Effects of early time-restricted eating on muscle performance

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

Not applicable Interventional University of Mississippi, Oxford · NCT05908201

This study tests if eating only during the early part of the day can improve muscle strength and overall body composition in active adults who lift weights.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Mississippi, Oxford Academic / other
Locations1 site (University, Mississippi)
Trial IDNCT05908201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of early time-restricted eating on muscle performance and body composition in active, resistance-trained adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an early time-restricted eating group or a control group while maintaining their usual exercise routines over a six-week period. The primary outcomes include muscle strength and endurance, while secondary outcomes assess body composition, hunger and satiety ratings, sleep quality, and dietary habits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 50 who engage in resistance training at least twice a week for over a year.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently sedentary, have certain medical conditions, or follow restrictive diets may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance muscle performance and improve body composition in resistance-trained individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of time-restricted eating is gaining attention, this specific approach focusing on muscle performance in resistance-trained individuals is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.

Where this trial is running

University, Mississippi

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Time Restricted EatingIntermittent fastingTime restricted eating
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.