CHILL’D Study Information

Join Our CHILL’D Research Study at Vail Health

Exploring Sauna and Cold Plunge Therapy for Depression

Are you interested in participating in groundbreaking research aimed at finding innovative treatments for depression?

Vail Health is conducting a pioneering study exploring the therapeutic potential of sauna and cold plunge interventions for individuals with or without depression. The study aims to see how thermal interventions may affect mood and physiology across different mental health experiences. Please be aware that this study is being conducted solely for research purposes and is not intended as a form of treatment. Participants do not need to live or work in Eagle County to be eligible.

PARTICIPATION APPLICATION

Main Investigator:

Barry Sandler, DO

Why Participate?

Novel Approach: Be part of a study exploring novel, alternative treatments for depression.
Contribute to Science: Your participation will contribute valuable insights to advance our understanding of holistic approaches to mental well-being.

Study Details:

Duration: Participation will take approximately 4-6 weeks. You will need to complete four visits: a screening visit (2-3 hours) to determine eligibility, the treatment visit (4-5 hours), and two follow-up visits (~1 hour each).
Location: Study visits will occur at the location listed below.
- Wiegers Clinic
  439 Edwards Access Rd, STE B204
  Edwards, CO 8163
What’s Involved: Participants will complete assessments of their mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Each participant will receive either a sauna treatment or a sauna treatment followed by a cold-water plunge. The screening visit to determine your eligibility will include a urine screen, blood draw, and EKG. There will also be a blood draw at each visit.
Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced professionals will guide and monitor your progress throughout the study.
Financial Compensation: You can receive up to $200 for your participation depending on the number of study visits completed.
Benefits: Some participants may experience changes in mood or physiological responses, while others may not. We will monitor everyone’s experience carefully.

Eligibility Criteria:

We are looking for individuals who:

May or may not be currently experiencing depression
Are medically healthy
Are between the ages of 18-65
Can commit to attending four study visits over a 4-6 week period
Participants do not need to live or work in Eagle County to be eligible

Confidentiality: Your privacy is of utmost importance. All participant information will be handled with strict confidentiality, and results will be reported anonymously.

How to Participate: If you’re interested in being part of this groundbreaking research, you can complete the PRE-SCREENING APPLICATION FORM to be considered for this study.

APPLY NOW TO PARTICIPATE