Laboratory Heat Biomarker and Cooling Interventions

Our study has two goals. The first goal is to find a blood test that can detect signs of strain from heat in the body ("a biomarker"). Second, the study team wants to identify types of devices that can help people cool down quickly.

By identifying biomarkers for heat strain, scientists can better track and treat the health effects of heat. The study team will identify such biomarkers by simulating, in a laboratory-based environment, the heat and physical work that real-world workers experience.

In addition, the study team plans to test two cooling technologies that might keep people cool during physical activity.

Not Yet Recruiting

Trial opening soon.

Get Notified

Key information

Conditions

Hyperthermia Body Temperature Changes Heat Stress Disorders Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Stanford University

Stanford, California, 94305, United States

Location contact

Astrid Elliott, MS

CONTACT

[email protected]

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Age 18-50
Able to communicate in English or Spanish
General good health
A lifestyle that includes regular patterns of modest exercise
Body weight over 80 pounds

Exclusion criteria

Cannot provide informed consent
Known history of cardiac arrhythmias or having a pacemaker
Difficulty swallowing pills
Planned upcoming X-ray tests or MRI
Known history of gastroparesis, diverticulosis or diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease
Previous surgery on stomach or intestines (except for appendix or gallbladder)
Pregnancy
Self-reported cardiac, kidney, or pulmonary disease, or diabetes
Concurrent use of temperature- or inflammation-modulating medications such as steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Staff under the direct supervision of any project directors or employed in the laboratory of the study investigators

Treatment and study plan

Hand cooling table

Other

A participant can rest their hand on the cooling table after the one hour exercise session, and this should cool their body quickly. Cold water is pumped throughout the cooling table.

Cooling bandana

Other

A participant will tie a bandana that has been soaked in cold water onto their forehead. They will wear this bandana during the one hour exercise session.

Primary outcomes

Core body temperature

Time frame: Baseline through end of study (approximately 2 months).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Stanford University

Other

Collaborators

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Registry information

Official study title

Laboratory Based Identification of Heat Stress Biomarkers and Effective Cooling Interventions

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2028
Study completion: 2028
First posted: Jun 1, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 1, 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.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Not Yet Recruiting