Simulated Indoor Overheating for Heat Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how different indoor humidity and temperature levels affect body heat and cardiovascular stress, particularly in older adults. Researchers will observe how humidity changes at a set temperature impact comfort and health. Participants will experience various indoor conditions (simulated indoor overheating) to determine if current guidelines require adjustment. The study seeks non-smokers aged 65 to 85 who have managed high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes for at least five years. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance indoor comfort and health guidelines for older adults.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but it mentions that changes in medication that make participation inadvisable could exclude you from the study. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for older adults?
Research has shown that older adults might find it harder to stay cool in hot indoor conditions. Their bodies must work harder to maintain a normal temperature in warm and humid environments. One study explored this by having participants spend a day in a warmer indoor setting. It found that older adults experienced more physical stress, but no serious health problems occurred.
Another report examined the effects of indoor heat and suggested that while it can be uncomfortable and stressful, the risk of serious health issues remains low if the heat exposure is brief and monitored. This study does not test a new drug or treatment; instead, it examines how being in a hot room affects the body.
Overall, spending a short time in a hot room appears manageable. Existing studies indicate no major safety concerns, suggesting that while it might be uncomfortable, it is generally safe for otherwise healthy individuals.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it's exploring how different indoor temperature and humidity combinations affect heat stress, which is a growing concern in the face of climate change. Unlike traditional studies that focus on outdoor heat exposure, this trial simulates indoor conditions, directly addressing environments where people spend most of their time. The trial investigates varying humidity levels at both standard and high indoor temperatures, offering insights into optimizing indoor climate settings to reduce heat stress risks. By understanding these interactions, researchers hope to develop guidelines that can improve comfort and safety indoors, especially during heatwaves.
What evidence suggests that this trial's conditions could impact heat stress in older adults?
Research has shown that high humidity can make it harder for both young and older adults to handle heat. Humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, which is how the body cools down. One study found that high humidity during a heatwave made it more difficult for people to cope with the heat. Another study found that higher indoor temperatures can cause health problems like a faster heartbeat and lower blood pressure. This trial will test various indoor conditions: one arm will expose participants to a recommended indoor temperature limit with low humidity, another to high temperature with normal humidity, and others to different combinations of temperature and humidity. These findings suggest that controlling both temperature and humidity is important for comfort and health, especially for older adults.46789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for non-smoking older adults aged 65-85 who can communicate in English or French and give informed consent. It includes those with chronic hypertension or type 2 diabetes diagnosed at least 5 years ago.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Experimental Exposure
Participants are exposed to different indoor temperature and humidity conditions to assess physiological responses.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after exposure sessions
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Simulated indoor overheating
Trial Overview
The study tests how different levels of indoor humidity affect body temperature and heart strain during a simulated heat wave. Participants will experience varying conditions, including the recommended limit of 26°C at different humidities.
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants exposed daylong (10 hours) to an indoor temperature maintained at 26°C and 45% relative humidity (humidex equivalent of 29).
Participants exposed daylong (10 hours) to an indoor temperature maintained at 26°C and 15% relative humidity (humidex equivalent of 23).
Participants exposed daylong (10 hours) to an indoor temperature maintained at 26°C and 85% relative humidity (humidex equivalent of 37).
Participants exposed daylong (10 hours) to an indoor temperature maintained at 31°C and 45% relative humidity (humidex equivalent of 37).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Ottawa
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Indoor overheating: A review of vulnerabilities, causes, and ...
The likelihood of exposure to overheated indoor environments is increasing as climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of hot weather and ...
Residential indoor temperatures and health: A scoping ...
Most studies found warmer indoor temperatures were linked to adverse health, well-being, or thermal comfort outcomes.
Report of the systematic review on the effect of indoor heat on ...
This report assesses the effects of indoor temperatures above 24°C on health. We have conducted a systematic review of this topic to support the development ...
Establishing Evidence-based Indoor Temperature ...
This project will address this important issue by exposing healthy older adults to prolonged (8-hour) simulated heatwaves comprising a range of environmental ...
Influence of Indoor Humidity on Physiological Strain in ...
Laboratory-based studies show that exposure to high humidity can worsen the effects of heat stress in young and older adults by impeding sweat ...
Effects of Daylong Exposure to Indoor Overheating on ...
We evaluated surrogate physiological outcomes linked with heat-related mortality and morbidity in older adults during simulated indoor overheating.
Review article Surviving indoor heat stress in United States ...
The review illuminates the effects of overheating on thermal comfort, health, and socio-economic aspects within the built environment.
Indoor overheating: A review of vulnerabilities, causes, and ...
A recent report showed that while older adults experience a heightened thermal strain as assessed during a simulated daylong (9-hour) exposure to indoor ...
Thermal (Heat) Stress
Heat stress is the heat load to which a worker may be exposed from combined metabolic heat from physical exertion, environmental conditions, and clothing.
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