None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Insufficient sleep is pervasive and individuals lacking quality sleep exhibit higher observations of anxiety. Deep-pressure therapy has previously been utilised in cohorts to promote stress relief. This study investigated the effects of cyclical deep pressure on first-responders. Methods: First-responders (n=135) received three, 40-minute intervention sessions (FLOWpressoTM) over a 3-week period, with one session per week. Sleep and anxiety were investigated through a self-reported sleep disturbance form and a stress-mood questionnaire (DASS-42). Data was collected at two time-points: prior to first intervention and 1-week post the third session. We hypothesize that the combination of cyclical deep pressure and IR light will improve self-reported sleep.
Interventions
Three, 40-minute intervention sessions over a 3-week period, with one session per week of compression and infra-red light exposure using a specially designed suit.
Specifically, the participant lies supine on a plinth and the components on the device as secured to the body using Velcro wraps in a manner similar to a blood pressure monitor. The compression chambers are then sequentially inflated to deliver cycles of pneumatic pressure. At the same time as the compression occurs, infrared light in
Three, 40-minute intervention sessions over a 3-week period, with one session per week of compression and infra-red light exposure using a specially designed suit. Specifically, the participant lies supine on a plinth and the components on the device as secured to the body using Velcro wraps in a manner similar to a blood pressure monitor. The compression chambers are then sequentially inflated to deliver cycles of pneumatic pressure. At the same time as the compression occurs, infrared light in the 300 to 1000 nm range is also applied. A researcher will deliver the intervention in a quiet and private clinical setting, while monitoring the participant at all times through direct observation.
Sponsors
University of Waikato
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
18 years or older; actively working in a first responder in a government department; regular symptoms of disturbed sleep, and/or distress, and/or anxiety; and never been treated with the intervention device previously
Exclusion criteria
Pregnancy or breast feeding; any diagnoses cardiopulmonary disorder or symptoms of congestive heart failure; requiring a pacemaker; scoliosis; history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis; or unstable psychiatric illness
Outcome results
None listed