The effect of time-restricted eating on arterial stiffness indices in men with metabolic syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Time-restricted eating (TRE) has been shown to be associated with improvements in some aspects of the metabolic syndrome. Nevertheless, only a few studies have addressed the effect of TRE on pulse wave velocity (PWV). We thus propose a randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of TRE with standard dietary advice on PWV and thereby present the protocol. Methods Forty-eight participants will be assigned to either TRE or control groups using simple randomization. The TRE group will consume their meals during a 10-h period and experience 14 h of fasting. They will also be advised to consume their last meal no later than 20:00. Both groups will receive standard dietary advice. The participants will be followed for 6 weeks. The primary outcome will be changes in PWV. Laboratory measurements, including lipid profile, liver enzyme tests, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin concentrations, and insulin resistance, as well as anthropometric data, blood pressure, basal metabolic rate, appetite status, physical activity level, sleep quality, cognitive function, quality of life, and calorie intake, will be evaluated throughout the study. Discussion The outcomes of this study will allow a comparison of the effects of TRE and standard dietary recommendations on PWV and other cardiometabolic factors in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; code: IRCT20201230049889N1; registered on August 14, 2022. The registration of the trial is accessible at: https://www.IRCT.ir/trial/64485?revision=281341 .

Keywords

• Time-restricted eating
• Intermittent fasting
• Circadian rhythm
• Pulse wave velocity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Arterial stiffness