CompletedNot Applicable

Chronic Passive Heating in Healthy Older Adults

United Kingdom19 participantsStarted 2023-05-23

Plain-language summary

Aging is associated with a decline in cardiovascular health, cognitive function and losses in muscle strength, with half or more of those over age 65 suffering from two or more comorbidities (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes). The worldwide population of older adults is growing rapidly, with one in six people expected to be over age 65 by 2050. This will place further financial burden from chronic diseases on already stressed healthcare systems. While studies show that frequent exercise is an effective way for older adults to maintain or improve cardiovascular and metabolic health, older individuals are less physically active and do not adhere well to exercise programs, often due to physical or medical limitations. Therefore, alternative methods for older adults to get the same health benefits as exercise require further exploration. Recent work has shown that passive heat therapy may be one such alternative solution.

Who can participate

Age range

55 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female age ≥ 55 * Free from cardiometabolic disease * Body mass index of 18-35 kg/m2 * Receipt of a normal 12-lead ECG approved by the School Independent Medical Officer * Capacity to understand and provide their written, informed consent to participate in the study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to understand or cooperate with the study protocol due to learning difficulties or otherwise * Any current, or past medical (last five years), history of any cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, haematological, lymphatic, neurological, psychiatric, or any other disease or diseases. * Any regular medication for the last five years (not including acute courses of treatment of less than one month for discrete, resolved conditions). * Medications that may influence physiological responses to the passive heating intervention Uncontrolled hypertension (≥ 150 mmHg systolic and/or ≥ 90 mmHg diastolic) * Body mass index of \> 35 kg/m2 * Recent long-term exposure to a hot climate (within the previous three months) * Current smoker (or have stopped smoking within the previous three months)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation

Timeframe: Pre and post 6 weeks of passive heating and pre and post 6 weeks no intervention with 6 weeks washout between arms

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05618197

SponsorUniversity of Portsmouth

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aging trials