RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07822048

Effects of Beef-Forward Ready-to-Eat Meals on Recovery Following Simulated Fire Suppression Activities

Effects of Beef-forward Ready-to-eat Meals Before and After Simulated Fire Suppressive Activities on Markers of Cardiometabolic Health, Catabolism, and Recovery: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Sponsor

Sam Houston State University

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Jun 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Exercise recovery Stress Muscle Damage Cognition Physical Performance Parameters Blood Biomarkers

Summary

This clinical trial aims to determine whether consuming beef-based protein before and after physically demanding simulated firefighting activities improves recovery, physical performance, and cognitive performance in healthy adult firefighters. The study will also compare beef-based protein meals with plant-based protein meals. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does consuming beef-based protein reduce changes in markers of muscle damage, physiological stress, and muscle soreness following a simulated fire ground test? Does consuming beef-based protein help maintain or improve physical and cognitive performance during recovery compared with plant-based protein? Researchers will compare two ready-to-eat meal conditions: beef-based protein, and plant-based protein. Each participant will complete all two conditions in a randomized crossover design, with 14 to 21 days between conditions.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

to 60 years of age
Current trained male or female firefighter with the Fort Worth Fire Department
Able to comply with all study procedures and the study timeline
Willing to consume only the study-provided ready-to-eat meals (RTEM) during designated study periods
Willing to refrain from alcohol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and over-the-counter pain medications for 48 hours before testing sessions
Available to complete the study visits and required testing procedures

Exclusion Criteria9

Younger than 18 years or older than 60 years
Not a current firefighter with the Fort Worth Fire Department
Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study
Orthopedic or musculoskeletal limitations that prevent safe completion of the vertical jump or simulated fire ground test
Use of weight-loss dietary supplements or medications within the previous 2 weeks
Unwilling to refrain from alcohol, NSAIDs, aspirin, or over-the-counter pain medications for 48 hours before testing sessions
Unwilling or unable to consume only the study-provided RTEM during designated study periods
Heavy smoking, defined as more than 1 pack of cigarettes per day during the previous 3 months
Allergy to any of the protein sources or study foods

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Interventions

OTHERBeef-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals

Beef-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals: Participants will consume study-provided ready-to-eat meals (RTEM) in which lean beef serves as the primary protein source. Meals are designed to provide approximately 700 - 800 kcal, 80 g carbohydrate, 50 g protein, and 30 g fat per meal, with total daily protein intake targeted at approximately 1.4-2.0 g/kg/day. Beef-based meals will be provided during the approximately 3-day experimental period surrounding the simulated fire ground test and subsequent recovery assessments. Meals are designed to match the energy and macronutrient content of the plant-based protein condition.

OTHERPlant-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals

Plant-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals: Participants will consume study-provided ready-to-eat meals (RTEM) in which plant-based foods serve as the primary protein source. Plant protein sources may include soy, tempeh, tofu, and other soy-based foods. Meals are designed to provide approximately 700 - 800 kcal, 80 g carbohydrate, 50 g protein, and 30 g fat per meal, with total daily protein intake targeted at approximately 1.4-2.0 g/kg/day. Plant-based meals will be provided during the approximately 3-day experimental period surrounding the simulated fire ground test and subsequent recovery assessments and will be matched as closely as feasible to the pork-based condition for energy and macronutrient content.