The University of Leeds is conducting a study to gather data on a rechargeable foot warmer for home use. This study aims to examine older people’s comfort levels before and after using a foot warmer, and the related energy use in their homes.
Participant criteria
- People aged 60 and above
- Available for 9 days to take part
What’s involved?
During the study, small sensors will measure room temperature and humidity. For part of the
study, you will use an electric foot warmer when you feel cold. The study involves three brief
visits to your home, brief repeated questionnaires that take only a few minutes, and one brief
interview. All procedures are designed to fit into your normal daily life. Participation is entirely
voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time.
What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to understand how using a foot warmer affects older adults’
comfort, daily heating behaviours, and energy use at home during cold weather. Specifically,
the study aims to examine:
- How comfortable you feel in your home with and without using a foot warmer.
- How, before and after using the foot warmer, your heating habits and thermal behaviours
change, such as adjusting clothing, moving to other spaces, or using room heating. - What the impact of using a foot warmer is on the overall energy use in the house.
By participating, you will be helping researchers better understand whether foot warmers are
safe, practical, and energy-efficient for older adults to stay warm during winter. This may
contribute to developing more effective heating strategies to support older people in the future.
Further information
For a more detailed look at this study, please read the Participant Information Sheet
Reimbursement
Taking part in this study is voluntary. As a thank you for your time and contribution, you will
receive a £20 voucher after you have completed all parts of the study. The voucher can be
used in a range of well-known shops (e.g., supermarkets and online retailers).
How to get involved
Contact PhD student Chunyu Tian: nqtd0140@leeds.ac.uk