NCT07710417 · Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc.
FLOAT for Healthcare PTSS
(PTSS FLOAT)
What this study is about
This early-stage pilot trial aims to examine the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of Floatation-REST, or Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy via floatation in frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and emergency medical personnel who experience post-traumatic stress symptoms.
View original scientific description
This early-stage pilot trial aims to examine the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of Floatation-REST, or Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy via floatation in frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and emergency medical personnel who experience post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Floatation-REST
Participants float supine in a shallow pool of water saturated with Epsom salt. The environment is designed to minimize external stimulation via multiple channels including sound, light, and temperature.
BEHAVIORAL
Documentary
Participants will sit in a quiet room and watch a documentary.
Primary outcome measures
Adverse effects
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention seven day follow-up
Safety will be assessed using adverse events reported directly to study staff and adverse effects reported on the Floatation-REST effects checklist after each Floatation-REST or comparator session. As a proxy of safety, adverse effects will be calculated for each participant as the number of instances during the study in which the participant reports an increase above mild for any negatively experienced effect on the checklist.
Dropout Rate
Time frame: Baseline through seven day post-intervention follow up
As a proxy for tolerability, dropout rate for each arm = (# of subjects who are withdrawn from the study)/(# participants in specific arm).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Work-related post-traumatic stress dysfunction as measured by either of the following inclusion pathways: (A) PTSS Pathway: PCL-5 greater than or equal to 20, OR meets criteria for full or partial PTSD on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 7 (DSM-V) (Criteria A + at least 2 B-E Criteria) OR (B) Functionally Anchored Pathway: evidence of work-related trauma exposure on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 7 (DSM-V) (Criterion A) or Life Events Checklist-5, and at least one of the following: Moral Injury and Distress Scale greater than or equal to 27, Sheehan Disability Scale greater than or equal to 5 on at least 1 of the 3 subscales, high or very high level of perceived stress (measured by PhenX Perceived Stress Scale greater than or equal to 16).
- First responder or other emergency medical personnel
- Ability to read, speak and understand English
- Capable of providing consent
Exclusion criteria
- History of neurological conditions
- Skin conditions or open wounds
- DSM-5 diagnosis of psychotic spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, severe substance use disorder, or eating disorder
- Inability to lay comfortably in a shallow pool of water
- Failure to adhere to "pre-float checklist"
- Breathalyzer test positive for alcohol or a drug-positive urine test
- Unwillingness to provide consent or complete major aspects of protocol
- MRI contraindications
- Unstable medical diagnoses
- Evidence of inability to comply with study procedures based on experimenter judgement
- Change in the dose or prescription of a medication within the 6 weeks before enrolling in the study that could affect brain functioning (e.g., anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or mood stabilizers)
Where
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations