Examining blood vessel function and oxidative stress in EMTs

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

This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of overnight shift work on blood vessel function and oxidative stress in emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Participants will report to the lab after working overnight shifts to assess their vascular health and oxidative stress levels. They will also receive either an antioxidant supplement or a placebo during their shifts to determine if antioxidants can mitigate the negative impacts of night work. The study seeks to provide insights into how shift work affects EMTs' cardiovascular health and whether dietary interventions can help.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Body mass index between 18.5 and \<35 kg/m²
* Seated resting systolic blood pressure \< 140 mmHg, and seated resting diastolic blood pressure \< 90 mmHg
* Participant must be an active first responder that works shift work schedules. e.g., emergency medical responders, basic life support emergency medical technicians (i.e., BLS EMT), advanced life support emergency medical technicians (A-EMT), and paramedics
* Participant must have been working shift work for at least 1 year
* Participant must work at least 4 night shifts per month

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant is unwilling or unable to give consent
* Participant has been diagnosed with any chronic disease (a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease)
* Participant has been diagnosed with a sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea)
* Participant is currently taking melatonin or other sleep aids (e.g., Ambien, sedatives, etc.), or any supplements/medications known to alter sleep patterns. Participants using melatonin must undergo a minimum 72-hour washout period prior to study participation to ensure baseline sleep patterns are not affected\[15, 16\]
* Resting blood pressure \>140/90 mmHg
* Body mass index \<18.5 or \>35 kg/m2
* Currently pregnant or breast feeding (women only)
* Currently use tobacco or nicotine products (≥1 cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette, vape, or any other nicotine-containing product in the last month), including smokeless tobacco (e.g., chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, snus), nicotine lozenges or gum, heated tobacco products, and any illicit drugs

Where it's running

• University of Delaware
  Newark, Delaware, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Alexs Matias, MS
• Email: amatias@udel.edu
• Phone: 914-523-1953

Similar studies

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

• Storytelling program to help African American adults manage high blood pressure

  We're testing whether sharing personal stories online or in groups can help African American adults with high blood pressure take their medicines and lower their blood pressure.

  Recruiting University of Delaware · Newark, Delaware · NCT07071077

• Pain effects on split-belt walking adaptation in older adults

  This will test whether brief, controlled leg pain changes how older adults learn and remember adjustments to walking on a split-belt treadmill.

  Recruiting University of Delaware · Newark, Delaware · NCT07054840

• Light therapy for Parkinson's disease symptoms

  This study is testing if light therapy can help improve thinking and movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease.

  Recruiting University of Delaware · Newark, Delaware · NCT06916260

• Examining how daily stress affects blood vessel function in adults with depression

  This study is trying to see how daily stress affects blood vessel health in adults with depression compared to those without it.

  Recruiting University of Delaware · Newark, Delaware · NCT06860724

• Understanding how stress, sleep, and hormones affect heart health in midlife women

  This study is trying to see how stress, sleep, and hormone levels affect heart health in midlife women to find ways to reduce their risk of heart disease.

  Recruiting Phase 4 University of Delaware · Newark, Delaware · NCT06745466

• Effects of a Western Diet on Heart and Immune Health

  This study is testing how a Western diet high in added sugars affects heart health and immune function in middle-aged adults.

  Recruiting University of Delaware · Newark, Delaware · NCT06528977

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.