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Time Restricted Feeding Reduces Inflammation and Cortisol Response to a Firegrounds Test in Professional Firefighters
Matthew J McAllister1, Andrew E Gonzalez, Hunter S Waldman
1Metabolic & Applied Physiology Lab, Department of Health & Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos Texas (Dr McAllister, Mr Gonzalez); and Department of Kinesiology, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama (Dr Waldman).
Objective:
Firefighters are at a heightened risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if time restricted feeding (TRF) can improve the stress/inflammatory response to a simulated firegrounds test (FGT) in professional firefighters.
Methods:
Thirteen firefighters participated in an 8-week TRF intervention (14:10 [fasting:feeding]) protocol and completed a FGT before and after the intervention. Blood lactate, heart rate, salivary C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1-β (IL-1β), and cortisol were measured pre and post FGT.
Results:
Following TRF, the salivary cortisol response to the FGT was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced. Salivary IL-6 and IL-1β were also significantly lower, and CRP was higher following the intervention.
Conclusions:
These findings demonstrate lower inflammation and reduced stress response to FGT following TRF and may suggest implications in terms of cardiometabolic benefits for firefighters.
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