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
Who can join
Ages 18 to 60 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full 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
About the study
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.
What is being tested
- Beef-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals (other)
- Plant-Based Protein Ready-to-Eat Meals (other)
Sponsor: Sam Houston State University · Participants: 20 · Started: Jun 1, 2026
Contact the study team
- Drew E Gonzalez, PhD · Phone: 2107888616
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07822048
Locations in the U.S.
| Texas | Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex Administration, Fort Worth Sam Houston State University, Huntsville |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.