RECRUITING Not applicable ClinicalTrials.gov

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

Sponsor: Sam Houston State University • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07822048

Registry updated: 2026-09-16

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Description

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.

Interventions

Beef-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals (Other)
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.
Plant-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals (Other)
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.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 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 Criteria: * 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

Conditions

Physical Performance Parameters Exercise Recovery Cognition Muscle Damage Blood Biomarkers Stress

Locations

Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex Administration — Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Sam Houston State University — Huntsville, Texas, United States

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Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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