Scientific Research Through International Collaboration

A new research initiative involving Universitas Esa Unggul Powered by Arizona State University, Wellness USA and PrimaFit Indonesia is bringing together academic research, wellness technology and international industry collaboration to investigate a potential new approach to prediabetes.

The research, titled “Phase IIA Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Proposal: Hyperthermic Pod Intervention in Prediabetes (Multicenter: Jakarta),” is designed to examine the use of the COCOON Fitness Pod as a hyperthermic conditioning intervention for individuals with prediabetes.

Wellness USA, the American company behind the COCOON Fitness Pod, is supporting the research through a COCOON device grant and research funding for necessary examinations, according to the university's research team. PrimaFit Indonesia is also supporting the collaboration, connecting Wellness USA's wellness technology with Universitas Esa Unggul's research initiative.

This collaboration reflects the growing importance of combining scientific investigation, technological development and institutional partnerships to explore emerging approaches to public health challenges.

Why Prediabetes Research Matters in Indonesia

Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but have not reached the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. Although it does not mean someone has diabetes, it is an important metabolic warning sign that requires appropriate attention and management.

The scale of the issue in Indonesia is substantial. A 2025 analysis published in BMJ Open, examining Indonesia's National Health Surveys from 2013, 2018 and 2023, estimated that prediabetes prevalence among the population aged 15 and older was 39.2% in 2023. Although the prevalence percentage had declined from 44.5% in 2013, the estimated absolute number of people with prediabetes increased from 73.6 million to 83.1 million over the same period.

These findings highlight why research, early screening and evidence-based prevention strategies remain important for Indonesia's public health system.

For the Universitas Esa Unggul research team, the objective is to investigate whether controlled heat exposure through a hyperthermic pod may offer a useful complementary approach for people with prediabetes.

The Research: Hyperthermic Pod Intervention in Prediabetes

The study is designed as a Phase IIA pilot randomized controlled trial proposal, with research locations planned in Jakarta.

The central research question concerns hyperthermic conditioning: whether controlled exposure to elevated temperatures through the COCOON Fitness Pod may influence metabolic responses and indicators associated with prediabetes.

According to the research's principal investigator, Morri Kusuhari, the team hopes to investigate whether the intervention can increase metabolic activity and energy expenditure, potentially contributing to changes in body weight and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).

HbA1c is an important indicator because it reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately the previous two to three months. Changes in this measurement can therefore provide useful information when assessing metabolic health.

The research aims to examine these possibilities through a structured scientific methodology. The potential effects on metabolic indicators, body weight and prediabetes status remain hypotheses to be evaluated, not established results.

The planned use of the COCOON device for the research period is three months, as described by the research team.

COCOON Fitness Pod: The Technology Behind the Research

The COCOON Fitness Pod is developed and manufactured by Wellness USA, an American wellness technology company specializing in hyperthermic conditioning, infrared sauna systems and integrated wellness equipment.

Unlike a conventional sauna room, COCOON is designed as an enclosed wellness pod that combines several technologies within one system. Its features include:

• Dual radiant infrared heat and dry heat convection.

• Integrated whole-body vibration massage.

• Chromotherapy lighting with red and blue light modules.

• An illuminated Himalayan salt tile.

• An integrated aromatherapy system.

• A cooling face fan to improve user comfort.

• A FitBed exercise system for light movement during sessions.

• Guided wellness programs through a touchscreen interface.

These features combine controlled heat exposure with additional wellness and relaxation functions. The device allows users to remain comfortably positioned inside the pod while their head stays outside the chamber.

For this research, however, the COCOON Fitness Pod is being investigated specifically as part of a hyperthermic intervention protocol. Its role is to provide the controlled heat exposure required by the study, while its other integrated features form part of the device's overall design.

Wellness USA has provided the equipment as a research grant to support the university's investigation. According to Morri Kusuhari, Universitas Esa Unggul is the only university in Indonesia to have received this particular COCOON research grant from the American company.

COCOON Training at Universitas Esa Unggul

Before implementing the research protocol, Universitas Esa Unggul organized a dedicated COCOON Fitness Pod training session for the research team.

The training took place on Monday, 7 September 2026, at the Home Care Laboratory, Room 809, Universitas Esa Unggul Jakarta.

The session was led by Manny Vanegas Jr., MBA, Vice President – Western Region at Wellness USA. Through a practical demonstration, the research team received guidance on operating the COCOON Fitness Pod, understanding its functions and using the equipment in accordance with the requirements of the planned study.

Manny introduced the principles behind hyperthermic conditioning and demonstrated the pod's integrated technologies, including its infrared and dry heat systems, vibration massage, lighting and temperature controls, and cooling face fan.

This training represents an important preparation stage. Consistent equipment operation and a shared understanding of procedures help establish the foundation for structured research across multiple locations.

Universitas Esa Unggul's Rector, Dr. Ir. Arief Kusuma Among Praja, ST, MBA, IPU, ASEAN Eng., emphasized the importance of institutional readiness and research infrastructure.

As he stated, “Health research requires collaboration, prepared human resources and adequate supporting infrastructure.”

The COCOON research grant is therefore not only an equipment contribution, but also an opportunity to strengthen research capabilities and international collaboration.

Supporting Role of PrimaFit Indonesia in the Study

PrimaFit Indonesia supports this initiative by connecting Wellness USA's wellness technology with the Indonesian fitness and wellness market and the university's research activities.

As a distributor of Wellness USA products in Indonesia, PrimaFit has introduced technologies such as the COCOON Fitness Pod and other infrared wellness solutions to the local market.

Its involvement reflects PrimaFit's broader commitment to introducing international fitness, recovery and wellness technologies while supporting initiatives that explore their applications through research and professional collaboration.

The partnership also highlights the relationship between international manufacturers, Indonesian academic institutions and local industry partners in developing the country's wellness and fitness ecosystem.

What Could This Prediabetes Study Discover?

What is the COCOON Fitness Pod prediabetes study investigating?

The study is designed to investigate whether hyperthermic conditioning through the COCOON Fitness Pod may influence metabolic responses and indicators associated with prediabetes, including body weight and HbA1c.

Where will the research take place?

The proposed multicenter research will involve two locations: Jakarta, with Universitas Esa Unggul leading the research initiative.

How long will the COCOON Fitness Pod be used in the research?

According to the principal investigator, the COCOON device has been granted for use during a three-month research period.

Has COCOON been proven to prevent or reverse diabetes?

No. This is precisely what the research aims to investigate. The effectiveness of the intervention has not been established through this study. Wellness USA describes COCOON as a general wellness, fitness and relaxation system, not a medical device intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Individuals with prediabetes should continue to follow appropriate medical advice and established healthcare recommendations.

Who supports the research collaboration?

The initiative brings together Universitas Esa Unggul Powered by Arizona State University, Wellness USA as the manufacturer and research grant provider, and PrimaFit Indonesia as the supporting local industry partner.

Strengthening the Future of Health Research in Indonesia

The collaboration between Wellness USA, Universitas Esa Unggul and PrimaFit Indonesia represents an important step in exploring the relationship between hyperthermic conditioning, wellness technology and metabolic health.

Through the COCOON Fitness Pod research grant, financial support for research examinations and practical equipment training, the university is strengthening its preparation for a multicenter scientific study involving Jakarta.

For Universitas Esa Unggul, the initiative reflects its commitment to developing research that addresses relevant health challenges through scientific methods, innovation and international collaboration.

For Wellness USA and PrimaFit Indonesia, it creates an opportunity to support a university-led investigation into a technology that is now being evaluated within a formal research framework.

The central objective remains scientific: to generate evidence, evaluate the proposed intervention and understand whether hyperthermic conditioning may have a meaningful role in future metabolic-health research.

The findings will be important in determining what this technology can contribute and what further research may be needed.

Explore PrimaFit Solutions to learn more about PrimaFit's fitness, recovery and wellness technologies, and discover how international wellness solutions are being introduced to Indonesia through local industry partnerships.