Using heat therapy to help treat lingering COVID-19 symptoms

Heat Therapy for the treatment of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Omaha · NIH-10980009

This study is looking at whether using heat therapy at home can help older adults with long COVID feel better and improve their energy and thinking skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Omaha NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-10980009 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of home-based lower body heat therapy as a potential treatment for individuals suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), commonly known as long COVID. The study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of this therapy in improving functional capacity and health markers in late middle-age and older adults. Participants will engage in a regimen of heat therapy to see if it can alleviate symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction and fatigue, which are prevalent in this population. The approach is designed to be accessible and manageable for patients, allowing them to participate from the comfort of their homes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are late middle-age and older adults who have experienced lingering symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 or those with contraindications to heat therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals suffering from long-term COVID-19 symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of heat therapy is a novel approach for treating PASC, similar interventions have shown promise in other chronic conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, 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.