Hydration Education for Dehydration
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if teaching hydration techniques and using self-assessment tools can help underhydrated wildland firefighters improve their fluid intake and overall hydration. By focusing on better hydration, the researchers hope participants will perform better during exercise and enjoy better long-term health. This study suits firefighters in the Phoenix area who often feel dehydrated and want to learn how to manage it better. Participants first provide urine and blood samples to ensure they meet the study's criteria for low hydration. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their hydration and overall well-being.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking thyroid medication or diuretics (medications that help remove excess water from your body), you will not be able to participate in the trial. The protocol does not specify about other medications, so it's best to discuss your specific situation with the trial coordinators.
What prior data suggests that hydration education and self-assessment are safe for wildland firefighters?
Research has shown that learning about hydration and monitoring fluid intake is generally easy for participants. One study found that most people had positive opinions about hydration training, with 83% supporting it for their work. This indicates that people find this education helpful and easy to understand.
The main aim of these programs is to teach the importance of staying hydrated. They explain why drinking enough fluids is crucial, helping to prevent dehydration, which can lead to serious health problems if not addressed.
Participating in hydration education is very safe. It primarily involves learning new information and using tools to track fluid intake. There are no known negative effects from simply learning more about hydration and monitoring fluid intake.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Hydration Education for Dehydration trial because it focuses on empowering individuals with knowledge and self-assessment tools, rather than relying solely on traditional hydration strategies like increased fluid intake. This approach is distinctive because it encourages participants to actively engage in their hydration health by learning how to assess their own hydration levels. By focusing on education and self-assessment, this trial aims to promote long-term behavioral changes that could lead to better hydration habits and overall health improvements.
What evidence suggests that hydration education and self-assessment could be effective for improving hydration in wildland firefighters?
Research has shown that educational programs about drinking water can greatly improve hydration. One study found that water programs helped individuals who typically drank too little water to increase their intake and maintain this habit over time. Another study demonstrated that a simple educational program enhanced hydration and endurance in young athletes. Additionally, a game-based learning program led to a noticeable increase in water consumption over several weeks. In this trial, participants in the "Hydration education and hydration self-assessment" arm will receive a 25-minute education session and learn to use self-assessment tools. These findings suggest that learning about hydration and using self-check tools can effectively increase water intake and improve hydration.23678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for wildland firefighters and their surrogates who are not drinking enough fluids. Participants should be in a state of dehydration at the start, but without any health conditions that might interfere with the study or put them at risk.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Confirmation
Participants confirmed as low fluid consumers through urine and blood samples
Treatment
Participants undergo hydration education and self-assessment over 6 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for fluid turnover and activity patterns
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Hydration education and self-assessment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Arizona State University
Lead Sponsor
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Collaborator