Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on postural control in judo athletes

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) effects on postural control in judo athletes. In a counterbalanced order, 11 male judokas (22.5 ± 2.8 yrs, 173.8 ± 6.9 cm and 70.3 ± 4.4 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were asked to perform three protocols of postural control one week before and during the second week of RIF. The sway velocity was measured during the unipodal (on the right and left foot) and the bipodal (on a firm and an unstable surface) stance with the eyes opened and then with the eyes closed. In addition, the percentage of body weight borne during the weight-bearing squat test by each leg was measured with the judoka standing at 0° (erect position), 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion. The results of the present study showed that the sway velocity during bipodal and unipodal stance and the percentages of the body weight were significantly lower during RIF in comparison with that before RIF (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RIF may negatively affect the postural control of judo athletes, which might affect their performances during competitions scheduled in this month. In fact, equilibrium was worthy during RIF in comparison with that before RIF.