Effects of Early Time Restricted Eating on Muscle Performance in Resistance Trained Individuals

Effects of 6-weeks of Early Time Restricted Eating on Muscle Performance in Resistance Trained Individuals

A randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of early time-restricted eating on muscle performance and body composition in active, resistance trained adults. Two parallel groups will be randomly assigned to either the early time-restricted eating or a control group. All participants will be asked to maintain their usual exercise routines during the 6 week intervention period. Muscle strength and endurance are the primary outcomes. Body composition (body weight, fat mass, fat-free mass and percent body fat), hunger and satiety ratings, sleep quality, energy intake, diet quality, macronutrient composition and adherence are secondary outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults between 18 - 50 years
• Performing resistance training at least twice per week (for ≥1 yr)
• BMI ≥ 18.5

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently sedentary or not engaged in resistance training.
• Major surgeries in muscles/joints during the past 3 months
• BMI < 18.5
• Ineligible to engage in physical activity according to 2022 Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for everyone (PAR-Q+)
• Take anabolic steroids or on hormone replacement therapy.
• Current smoker.
• Following restrictive diets (Vegan, vegetarian, intermittent fasting, Paleo, calorie restriction, keto/ low carbohydrate diet or any other restrictive diets)
• Active cancer or cancer requiring treatment in the past 2 years (except non-melanoma skin cancer).
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Diagnosed with cardiovascular disease including myocardial infarction, heart surgery, heart failure and had a heart transplant.
• Have pacemaker or metal implants
• Diagnosed diabetes (type 1 or 2).
• Diagnosed hypertension or high blood pressure (>130/90).
• Diagnosed eating disorder or score ≥ 20 on Eating Attitudes Test -26 (EAT26) survey
• Missing limbs/ have prosthetics
• Had surgery in joints/muscle in the past year.
• Received medical advise against exercising due to medical reasons.
• On medication for conditions related to the thyroid gland
• Unwilling to commit for a 7-week study
• Likely to move away from participating clinic before trial completed
• Unable or unwilling to give informed consent
• Another household member is a participant or staff member in the trial
• Unwilling to accept treatment assignment by randomization
• Current or anticipated participation in another intervention research project that would interfere with the intervention offered in the trial
• Pregnant or < 6 months since giving birth.
• Any other condition which, in opinion of investigators, that would adversely affect conduct of the trial.