Clinical Trial: Comparing Risk of Heat Illness Based on Peak Core Temps During Preseason Football Camp Across 3 Different Age Levels

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: "Using Peak Core Temperature in Hot Preseason American Football Practice to Compare and Contrast Risk of Heat Illness at High School, College, and Professional Levels."

Brief Summary: To collect field data in professional, collegiate, and high school football players to determine how they respond physiologically to the rigors of preseason training environment. Investigators will compare core temperature, hydration status, practice guidelines regarding rest and hydration, and baseline knowledge of heat illness and hydration among the three levels. The hypothesis is higher peak temperatures will be observed in the younger less experienced football players.

Detailed Summary: Observations will occur over a 4-5 day period at the start of pre-season training camp. Researchers will meet with the high school volunteers and their parents to discuss the study and obtain informed consent prior to participating. Participants will swallow the HQInc CorTemp pill at least three hours (or late the night before) before practice. Temperature readings will be scanned every 15-30 minutes throughout practice. Pre and post practice weights will be recorded as well as urine specific gravity to help assess hydration status. Participants will also fill out a short 1 page questionnaire regarding their prior heat acclimatization, sleep habits, and baseline knowledge of hydration and heat illness. Protocol will be the same at all three age/competition levels.
Sponsor: University of Minnesota - Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Current Primary Outcome: Peak core body temperature [ Time Frame: The first 3-4 days of preseason football practice for each cohort. ]

Measured via HQInc ingestible core thermometer throughout practices.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Hydration status before and after preseason football practice [ Time Frame: Over first 3-4 days of each cohort's preseason camp. ]
    Measured via urine specific gravity and body weights before and after practice.
  • Baseline knowledge of hydration status and heat illness in football [ Time Frame: Up to August 30th, 2013 ]
    Athletes will be administered a 14 question survey covering various topics with regards to practice regulation, heat illness, and hydration.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of Minnesota - Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Dates:
Date Received: September 18, 2013
Date Started: July 2013
Date Completion:
Last Updated: September 26, 2013
Last Verified: September 2013