Sauna therapy tested for long COVID fatigue
NCT ID NCT05931497
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study from Massachusetts General Hospital is testing whether whole body hyperthermia (like a sauna) can reduce Long COVID symptoms, especially fatigue. Researchers will enroll 21 adults aged 18-65 who have had COVID-19 at least 12 weeks prior. Participants will lie in a sauna-like device to raise their core body temperature, and the study will measure changes in fatigue and other health domains using patient-reported surveys.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- whole body hyperthermia (sauna)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to reduce fatigue and other Long COVID symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 21 people, so results may not apply widely. The treatment requires lying in a sauna for 2 hours, which may be difficult for some.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 21 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18-65 years of age 2. English language proficiency 3. Ability to provide informed consent 4. Ability to lie supine (on back) for 2 hours (required for sauna sessions) 5. Must have had clinically suspected COVID-19 and a positive antibody test or a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection (a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test) at least 12 weeks prior to Screening (Note: clinician judgment can override lack of positive COVID test with clear Long Covid onset and presentation) 6. The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Fatigue-Short Form v1.0 -Fatigue 7a (PROMIS F-SF43) raw score of 21 or greater at Screening (onset of fatigue confirmed post-infection as in other studies of PASC) 7. Individuals of childbearing potential must use an acceptable form of birth control. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Fatigue for known reasons other than PASC (e.g. longstanding diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome pre-dating Long Covid, low thyroid, multiple sclerosis, AIDS related fatigue, mononucleosis), as determined by clinical discretion of study investigators 2. Known hypersensitivity to infrared heat exposure, significant history of heat stroke 3. Breastfeeding, pregnancy or planned pregnancy during study 4. Active suicidal intent 5. History of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and/or substance use or dependence (within the last year), as per the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)44 6. Positive urine toxicology screen for illicit drug use 7. Any serious unstable medical condition 8. Inability to fit into the sauna device. Morbid obesity (BMI \> 40) and/or body shape that might increase the risk of cutaneous burning from the device (because of skin being too close to the heat). 9. Back pain that would interfere with ability to lay on hard surface 10. Using medication that might impact thermoregulatory capacity and cannot be held for an appropriate length (at least one half-life) as determined by clinician judgment prior to receiving WBH treatment 11. Breast Implants 12. Claustrophobia that would interfere with ability to remain in sauna 13. Unsafe cardiac status as defined by abnormal ECG reading at screening visit or as determined by study doctor or subject's physician 14. History of or current diagnosis of thrombosis or thrombophilia 15. History of hemophilia 16. History of febrile seizures or seizure disorders 17. Any new treatments/medications for long-COVID that have started in the past 3 months 18. A subject who in the opinion of the Principal Investigator would not be able to safely complete the study or would jeopardize study integrity.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Long COVID are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Depression Clinical and Research Program
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can slow breathing retrain the nervous system to fight long COVID?
- Can a brain zapping headset restore focus after long COVID?
- Mindfulness may offer relief for long COVID sufferers
- Can wearables decode the mystery of fatigue?
- Beetroot juice: a natural boost against long COVID fatigue?
- A One-Two punch for long COVID? supplement and therapy put to the test