Comparing Heated Yoga, Sauna, and a Mindfulness App for Moderate Depression in Adults 18 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of heated yoga, sauna sessions, and a mindfulness app on adults with moderate depression. This study aims to compare these three behavioral interventions over a 12-week period to understand their impact on depressive symptoms. The study is randomized and parallel in design, enrolling 120 adults aged 18 to 65 years who have at least moderate depression. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups heated yoga classes twice a week for 90 minutes, infrared sauna sessions twice a week for 40 minutes, or use of the Insight Timer mindfulness app for 80 minutes per week. The interventions last for 12 weeks, after which participants have an optional 1-month choice intervention period with a final assessment. During the study, participants will complete assessments at baseline, mid-intervention Weeks 4 and 8, post-intervention Week 12, and follow-ups at Weeks 16 and 20. Measurements include the Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-9 and other questionnaires evaluating mindfulness, rumination, well-being, and patient-reported outcomes. Participants must be able to travel to community locations for the yoga or sauna sessions and use a device for the app. Safety and progress are monitored throughout the study, which is sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital.

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