Wearing a hijab and whole-body heat loss during exercise in hot, dry conditions
The Effect of Wearing the Hijab on Dry and Evaporative Heat Exchange During Moderate-intensity Exercise Performed in Hot-dry Environments
This study will test whether wearing a hijab changes how healthy young women lose body heat during moderate exercise in hot, dry conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07174180 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy non-smoking women aged 18–35 will perform intermittent moderate-intensity exercise in an environmental chamber set to 40°C and 15% relative humidity, once wearing a hijab and once without. Researchers will measure dry and evaporative heat exchange, core temperature, and other markers of heat strain to compare heat dissipation between conditions. Participants must be physically active (not endurance-trained or sedentary), free of acute or chronic illness and claustrophobia, and able to provide informed consent. Testing is conducted in-person at the University of Ottawa laboratory.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy, non-smoking women aged 18–35 who speak English or French, are physically active but not endurance-trained, and can perform moderate exercise and attend in-person lab visits.
Not a fit: Older adults, men, people with chronic illness, those who are sedentary or elite endurance athletes, or anyone unable to travel to the Ottawa lab or perform the exercise protocol are unlikely to benefit directly from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could guide safer clothing and exercise recommendations for young women who wear a hijab in hot environments.
How similar studies have performed: Research on clothing and heat strain during exercise exists, but studies specifically examining the hijab during exercise are limited, so this is a relatively novel application of established methods.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * healthy young female (18-35 years) * non smoking * English or French speaking * ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * claustrophobia * engaged in endurance training * acute or chronic illness * sedentary (not engaged in any form of physical activity) * physical restriction limiting physical activity
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: 6135625800
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.