Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

Passive heating and vascular health

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FREE BLOOD VESSEL HEALTH ASSESSMENT

The University of Queensland is looking for women and men over 50 years old to participate in a study aimed at understanding if heat therapy, such as sauna bathing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.  

Initial research has shown that people who regularly sauna bathe have a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This study will be investigating if passive heating during sauna bathing can positively influence the function of the arteries feeding blood to the brain. Inadequate blood flow can damage tissue in the brain increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

This study will look at the function of arteries feeding the brain at normal body temperature and following two increases in body temperature in healthy adults. Participants will receive a detailed break down of their vascular health profile (i.e. blood pressure and artery health). 

Testing sessions will take place over 4 visits (2 x 4hour and 2 x 30min visits) in the UQ School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, St Lucia campus. Paid parking will be provided.

Participant benefits:

FREE assessment of 24hr blood pressure

FREE assessment of brain artery function and health

FREE assessment of vascular structure and function

Eligibility

You may be eligible to participate if you:

1. Are over 50yrs old

2. Have normal blood pressure (<139/<89 mmHg)

3. Have no history of cardiovascular disease

Register your interest

Please fill out this form or email Faith Pizzey via f.pizzey@uq.edu.au to register your interest in participating.

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No. 2019002844]