Impact of Heat Stress on Firefighter Injury Risk
The Impact of Rapid Heat Stress on Firefighters' Strength, Dynamic Balance, and Movement Quality
This study tests how quick heat stress affects the risk of injuries in firefighters by checking their strength, balance, and movement in different heat conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 57 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | cart |
| Locations | 1 site (Shreveport, Louisiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT06442956 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how rapid heat stress affects musculoskeletal injury risk factors in firefighters. Participants will undergo a series of tests to assess strength, balance, and movement quality under both gradual and rapid heat stress conditions. The study employs a crossover design, allowing each participant to serve as their own control, which enhances the reliability of the results. Data will be collected across four visits, including pre-tests and post-tests to evaluate the impact of heat stress on physical performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are professional firefighters who are healthy and meet specific screening criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with recent musculoskeletal injuries or those unable to comply with hydration protocols may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety protocols for firefighters, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on heat stress in occupational settings exist, this specific crossover approach focusing on firefighters is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * professional firefighter * healthy per the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire+ screening Exclusion Criteria: * unable to swallow core temperature capsule * unable to follow pre-testing hydration criteria * musculoskeletal injury in the past 3 months that limits ability to perform outcome measures * females with known pregnancy (risk of hyperthermia to fetus)
Where this trial is running
Shreveport, Louisiana
- LSUHSC-Shreveport — Shreveport, Louisiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erin McCallister, DPT — LSUHSC-Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Erin McCallister, DPT
- Email: erin.mccallister@lsuhs.edu
- Phone: 3188133502
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.