Effects of Sauna on Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Function in Patients With HFpEF (SAUNA-HFpEF)
- Conditions
- Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
- Registration Number
- NCT06978868
- Lead Sponsor
- Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg
- Brief Summary
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a type of heart failure where the heart pumps normally but patients still experience symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced ability to exercise. Many patients with HFpEF also have muscle weakness and limited mobility, which makes it difficult to follow traditional exercise programs like running or cycling. While there have been improvements in treating other types of heart failure, finding effective options for this specific form remains a challenge.
This study will explore whether bio-sauna bathing-a form of mild heat therapy-can help improve muscle function and exercise ability in patients with HFpEF. Sauna therapy might offer similar benefits to light exercise and could be easier and safer for older patients or those who can't do intense physical activity. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether regular sauna sessions is safe in patients with HFpEF and if it can improve exercise capacity, reduce shortness of breath, and support muscle health in patients with HFpEF.
- Detailed Description
The aim of the study is to test the safety and efficacy of intermittent hyperthermia (sauna) in a pilot study on patients with HfpEF regarding cardiac function, exercise capacity, skeletal muscle structure and function, metabolomic changes, and quality of life both at baseline and after the intervention with sauna.
Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that intermittent hyperthermia (sauna) is a feasible intervention in patients with HFpEF. Explorative, the effect of the intervention on filling pressure (E/é) as well as on the level of NT-pro-BNP, will be tested. Peripherally, skeletal muscle function (including metabolic and mitochondrial function) and structure. Finally, the effects of the intervention on QoL will be tested.
Questions to be answered through our investigation,
1. Is hyperthermia intervention (sauna) feasible in patients with HF?
2. Does sauna improve exercise capacity? (CPET, 6MWT, skeletal muscle strength and endurance).
3. Does sauna improve cardiac function (Echocardiography).
4. Understanding the related pathophysiology of the observed results on skeletal muscle and exercise capacity on molecular and mitochondrial level (skeletal muscle biopsies and the following tissue analysis parallel to blood analysis).
5. The role of inflammation in the altered muscle structure and function and its possible reversibility through sauna.
6. Observing changes in QoL and mental health (depression and anxiety).
The results of this study will be supportive in planning the randomised controlled clinical trial.
The intervention was twice weekly for a period of 10 weeks. : All participants will undergo a standardized series of assessments such as echocardiogram, CPET, 6-MWT, muscle strength measurements, and skeletal muscle biopsies. In case of clinical improvement, these benefits are likely to diminish over time if sauna bathing is discontinued. To address this, patients will be invited for a follow-up visit three months after completing the intervention. All investigations will be repeated, except for the skeletal muscle biopsy.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 18
Not provided
Not provided
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Exercise capacity 10 weeks The clinical effect of sauna on peak VO2 (ml/min)
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Otto von Guericke University, Faculty of Medicine
🇩🇪Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany