Heat therapy during reduced activity to protect heart and muscle health

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, controlled study assigns healthy adults to one of three groups: continue normal activity with daily sauna, reduce activity with a room-temperature sauna, or reduce activity with daily Finnish dry sauna for seven days. The study measures vascular function, exercise tolerance, muscle protein synthesis, body composition, blood pressure, and glucose regulation before and after the intervention to see if passive heat can blunt the negative effects of short-term inactivity. Prior work suggests localized heat can mimic some benefits of exercise; this study extends that concept to whole-body heat exposure. Findings will indicate whether dry sauna therapy could be a practical approach to preserve cardiometabolic health during temporary periods of inactivity.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 years or older
* Healthy men and premenopausal women
* Able and willing to provide written informed consent
* Able to perform knee-extension cycling exercise
* Stable habitual physical activity for at least 3 months before enrollment
* Pass the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Preparticipation Health Screening
* Not currently taking medications known to affect cardiovascular function (e.g., antihypertensive medications or beta-blockers)
* No regular sauna or hot-tub use (fewer than six exposures during the previous 2 months)
* Willing and able to comply with all study procedures, including temporary reduction of physical activity, daily sauna visits, physiological testing, and follow-up assessments

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 18 years of age
* Failure to pass the ACSM Preparticipation Health Screening
* Unable or unwilling to perform exercise testing
* Current cigarette or marijuana use
* Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study
* History or current diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, or cognitive impairment
* Use of medications known to influence cardiovascular function or exercise tolerance (e.g., antihypertensive medications or beta-blockers)
* Regular sauna or hot-tub use (six or more exposures during the previous 2 months)
* History of heat-related illness
* Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with safe participation or interpretation of study results
* Inability to understand the study procedures or provide informed consent

Where it's running

• Brigham Young University
  Provo, Utah, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert D Hyldahl, PhD — Brigham Young University
• Study coordinator: Robert D Hyldahl, PhD
• Email: robhyldahl@byu.edu
• Phone: 8014221237

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.