Float First: An Index of Floating: Factors Affecting Floating in Different Populations

Overview

The study involves measurements of body composition using a DEXA scanner, lung function, buoyancy and floating technique. An understanding of the effects of physiological and anthropometric measures on an individual's ability to float may lead to the creation of a 'Floatability Score' to aid current public information. With this floatability score a set of actions that people of certain body types should adopt in water will be created, to tailor the current public safety messaging in an attempt to ensure more people are aware of how they can float in water

Full Title of Study: “”Float First”: Categorising Factors Effecting Floating in Different Populations During Water Immersion.”

Study Type

• Study Type: Observational
• Study Design
  • Time Perspective: Prospective
• Study Primary Completion Date: June 30, 2020

Detailed Description

Between 2000 and 2013 an average of 425 people in the UK drowned per annum, and a reported 100,000 people were involved in water-related emergencies involving search and rescue services. Approximately half had not intended to go into the water. Research identifies that in the first 1-3 minutes of immersion, during the "cold shock response" (CSR), there may be an increased probability of drowning fatalities. As a result of this, a theme of 'Float First' was created whereby individuals are advised to float for 1-3 minutes following immersion (by undertaking the minimum amount of activity possible to maximise the amount of air trapped in clothing layers and hence creating additional buoyancy) until the effects of the CSR have declined. However, a number of people have come forward indicating that despite the advice given, they are unable to float. This study is designed to establish the minimum activity level a person needs to stay afloat and combine this with anthropomorphic and physiological measures to develop advice for people of different shapes, sizes and body compositions.

Interventions

• Other: this is an observational study there are no interventions
  • development of an index to provide appropriate information on a person’s ability to float, based on Physiological and anthropometric characteristics

Arms, Groups and Cohorts

• Main study group
  • Assessments performed: Height Mass Body fat density Bone density Lean muscle density Lung volume measurements Floating technique Buoyancy
• Validation group
  • Assessments performed: Height Mass Body fat density Bone density Lean muscle density Lung volume measurements Floating technique Buoyancy

Clinical Trial Outcome Measures

Primary Measures

• Floating index
  • Time Frame: 2 minutes
  • Describes the actions required to stay afloat

Secondary Measures

• Standing Height
  • Time Frame: with the two week study window
  • Height of participant
• Mass
  • Time Frame: with the two week study window – performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements
  • Mass of participant
• Body composition
  • Time Frame: with the two week study window – performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements
  • a break down of the main components of the body (fat, lean tissue)
• Lung function
  • Time Frame: with the two week study window – performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements
  • the volumes of the lungs namely, FVC, Tidal breathing, ERV and IRV
• Buoyancy
  • Time Frame: with the two week study window – performed at the same time of day as the floating and DEXA scan measurements
  • the buoyancy of the person floating in the water
• Floating technique
  • Time Frame: 2 minutes
  • The technique required to float

Participating in This Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

• All participants who feel confident in water which they can stand up in, aged 18 years and older (18-29 years for Phase 1). – The participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. – Be able to climb up and down a set of steps to access the swimming flume Exclusion Criteria:

• Have allergies to water or chlorinated water. – The participant is pregnant or suspects they may be pregnant. – Not able to climb up and down a set of steps to access the swimming flume

Gender Eligibility: All

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Maximum Age: N/A

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Investigator Details

• Lead Sponsor
  • University of Portsmouth
• Provider of Information About this Clinical Study
  • Principal Investigator: Heather Massey, Senior Lecturer – University of Portsmouth
• Overall Official(s)
  • Heather Massey, PhD, Principal Investigator, University of Portsmouth
• Overall Contact(s)
  • Heather Massey, PhD, 07891432744, heather.massey@port.ac.uk