Isolation Conditions for Stress and Resilience

Overseen By Michele Carlin

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial studies how people react to being in a space-like environment, including confinement, work, boredom, and isolation. It aims to find out who can handle the stress of long space missions. Researchers will measure body functions and behaviors to see how well people adapt to these conditions.

Research Team

David Dinges, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pennsylvania

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking individuals aged 30-55 with a master's degree or equivalent in STEM or military experience, who are physically and mentally healthy with a BMI under 35. It excludes those with acute medical conditions, major psychiatric illnesses, substance abuse issues, certain cardiovascular/neurological problems, and specific MRI contraindications like metallic implants.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI < 35

I am between 30 and 55 years old.

I have a master's degree or equivalent in STEM or have served in the military.

Exclusion Criteria

You currently smoke or use tobacco products.

I do not have any severe ongoing illnesses, major psychiatric conditions, epilepsy, or thyroid disease.

Alcohol or drug abuse in the past year based upon history and urine toxicology screen

Treatment Details

Interventions

• 8-Days in an Isolation, Confinement Unit (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study involves spending 8 days in an isolation unit to assess how different people adapt to stress caused by confinement and isolation. It looks at biological and behavioral responses to understand resilience and well-being under these controlled but challenging conditions.

Participant Groups

Group I: 8-Days in an Isolation, Confinement Unit Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will spend 7-night/8-day in an isolated and confined unit with up to 3 other subjects.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pennsylvania

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,118

Recruited

45,270,000+

University of Pittsburgh

Collaborator

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collaborator

Trials

32

Recruited

1,900+