Impact of Adding Heat Stress During Exercise on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health in Adults Aged 18 to 50

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of adding heat stress to exercise on metabolic and cardiovascular health in healthy young adults aged 18 to 50. The study aims to understand how heat stress during exercise might help prevent accelerated aging and physical deconditioning, issues relevant both to astronauts on long space missions and people on Earth leading inactive lifestyles. This study addresses the concern that lack of environmental stress, such as heat, may contribute to rapid aging observed in space. Participants will take part in a randomized crossover study involving three different conditions exercising for 90 minutes while staying cool with fans and light clothing, exercising for 90 minutes while wearing winter and rain gear to increase heat strain, and a resting control condition without exercise. Each participant will undergo seven lab visits, including a familiarization and fitness test, three experimental visits with the different conditions, and follow-up assessments after each experimental visit to measure physiological responses. During visits, participants will have temperature sensors and venous cannulas inserted for monitoring and blood sampling. Researchers will assess glucose tolerance, vascular function, arterial stiffness, and plasma volume changes. Participants will be instructed to maintain consistent exercise and diet habits before testing sessions. The study involves detailed monitoring over several hours during each visit, with glucose and insulin tests, blood draws, and vascular assessments to evaluate the bodys response to exercise combined with heat stress.

Effect of Exercise and Heat Stress on Acute Cardiometabolic Adaptations in Healthy Young Adults