Isolation Conditions for Stress and Resilience

Overseen By Michele Carlin

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

Disqualifiers: Neurological, Psychiatric, Cardiovascular, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

32 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have certain medical conditions or use substances like tobacco, you may not be eligible to participate.

How does the 8-day isolation treatment differ from other treatments for stress and resilience?

The 8-day isolation treatment is unique because it involves placing individuals in a confined space to study stress and resilience, unlike other treatments that might focus on medication or therapy. This approach allows researchers to directly observe the psychological and physiological effects of isolation, which can provide insights into stress management and resilience building. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial studies how people react to being in a space-like environment, including confinement, work, boredom, and isolation. It aims to find out who can handle the stress of long space missions. Researchers will measure body functions and behaviors to see how well people adapt to these conditions.

Research Team

David Dinges, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pennsylvania

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking individuals aged 30-55 with a master's degree or equivalent in STEM or military experience, who are physically and mentally healthy with a BMI under 35. It excludes those with acute medical conditions, major psychiatric illnesses, substance abuse issues, certain cardiovascular/neurological problems, and specific MRI contraindications like metallic implants.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI < 35

I am between 30 and 55 years old.

I have a master's degree or equivalent in STEM or have served in the military.

Exclusion Criteria

You currently smoke or use tobacco products.

I do not have any severe ongoing illnesses, major psychiatric conditions, epilepsy, or thyroid disease.

Alcohol or drug abuse in the past year based upon history and urine toxicology screen

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Isolation and Confinement

Subjects will spend 7-night/8-day in an isolated and confined unit with up to 3 other subjects

8 days

Continuous stay in isolation unit

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in resilience, stress, brain structure and function, sleep, biomarker response to stress, cognitive performance, and heart rate

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• 8-Days in an Isolation, Confinement Unit

Trial Overview The study involves spending 8 days in an isolation unit to assess how different people adapt to stress caused by confinement and isolation. It looks at biological and behavioral responses to understand resilience and well-being under these controlled but challenging conditions.

Participant Groups

Group I: 8-Days in an Isolation, Confinement Unit Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will spend 7-night/8-day in an isolated and confined unit with up to 3 other subjects.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pennsylvania

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,118

Recruited

45,270,000+

University of Pittsburgh

Collaborator

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collaborator

Trials

32

Recruited

1,900+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Experiences of supported isolation in returning travellers during the early COVID-19 response: a qualitative interview study. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of long-term confinement and exercise on central and peripheral stress markers. [2015]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during mandated isolation and compliance with recommendations-A population-based cohort study. [2022]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of isolation, crowding, and different psychological countermeasures on crew behavior and performance. [2022]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

COVID-19 Lockdown: Key Factors in Citizens' Stress. [2021]