Comparing heat therapy and exercise for lowering high blood pressure
Official title: Heat Therapy versus Exercise Training in Hypertension
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-10199776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using heat therapy, like saunas, can help lower high blood pressure just as well as regular exercise, and it's for adults who might find it hard to exercise for different reasons.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $599,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL144128-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10199776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with hypertension or are at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already effectively managing their hypertension with medication or those who cannot participate in heat therapy or exercise due to severe health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of heat therapy, such as sauna use, compared to traditional exercise training in managing high blood pressure (hypertension). It aims to provide alternative non-pharmacological treatments for adults who may struggle with exercise due to various limitations. The study will involve participants engaging in either heat therapy or exercise regimens to assess their impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. By exploring these two approaches, the research seeks to identify effective strategies for improving health outcomes in individuals with hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer new, accessible treatment options for managing high blood pressure without the need for medication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for heat therapy in cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach may be a viable alternative to exercise for some patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Minson, Christopher Todd — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Minson, Christopher Todd
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.