Effects of heat waves on older adults' health
Evaluating the Efficacy of a 26°C Indoor Temperature for Limiting Thermal and Cardiovascular Strain in Older Adults During a Simulated Multi-day Heat Event
This study tests how staying in hot indoor temperatures during heat waves affects older adults' health and if keeping their homes cooler can help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06633302 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures during simulated heat waves affects older adults, particularly focusing on their physiological and cardiovascular responses. It aims to determine whether maintaining indoor temperatures below certain thresholds can prevent deterioration in thermoregulation and sleep quality. Participants will be exposed to a controlled heat environment over multiple days to assess the cumulative effects of heat stress. The findings could inform guidelines for indoor temperature management during extreme heat events.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults who are non-smokers and can provide informed consent, with or without chronic conditions like hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients with severe complications from diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health guidelines that protect older adults from heat-related health issues.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored heat stress in older adults, this specific approach to assessing cumulative effects in a controlled setting is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Non-smoking. * English or French speaking. * Ability to provide informed consent. * with or without a) chronic hypertension (elevated resting blood pressure; as defined by Heart and Stroke Canada and Hypertension Canada), b) type 2 diabetes as defined by Diabetes Canada, with at least 5 years having elapsed since time of diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * Episode(s) of severe hypoglycemia (requiring the assistance of another person) within the previous year, or inability to sense hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia unawareness). * Serious complications related to your diabetes (gastroparesis, renal disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe autonomic neuropathy). * Uncontrolled hypertension - BP \>150 mmHg systolic or \>95 mmHg diastolic in a sitting position. * Restrictions in physical activity due to disease (e.g. intermittent claudication, renal impairment, active proliferative retinopathy, unstable cardiac or pulmonary disease, disabling stroke, severe arthritis, etc.). * Use of or changes in medication judged by the patient or investigators to make participation in this study inadvisable. * Cardiac abnormalities identified during screening
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Glen P Kenny, PhD
- Email: gkenny@uottawa.ca
- Phone: 6135625800
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.