How short dehydration and rehydration affect body function in middle-aged adults

Impact of Mild Dehydration and Subsequent Rehydration on Cellular Stress and Physiological Performance

Not applicable Interventional Texas Tech University · NCT07084675

This will test whether short periods of mild dehydration followed by rehydration change inflammation markers and physical measures like sleep, fasting glucose, and strength in adults 45–65.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorTexas Tech University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lubbock, Texas)
Trial IDNCT07084675 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This protocol tests the effects of a controlled 12-day hydration sequence—4 days of increased hydration, 4 days of mild dehydration (≈2–3% body-mass loss), and 4 days of rehydration—on molecular and functional outcomes in adults aged 45–65. Participants attend five lab visits for consent/familiarization, pre-hydration baseline, pre-dehydration testing, post-dehydration testing, and post-rehydration testing. Outcomes include H2O2, NF-κB signaling, mitochondrial fragmentation, and autophagy in circulating PBMCs, along with fasting glucose, sleep performance, and strength measures. The protocol enrolls apparently healthy adults (BMI <30, weight ≥110 lbs) and excludes pregnancy, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or kidney stones, hypertension, and use of medications that affect fluid balance; all visits occur at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are apparently healthy adults aged 45–65 with BMI under 30 and body weight at least 110 pounds who are not pregnant and do not have diabetes, kidney disease, or hypertension.

Not a fit: People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, those taking excluded medications that alter fluid balance, pregnant individuals, or those with BMI ≥30 are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify whether modest short-term hydration changes influence inflammation and physical function and help shape hydration recommendations for middle-aged adults.

How similar studies have performed: There is prior evidence linking hydration to physical performance and some metabolic markers, but using controlled short-term dehydration/rehydration with mechanistic PBMC measures is relatively novel and limited in prior work.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Apparently Healthy
* BMI \< 30 kg/m2
* Body weight is at least 110 lbs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant
* Have Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes
* Have chronic kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
* Have hypertension
* Take medications that can cause fluid retention, such as corticosteroids, chronic use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Hormonal Therapies (e.g., estrogen, androgens or anabolic steroids), Antihypertensives, Psychiatric Medications (e.g., Lithium), Vasodilators
* Take medications that reduce fluid retention: diuretics, and RAAS Inhibitors (e.g., ACE inhibitors and ARBs)

Where this trial is running

Lubbock, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Agingrehydrationhypohydration
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.