Heated Yoga and Sauna for Major Depression Treatment

Comparing the Efficacy of Heated Yoga and Sauna as a Treatment for Depression

Recruiting N/A Interventional Study
Depression Disorders Depression - Major Depressive Disorder Depression Disorder Depression Chronic Depression Depression in Adults
No Placebo Group Every participant receives an active treatment — no one gets a placebo.
Ready to participate?

Review the details below, then apply to join this clinical trial.

At a Glance
Age
18 – 65
Sex
Any
Study type
Interventional
Purpose
Treatment
Participants needed
120 (estimated)
Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital · Other
Who this trial is looking for

This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 65 who experience moderate to severe depression. Participants will engage in heated yoga, sauna sessions, and use a mindfulness app to see if these methods help reduce their depressive symptoms.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Rules you out Bipolar disorderPsychotic disordersEating disordersSubstance use disordersNeurological disordersActive ketamine treatmentsElectroconvulsive therapy

You may be able to join if

  • I am between 18 and 65 years old
  • I can understand and speak English
  • I have moderate depressive symptoms with a PHQ-9 score over 10
  • I can travel to specific locations for the trial
  • I have filled out the required waiver form
  • I use an acceptable method of birth control if I'm capable of becoming pregnant
  • I can access the mindfulness app on a device
  • I agree to keep my psychiatric medications and therapy stable during the study

You may not be able to join if

  • I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • I am breastfeeding
  • I have active suicidal thoughts
  • I have a history of severe mental health disorders
  • I have had a bone fracture or joint surgery in the past 6 months
  • I cannot walk without difficulty
  • I have a serious medical condition that my doctor has not approved
  • I have used heated yoga or sauna sessions more than 6 times in the past 3 months

Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria. The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can confirm whether you qualify.

Think this trial could be right for you?

Answer three quick questions written from this study's own rules to see if you may qualify. No account needed to find out.

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About This Trial

This project explores whether heated yoga, sauna, and a mindfulness app reduce depressive symptoms

Trial Locations
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Eligibility Criteria
Subject Characteristics Inclusion Criteria: 1. adults (18-65 years old) 2. Ability to provide informed consent 3. English language proficiency 4. PHQ-9 score \> 10, indicating at least moderate depressive symptoms 21 5. Must have filled out the waiver for the community-based partners prior to enro…
Contacts

Maren B Nyer, PhD

617-726-8895

mnyer@mgh.harvard.edu

CONTACT

Sophie Gower

617 724 1102

sgower@mclean.harvard.edu

CONTACT