How indoor heat affects people with schizophrenia
Impact of Indoor Overheating on Physiological Strain in Individuals With Schizophrenia
NA · University of Ottawa · NCT07383324
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07383324 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- 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
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.
Conditions: Heat Stress, Physiological Stress, Cognitive Change, Indoor overheating, Indoor temperatures, Heat wave, Thermoregulation, Schizophrenia