Heat Stress in Individuals With Schizophrenia (NCT07383324)
Impact of Indoor Overheating on Physiological Strain in Individuals With Schizophrenia
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness affecting approximately 24 million people worldwide and is associated with more than double the all cause mortality risk of the general population. Emerging evidence demonstrates that elevated temperatures acutely worsen mental health symptoms and significantly increase the risk of heat related morbidity and mortality. For people living with schizophrenia, prolonged exposure to heat can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms, impair judgment and decision making, and reduce the ability to engage in protective behaviors such as increasing hydration, reducing clothing, improving ventilation, or seeking cooler environments. As a result, individuals with schizophrenia may experience higher rates of heat related illness. To date our understanding of heat exposure effects in individuals with schizophrenia remains incomplete, hindering the development of evidence-based strategies to protect them. Thus, the primary objective of this exploratory study is to gather preliminary data on the effects of indoor overheating on physiological responses (core body temperature and cardiovascular function), cognitive performance (attention, working memory, and reaction time), and mood in adults with schizophrenia. Specifically, we will assess whether maintaining indoor conditions at the upper recommended temperature limit for older adults (26°C, 45% relative humidity \[RH\]; PMID: 38329752) is sufficient to mitigate physiological strain compared with exposure to a hot indoor environment (36°C, 45% RH) representative of non-air-conditioned homes during extreme heat events in individuals with schizophrenia. In both conditions, the individual will remain seated at rest while wearing light clothing (t shirt and shorts), with the exception of performing 15 minutes of stepping exercise (4-4.5 METS) each hour (excluding the lunch period) to reflect typical daily activities of daily living.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario
Age range: 18 Years to 85 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Simulated exposure to indoor overheating (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (613) 562-5800
Email: gkenny@uottawa.ca
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Heat Stress
- Aging, Beta Blockers, and Thermoregulatory Responses — Dallas, Texas
- Influence of Indoor Humidity on Physiological Strain in Older Adults During a Simulated Heat Wave — Ottawa, Ontario
- Impact of Indoor Overheating on Physiological Strain in Children — Ottawa, Ontario
- Suitability of the 26 °C Indoor Temperature Upper Limit for Older Adults: Impacts of Clothing and Daily Activity — Ottawa, Ontario
- Suitability of a 26 °C Indoor Environment for Mitigating Heat Strain in Young Adults — Ottawa, Ontario
Explore by condition: All Heat Stress clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.