquality).Thedatashowedadropinanxietyfrom8.41to6.11(27percent)directlyaftertreatment,increasingonlyslightlyto6.96fourmonthsaftertreatment(Boodetal.,2006,pg.169).Depressionshowedadecreasefrom6.06to4.14(24percent)directlyaftertreatment,increasingto4.32fourmonthsaftertreatment(Boodetal.,2006,pg.169).Theresearchersalsonotedthatdepressionlevelswereaffectedmorepositivelybytheparticipantssufferingfromburnoutdepression,statingspecifically:

“patientswhodidnothaveaburnoutdiagnosisfirstdecreasedtheirlevelsofdepressiondirectlyaftertreatmentandthenincreasedagain4monthsaftertreatmentbacktotheoriginallevel,whereasthepatientswithaburnoutdiagnosisloweredtheirdepressionlevels,accordingtoatrendtest(5%level),bothdirectlyaftertreatmentand4monthsafterthetreatment.”(Boodetal,2006,pg.169)

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Sleepqualityincreasedfrom43.71to54.03(23percent)directlyaftertreatmentanddecreasedslightlyto52.21fourmonthsaftertreatment(Boodetal.,2006,pg168).Dispositionaloptimismincreasedfrom19.26to20.85(8percent)directlyaftertreatmentandincreasedto21.25fourmonthsaftertreatment(Boodetal,2006,pg.168).

TheresultsfromthisstudyshowthatflotationRESThasapositiveimpactonwell-beingduringatreatmentperiod,butitalsodemonstratesthatthepositiveeffectsextendbeyondthetreatmentperiod.Thissuggeststhatflotationtherapycannotonlyhaveanimmediateeffectonwell-being,butalastingeffectaswell.

Interestingly,Boodetal.conductedafollowupstudy,inwhichtheywantedtodetermineifthirty-threesessionswouldbemoreeffectivethantwelve(2007).AccordingtoBoodetal.,“theresultsindicatedno,orsmall,differencesbetweenthetwoprogramsinregardtotreatmenteffects”(2007,pg.154).Thesefindingspointtowardtheideathatthereisaceilingonaflotationtreatmentprogramintermsofthedegreeofthetreatmenteffects.Lessmaybejustaseffectiveasmore.

Aslenofetal.builtontheresultsoftheaforementionedstudiesin2007bycombiningflotationRESTtherapywithpsychotherapy.Theywantedtoseeifimprovementstoanindividual’soverallwell-beingwouldimprovemoredrasticallywiththecombinationofthetwomethods,ratherthanjustanincreaseinfloatsessions.

Twowomenage55and58participatedinthestudy,whichlastedoneyear.Thetwoparticipantswerebothonlongtermsickleavefromtheirrespectivejobs.Oneparticipantsufferedfromburn-outdepression,whiletheotherdealtwithfibromyalgia.AccordingtoAslenofetal.bothwomenhadtriedothermethodsincluding,“psychotherapy,relaxationtechniques,medicine,easierphysicaltrainingprograms,acupuncture,andsoon”(2007,pg.261).Unfortunatelynoneofthesetechniqueswerehelpfulintermsofimprovingtheirconditions.

Eachparticipantworkedthroughthesameprogram,whichincluded:thirty-fivesessionsofflotationRESTtherapy(forty-fiveminuteseach),grouptherapyoneightoccasions,conversationaltherapyoneightoccasions,andpicturetherapyoneightoccasions(Aslenofetal.,2007,pg.261).Thegroup,conversation,andpicturetherapysessionswerecoordinatedtogether,witheachsessionincludingforty-fiveminutesofflotationRESTtherapy.Theremainingfloatsessionsweredecidedonbytheparticipants,undertheconditionthattheywouldparticipateinthesesessionsatleastonceeveryotherweek.Additionally,twointerviewswereconducted:onehalfwaythroughtheprogramandtheotherattheconclusionoftheprogram.AccordingtoAslenofetal.fourmainthemesemergedduringthecourseofthestudy,including:thetherapeuticworkmodel,thetransformationofemotions,self-awareness,andmeaningoflife(2007,pg.263).

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Theworkmodelconsistedofthegroup,conversation,andpicturetherapyincombinationwithflotationREST.Therelationshipbetweentheworkmodelandtheremainingthemesisexpressedinfigureone:

AnexcerptfromthestudydoesagoodjobofexplainingtheroleofflotationRESTwithinthetherapeuticworkmodel:

Afterademandingtherapeuticconversation,theclienthadtheopportunitytogothroughwhathadtakenplaceduringtheconversationaltherapyinarelaxedstateintheflotationtank.Observationsfrequentlyreoccurredinboththeinterviewsandthejournalsthat“insightintotheconversationaltherapybecomesclearerwhenyoulieintheflotationtank.”Theflotationtankwasasafeplacewheretheclientsperceivedthatfearandanxietydisappeared,aconditionwhichwascharacterizedbytrustandbeliefinthefuture.Theclientscameintoclosecontactwiththemselves,bothmentallyandphysically.Feelingsandthoughtsemergedinpowerfuldescriptivepictureswhichopenednewperspectivesandattitudes.(Aslenofetal.,2007,pg.263)

Theeffectofthefloattankonthementalandphysicalwasalsodiscussedinthecontextoftheworkmodel:

Anotherobservationwhichcanbemadeinconnectionwiththeworkmodelisthatthelinkbetweenthementalandthephysicalisreinforced.Thesaltwater,whichproducedasenseofweightlessnessandfreedom,andthesilenceincreasethefeelingofreallybeinginone’sbody.Theclientsheartheirpulseandbecomeawareofeverypartoftheirbody.Breathingbecomesamajorinstrumentforkeepingone’sbalance.Painemergesfirstandthenslowlydiminishes.Aninteractionbetweenbodyandsoulisinitiatedandresultsinphysicalandmentalhealing(Aslenof,2007,pg.264).

Thesecondthemethatemergedduringthecourseofthestudywasthetransformationoffeelings.Bothparticipantsfeltfeelingsoffear,whichcausedthemworryandanxiety(pg.265).Theworkmodelwasapowerfultooltotransformthesefeelings,whichwasexplainedthusly:

Figure8.(Aslenofetal.,2007)

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Theconversationaltherapywasthefirststepfortheclientstowarddealingwithanunpleasantfeelingthathadcausedworryandanxietyoveralongperiod.Thesafetyandcalmoftheflotationtankmadeitpossibletoconfronttheseunpleasantfeelingsandalsotoputafacetothem,todaretolookatthem.Paintingpicturesaftertheflotationhelpedtoimproveself-insightandprovideanopportunitytostepoutsidethedifficultiesandchooseabetteralternative.Thejournalwritingwasafurtherhelpinreflectingontheprocess(Aslenofetal.,2007,pg.265).

Thethirdthemethatemergedduringthecourseofthestudywasself-insight.Theparticipantsexperiencedahigherlevelofself-insightandmuchofthiswasattributedtothetimespentinthefloattank.Relaxationinthefloattankallowedeachparticipanttoincreasebodilyawarenessandbreakingrainedpatternsofthinking(Aslenofetal.,2007,pg.266).Thefloattank(withthesupportoftheotheraspectsoftheworkmodel)seemstohavegiventheparticipantsaplacewheretheirphysicalandmentalpainbecamemoreobjectiveandlessthreatening.Itwascommentedbyoneparticipantthat,”Iamsafeintheflotationtankfromallevil.Itfeelslikegoingintosafetyandclosingthedoor”(Aslenofetal.,2007,pg.265).

Thefinalthemethatemergedduringthecourseofthestudywasmeaning.Theworkmodelwaseffectiveingivingtheparticipantsanewmeaningtotheirillness.AccordingtoAslenofetal.theparticipantsrecordedthat,”theillnesshasgiventhemgreaterrespectandunderstandingforotherpeopleandhaschangedtheirrelationstothoseclosesttothem”(2007,pg.267).

Overallthisprogramwasverysuccessful,thanksinparttoflotationREST.Aftereighteenmonthsafollowupwasconducted.Theparticipantswereoffsickleaveandatjobstheyfoundmeaningful.AccordingtoAslenofetal.theparticipantsweredoingmuchbetterwiththeirphysicalandmentalailmentsaswell:

Theirdailyanxietyhadgone,temperaturechangesintheirbodieswerelessfrequent,andtheirvariousachesandpainshaddisappearedorhadbeendramaticallyreducedatthesametimeastheyhadstoppedtakingmedication.Oneoftheclientsobservedthatshehaddifficultyinrememberinghowillshehadbeenandthereforeshesometimestookoutherjournaljusttoremindherselfhowdifficultlifehadbeen(2007,pg.270).

TheresearchshowsthatflotationRESTcanbeagreathelptoindividualslookingtoimproveontheiroverallwell-being.ApowerfulaspectofflotationRESTmethodisthatitcanhelpawiderangeofindividuals,frompeoplelookingtogetabetternightsresttoindividualssufferingfrommajormentalandphysicalillnesses.

AthleticPerformance/Recovery

Asmallimprovementinaparticularskillcanmakeallthedifferenceforathleteslookingtobecomethebestintheirchosensport.FlotationRESTprovidesanenvironmentwhichisconducivetofinetuningskillsdevelopedbyathletes,helpingthempushbeyondtheirperceivedceiling.Inaddition,flotationRESTcanaidintherecoveryprocess,givinganathleteanedgebetweencontests.

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SuedfeldandBruno(1990)conductedanexperiment,whichwasdesignedtotesttheeffectofflotationRESTandimageryonfoulshootingability.Thirtyuniversitystudentsweresplitevenlyintothreedifferenttreatmentgroupsincluding:flotationREST,alphachair(specialrelaxationchair),andcontrol(armchair).Allstudentschosenforthestudyplayedbasketballoccasionallyornotatall.Thestudywasconductedoverthreedays:dayoneforpretests,daytwofortreatment,anddaythreeforposttesting.Ondaytwotheparticipantslistenedtoataperecordingguidingthemthroughmultisensoryimageryofbasketballfoulshootingintheirtreatmentenvironment.

Theresultsofthisstudyshowedsignificantdifferencesonlyontheposttest.AccordingtoSuedfeldandBruno,“theRESTgroup(M=11.5)madesignificantlymorebasketsthaneitherthealphas(M=7)orthecontrols(M=6.7)”(1990,pg.84).Additionally,thepre-topost-testchangeswere+37%(flotationREST),+13%(alpha),and-11%(control)(Suedfeld&Bruno,1990,pg.84).

Wagmanetal.(1990)conductedastudythatlookedattheeffectofflotationRESTonhighlevelcollegebasketballplayers(Divisionone).Twenty-twostudentsweresplitintotwoseparateconditions:alphachair(normalrelaxationmethod)andflotationREST.Participantsinbothconditionswereexposedtoimagerytrainingwhileintheirrespectivetreatmentenvironments.Thestudywasconductedoverathreeweekperiod,witheachathleteexposedtosixtreatmentsessions.

PERFscoreswereusedtomeasuretheperformanceoftheathletesinbothconditions.Thesescoresarederivedfromaformula,whichawardspositivepoints(eg.successfulpassingorshooting)ornegativepoints(eg.foulingortravelling)(Wagmanetal.,1991,pg.120).PERFscoreswerecollected11gamespriortostudy,duringthestudyandfivegamesaftercompletion.

TheresultsshowedthattheRESTgroupscoredsignificantlyhigheronperformance(M=15.8)thanthealphachairgroup(M=11.2)(Wagmanetal.,1991,pg.121).Inaddition,theresearchersfoundasignificantimprovementinperformancewhenaparticipantexperiencedtwoRESTsessions(M=26.0)betweengamesasopposedtoone(M=15.8)(Wagmanetal.,1991,pg.121).

McAleneyetal.(1990)lookedattheeffectofflotationRESTinthecontextoftennisperformance.Twentystudentsparticipatedinthestudy(tenmenandtenwomen),allfromPAC-10colleges.ThemethodofthisstudywasverysimilartothestudyconductedbyWagmanetalin1991.

Theresultsshowedasignificantdifferenceinfirstserviceresultsintheposttreatment.TheRESTgrouphadameanresultof2.55firstservicewinners,whereasthecontrolgroupshowedameanscoreof0.67(McAleneyetal,1990,pg.1027).

Inadditiontoenhancedperformance,flotationRESThasapositiveeffectontherecoveryprocess.Morganetal.(2013)conductedastudy,whichattemptedtouncovertheeffectofflotationRESTonkneeextensionandflexion,bloodlactate,heartrate,perceived

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exertionandperceivedpain(pg.5).TheresearchersemployedatypicalflotationRESTstudy,usingaRESTandnon-RESTgrouptocompareresults.Theresultswerederivedfromstrenuouskneeextensionandflexionexercises.ThedatashowedthatflotationRESTloweredbloodlactatetwenty-fivepercentcomparedtothecontrolcondition(Morganetal.,2013,pg.14).Inaddition,theresearchfoundthatparticipantsfeltlessperceivedpainintheflotationRESTcondition(Morganetal.,2013,pg.16).

MeditativeStates

Meditativestatesarecharacterizedbycertaintypesofbrainwaveactivity,specificallyalphaandthetastatebrainwaves.Alphawavesarebetween8-12Hzandareoftenassociatedwithfeelingsofrelaxationandcalmness.Thetawavesarebetween4-7Hzandareassociatedwithadrowsy,dreamlikestate.AccordingtoHutchison(1984,pg.53)humansgeneratethetawaves,“atleasttwiceperday:inthosefleetinginstantswhenwedriftfromconsciousdrowsinessintosleep,andagainwhenwerisefromsleeptoconsciousnessasweawaken”.

Researchsuggeststhattheenvironmentcreatedbythefloattankishelpfulintermsofinducingalphaandthetastatebrainwaves.Forexample,astudydonebyTaylor(1990)lookedattheeffectflotationRESThadonlearningusingEEGmeasurements.ThestudywasconductedusingatypicalflotationRESTmethod(RESTandnon-RESTconditions).Inadditiontoresultsrelatedtolearning,TayloralsofoundthattheflotationRESTconditioninducedlowfrequencywavesmoreoftenthanthenon-RESTcondition(Taylor,1990,pg.131).Zubek(ascitedinHutchison,1984,pg.56)foundsimilarresultsinhisresearch“EEGchangesinperceptualandsensorydeprivation”reportingthatthetawavesbecamemoreprominent.

FlotationRESThasalsobeenknowntoinducealteredstatesofconsciousnessinsomeparticipants.Kjellgrenetal.(2008,pg.652)conductedastudywhichrecordeddifferentexperiencesrelatedtoalteredstates.Someexamplesinclude:“visualimagery,acoustic,perceptualphenomena,analteredsenseoftime,achangedbodilysense,perinatalexperiencesofthefetalstageandbirth,andeventranspersonalexperiences”.

PainManagement

Injuriesthatcausechronicpainaretypicallytreatedwithdrugs,physiotherapy,massagetherapy,acupuncture,hydrotherapy,orcognitivebehaviourtherapy(Edeboletal.,2008,pg.481).Whiledrugsareconsideredtobethemosteffectiveoptionintermsofpainalleviation,manycomewithharmfulsideeffectsthatcausetheindividualseparatehealthissues.Alternativetherapiesarelessharmfultootherfunctionsofthebody;howevertheyarealsolesseffectiveintermsofmanagingthepain.ResearchsuggeststhatflotationRESTisaneffectivepainmanagementmethod;althoughitisnotentirelyclearwhyitworks.

Edeboletal.(2008)conductedastudy,whichfocusedontheshorttermeffectsofflotationRESTonindividualssufferingfromchronicwhiplashassociateddisorder(WAD).Sevenindividualsparticipatedinthestudy,whichrequiredthemtofloatatleastonceaweekforforty-fiveminutes.

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Theresultsfromthisstudyareprimarilyexperiential;howeveraccountsfrommultipleparticipantsdemonstratetheeffectivenessoftheflotationRESTmethodformanagingthisparticularcondition.Oneparticipantremarked:

IfeellikeIhavebecomebetter.Ihaven’treadmuchaboutthis,IhavemostlytrieditandIwalkaroundtellingeverybody,“Ifyouareinpain,goandliedown,itissonice,itiscompletelywonderful.”Ithinkithasbecomemuchbetterafterthis,Idon’tfeelthepainasmuchasbefore(Edeboletal.,2008,pg.485).

AcasestudywasreportedbyRoganetal.in2001,whichlookedattheeffectofflotationRESTandspinalmanipulationonlowerbackpain.Atwenty-sixyearoldfemalewasthesubjectforthisstudy.Theparticipantwaspainfreeafterfourweeksoftreatmentandremainedpainfreeafterathreemonthfollow-up(Roganetal.,2001,pg.29).

AccordingtoEdeboletal.(2008)flotationRESTiscomparativelymoreeffectivethanotheralternativesintermsofmanagingchronicinjuriesfromaholisticstandpoint.Theabilityofthefloattanktosuccessfullymanagethephysiologicalpainassociatedwithchronicinjuries,aswellasmental/emotionalpainmakesitaninterestingalternativetodrugsandothermethods.

6.1.2RelevancetoCurrentSocialSustainabilityInitiatives

Consideringthatthefloattankisarelativelynewandnoveltechniqueforachievingimprovedhumanhealthandwellness,theremustbeconcreteconnectionsmadebetweenfloatingandcurrentsocialsustainabilityinitiativesofferedoncampus.Theseconnections(supportedbytheresearch)makethevalueoffloatingclearerinthecontextofcampuslifeattheUniversityofWinnipeg.

TheUniversityofWinnipegalreadyoffersavarietyofservicesandinitiativesrelatedtohumanhealthandwellness,including:stressmanagementinitiatives(examtherapydogs,readingweek),awellnesscentre(whichincludescounsellingservicesandaKlinic),anathleticsdepartment,andmindfulnessmeditationsessions.Floatingcanserveasasupportfor,oranextensionof,theservicesalreadyavailabletostudentsoncampus.

Firstly,floatingcouldhelpalleviategeneralstudentstress.Studentsoftensufferfromhighstresslevelswhileatuniversity,specificallyaroundexamtime.Oftentimesitishardtotakeahighqualitybreakfromthechronicstressorsthataccompanystudentlife,especiallywiththeincreasingrelianceontechnology.Afloattankcouldbeusedasanadditionalstressmanagementtooltohelpstudentslowertheirstresslevelsandultimatelyhelpthemachievetheiracademicgoals.

Floatinghasproventomakeadifferenceintheoverallwell-beingofindividualssufferingfromanxietyanddepression,specificallywithrepeatedexposure.Floatingasanalternativehealingmethodformentalillnesscouldbeanassettothestaffincounsellingservices.Ourmentalhealthprofessionalscouldpotentiallyreferorrecommendstudentstoexperienceasessioninthefloattank,assomethingtoaidwiththeirillness.Positiveoutcomesfromfloatingcouldpotentiallyenhancesubsequentsessionswiththestaffincounselling

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services,tohelpaidthesestudentsmoreeffectively.Incontrast,floatingcouldalsobeusedasaself-helptoolforindividualslesscomfortablewithcounselling.

Thereareadvantagestofloatingfromanathleticperspectiveaswell.Wesmenathleteswouldbetheprimarybeneficiariesofthefloattankfromthisperspective,duetotheirhighlevelofskillandfrequencyofexercise.However,anyindividualwhoparticipatesinsomeformofexercisecantakeadvantageoftheenvironmentthefloattankcreatestokeeptheirbodyfresh,relaxed,andreadytoperform.

Floatingasameditativeaidhasalsoproventobeeffective.Theminimalstimulationcreatedbythefloattankallowsforalevelofstillnessthatmaybemoredifficultforsometoreachinanormalsensoryenvironment.Accesstoafloattankcouldhelpindividualsdeepentheirmeditativepracticewhileoncampus,contributingtotheiroverallwell-being.Inaddition,floatingforthepurposeofmeditationwouldbeagoodextensionofthemindfulnessmeditationsessionsalreadyofferedoncampus.

Thefloattankasapainmanagementtoolcouldalsobeanextensionoftheservicesofferedbythecampusclinic.AsmoreresultsbecomeavailableinthisparticularareaofflotationRESTresearch,staffinthecliniccouldusethefloattankasanoptionforindividualssufferingfrominjuryrelatedpain.Inaddition,thefloattankcouldbeusedasaself-helptoolforindividualswhoareinterestedin,or,whoarealreadycomfortablewiththismethodofpainmanagement.

6.1.3OtherBenefits

Enhancedlearning,enhancedcreativity,andmagnesiumabsorptionarealldocumentedintheliteratureasbenefitsassociatedwithflotationREST.Samplesofresearchresultsfoundintheliteratureintheseparticularareasaresharedbelow.

EnhancedLearning

Taylor(1990)lookedattheeffectofflotationRESTonlearning.Theresearchersrecruited109femaleundergraduatestudents,aged18-22,allofwhomwereenrolledinasecondyearchemistryclass.These109studentswerethenputthroughapre-testingphase,withthefortystudentswiththehighestscoreschosenfortheremainderofthestudy.ThestudentswerethensplitevenlyintotheRESTandnon-RESTconditions.Allfortystudentswentthroughthesamepre-learningprocess.StudentswouldbeaskedaseriesofquestionsrelatingtochemistryinaFaradaycage,whilehookeduptoanEEGmachine.Aftercompletionofthepre-learningprocess,studentswouldbebroughttotheirlearningenvironment(RESTornon-REST).Bothenvironmentsplayedarecordingofthequestionsaskedinthepre-learningcondition,givingeachsubjecttheopportunitytoreflectonthecorrectanswerstoeachquestion.TheparticipantswerethentakenbacktotheFaradayroomforthepost-learningtesting.

Taylor(1990,pg.132)cametotwosignificantconclusions.Firstly,hefoundthat,“Thetotalamountoflearningpersubjectwasgreateramongthefloatinggroupthanamongthe

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non-floatingcontrolgroup”.Additionally,hefoundthatthedegreeoflearningintheflotationRESTconditionwashighercomparedtothenon-RESTconditionwhenthedifficultyofthequestionwasgreater.

EnhancedCreativity

AstudydonebySuedfeldetal.(1987)testedtheeffectofflotationRESTonscientificcreativity.SevenfulltimefacultymembersattheUniversityofBritishColumbiaparticipatedinthestudy.Eachfacultymemberwasinstructedtogenerateideasrelatedtotheirworkintwodifferentenvironments,including:OFFICE(personaloffice)andflotationREST.Dataanalysiswasbasedonfoursessionsineachofthetwoenvironments.

Themainhypothesisofthisstudywassupported:newideasgeneratedduringRESTwereratedasmorecreativethanthoseoriginatinginOFFICEsessions(Suedfeldetal.,1987,pg.226).

MagnesiumAbsorption

TheEpsomsaltsusedinthefloattankareagreatsourceofmagnesium,whichisanessentialcomponentofthebody.

Magnesium:

• Isanimportantfactorinmusclerelaxationandhearthealth• Allowsnervestosendmessagesinthebrainandnervoussystem• Aidsandregulatesthebody’suseofcalciumandotherminerals• Assistsinboneandteethformation• Regulatesthemetabolismofnutrientssuchasprotein,nucleicacids,fatsandcarbohydrates• Regulatescholesterolproductionandhelpsmodulateinsulinsensitivity• Assistsinenergyproduction,DNAtranscriptionandproteinsynthesis• Maintainsthestructuralhealthofcellmembranesthroughoutthebody

(Enviromedica,2015)

6.2Feasibility

6.2.1Sanitation

ThefiltrationsystemthatisincludedwiththefloattankistheprimarymethodofkeepingtheEpsomsaltsaturatedwaterclean,butitisalsohighlyrecommendedthataUVlightbeusedasanadditionalmeasure.ManitobaHealthhaslaidoutspecificguidelinesregardingwaterchemistryandbacterialsamplingaswell(seeAppendixB).

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6.2.2SpaceandLocation

Theamountofspaceneededforafloatroomisdependentonthetypeoftankpurchased,thepositioningofthefiltrationsystem(seeAppendixA),andthespaceallocatedfortheshower.Ashowerisnotamandatoryfeatureofafloatroom;however,theownersofFloat.CalmhighlyrecommendthatashowerbelocatedinthesameroomduetothecorrosivenessoftheEpsomsaltsolution.

Estimateswerecalculatedforeachofthethreefloattanksdiscussedprior(Samadhi,Oasis,andi-sopod).Spaceisallocatedforthefloattank,filtrationsystem(ifnecessary),andshower.Themostspaciousoptionisconsideredforeachestimate.Additionalspaceforchangingclothesisalsotakenintoaccount.

1. Samadhia. Tank=29sqftb. Filtrationsystem=8sqftc. Shower=16sqftd. Changespace=60sqfte. Total=113sqft

2. Oasisa. Tank=39sqftb. Filtrationsystem=8sqftc. Shower=16sqftd. Changespace=68sqfte. Total=131sqft

3. i-sopoda. Tank=42sqftb. Shower=16sqftc. Changespace=74sqftd. Total=133sqft

TheideallocationforafloatcentreoncampusisintheDuckworthbuilding,andinfactatpresentthereisemptyspacetherethatisverypromising(1D10).Therearethreespecificreasonswhythislocationishighlysuitable.

Firstly,itiscurrentlynotinuseforthepurposeofteachingclassesorotherwise.Acquiringspaceoncampustohousethefloattank(s)isoneofthemostchallengingissuesrelatingtotheoverallfeasibilityoftheproject,sothisisanimportantspacetokeepinmind.

Secondly,1D10islocatedafewfeetawayfromtheDuckworthreceptionarea.Regardlessoflocation,staffwillbeneededtomaintainthetanksandalsotakecareofbookings.Thereceptiondeskmakesthislocationahugeassetprovidingitisfeasibleforthestaffatthereceptiondesktotakecareoftheseduties.

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Lastly,1D10islocatedonthesamefloorasthenewcampuswellnesscentre.Itwouldbeanaddedperktohaveafloatcentrelocatedclosetothewellnesscentre,astheycomplementoneanother.

OtherrequirementsrelatedtofacilityconstructioncanbefoundinAppendixB.

6.2.3Cost

CostList

1. Initialcostsa. Construction(plumbing,flooring,soundproofingetc.)b. Tanks

i. Samadhi-$11,000-$14,950USDplusshipping(pricedependsonpackage)

ii. Oasis-$10,810USDplusshipping(typicalorderaccordingtotheirwebsite)

iii. i-sopod-$25,000-$30,000USDplusshippingc. Epsomsaltsd. Brominee. Waterchemicals-muriaticacidorsodiumbisulphatef. Watertestingsuppliesg. Towels

2. Runningcostsa. Epsomsalts(replaceeverysixmonthsor1000floats)b. Electricity/chemicals-$30-$40USDweeklyaccordingtoi-sopod(confirmedasa

validestimatebyFloat.Calm)c. Waterd. Laundrye. Watertestingsupplies

CostEstimate

Thisestimateisforoneroom,usingtheOasisfloattank.AllpricesareconvertedtoCanadiandollars(1USD=.76CDN).

1. Initialcosts

a. Construction-$100-$200persqft(estimatefromFloat.Calm)b. Tank-$14,086plusshippingc. Epsomsalts-$711.67plusshippingfor1050poundsd. Bromine-$106.99for7kge. Muriaticacid-$12.99for4litresf. phtestingkit-$9.99g. Towels-towelserviceoncampus

Total=$27,508-$40,008plusshipping

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2. Runningcosts

a. Electricity/Chemicals-$157.56-$210.12monthlyb. Laundry-$75monthlyc. Epsomsalts-$711.67plusshippingevery6monthsor1000floatsd. phtestingkit-$9.99x2=19.98monthly

Total=$3,742.15-$4,372.87annuallyplusshipping

6.3FeasibleNextSteps

AnimportantnextstepoftheUWinnipegfloattankprojectisastudent,faculty,andstaffengagementprocess,whichwouldhelpdeterminethedemandand/orwillingnesstopayforthistypeofserviceoncampus.Apilotquestionnairehasbeenconstructedtogettheballrollinginthisregard(seeAppendixC).

Anotherrelevantnextstepistoconsiderotherpotentiallocationsforafloatcentreoncampusandtoanalyzethecosts/benefitsassociatedwiththesespaces.Additionalworkcouldbedonetofurtheranalyzethecosts/benefitsofeachdifferenttypeoffloattanktogiveamorecomprehensiveideaofthestrengthsandweaknessesofeachmodel.Inextension,moreworkcouldbeputintoestimatingcostsforafloatroomusingeachtypeoffloattank.Arecommendationbasedonthisanalysiscouldbemadetomakeapurchasedecisionaneasierprocesswhen/ifthetimecomes.

Importantupdatesintheareaofresearchshouldalsobereportedwhennecessary.

6.4ConcludingComments

ThefirsttimeItriedfloatingIwasinaweofhowbeneficialtheexperiencewastomyownphysicalandmentalwell-being.IoriginallytrieditinDecemberof2015duringanextremelychaoticperiodinmylife,oneofthoseperiodswhereyourworldseemstobefallingapartfasterthanyoucanputitbacktogether.ThatfirstexperienceshiftedmyperspectiveinsuchapositivemannerthatIhadtolearnmoreabouttheexperience.Luckily,IstumbleduponauniqueopportunitytolearnmuchmorethanIenvisionedinourCampusSustainabilityclass.ThisclassallowedmetopursueapassionofmineandalsoapplywhatIwaslearningtoaninstitutionIhavebeenapartofforfiveyears.Iwasabletolearnalotaboutthepotentialofthefloattankinthecontextofourcampus,whichIfoundexcitingandrewarding.

AlthoughtherewillbemanychallengesassociatedwiththeintroductionofafloatcentreattheUniversityofWinnipeg,thisprojectisagreatfirststepintermsofunderstandinghowmuchvalueitwouldaddtoourcampus.Itseemslikeanaturalfitasitsupportsmultipledimensionsofsocialsustainability,whiletheproductitselffunctionsinasustainablemanner.IamsogratefultohavehadthisopportunityandIamhopefulthefloattankprojectwillextendintothefuture!

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AppendixA

(SamadhiTankCoInc.,2014)

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AppendixB

Health Protection Unit 5th Floor, 408 Booth Drive Winnipeg MB Canada R3J 3R7 T 204-945-4204 F 204-948-3727 www.manitoba.ca

Flotation Tank (Sensory Deprivation Tank) Checklist Facility Construction ¨ Flooring is constructed of seamless, non-slip, smooth, impervious and durable material ¨Floor material is coved 10 cm (4 inches) up the wall and sealed.¨ Adequate drainage in the floor (with appropriate slope) ¨ All wall and ceiling surfaces are smooth, non-absorbent, non-porous, and easily cleanable. ¨ Ground fault circuit interrupters present for all electrical outlets. ¨ Janitorial sink in facility ¨ Adequate ventilation installed in accordance with the Manitoba Building Code. ¨ Showers equipped with liquid soap and shampoo for client use ¨ Washroom(s) provided equipped with toilet, hand sink with running hot and cold water, liquid hand soap, paper towels, and garbage bin. ¨ First Aid Kit containing articles listed in Schedule B of the Swimming Pools and Other Water Recreational Facilities Regulation (MR 132/97). Spine board not required for Flotation Tanks ¨ Readily accessible telephone ¨ Lighting system that will maintain, at any point on the deck and the pool water surface, an illumination of not less than 200 lx ¨ Instantaneous automatic emergency lighting source to facilitate prompt evacuation in case of a power outage. ¨ No smoking signs are displayed clearly

¨ Signs posted in a conspicuous location instructing clients to use washroom facilities and to take a shower with soap and shampoo prior to entering float tanks.

Float Tank Construction ¨ All tank surfaces within the flotation tank basin are non-slip, easily cleanable, non-absorbent, non- porous, mould resistant material ¨ Stairs leading into and out of the float tank are non-slip and well marked ¨ Handrails are that are securely fastened and corrosion resistant are supplied for stairs that consist of 3 risers or more ¨ Stairs are non-slip and well marked ¨ Cross-connection control devices installed in accordance with Manitoba Plumbing Code. ¨ Tank shall be equipped with bottom drain, connected to the sanitary sewer through a backflow prevention device to allow complete draining for cleaning and disinfecting. ¨ Placement of tank inlet and outlet are located to provide effective circulation and skimming when the recirculation system is in operation. ¨ Recirculation system is capable of automatic filtration and disinfection when the recirculation system is in operation. ¨ Adequate air intake and exhaust vent in tank

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¨ Emergency egress from float tank possible ¨ Sufficient clearance for emergency access (1.3 m arc from the point of entry) ¨ Automatic high temperature limit cut off switch that limits the maximum water temperature to 40ºC that is not accessible to clients. Water Chemistry ¨ Water chemistry test kit(s) (i.e. pool test kits) onsite Type _______________________ ¨ Thermometer(s) available ¨ Water tested frequently for the following: ¨ Free Chlorine Level (3 ppm – 5 ppm) ¨Combined Chlorine Level (< 1.5 ppm)

¨Total Bromine Level (2 ppm – 6 ppm)

¨ pH Level (7.2 – 7.8)¨ Supplementary Disinfection Type _______________________¨ Total Coliform (< 1 CFU/100 ml) ¨ Pseudomonas aeruginosa (< 1 CFU/100 ml) ¨ Frequency of water chemistry tested daily (prior to each client use, or every 2-3 hours) ¨ Frequency of bacterial sampling for total coliform and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (samples submitted to an accredited lab every 3 months for analysis) ¨ Log of daily record sheets kept up to date and onsite includes, but not limited to the following:

• Dates, times and results of all pH tests done, • Dates, times and results of all tests done to measure disinfectant residual levels and

combined chlorine residual levels, • Dates, times and results of all bacterial analyses, • Dates, times and results of any other tests that may be taken from time to time. • Dates and times of chemical addition or maintenance completed • Dates and times of fecal/urine incidents and actions taken to deal with the incidents • Daily humidity readings in each room

¨ Recirculation system achieves 4 turnovers between each client. ¨ Recirculation system remains operational overnight and whenever clients are not utilizing the tank Sanitation Plan ¨ Written Sanitation Plan in place ¨ Protocol in place for handling fecal/urine incident ¨ Floors, walls, counters and equipment are clean, sanitary and in good repair

¨ Interior surfaces of the floatation tank are disinfected with a low level disinfectant ¨ Soaps are single-use ¨ Facility is free of pests Operational Requirements ¨ Facility is clean, tidy, and free of clutter ¨ Staff trained in the maintenance of equipment ¨ Staff trained in testing of the water (daily, frequency, in between clients) ¨ Written Operational Guideline in place and followed by staff which includes but is not limited to the following:

• Testing Water • Cleaning & Maintaining Filters • Maintaining Sanitation of the Flotation tank & Surrounding Area

¨ Staff trained to educate clients (written procedures should be available and/or posted) Equipment ¨ Equipment has regular scheduled maintenance (if applicable) ¨ Filters are checked, maintained (cleaned) and replaced regularly, or as needed ¨ Equipment is approved for distribution and use in Canada ¨ Equipment is UL and/or NSF certified

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Clientele Education ¨ Safety Procedures

• Emergency • How to enter and exit • Safety features • Safety measures

¨ Personal Hygiene

• Requirement of the client to shower with soap and shampoo before (and after) the float session • Exclude clients who are ill, have any skin diseases, infectious respiratory diseases, epilepsy,

asthma, under the influence of substance, or have cause for concern for use of equipment ¨ Other

• Instructions on rinsing salt out of eyes Documentation Kept Onsite (Reviewed by Staff Routinely) ¨ Sanitation Plan ¨ Operational Guideline ¨ Protocol in place for handling fecal/urine incident ¨ Safety Procedures – Emergency Response containing information including, but not limited to the information specified in Appendix C.1 of the Swimming Pools and Other Water Recreational Facilities Regulation (MR 132/97). ¨ Safety procedures – Clientele Education ¨ Personal Hygiene – Clientele Education ¨ Record Sheets for the following:

¨ Daily Water Chemistry Testing (prior to each client use, or every 4 hours) ¨ Scheduled Cleaning and Maintenance ¨ Fecal/Urine Incidents

¨ Other: __________________________________________________________________________ COMMENTS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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AppendixC

• Areyoufamiliarwiththefunctionandbenefitsofafloattank?(Y/N)o Ifno,areyouinterestedinlearningmore?(Y/N)

• Haveyoutriedfloatingbefore?(Y/N)o Ifno,wouldyoubeinterested?(Y/N)o Ifyes,wouldyoudoitagain?(Y/N)o Ifyouhavetriedorareinterestedinfloating,whatisorwhatwouldbeyour

primarymotivation?§ Relaxation/stressreduction§ Enhancedwell-being§ Athleticperformance/recovery§ Meditation§ Other:

• Ifcostwasnotanissue,howmanytimesamonthwouldyoufloat?o 1-2o 3-4o 5-6o 7+

• Howmuchwouldyoubewillingtopayforamonthlyfloatmembership?o $1-$20o $21-$40o $41-$60o $61+o Iwouldn’tpayforamonthlyfloatmembership

• Howmanytimesamonthwouldyoufloatwithamonthlymembership?o 1-2o 3-4o 5-6o 7+o Iwouldn’tpayforamonthlyfloatmembership

• Howmuchwouldyoubewillingtopayperfloatoncampus?o $1-$10o $11-$20o $21-$30o $31-$40o $41+o Iwouldn’tpayforafloat

• Howmanytimesamonthwouldyoufloatatyourchosenwillingnesstopayoption?o 1-2o 3-4o 5-6o 7+o Iwouldn’tpayforafloat

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