RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Enhancing Heat Resiliency in Older Adults During Indoor Overheating Via Heat Acclimation by Warm Water Immersion

This study aims to discover if taking warm water baths can help older women better handle hot indoor temperatures. With global warming, overheating in buildings is becoming more common, and many older people, especially those without air conditioning, are at risk. Researchers have noted that warm water immersion might make the body better at cooling itself down. This study will specifically look at women aged 65 to 85, as they may be more vulnerable to heat-related problems. The goal is to find easy, everyday methods to protect older adults from the dangers of extreme heat.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Ottawa

Enrolment target

Start

11 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Hyperthermia Thermoregulation Aging Heat Acclimation and Thermotolerance

What is this study about?

As the world's temperature rises, we're likely to experience more hot days and overheating in our homes, especially if we don't have air conditioning. This can be particularly challenging and even dangerous for older adults. This study wants to find simple, practical ways to help older people cope better with these warmer conditions and stay safer when it gets hot indoors. We know that being able to cool down effectively is key to staying healthy in the heat.

Past research has shown that exercising in the heat can help the body get used to it and cool down better. However, this isn't always possible or safe for older people, especially those who aren't very active. More recently, a study found that older men who took warm baths for a week improved their body's ability to cool itself down. This is a really important discovery because it suggests a simple, gentle method that could help older people deal with indoor overheating.

This new study will focus specifically on older women, as some research suggests they might be more at risk from extreme heat compared to older men. The researchers will observe how older women's bodies handle a day of indoor heat before and after a week of passive heating, which means taking warm baths. The aim is to see if these warm baths can really make a difference in how well their bodies manage heat and reduce the stress heat puts on their heart and body. If successful, this could offer a valuable and accessible way to protect a vulnerable group from the effects of climate change.

Key takeaways

Study examines if warm baths help older women cope with indoor heat.
Aims to find simple ways to protect vulnerable people from overheating.
Specifically focuses on women aged 65-85.
Involves 7 days of warm water immersion, followed by monitoring in a warm room.
Goal is to improve the body's ability to cool itself down.
Could offer a practical solution for heat resilience when air conditioning isn't available.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a woman aged between 65 and 85 years old. You should also be a non-smoker and able to speak either English or French. It's important that you can understand the study details and give your permission to take part.

We would also consider your general health to make sure the study is safe for you. For example, we'd check if you have certain health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, as long as they are well-managed. However, if you have certain serious health problems, such as uncontrolled very high blood pressure, severe diabetes complications (like frequent very low blood sugars), or serious heart or lung conditions, this study may not be suitable for you.

Also, if you have any conditions that limit your physical activity, or if your doctor advises against your participation due to your health or medications, you would not be able to join. The research team will carefully review your health to ensure your safety throughout the 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 65 and 85 years old?
Are you female?
Do you speak English or French?
Are you a non-smoker?
Do you have any serious, uncontrolled health conditions (e.g., severe heart problems, uncontrolled very high blood pressure)?
Are you free from conditions that severely limit your physical activity?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll first have a screening visit to make sure it's safe for you. Then, here's what the study involves:

Before the main part, you'll have a 10-hour day where you sit in a warm room (about 36°C, which is quite hot). We'll monitor your body's temperature and heart throughout this day.

After this, for seven consecutive days, you will take warm water baths. The aim is to raise your body's temperature gently to about 38.5°C for the last hour of each bath. This is a passive heating method, meaning you just sit in the warm water without exercising.

After these seven days of warm baths, you'll have another 10-hour day in the same warm room, just like before. Again, we'll closely monitor how your body responds to the heat.

Throughout the study, you'll have regular checks, and we'll ask you about how you're feeling. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be about two weeks, including the two warm-room days and the seven days of warm baths.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by helping your body become better at handling warmer temperatures, which could improve your comfort and safety during heatwaves. However, there are some potential risks. Being in a warm room or taking warm baths could cause you to feel warm, sweat, or your heart rate might go up. The research team will monitor you closely to ensure your safety and well-being. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

University of Ottawa
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

Why are you focusing on older women?

Some research suggests older women might be more at risk from very hot weather, so we want to see if this method can specifically help them.

What does 'warm water immersion' mean?

It means taking a bath in warm water. We'll gently raise your body's temperature to see if it helps you cope with heat better.

Will I have to exercise in the heat?

No, this study uses a 'passive heating' method, which means you'll just be sitting in a warm room or a warm bath, without exercising.

How long will the study last?

Your active participation in the study will be for about two weeks in total, including your visits to the research centre and the days you take warm baths.

What if I feel unwell during the study?

The research team will be monitoring you very closely. If you feel unwell at any point, you should tell them immediately, and they will ensure your safety.

How to find out more

Glen P Kenny, PhD

gkenny@uottawa.ca 613-562-5800 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.