Exercise Science Researcher Receives NIH Grant to Study Heat-Related Health Issues

Extreme heat is a growing public health concern that disproportionally affects older adults.

As people age, regulating body temperature can become more challenging, making them more susceptible to kidney injuries or even death during extreme heat events.

Zach McKenna, a thermal physiologist and assistant professor of exercise science in the College of Education and Health Professions, is researching the mechanisms underlying this heightened risk of heat-related health issues. His goal is to develop strategies that help those most susceptible to extreme heat.

McKenna recently received a nearly $600,000 National Institutes of Health K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development grant, which will support his continued investigation into the toll that heat takes on vulnerable populations and how to mitigate those effects.

His research is a direct extension of prior work as a postdoctoral fellow, when he began investigating the renal consequences of heat stress in older adults using markers of kidney function and injury. McKenna received the American Heart Association postdoctoral fellowship award and the Ruth L. Kirchstein-NRSA F32 postdoctoral training award.

In previous studies, he and fellow researchers found evidence that older adults had poorer kidney responses to heat stress, due to the physiological responses their bodies experienced while trying to cool down.

"However, those studies were limited to basic markers of kidney function and injury, and the underlying mechanisms of increased risk for kidney complications in older adults remain poorly understood," he said.

Indoor air conditioning is protective against heat-related injury or death. With this latest project, McKenna and his team in the Exercise Science Research Center have a particular interest in testing strategies that people can easily access if an extreme heat event coincides with a power outage. However, McKenna noted that even if there's no power outage, some adults may not have functional air conditioners in their homes or may not be able to afford to use their air conditioner due to rising household energy costs. Also, rolling blackouts may limit region-wide access to air conditioning at times when it is most needed.

"There is a clear need to identify alternative strategies to improve heat resilience in those most vulnerable to the adverse health effects of heat," McKenna said, noting that he hopes to share his findings widely to guide individuals, caregivers and communities on effective approaches to reduce heat-related illness or injury.

He also wants his research to help others who might be susceptible to heat illnesses.

"This project will provide clear avenues for independent investigations in other populations vulnerable to the health effects of heat, including those with kidney disease or other chronic conditions associated with reduced kidney function," McKenna said.

Note: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K01AG103877. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.