Do electric fans help kids stay cooler during heat waves

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Healthy participants across three age groups (9-12, 13-16, and 20-25) will undergo controlled indoor heat exposures at 31°C and 36°C in sessions with and without fans to see how cooling affects body strain and cognitive performance. The trial uses a randomized or repeated-measures approach to compare physiological responses, perceived comfort, and psychological well-being between the fan and no-fan conditions. Researchers will also compare younger participants' responses to those of young adults to see if fan cooling works similarly across ages. The study is conducted at the University of Ottawa and aims to inform practical heat-mitigation strategies for children and youth. Participants must be habitually active and able to communicate in English or French, with parental consent for minors.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must be healthy males or females within the specified age ranges (9-12 years, 13-16 years, or 20-25 years).
* All participants must be habitually active, defined as participation in regular physical activity at least three times per week for a minimum of 20 minutes per session over the previous six months.
* Participants must be able to understand and communicate in English or French.
* For participants under 18 years of age, written parental or guardian consent and participant assent will be required prior to participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals will be excluded from participation if they have any acute illness at the time of testing (e.g., cold, flu, or infection), or a history of chronic medical conditions that may affect thermoregulation, cardiovascular function, or exercise capacity, including but not limited to cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, or neurological disorders. Individuals taking medications known to influence thermoregulation, hydration status, or cardiovascular responses will also be excluded.
* Participants with a history of heat-related illness (e.g., heat exhaustion or heat stroke) will not be eligible.
* Individuals with digestive abnormalities or gastrointestinal conditions that may contraindicate ingestion of a telemetry pill will also be excluded.
* Any individual who, in the opinion of the investigators, may be at increased risk or unable to safely complete the study procedures will be excluded.

Where it's running

• University of Ottawa
  Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Glen P Kenny
• Email: gkenny@uottawa.ca
• Phone: 613-562-5800

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.