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NCT Number: NCT07539714

Development of an Active Heat Dissipation Device Based on Thermoelectric Cooling Technology: Aiming to Improve Endurance Sports Performance

This project investigates the effectiveness of pre-exercise active cooling using a temperature-controlled cooling vest in reducing heat-related physiological strain during endurance-type aerobic exercise in non-regularly trained ("weekend") athletes under hot and humid environmental conditions. Because these individuals often lack sufficient heat-acclimation training, they are at increased risk of excessive thermal stress, cardiovascular overload, and heat-related disorders during prolonged exercise.

Using a controlled laboratory design, participants will perform moderate-intensity endurance exercise in a simulated hot environment, with or without pre-cooling intervention. Peripheral circulation and thermoregulatory responses will be assessed through laser Doppler flowmetry based skin blood-flow analysis and infrared thermography, alongside heart rate and perceived exertion measures.

The study aims to clarify how active pre-cooling influences vascular regulation, sympathetic activity, skin temperature distribution, and exercise tolerance, and to evaluate its potential as a practical, non-fatiguing alternative to heat-acclimation training. The findings are expected to provide evidence-based guidance for reducing heat strain and improving exercise safety and comfort in recreational endurance athletes exercising in hot climates.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Heat Stroke Heat Stress Disorders Wounds and Injuries

Age range

20 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cooling Vest

Kaohsiung City, Sanmin, 807, Taiwan

About this study

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of pre-exercise active cooling using a temperature-controlled vest on peripheral vascular regulation mechanisms in non-regular endurance exercisers under hot environmental conditions. Specifically, this study seeks to quantify how pre-cooling modulates skin blood-flow dynamics, sympathetic nervous system activity, endothelial function, and myogenic vascular control, as assessed through frequency-domain analysis of laser Doppler flowmetry signals, before and after endurance-type aerobic exercise. By characterizing these microcirculatory responses alongside changes in skin-surface temperature measured via infrared thermography, the study aims to elucidate the physiological pathways through which active pre-cooling attenuates thermal strain and cardiovascular load during exercise in the heat.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 20-50 years.
  • In the past 6 months, endurance exercise less than three times per week, 40-60 min each session.
  • No cardiovascular, metabolic (e.g., diabetes), or neurological disorders, and no diseases affecting vascular regulation.
  • No medication affecting vascular tone within the last 3 months.
  • No major musculoskeletal injuries or disorders affecting performance within the last 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

  • • Diabetes, hypertension, or peripheral vascular disease.
  • Long-term work in hot environments.
  • BMI > 30 kg/m², smoking, or heavy alcohol use.
  • Allergic reactions triggered by heat or cold (e.g., hives).

Treatment and study plan

TEC Vest

Device

Intervention 1: Active Pre-Cooling Vest

Type: Device (active cooling garment)

Timing: 30 minutes before exercise (pre-cooling period)

Procedure: Participants wear the temperature-controlled vest in a hot/humid lab setting before the endurance aerobic exercise test.

Purpose: Reduce thermal strain and cardiovascular load; improve comfort; modulate peripheral circulation responses.

No Pre-Cooling (Without Vest)

Other

Intervention 2: No Pre-Cooling Without Vest Type: No intervention / usual condition Timing: 30 min Duration Procedure: Participants rest quietly for the same pre-exercise duration without wearing a cooling vest, then complete the identical warm-up and exercise protocol.

Water Cooled Vest

Device

Type: Device (active cooling garment)

Timing: 30 minutes before exercise (pre-cooling period)

Procedure: Participants wear the water cooled vest in a hot/humid lab setting before the endurance aerobic exercise test.

Purpose: Reduce thermal strain and cardiovascular load; improve comfort; modulate peripheral circulation responses.

Primary outcomes

  1. Heart Rate

    Time frame: During a single laboratory visit lasting approx. 40 minutes: baseline immediately before the pre cooling period,immediately after 30 minutes of pre cooling,immediately after the 5 minute exercise bout, and immediately after the 5 minute seated cool down.

  2. Temperature

    Time frame: During a single laboratory visit lasting approx.40 minutes: baseline immediately before the pre cooling period, immediately after 30 minutes of pre cooling,immediately after the 5 minute exercise bout, and immediately after the 5 minute seated cool down.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kaohsiung Medical University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Heat Acclimation and Innovative Cooling Systems: Optimizing Athletic Performance and Reducing Heat-Induced Performance Impairments in Hot Environments Under Climate Change Conditions

Acronym: DAHDD-TCT

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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