Using heat therapy to help older women with heart failure feel better and move more easily

Heat therapy to improve functional performance in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

NIH-funded research Purdue University · NIH-10872722

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPurdue University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (West Lafayette, United States)
Project IDNIH-10872722 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older women diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction who experience exercise intolerance.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have heart failure or those with other forms of heart failure may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

West Lafayette, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.