How indoor heat affects people with schizophrenia
Official title: Impact of Indoor Overheating on Physiological Strain in Individuals With Schizophrenia
Run by University of Ottawa · NCT07383324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether simulated indoor overheating causes more physiological stress and worsened cognitive symptoms in people with schizophrenia compared with people without schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07383324 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults who speak English or French, can provide informed consent, and either have a diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder or do not have those diagnoses are ideal candidates, provided they meet the study's activity and psychiatric eligibility rules.
✕Probably not a fit
People with other primary psychiatric disorders that make participation inadvisable, those with restrictions to physical activity, endurance athletes above the cutoff, or non-English/French speakers may not benefit or may be ineligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This exploratory trial brings English- or French-speaking adults with and without schizophrenia to the University of Ottawa for controlled simulated exposure to indoor overheating. During the exposure sessions participants will have physiological measures (such as temperature regulation and vital signs) and cognitive tests collected to track acute stress and cognitive change. People with endurance training above the study cutoff, restrictions to physical activity, or other primary psychiatric disorders that make participation inadvisable are excluded. The study aims to characterize how heat acutely affects people with schizophrenia to inform protective strategies and guidance for this vulnerable group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help create better guidance and interventions to reduce heat-related illness and symptom worsening in people with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Population studies have linked heat waves to worsening mental-health outcomes and increased mortality, but controlled simulated-exposure studies specifically in schizophrenia are limited and relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English or French speaking. * Ability to provide informed consent. * Individuals with and without schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Exclusion Criteria: * Endurance exercise training (greater than 3 sessions of vigorous exercise training per week for 30 minutes or more) * Restrictions to physical activity * Any history of diagnoses for other psychiatric disorders deemed to make participation in the study inadvisable.
Where it's running
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University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Glen P Kenny, PhD — University of Ottawa
- Study coordinator: Glen P Kenny, PhD
- Email: gkenny@uottawa.ca
- Phone: 613-562-5800
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.