Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Time-restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting, limits daily caloric intake to a 6–12 hour window and has been shown to effectively promote weight loss and improve overall health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of TRF versus normal die...

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Main Authors: Ke-wen Wan, Zi-han Dai, Robin Sze-tak Ho, Huang Wendy Yajun, Stephen Heung-Sang Wong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2024-08-01
Series:BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
Online Access:https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/3/e001831.full
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author Ke-wen Wan
Zi-han Dai
Robin Sze-tak Ho
Huang Wendy Yajun
Stephen Heung-Sang Wong
author_facet Ke-wen Wan
Zi-han Dai
Robin Sze-tak Ho
Huang Wendy Yajun
Stephen Heung-Sang Wong
author_sort Ke-wen Wan
collection DOAJ
description Background Time-restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting, limits daily caloric intake to a 6–12 hour window and has been shown to effectively promote weight loss and improve overall health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of TRF versus normal diet (ND) on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits.Methods MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) electronic databases were searched for relevant records. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the duration of intervention and type of exercise. Physical performance was analysed using standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs, whereas body composition parameters were analysed using mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. The quality of the included studies was examined using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2.Results 15 randomised controlled trials with 361 participants were included in the systematic review. In comparison with the ND group, TRF significantly decreased body weight (MD=−1.76 kg, 95% CI –3.40 to −0.13, p=0.03, I2=11.0%) and fat mass (MD=−1.24 kg, 95% CI −1.87 to −0.61, p<0.001, I2=0.0%). No between-group differences in physical performance-related variables and fat-free mass were found. According to the result of the risk-of-bias assessment, one study showed a low risk of bias, 13 showed some concerns, and one showed a high risk of bias.Conclusion TRF may be a valuable nutritional strategy to optimise body composition and maintain physical performance in healthy adults engaged in regular exercise.PROSPERO registration number CRD42022310140.
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spelling doaj-art-d4c1fb51e09e421f9af02e13292b5b922025-08-20T02:49:48ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine2055-76472024-08-0110310.1136/bmjsem-2023-001831Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysisKe-wen Wan0Zi-han Dai1Robin Sze-tak Ho2Huang Wendy Yajun3Stephen Heung-Sang Wong4Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People`s Republic of ChinaDepartment of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People`s Republic of ChinaDepartment of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People`s Republic of ChinaDr. Stephen Hui Research Centre for Physical Recreation and Wellness, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People`s Republic of ChinaDepartment of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People`s Republic of ChinaBackground Time-restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting, limits daily caloric intake to a 6–12 hour window and has been shown to effectively promote weight loss and improve overall health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of TRF versus normal diet (ND) on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits.Methods MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) electronic databases were searched for relevant records. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the duration of intervention and type of exercise. Physical performance was analysed using standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs, whereas body composition parameters were analysed using mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. The quality of the included studies was examined using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2.Results 15 randomised controlled trials with 361 participants were included in the systematic review. In comparison with the ND group, TRF significantly decreased body weight (MD=−1.76 kg, 95% CI –3.40 to −0.13, p=0.03, I2=11.0%) and fat mass (MD=−1.24 kg, 95% CI −1.87 to −0.61, p<0.001, I2=0.0%). No between-group differences in physical performance-related variables and fat-free mass were found. According to the result of the risk-of-bias assessment, one study showed a low risk of bias, 13 showed some concerns, and one showed a high risk of bias.Conclusion TRF may be a valuable nutritional strategy to optimise body composition and maintain physical performance in healthy adults engaged in regular exercise.PROSPERO registration number CRD42022310140.https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/3/e001831.full
spellingShingle Ke-wen Wan
Zi-han Dai
Robin Sze-tak Ho
Huang Wendy Yajun
Stephen Heung-Sang Wong
Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
title Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Comparative effects of time-restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort comparative effects of time restricted feeding versus normal diet on physical performance and body composition in healthy adults with regular exercise habits a systematic review and meta analysis
url https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/3/e001831.full
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