Bretigny Sur Orge

Researchers are evaluating whether an EEG-based neurofeedback training can improve attention in healthy adults, compared to a placebo control. The study also aims to understand why individuals may respond differently to the training by looking at factors like body awareness, sleep patterns, and genetics. This clinical trial is double-blinded and randomized with parallel arms to compare neurofeedback against a sham control. Participants will undergo one week of cerebral training, either the neurofeedback intervention or a sham procedure. Each training session lasts 35 minutes and is conducted over five consecutive days, with resting-state recordings before and after each session. The control group receives a sham version of the neurofeedback training. Sleep and wake cycles will be monitored at home using a wearable headset for 14 days, split evenly before and during the training week. During the study, volunteers will complete daily cognitive tests assessing attention and vigilance, including tasks like the Psychomotor Vigilance Task and Attentional Network Test. Body awareness questionnaires will be completed before and after the training period. Saliva samples will be collected before the first session and after the last to measure cortisol and alpha-amylase levels. The main outcome is attentional performance measured one week after training.

Researchers are investigating thermoregulation in individuals who have experienced exercise heat stroke, focusing on their heat tolerance using the Heat Tolerance Test (HTT). This test is performed under carefully controlled environmental conditions and exercise intensity to distinguish between heat intolerant and heat tolerant patients. The HTT is safer and more reproducible than other tests like the walk-run test and has been used for decades by the Israeli army to assess fitness after heat stroke. Participants undergo several tests including the Heat Tolerance Test, which involves walking on a treadmill at 5 km/h with a 2% slope in a 400C environment with 40% humidity. During the test, their rectal temperature, heart rate, skin temperature, and blood pressure are continuously monitored. Additional assessments include a bike stress test with maximal pedaling for 36 minutes measuring gas exchanges, and a heat nociception test where heat is applied to specific skin areas to measure discomfort response time. Throughout the study lasting up to 48 months, participants' heat tolerance is evaluated primarily by the percentage of individuals classified as heat intolerant based on the HTT. Researchers monitor physiological responses such as heart rate and temperature changes during exercise in heat. Safety measures and continuous monitoring are in place to ensure participant well-being during testing and over the entire study period.