#Norway #Oslo #Heat Therapy #Sauna Research #Oslo Symposium

International Heat Therapy Research Symposium

From September 22 to 24, 2026, a significant event is set to take place in Oslo, Norway. The first International Heat Therapy Research Symposium will gather esteemed researchers from nine countries, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of heat therapy studies. This symposium aims to initiate a formal Delphi consensus process intended to establish unified definitions, standardized terminology, and methodological reporting standards for the burgeoning field of heat therapy and sauna research.

The Need for Standardization

In recent years, research surrounding sauna and heat therapy has seen exponential growth, culminating in notable cohort studies and numerous clinical trials. Many of these studies have pointed towards promising benefits in areas such as cardiovascular health, metabolic functions, and mental well-being. However, despite this surge in research, the scientific community has struggled with a lack of coordination. Currently, there is no universally accepted definition of heat therapy, nor a standardized set of terminologies across various modalities like traditional sauna, infrared sauna, and hot water immersion. Furthermore, the way researchers report parameters that influence their study outcomes—such as frequency, intensity (temperature and humidity), and duration—varies widely.

A recent scoping review highlighted that a substantial portion of published studies enroll fewer than 40 participants, and 42% lack control groups. This limitation results in a fragmented body of evidence that cannot be reliably compared or reproduced, emphasizing the urgent need for a consensus in this field.

The Delphi Method

The symposium will implement the Delphi method, a reputable consensus-building technique used in medical research, which involves anonymous and iterative rounds of expert assessment equipped with guided feedback. Over the course of two days, participants will engage in structured discussions geared toward achieving specific outputs:

• - A defining working statement of heat therapy, differentiating it from related concepts like heat acclimation and its application as performance enhancement in sports.
• - A standardized glossary detailing different modalities and intervention parameters.
• - A checklist for methodological reporting that researchers can utilize in future studies.
• - A prioritized research agenda aimed at tackling the most significant gaps in current knowledge, including the impact of heat therapy on mental health, underserved patient populations, and direct comparisons between different heat therapy modalities.

Following these discussions, the Sauna Research Foundation (SRF) will circulate these preliminary consensus statements to an external panel of 30–40 internationally renowned experts in heat therapy for further refinement. Achieving consensus will require an 80% agreement rate, and the process is expected to undergo up to three rounds before culminating in a peer-reviewed publication.

Assembling the Experts

The Delphi working group consists of 21 researchers from 14 academic institutions spanning nine countries. Notable participants include institutions from the UK, the US, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and New Zealand. Of these, 15 researchers will join the symposium in person. Each session will be facilitated by seasoned researchers, with opportunities for students to present their work.

Ashley Mason, PhD, Scientific Advisor for SRF, emphasizes the significance of having such a diverse group of experts in the room and urges the importance of asking the right questions to establish durable standards that can support this field of research moving forward.

A New Mission for the Sauna Research Foundation

The Oslo symposium serves as a first-of-its-kind event initiated by the Sauna Research Foundation (formerly known as the Sauna Research Institute). Founded in 2020, the organization has shifted its mission from conducting isolated research to becoming a coordinative body uniting researchers internationally.

This transition has been further enhanced through the addition of prominent board members in 2024 who have the experience and vision to direct meaningful changes within the field. The rebranding reflects a commitment not only to fund research initiatives but also to foster a collaborative environment conducive to setting common standards.

Looking Ahead to the International Sauna Congress

Coinciding with this symposium, the International Sauna Congress will take place from September 24 to 26, 2026, allowing participants to discuss the future of sauna research. With the collaboration of the Sauna Research Foundation and the Norwegian Sauna Association, the discussions will focus on developing a coherent and supportive framework through shared standards and collaborative research networks.

Conclusion

The 1st International Heat Therapy Research Symposium represents a landmark opportunity to lay foundational standards in heat therapy research. By fostering collective dialogue among researchers and establishing coherent reporting methods, the event aims to significantly advance the scientific understanding and applications of heat therapy in health and wellness fields.

For further details about the Sauna Research Foundation, visit www.saunaresearch.org.