Effects of Pork Protein on Recovery Following Simulated Fireground Activity

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.

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