Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Risk Factors for Exertional Heat Illness

This research focuses on Exertional Heat Illness (EHI), a condition that can affect people who exercise hard, especially in hot weather. It's a particular concern for military personnel during training and operations, as EHI can make them unwell or even be life-threatening. The main goal of this study is to understand what factors increase someone's risk of developing EHI. Researchers will be looking at both well-known and new potential risk factors. By identifying these, the study hopes to find better ways to protect military recruits from EHI, helping them stay healthy and perform effectively during their demanding duties. Both men and women aged 17 to 35, who are starting military training, can take part.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Liverpool John Moores University

Enrolment target

783

Start

11 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2025

Exertional Heat Illness

What is this study about?

Imagine exercising really hard, like during military training sessions, especially when it's hot. Sometimes, your body can struggle to cool down properly, leading to a condition called Exertional Heat Illness, or EHI. This can make you feel very unwell and, in serious cases, can be dangerous.

Military training and operations often involve intense physical activity in challenging environments, including hot conditions. This puts military personnel at a higher risk of EHI, which can affect their performance and health. This study aims to understand *why* some people get EHI more easily than others when they're working hard in the heat.

The researchers want to look at various things that might increase the chances of someone developing EHI. They'll be investigating both factors we already know about and some new ideas that haven't been studied much before. By understanding these risk factors better, the study hopes to help prevent EHI, making military training and activities safer for everyone involved.

Key takeaways

This study investigates what causes Exertional Heat Illness (EHI) in military recruits.
It aims to make military training safer by identifying risk factors for EHI.
Participation involves various health checks and sample collections, like blood and urine.
The study is for men and women aged 17-35 who are starting military training.
You can stop taking part at any time without affecting your military duties.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are starting military training.

You can take part if you are aged between 17 and 35 years old. This study is open to both men and women.

However, you cannot take part if you are pregnant. If you are starting military training and fall within the age range, you might be suitable for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 17 and 35 years old?
Are you a man or a woman?
Are you starting military training?
Are you not pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the researchers will collect various pieces of information about you to understand your risk of Exertional Heat Illness.

This will involve checking your body temperature, often through core temperature monitoring, and also monitoring your heart rate at different times. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires about yourself and your activities.

To get a full picture of your health, the study will involve collecting samples such as blood, urine, saliva, throat swabs, and stool samples. You will also have your sleep monitored. The specific timing and number of these collections will be explained in detail by the study team. The overall duration of your participation will depend on the military training schedule.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about how to protect people from Exertional Heat Illness, which could benefit future military personnel. There are some minor risks involved, such as discomfort from blood draws or providing other samples. The study team will explain any potential risks in full. Remember, you can decide to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or military training.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Commando Training Centre Royal Marine
Verified postcode
Lympstone, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Exertional Heat Illness (EHI)?

It's a condition where your body struggles to cool itself down when you're exercising intensely, especially in hot weather, making you feel unwell.

Why is this study important for military personnel?

Military training often involves hard work in hot conditions, increasing the risk of EHI. This study aims to find ways to keep personnel safer and healthier.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It focuses on monitoring and collecting information.

How much time will this study take up?

The time commitment will depend on the military training schedule and the specific assessments needed, which will be explained by the study team.

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any point, and it won't affect your military training or medical care.