This is a randomized controlled human exposure crossover study. Investigators aims to assess the acute effects of low-temperature exposure on cognitive function and the underlying mechanisms.
The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled human exposure crossover study among about 40 healthy young adults in Shanghai, China. Each subject will be exposed twice: once to the low temperature (15℃) and once to the moderate temperature (22℃) in a chamber for about 2 hours. During the exposure session, each subject will be requested to rest. Health examinations will be conducted immediately prior to exposure, during the period of exposure, and after exposure. Health examinations include cognitive function tests and magnetic resonance imaging. Investigators plan to collect blood and urine samples.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
The exposure group will be exposed to low temperature (15℃) in a chamber for about 2 hours, resting during the whole period.
The exposure group will be exposed to thermoneutral temperature (22℃) in a chamber for about 2 hours, resting during the whole period.
Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
Results of Stroop Tests
Investigators plan to measure the changes of cognitive function using Stroop Test. The time taken to complete the test could reflect cognitive function, and a shorter time means better cognitive function.
Time frame: before exposure and immediately after the exposure session
Results of simple reaction time
Investigators plan to measure the changes of cognitive function using visual memory test
Time frame: before exposure and immediately after the exposure session
Activated brain regions demonstrating neural activity related to the high temperature exposure
Investigators plan to measure brain activity associated with high temperature exposure by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain imaging data will be extracted from MRI data. The fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) would be extracted to reflect neural activity of brain regions.
Time frame: 1 hour after exposure session
Activated brain regions demonstrating neural connectivity related to the high temperature exposure
Investigators plan to measure brain activity associated with high temperature exposure by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain imaging data will be extracted from MRI data. The degree of centrality (DC) would be extracted to reflect neural connectivity of brain regions.
Time frame: 1 hour after exposure session
Activated brain regions demonstrating neural synchronization related to the high temperature exposure
Investigators plan to measure brain activity associated with high temperature exposure by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain imaging data will be extracted from MRI data. The regional homogeneity (ReHo) would be extracted to reflect neural synchronization of brain regions.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 1 hour after exposure session
Changes of skin temperature
The changes of wrist skin temperature will be measured
Time frame: Skin temperature will be examined during the 2-hour exposure session (i.e., 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on the day of the exposure session)