Improving heat resilience in older adults through warm water immersion
Evaluating the Efficacy of Heat Acclimation by Warm Water Immersion for Mitigating Hyperthermia and Cardiovascular Demand in Older Adults During Indoor Overheating.
This study is testing if warm-water immersion can help older adults better handle heat and stay safe during hot weather.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06670365 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance heat resiliency in older adults who are vulnerable to overheating, particularly in indoor environments without adequate cooling. It focuses on using warm-water immersion as a method of heat acclimation to improve thermoregulation and reduce physiological strain during heat exposure. The approach is based on previous findings that suggest warm-water immersion can enhance heat loss capacity in older individuals. By implementing this intervention, the study seeks to provide a safe and effective way for sedentary older adults to adapt to extreme heat conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults who are non-smokers, speak English or French, and can provide informed consent, with or without chronic hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients with severe complications related to diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, or significant restrictions in physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the ability of older adults to cope with extreme heat, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using warm-water immersion for heat acclimation in older adults is promising, it is based on preliminary data and may represent a novel intervention in this specific context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Non-smoking. * English or French speaking. * Ability to provide informed consent. * With or without a) chronic hypertension (elevated resting blood pressure; as defined by Heart and Stroke Canada and Hypertension Canada), b) type 2 diabetes as defined by Diabetes Canada, with at least 5 years having elapsed since time of diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * Episode(s) of severe hypoglycemia (requiring the assistance of another person) within the previous year, or inability to sense hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia unawareness). * Serious complications related to your diabetes (gastroparesis, renal disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe autonomic neuropathy). * Uncontrolled hypertension - BP \>150 mmHg systolic or \>95 mmHg diastolic in a sitting position. * Restrictions in physical activity due to disease (e.g. intermittent claudication, renal impairment, active proliferative retinopathy, unstable cardiac or pulmonary disease, disabling stroke, severe arthritis, etc.). * Use of or changes in medication judged by the patient or investigators to make participation in this study inadvisable. * Cardiac abnormalities identified during screening
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.