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Effects of Beef-Forward Ready-to-Eat Meals on Recovery Following Simulated Fire Suppression Activities
Sponsor: Sam Houston State University
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.
Official title: 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
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2026-06-01
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-09-16
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Beef-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.
Plant-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.
Locations (2)
Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex Administration
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas, United States