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Effect of Ceiling Fans on Core Temperature in Bed-Resting Older Adults Exposed to Indoor Overheating
Fergus K O'Connor1,2, Robert D Meade1,3, Kristina-Marie T Janetos1
1Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Rising global temperatures have increased indoor overheating risks, posing significant health threats to vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. While electric fans are recommended for cooling at temperatures up to 40°C, the efficacy of ceiling fans in very warm indoor temperatures (~31°C) remains understudied. This randomized study evaluated the efficacy of ceiling fans in reducing core temperature and cardiovascular strain among bed-resting adults exposed to simulated indoor overheating (31°C, 45% relative humidity) for 8 h.
Methods:
Twenty participants (12 females, median [IQR] age: 71 [68-73] years) underwent two experimental exposures with a ceiling fan set at either 0 m/s (control) or ~1.5 m/s (fan condition).
Results:
The primary outcome, peak core temperature, was significantly lowered by 0.2 [95% CI: 0.1-0.3]°C (0.4 [0.2-0.5]°F, p < 0.001) with fan use (mean [SD]) 37.6 [0.2]°C (99.7 [0.4]°F); +0.9 [0.3]°C (+1.6 [0.5]°F) vs. pre-exposure) compared to control (37.8 [0.2]°C (100.0 [0.4]°F); +1.1 [0.5]°C (+2.0 [0.9]°F) vs. pre-exposure). Secondary outcomes, including core temperature area under the curve, peak and end-exposure heart rate, fluid consumption, and thermal discomfort, were also reduced significantly with fan use. Despite these improvements, fan use did not completely ameliorate heat-induced physiological strain.
Conclusions:
These findings indicate that while ceiling fans significantly reduce heat-related physiological strain under the conditions tested, they are not wholly efficacious as standalone cooling solutions. A combined "fan-first" approach, integrating fans with ambient cooling strategies, may enhance heat-health protection in older adults.
Gov Identifier:
NCT06142890.
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Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
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