Beef-Based Protein Meals for Exercise Recovery
(FIRE-BEEF Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
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.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Drew E Gonzalez, PhD
Principal Investigator
Sam Houston State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy adult firefighters who are able to participate in physically demanding simulated firefighting activities. People with health issues or injuries that prevent safe participation will not be included.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Trial Overview
The study compares the effects of eating beef-based protein meals versus plant-based protein meals before and after intense exercise, using a randomized crossover design where each participant tries both meal types with a break between tests.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will consume beef-based protein ready-to-eat meals (RTEM) during this experimental condition. Meals will provide approximately 700.- 800 kcal, 80 g carbohydrate, 50 g protein, and 30 g fat per meal, with lean beef serving as the primary protein source. The dietary intervention is designed to provide a total daily protein intake consistent with study targets. Participants will consume the study-provided meals surrounding the simulated fire ground testing and recovery period, with physiological, cognitive, and physical performance outcomes assessed during recovery.
Participants will consume plant-based protein ready-to-eat meals (RTEM) during this comparator condition. Meals will be designed to approximate the energy and macronutrient content of the pork-based condition, providing approximately 700-800 kcal, 80 g carbohydrate, 50 g protein, and 30 g fat per meal, with plant-based foods such as soy, tempeh, or tofu as the primary protein sources. Participants will consume the study-provided meals surrounding the simulated fire ground testing and recovery period, with the same physiological, cognitive, and physical performance outcomes assessed.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sam Houston State University
Lead Sponsor
National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff
Industry Sponsor
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