NCT06094088 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Researching Heat and Yoga for Mood Enhancement
(RHYME)
What this study is about
This study will examine how doing heated yoga or non-heated yoga affects depression.
View original scientific description
This study will examine how doing heated yoga or non-heated yoga affects depression.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- adults (18-65 years old)
- able to provide consent
- are able to read and understand English
- PHQ-9 score between 10-20, indicating moderate but not severe depressive symptom severity (27)
- Must have filled out the waiver for the community-based yoga studio prior to enrolling in the study.
Exclusion criteria
- have had a bone fracture or joint surgery in the past 6 months
- not able to walk freely or without difficulty
- have severe heart failure or lung disease
- 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+)
- participants must have a physician responsible for their medical care
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- no more than 6 yoga classes in the past 6 months
- 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)
- report manic symptoms (Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale score ≥ 6 (28))
- are on medications that make dehydration more likely (e.g., lithium, antipsychotics, insulin-dependent)
- active eating disorders or substance use disorders within the past 12 months
- antidepressant or psychiatric medications that are initiated less than 8 weeks or a dose change less than 4 weeks prior to screening visit
- psychotherapy that has been initiated within the past 3 months
- willingness to keep psychiatric medications and psychotherapy stable throughout the course of the study
- psychiatric hospitalization within the past year
- diagnosed with any neurological disorders that would impact participation or make participation unsafe
- are currently in any active ketamine, ECT, or TMS
- are unable to follow the study procedures (e.g., not able to travel to the heated or non-heated yoga studios)
Where
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 13, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations