NCT07819565 Effects of Pork Protein on Recovery Following Simulated Fireground Activity
| NCT ID | NCT07819565 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Sam Houston State University |
| Condition | Exercise Recovery |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 20 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-06-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-11-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 20 participants in total. It began in 2026-06-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-11-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether consuming pork-based protein before and after physically demanding simulated firefighting activities can improve recovery, physical performance, and cognitive performance in healthy adult firefighters. The study will also compare pork-based protein meals with plant-based protein meals and a carbohydrate-focused control condition. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does consuming pork-based protein reduce changes in markers of muscle damage, physiological stress, and muscle soreness following a simulated fire ground test? Does consuming pork-based protein help maintain or improve physical and cognitive performance during recovery compared with plant-based protein and a carbohydrate-focused control condition? Researchers will compare three ready-to-eat meal conditions: pork-based protein, plant-based protein, and a carbohydrate-focused control condition. Each participant will complete all three conditions in a randomized crossover design, with 14 to 21 days between conditions.
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
Contact & Investigator
Drew E Gonzalez, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Sam Houston State University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07819565 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 60 Years, studying Exercise Recovery. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07819565 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07819565 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at drewgonzalez418@shsu.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07819565 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Fort Worth, United States, Huntsville, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07819565 clinical trial?
NCT07819565 is sponsored by Sam Houston State University. The principal investigator is Drew E Gonzalez, PhD at Sam Houston State University. The trial plans to enroll 20 participants.