Heated versus non-heated yoga to improve mood in adults with depression

Examining the Impact of Heated and Non-Heated Yoga on Depression

This project will see if heated yoga or regular (non-heated) yoga helps adults with moderate depression feel better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Cambridge, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06094088 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This non-inferiority randomized trial compares in-person heated yoga and non-heated yoga classes led by certified instructors to measure effects on depressive symptoms. Eligible adults (18–65) who do not regularly practice yoga or meditation and who have moderate depression (PHQ-9 10–20) will attend sessions at community studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Assessments are scheduled at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up using a secure data capture system, and participants must be medically cleared to participate. People with recent fractures, significant cardiopulmonary disease, active suicidal thinking, pregnancy, or extensive recent yoga experience are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores 10–20), who do not regularly practice yoga or meditation, can attend in-person classes, and have medical clearance are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with severe depression or active suicidal thoughts, recent fractures or joint surgery, serious heart or lung disease, pregnant people, or those already practicing yoga regularly are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could give adults with moderate depression an accessible, non-drug option—heated or regular yoga—that reduces depressive symptoms and improves mood.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of heated and non-heated yoga have shown promising reductions in depressive symptoms, but no prior study has directly compared the two approaches head-to-head.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. adults (18-65 years old)
2. able to provide consent
3. are able to read and understand English
4. PHQ-9 score between 10-20, indicating moderate but not severe depressive symptom severity (27)
5. Must have filled out the waiver for the community-based yoga studio prior to enrolling in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. have had a bone fracture or joint surgery in the past 6 months
2. not able to walk freely or without difficulty
3. have severe heart failure or lung disease
4. participants endorse an item on the revised Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) and do not have approval from their treating physician (we will check in with treating physician in the event that participants endorse any item on the PAR-Q+)
5. participants must have a physician responsible for their medical care
6. are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
7. no more than 6 yoga classes in the past 6 months
8. have active suicidal thinking (i.e., PHQ-9 item 9 ≥1 and a positive response to C-SSRS screener items 3, 4, 5, or 6)
9. report manic symptoms (Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale score ≥ 6 (28))
10. are on medications that make dehydration more likely (e.g., lithium, antipsychotics, insulin-dependent)
11. active eating disorders or substance use disorders within the past 12 months
12. antidepressant or psychiatric medications that are initiated less than 8 weeks or a dose change less than 4 weeks prior to screening visit
13. psychotherapy that has been initiated within the past 3 months
14. willingness to keep psychiatric medications and psychotherapy stable throughout the course of the study
15. psychiatric hospitalization within the past year
16. diagnosed with any neurological disorders that would impact participation or make participation unsafe
17. are currently in any active ketamine, ECT, or TMS
18. are unable to follow the study procedures (e.g., not able to travel to the heated or non-heated yoga studios)

Where this trial is running

Cambridge, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

• Orange Door Collaborative — Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
• Breathe Yoga Studio — Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Maren Nyer, PhD

Conditions Depression