There is limited research about the effects of drinking slightly excessive fluid (e.g. hyperhydration) on exercise performance. Before exercising in the heat, consumption of fluid and substances that help you retain water, called hydrating agents, may reduce the effects of dehydration (too little fluid in your body) and have positive effects on performance. Very limited research has been conducted on this topic in women, and the effects of hydration on performance at different times during the menstrual cycle are unknown. The aim of this study is to examine if drinking a small excess of fluid (2% hyperhydration) affects cycling performance compared to being normally hydrated at different phases in the menstrual cycle. This may be important for aerobic performance in women in the heat.  

UPDATES: The study recruitment is ongoing. 

A novel approach to assess dermal absorption of contaminants involves inserting a small catheter under the skin surface, known as an intradermal microdialysis (MD) fiber. As the fiber is perfused with fluid, substances can be recovered, and the effluent fluid (dialysate) collected for analysis. This study aims to optimize this method for assessment of dermal contaminant absorption and obtain reference absorption data for comparison to occupational groups from other studies. This novel work is important in characterizing dermal absorption in real-world scenarios and informing risk mitigation strategies.

UPDATES: This project will begin in Fall 2025 and continue through Spring 2026.

Firefighters are exposed to many stressors, including heat, dehydration, heavy workloads, and contaminants. Our current research aims to understand the extent of dermal absorption of different chemicals and the role of the skin as a major exposure route. This is important for informing PPE development and decontamination procedures. 

UPDATES:  Data collection and analysis are complete. We are aiming to have this study published in Spring 2026.

This study aims to validate a handheld osmometer against a bench top freeze point osmometer. This has important applications for hydration assessment in the field. 

UPDATES: This study will begin in Fall 2025 and may continue through Spring 2026.