The Effect of Ramadan Month on Changes in Objectively Assessed Physical Activity in Adults

Abstract

Ramadan is the Islamic month, when Muslims around the world participate in an intermittent fast for 29 to 30 days as a part of their religious obligation. During this period, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Studies have shown that Ramadan fasting has negative influence on sleep, physical performance and attention. However, the effects of Ramadan fasting on physical activity are not clear. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of Ramadan month on objectively assessed physical activity among Muslim adults. METHODS: Around 802 Muslim adults (Males 51.7%) ages ranging from 18 to 60 years, were sampled from a national community health program in Qatar representing two consecutive years. Physical activity was assessed daily using a pedometer (Omron HJ-720 ITC). Daily average step count and aerobic step count during the days of Ramadan month was compared during non-Ramadan months (one month prior and one month after Ramadan). For this longitudinal study design, a linear mixed model statistical procedure was adopted to adjust for demographic and environmental factors to test the study hypothesis. RESULTS: Objectively assessed physical activity, i.e. daily average step counts per day, declined during the month of Ramadan compared to non-Ramadan months in this population. The average daily steps per day during Ramadan month was 7,267 (95% CI 7,180 to 7354) steps. When compared to one month prior Ramadan there was an average reduction of 619 steps (95% CI 483 to 755) per day p<0.001. The decline in physical activity during Ramadan was higher men (-729±74) steps compared to women (-490±81). However, one month post Ramadan the physical activity levels defined by daily average step counts increased by average 548 steps (95% CI 407 to 688) compared to Ramadan (P<0.001) and were similar to pre-Ramadan month (P=0.692). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that in this population, due to the shift in time of activity as well as calorie intake from daylight to evening hours during Ramadan there was substantial decline in objectively assessed daily physical activity among Muslim adults. Interventions are needed to promote physical activity during this period.