Actively Recruiting
Sauna for Long Covid
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2025-11-13
21
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
U
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Research suggests that Whole Body Hyperthermia in a sauna-like environment can reduce symptoms related to post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or Long Covid. The investigators aim to study the feasibility and treatment effect of this procedure for patients experiencing Long Covid symptoms.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Sauna for Long Covid
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Ability to speak and understand English
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Ability to lie on back for 2 hours during sauna sessions
- Clinically suspected COVID-19 with positive antibody test or documented positive PCR at least 12 weeks before screening, or clinician's judgment confirming Long Covid
- Fatigue score of 21 or greater on the PROMIS Fatigue-Short Form at screening
- Use of acceptable birth control for individuals of childbearing potential
You will not qualify if you...
- Fatigue caused by known conditions other than Long Covid, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or thyroid issues
- Known sensitivity or history of heat stroke related to infrared heat exposure
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planned pregnancy during the study
- Active suicidal intent
- History of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, or substance use within the past year
- Positive drug test for illicit substances
- Serious unstable medical conditions
- Inability to fit safely into the sauna due to body shape or morbid obesity (BMI over 40)
- Back pain preventing lying on a hard surface
- Use of medications affecting heat regulation that cannot be paused appropriately
- Presence of breast implants
- Claustrophobia interfering with sauna use
- Unsafe heart condition as determined by ECG or physician
- History or diagnosis of blood clotting disorders
- History of hemophilia
- History of febrile seizures or seizure disorders
- Starting new treatments or medications for Long Covid within the past 3 months
- Any condition or factor that would prevent safe study completion or affect study integrity as judged by the investigator
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Depression Clinical and Research Program
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Maren Nyer, PhD
CONTACT
D
David Mischoulon, MD, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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