Indoor Temperature for Heat Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
While an indoor upper temperature limit of 26 °C has been shown to protect heat-vulnerable older adults (DOI: 10.1289/EHP11651), this guideline has not been verified in young, habitually active adults. Public health recommendations during hot weather typically emphasize staying in cool environments, avoiding strenuous activity, wearing lightweight clothing, and maintaining adequate hydration. However, young adults may be less likely to follow these guidelines. They often do not reduce their physical activity during extreme heat events and may overdress for fashion, cultural, or religious reasons. These behaviors can impose an additional thermoregulatory burden and lead to greater physiological strain during heat exposure, even though young adults generally have a higher capacity for heat dissipation than older individuals. Accordingly, it is important to evaluate whether an indoor temperature limit of 26 °C is sufficient to protect young, habitually active adults.
To address this gap, the investigators aim to assess changes in body temperature and cardiovascular strain in young, habitually active adults (18-29 years) during an 8-hour exposure to the recommended indoor upper temperature limit of 26 °C and 45% relative humidity (humidex of 29, considered comfortable). Participants will complete two conditions:
A) seated rest while dressed in light clothing (T-shirt, shorts, and socks), and B) light exercise (stepping to simulate activities of daily living, 4-4.5 METs) performed once per hour (except for the lunch hour) while dressed in light clothing plus an additional insulating layer (sweatshirt and sweatpants).
This experimental design will allow investigators to determine the effects of added clothing insulation and light activity-representative of typical daily behaviors-on physiological strain in young adults, and to assess whether refinements to the recommended 26 °C indoor temperature limit are warranted for this population.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Glen P Kenny, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Ottawa
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young, habitually active adults aged 18-29. It's designed to see if a room temperature of 26 °C is safe during heat events when they might not follow standard cool-down advice due to lifestyle choices.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Simulated indoor temperature upper limit
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Ottawa
Lead Sponsor