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- Title
The Effects of Protein and Carbohydrate Supplementation, with and without Creatine, on Occupational Performance in Firefighters.
- Authors
Elstad, Kaia; Malone, Conley; Luedke, Joel; Jaime, Salvador J.; Dobbs, Ward C.; Almonroeder, Thomas; Kerksick, Chad M.; Markert, Adam; Jagim, Andrew R.
- Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of protein and carbohydrate supplementation, with and without creatine, on occupational performance in firefighters. Methods: Using a randomized, double-blind approach, thirty male firefighters (age: 34.4 ± 8.4 yrs., height: 1.82 ± 0.07 m; weight: 88.6 ± 12.5 kg; BF%: 17.2 ± 5.8%) were randomized to receive either (A.) 25 g of whey protein isolate + 25 g of carbohydrate powder (ProCarb group); or (B.) ProCarb + 5 g of creatine (Creatine group) in a double-blind fashion over a period of 21–26 days (depending on shift rotations) to evaluate the impact of supplementation on occupation-specific performance. At baseline and following supplementation, firefighters completed a battery of tests. These tests included an aerobic speed test on an air-braked cycle ergometer followed by the hose carry, body drag, stair climb, and Keiser sled hammer for time. Results: No significant differences in measures of performance were observed at baseline (p > 0.05). There was a significant main effect for time observed for rescue, stair climb, total time to completion, and time trial performance (p < 0.05). There was a significant group × time (p < 0.05) interaction for rescue and forcible entry. Independent sample t-tests indicated that the Creatine group experienced a greater reduction (from baseline) in completion time for the rescue (1.78 ± 0.57 s, 95% CI: 0.61, 2.95 s, p = 0.004) and forcible entry (2.66 ± 0.97 s, 95% CI: 0.68, 4.65 s, p = 0.01) tests compared to the ProCarb group. No significant group × time interactions were observed for the hose line advance, stair climb, total time to completion, and time trial performance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of supplemental creatine to a protein and carbohydrate supplement to the diet of career firefighters throughout a three week period improves occupational performance in firefighters in specific areas of high-intensity, repetitive actions.
- Subjects
THERAPEUTIC use of proteins; EXERCISE tests; CONFIDENCE intervals; PHYSICAL fitness; DIETARY supplements; CREATINE; TREATMENT effectiveness; RANDOMIZED controlled trials; COMPARATIVE studies; T-test (Statistics); CARBOHYDRATES; BODY movement; BLIND experiment; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; RESEARCH funding; INDUSTRIAL hygiene; STATISTICAL sampling; ERGOMETRY; EVALUATION
- Publication
Nutrients, 2023, Vol 15, Issue 24, p5134
- ISSN
2072-6643
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/nu15245134