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.