RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study of Thermoregulation in Exercise Heat Stroke in the Military Environment

This study, called EXPLO-MITO, is exploring how the body deals with heat after someone has had heat stroke from exercise. It uses a special "Heat Tolerance Test" (HTT) in a controlled environment, like a warm room, to carefully measure how your body responds to heat and exercise. This test is safer and more reliable than older methods. Researchers want to understand why some people struggle with heat more than others and identify those who are more likely to get heat stroke again. The goal is to develop better ways to assess and help military personnel return to their duties safely after experiencing exercise-related heat stroke, using a test that has a good track record in other countries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Direction Centrale du Service de Santé des Armées

Enrolment target

Start

09 May 2023

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Heat Stroke

What is this study about?

This study, known as EXPLO-MITO, is looking into how people recover and cope with heat after experiencing heat stroke during physical activity, especially in a military setting. Heat stroke is a serious condition where your body overheats and can't cool itself down, which can be dangerous, particularly for those in physically demanding jobs like the military.

The main part of the study involves a detailed "Heat Tolerance Test" (HTT). This isn't just a simple run; it's done in a special controlled room where the temperature and humidity are carefully managed. During the test, researchers will gently increase the exercise while watching your body's temperature, heart rate, and how much you sweat. This helps them understand exactly how your body reacts to heat and whether it can cool down properly. This test is much safer than older methods because it's done under strict supervision, and it's less physically demanding than a long run. It's been used successfully for many years in other countries, like Israel, to help decide if soldiers are fit to return to duty after a heat stroke incident.

The information gathered from this study is really important. It will help doctors better understand why some people are more vulnerable to heat stroke and identify those who might be at higher risk of getting it again. Ultimately, the goal is to develop safer and more effective ways to check military personnel after heat stroke, making sure they can return to their jobs without putting their health at risk. By studying these responses, we hope to improve how heat stroke is managed and prevented in the future.

Key takeaways

Studies how the body handles heat after exercise-induced heat stroke.
Uses safe, controlled environment tests like a Heat Tolerance Test.
Aims to understand why some are more vulnerable to heat stroke.
Helps develop better safety assessments for military personnel.
The Heat Tolerance Test has been used safely for many years in other armies.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants must already be part of a related study called EXPLO-CCE. You need to be between 18 and any age, and you must have had regular exercise, like two aerobic sessions per week, before joining.

Critically, you also need to have experienced exercise-related heat stroke at least two months before starting this study. This means the study is specifically looking at people who have recovered from this condition.

However, you can't participate if you're currently taking any medications (though this only applies to people in a comparison group) or if you have certain health issues that prevent you from safely swallowing a special temperature-measuring capsule. This includes if you weigh less than 37 kg, have certain digestive problems, have had digestive surgery, have an electronic medical device like a pacemaker, or need a CT or MRI scan that might interfere with the capsule.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you already part of the EXPLO-CCE study?
Are you generally fit and exercise at least twice a week?
Did you experience exercise-related heat stroke more than two months ago?
Do you weigh more than 37 kg and have no major digestive issues?
Do you not have an internal electronic medical device (like a pacemaker)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will undergo several tests. These include a "bike stress test" where you exercise on a stationary bike, and a "Heat Tolerance Test" (HTT) in a controlled warm room to see how your body manages heat. There's also a "heat nociception test," which generally assesses your body's response to heat sensation. You'll likely need to swallow a small capsule that measures your internal body temperature throughout the tests. The study mentions that the Heat Tolerance Test itself involves about 2 hours of walking. The total duration of your participation and the number of visits are not specified, but the main tests will take place in a controlled laboratory setting.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of participating include contributing valuable information to help understand and improve care for exercise-related heat stroke, which may ultimately benefit military personnel and others. There are some potential risks associated with the tests, such as discomfort during exercise tests or the Heat Tolerance Test, though these are performed under medical supervision in a controlled environment. Swallowing a temperature-monitoring capsule also comes with some minor considerations, as outlined in the exclusion criteria. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and your decision will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées
Verified postcode
Brétigny-sur-Orge, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a serious condition where your body gets too hot and can't cool itself down effectively, often due to strenuous exercise in warm conditions. It can be very dangerous.

What is the Heat Tolerance Test?

It's a special test done in a controlled warm room to see how well your body copes with heat and exercise. Doctors carefully monitor your temperature, heart rate, and sweating to understand your body's responses.

Is the Heat Tolerance Test safe?

Yes, it's considered safe because it's done in a controlled environment with medical staff closely watching you. It's also less demanding than some older tests.

Why is this study important for military personnel?

It helps doctors understand how to safely assess soldiers who have had heat stroke during exercise, ensuring they can return to duty without risking their health again.

Will I have to take any medication?

The study mentions that participants in a comparison group should not be on current medication, but it doesn't state that you would be given any as part of this specific study.

How to find out more

Alexandra MALGOYRE, MD, PhD

alexandra.malgoyre@intradef.gouv.fr 178651317 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.