Cooling strategies for older adults during heat exposure
Acute and Chronic Interventions to Improve Heat Loss During Uncompensable Humid Heat Stress in Older Adults
This study tests if cooling the hands and forearms with cold water can help older adults stay safe and comfortable during hot weather.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Methotrexate |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06349616 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates effective cooling strategies for older adults, particularly focusing on intermittent cold-water immersion of the hands and forearms. Participants aged 65 and older will undergo a series of trials to assess the impact of folic acid supplementation on thermoregulation during heat stress. Each participant will experience both the cold-water immersion and a control condition while their physiological responses, such as core temperature and heart rate, are monitored. The study aims to determine whether these interventions can help older adults manage heat exposure more safely.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 65 and older who are proficient in English.
Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal diseases, abnormal ECGs, or those on specific medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide older adults with effective strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses during extreme temperatures.
How similar studies have performed: While there is evidence supporting cold-water immersion for heat stress management, this specific approach in older adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 65 and older * English proficiency Exclusion Criteria: * Chron's disease, diverticulitis, or similar gastrointestinal disease * Abnormal resting exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) * Tobacco use * High-risk determined by the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Factor Assessment * Antiepileptic or antiseizure medications * Methotrexate
Where this trial is running
University Park, Pennsylvania
- Noll Laboratory — University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: W. Larry Kenney, Ph.D. — The Pennsylvania State University
- Study coordinator: W. Larry Kenney, Ph.D.
- Email: w7k@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-863-1672
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.