Actively Recruiting
Comparing the Efficacy of Heated Yoga and Sauna as a Treatment for Depression
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2025-11-13
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
98 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This project explores whether heated yoga, sauna, and a mindfulness app reduce depressive symptoms
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Comparing the Efficacy of Heated Yoga and Sauna as a Treatment for Depression
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults 18 to 65 years old
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Proficient in English
- PHQ-9 score greater than 10 indicating at least moderate depression
- Completed waiver for community-based partners before enrolling
- Use acceptable birth control if of childbearing potential
- Willing to keep psychiatric medications and psychotherapy stable during the study if applicable
- Able to access the mindfulness app on a device like a smartphone or tablet
- Able to travel to Breathe in Harvard Square and at least one Restore location (Hingham, Somerville, Dedham, Newton, Lynnfield)
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Active suicidal thoughts as defined by PHQ-9 and C-SSRS screening
- Active eating disorders or substance use disorders in past 12 months
- Primary OCD or PTSD
- History of bipolar or psychotic disorders
- PHQ-9 score drop of 25% or more from screening to baseline
- Under influence or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
- Positive urine drug screen for illicit substances or exclusionary medications
- Bone fracture or joint surgery within past 6 months
- Unable to walk freely or without difficulty
- Serious unstable medical condition without physician approval
- No healthcare provider available for medical care
- Significant recent exposure to heated yoga, sauna, or mindfulness app (>6 sessions in past 3 months)
- Use of medications increasing dehydration risk or with contraindications
- Recent changes in antidepressant or psychiatric medications
- Psychotherapy initiated within past 3 months
- Psychiatric hospitalization within past year
- Neurological disorders affecting safety or participation
- Current ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments
- Unable to follow study procedures or travel to study locations
- Investigator judgment deeming participation unsafe or compromising study integrity
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Maren B Nyer, PhD
CONTACT
Y
Yian Wu, MPH
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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