Lower-body heat therapy for long COVID recovery
Heat Therapy for the treatment of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA · NIH-11181611
This project will try home-based lower-body heat therapy to help middle-aged and older adults with long COVID improve daily function and cardiovascular/metabolic health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (OMAHA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181611 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups and asked to use a lower-body heat device at home or follow a comparison plan. The researchers will track safety, how well people stick with the program, and changes in the ability to do everyday activities and physical tests. They will also collect blood and vascular measurements to see if metabolism and heart-related markers improve. The study focuses on late middle-age and older adults who continue to have symptoms after COVID-19.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID), especially late middle-aged and older individuals who have ongoing functional limitations, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without long COVID, those with unstable or serious cardiovascular conditions, or anyone whose symptoms worsen with heat or exertion may not benefit and could be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple at-home therapy to improve function and reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks for people with long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: Some studies of whole-body heat or sauna therapy have shown cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, but using lower-body, home-based heat specifically for long COVID is largely new and untested.
Where this research is happening
OMAHA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA — OMAHA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAYEC, GWENAEL — UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA
- Study coordinator: LAYEC, GWENAEL
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 below.