Using heat therapy to help older women with heart failure feel better and move more easily
Official title: Heat therapy to improve functional performance in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-10872722 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how wearing special warm water trousers can help older women with heart failure feel better and exercise more easily, making their daily lives a little brighter.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $257,116 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL173750-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872722 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older women diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction who experience exercise intolerance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have heart failure or those with other forms of heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of home-based leg heat therapy on exercise tolerance and quality of life in older women suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Participants will wear specially designed trousers that circulate warm water to heat their legs, aiming to improve their physical capacity and overall well-being. The study focuses on a demographic that is often underrepresented in clinical trials, specifically targeting older women who experience significant challenges due to HFpEF. By assessing the benefits of this innovative therapy, the research seeks to provide a new, accessible treatment option for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical performance and quality of life for older women with heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with heat therapy in improving mobility and quality of life in elderly populations, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirai, Daniel M. — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Hirai, Daniel M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-supported heart failure diagnosis and management in Rwanda
Aiming to help people with suspected heart failure in Rwanda get faster, more accurate diagnoses and better care using AI-guided ultrasound and care protocols.
-
AI-assisted heart failure diagnosis in Rwanda using focused ultrasound
An NIH-funded project will test whether AI-enhanced, easy-to-use heart ultrasound can help non-experts diagnose and manage heart failure in Rwanda.
-
HF endotypes in heart failure using ethical multi-modal AI and molecular data
A patient-friendly project that uses advanced AI and multiple kinds of health data to identify distinct heart failure subtypes that could guide personalized care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Digital-first heart failure care delivery in Uganda
A targeted program in Uganda tests a digital care plan to help people with heart failure manage their symptoms at home.
-
Digital-first heart failure care delivery in Uganda
A study to test digital self-care tools to help people with heart failure in Uganda manage symptoms and stay healthier.
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.