Effects Of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting Research Articles

The effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on sleep-wake behaviour and daytime sleepiness in team sport referees

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of Ramadan fasting on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in team sport referees. Seventy-eight male amateur team sport referees (age: 31.1 ± 10.8 years) participated in this study. Participants responded to the Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) questionnaires before (10-days prior) and during (last 7-days) the month of Ramadan. PSQI and ESS scores increased significantly during Ramadan (both p < .001, ES = 0.56 and 0.54, respectively) with 83.3% of participants scoring ≥5 in the PSQI. The percentage of participants suffering from severe excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS score ≥ 16) was 3.8% before vs. 7.7% during Ramadan (p < 0.001). Sleep duration decreased by ~ 1 h during Ramadan (p < .001, ES = 0.61) and was associated with a delay in bedtime of ~ 2 h (p < 0.001, ES = 0.7) and of wake-up time of ~ 1 h (p < 0.001, ES = 0.5). The score for daytime dysfunction and subjective sleep perception, as components of the PSQI, increased (both p < 0.001; ES = 0.79, ES = 0.57, respectively), whereas the score for the use of sleep medication decreased during vs. before Ramadan (p = 0.041, ES = 0.47). Ramadan fasting impaired sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness in team sport referees. Future studies, using objective assessment tools, are warranted.

Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on leptin and adiponectin: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ramadan intermittent fasting may affect whole-body metabolism by affecting appetite-related hormones. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the possible effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on the main hormones regulating appetite and satiety, including leptin and adiponectin. All English language papers in the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched using the keywords "Ramadan fasting", "adiponectin", and "leptin", up to 2020. Data extraction was conducted based on the main data of the studies; the primary outcomes of the analysis were mean changes of adiponectin and leptin levels during the holy month of Ramadan in fasted subjects. Data of 16 eligible studies, conducted between 2003 and 2020, were included in the systematic review. Of these, 10 studies with complete data on leptin and adiponectin were included in the meta-analysis. A significant decrease in leptin levels was observed after Ramadan fasting (WMD = -2.28 ng/ml, 95% CI = -3.72, -0.84). Ramadan fasting had no significant effect on adiponectin levels (WMD = 2.19 ng/ml, 95% CI = -0.29, 4.67). Sub-group analysis demonstrated a greater decrease in leptin levels among normal-weight subjects compared to those of overweight/obese subjects (WMD = -4.67 ng/ml, 95% CI = -6.03, -3.31 vs. WMD = -3.43 ng/ml, 95% CI = -5.69, -1.17). Ramadan fasting may decrease leptin levels, especially in normal-weight subjects. There was high heterogeneity, which may be explained by the differences between the wide ranges of study conditions.

Ramadan Fasting During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Observance of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Criteria for Improving the Immune System.

Fasting is one of the religious rituals of Muslims worldwide who refrain from eating foods and liquids every year during Ramadan. This year (2020), Ramadan is very different from previous years due to the outbreak of a terrible microscopic giant called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic COVID-19 has made Ramadan very important this year because the virus has infected millions of people around the world and killed thousands, especially people with immunodeficiency. In dealing with COVID-19, maintaining good hygiene and supporting the immune system are effective, preventive approaches. Moderate exercise training and proper nutrition are the most important factors to support immune function. Lack of facilities, poor health and many traditions that lead to public community gatherings have made many Islamic countries susceptible to this dangerous virus. In such an unprecedented situation, there are many Muslims who doubt whether they can fast or not. Therefore, the proposal of usable exercise programs and effective nutritional strategies is imperative. In this study, we will look at the proposed health effects of fasting and its impact on the immune system, the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on resting values and responses of immunological/antioxidant biomarkers in elite and recreational athletes, together with the important health, nutrition, and exercise advice that fasting people need to follow in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Multidimensional evaluation of the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on the health of female students at the University of Bahrain

This research aimed to assess the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on different dimensions, namely calorie intake, fullness and hunger sensations, mental health, body weight, waist circumference (WC), quality of sleep, body composition, hydration and nutritional status among female students at the University of Bahrain. A prospective single cohort study was conducted on 20 female students. The measurements were taken before Ramadan as well as the end of each week of Ramadan. From baseline to the end of Ramadan, there was a significant decrease in body weight (−0.779 kg, CI95% −1.287, −0.271), fat mass (FM) (−1.735 kg, CI95% −2.349, −1.122) and WC (−2.158 cm, CI95% −3.902, −0.414). In addition, the Hydragram® showed an increase at week 4 (0.288% CI95% 0.72, 0.504) and nutritional status with Nutrigram® increased during the time (Ptrend <0.001). No changes were detected for anxiety status, hunger and fullness sensations and quality of sleep. The decrease in weight positively affected the loss of FM (r = 0.597), and the increase in the Pittsburgh sleep quality index affected the reduction of FM (r= −0.460). The Ptrend<0.01 for visual analogue scales and WC showed a clear effect of time on these outcomes. The findings of this study suggest potential benefits of RIF on cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on cognitive, physical and biochemical responses to strenuous short-term exercises in elite young female handball players

The present study aimed to assess the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RF) on cognitive and physical performance and biochemical responses to specific exercises in elite young female handball players. Twelve athletes participated in three experimental sessions: one week before Ramadan (BR), during the first week of Ramadan (FWR) and during the last week of Ramadan (LWR). The present crossover study was carried out in Tunisia during the 2013 Ramadan month lasting from 9 July to 7 august. During each session, a battery of tests was performed as follow: Hooper index, vigilance test (VT), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), five jump test (5-JT), modified agility T-test (MAT), maximal standing ball-throw velocity test (MSBVT) and Running-based Anaerobic Sprint (RAST) Test. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded immediately after the RAST. Blood samples were collected before and after exercises during each session. The results showed that ESS scores were higher during LWR than BR (p < 0.05). Moreover, MSBVT time decreased (p < 0.05) during LWR, therefore performance enhanced. The power of three final sprints from the RAST decreased significantly only during LWR compared to BR (p < 0.05). RAST fatigue index and RPE scores were higher during LWR more than BR (p < 0.05). The results showed also that hematological measures (i.e., red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit), plasma osmolarity and energetic markers were unaffected by RF. Biomarkers of muscle damage were higher after the RAST only during LWR compared to BR (p < 0.01 for all). In conclusion, RF increased ESS and decreased RAST performances associated with higher muscle damage and fatigue, especially at LWR. These previous alterations could be attributed to disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms rather than nutritional deficiency or dehydratation.

Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Gut Hormones and Body Composition in Males with Obesity.

We studied the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on gut hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin) in males with obesity. Thirty sedentary males were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (EG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). The EG group completed their Ramadan fasting rituals (30 days), whereas the CG continued with their normal daily habits. Blood samples were collected at four time points: 24 h before the start of Ramadan (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), the day after the end of Ramadan (T2) and 21 days after Ramadan (T3). There were significant pre-to-post improvements for leptin (p = 0.01, d = 1.52), GLP-1 (p = 0.022, d = 0.75), PYY (p = 0.031, d = 0.69) and CCK (p = 0.027, d = 0.81) in the EG, with no interaction effect for ghrelin (p = 0.74; d = 0.008). No significant changes (p > 0.05) occurred in plasma volume variations (ΔPV) after RIF in both EG (−0.03 ± 0.01%) and CG (0.06 ± 0.07%). RIF represents an effective strategy to modify appetite-regulating hormones, leading to improved body composition indices and reduced obesity.

Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on inflammatory and biochemical biomarkers in males with obesity

BackgroundTo determine the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on inflammatory (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and biochemical markers of liver-renal function (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea and creatinine) in males with obesity. Materials and methodsTwenty-eight males with obesity were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG, n = 14) or a control group (CG, n = 14). The EG group completed their fasting rituals for the entire month of Ramadan (30 days) whereas the CG group continued with their normal daily habits. Blood samples were collected 24 h before the start of Ramadan (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), the day after the end of Ramadan (T2), and 21 days after the end of Ramadan (T3). Resting plasma volume variation between pre and post-RIF (ΔPV) was calculated. ResultsDecreases were noted for interleukin-6 (p = 0.02, d = 1.4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p = 0.01, d = 0.7), with no changes for C-reactive protein (p = 0.3; d = 0.1) in the EG compared to CG group. There were no changes (P > 0.05) in ΔPV recorded after RIF for either EG (-0.035 ± 0.02%) and CG (0.055 ± 0.06%). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that RIF improves systemic inflammation biomarkers in males with obesity. Moreover, RIF did not negatively affect biomarkers of liver and renal function.

The potential effect of Ramadan fasting on musculoskeletal diseases: new perspectives.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, is a period of intermittent fasting alternated with moments of refeeding. The last decades have seen a growing number of reports that examine the potential effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on chronic musculoskeletal disorders. In this paper, we reviewed data that assessed the relationship of intermittent diurnal fasting during Ramadan with rheumatic diseases. Currently, recent evidence indicates that RIF may attenuate the inflammatory state by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and reducing the body fat and the circulating levels of leukocytes. Therefore, it may be a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing the course of rheumatic inflammatory diseases. Despite differences between studies in daily fasting duration and dietary norms, there appears to be a consensus that most of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) who fasted Ramadan experienced relief of their symptoms. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are required to assess the effect of RIF on other musculoskeletal and bone disorders. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of RIF on chronic medication intake. Even if a few studies on this issue are available, the primary outcomes indicate that RIF does not significantly impair either compliance or tolerance to chronic medications. These findings may give some reassurance to patients with a specific fear of drug intake during this month. Key Points • Intermittent diurnal fasting during Ramadan can modulate the inflammatory status through the down-regulation of metabolic syndrome, the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the reduction of circulating levels of leukocytes • Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) can effectively improve the activity of rheumatic inflammatory diseases. • Although further studies are still required, there seems no harm for patients with gout to participate in RIF. • Primary outcomes indicate that RIF may be a promising non-pharmacological intervention for the management of patients with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting and pattern of nutrients intake on BMI and MUAC of a population consisting of Indian Muslims

ABSTRACT ‘Ramadan’ is observed by the Muslims around the world, out of their religious belief, as a period when they fast all day and break fasting only after sun set. The Ramadan fasting, which can be viewed as alternate fasting owing to the nature of food intake during this time, stretches for 28 days. The food intake prior to sun rise is known as ‘sahour’ and that after sunset is called ‘iftar’. In view of intermittent fasting, the present work aims to study the food intake pattern among children, adults and elderly persons before and after Ramadan in the eastern part of India to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on body weight and BMI, if any. Anthropometric measurements, body weight, height, BMI, Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and Nutritional Survey were done before and after Ramadan fasting. All three age groups showed increase in body weight and BMI after one month of Ramadan fasting compared to the values of pre Ramadan control. Excess intake of fat, sugar and energy along with a sedentary work routine are the main factors identified as contributors toward such increase. The study also points out socio-economic status as an important determinant.

Effects of Practicing Physical Activity During Ramadan Fasting on Health-Related Indices: An Updated Brief Review

Based on Moon observation, every year, adults healthy Muslims practiced Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) for 29 or 30 consecutive days. During RIF Muslims are allowed to food and fluid intake only during night (from sunset to sunrise). Thus, behavioral changes are observed during RIF (e.g., food and sleep habits). Despite these changes, many healthy Muslims maintain their normal habitual physical exercise practice during RIF. However, changes in blood lipids, metabolic markers, electrolytes and hematological parameters during RIF in practitioners of physical activity are yet poorly studied. Therefore, the present review article will summarize the health specific effects of RIF in subjects engaged in physical training during Ramadan.

The Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) on Spirometric Data of Stable COPD Patients: A Pilot Study.

No previous study has raised the effects of RIF on lung function data of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of RIF on spirometric data measured in male patients with a stable COPD. Sixteen patients with stable COPD (mean ± SD of age: 64 ± 7 years) who fasted during Ramadan volunteered to the study. Three sessions (Before-R, End-R, and After-R) were selected for spirometry tests that were consistently performed 2.5–4.5 hr before fasting break. Assessment sessions comprised: forced vital capacity (FVC), 1st s forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), and forced expiratory flow rate at the x% of FVC to be exhaled (FEFx%). A reversibility test was performed only during the Before-Ramadan session. Spirometric data were expressed in percentages of local reference values. Findings were analyzed by applying repeated measures analysis of variance. The mean ± SD of the postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio and the FEV1 were, respectively, 0.52 ± 0.14 and 48 ± 19%. The mean ± SD of FEV1 (Before-R: 47 ± 19, End-R: 45 ± 18, After-R: 44 ± 19%), FVC (Before-R: 73 ± 18, End-R: 71 ± 16, After-R: 69 ± 17%), FEV1/FVC (Before-R: 67 ± 16, End-R: 66 ± 16, After-R: 65 ± 16%), PEF (Before-R: 46 ± 19, End-R: 47 ± 22, After-R: 45 ± 21%), MMEF (Before-R: 19 ± 10, End-R: 18 ± 8, After-R: 18 ± 9%), FEF25% (Before-R: 16 ± 6, End-R: 16 ± 5, After-R: 15 ± 5%), FEF50% (Before-R: 21 ± 14, End-R: 20 ± 12, After-R: 20 ± 12%) and FEF75% (Before-R: 27 ± 19, End-R: 27 ± 19, After-R: 27 ± 19%) were not significantly influenced by RIF. RIF did not bring about any significant changes in the spirometric data of stable COPD male patients fasting the 2016 holy month of Ramadan.

Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on North African children's heart rate and oxy-haemoglobin saturation at rest and during sub-maximal exercise.

SummaryAim:To examine the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the heart rate (HR) and oxyhaemoglobin saturation levels (oxy-sat) of boys at rest and during a six-minute walking test (6MWT).Methods:Eighteen boys (age: 11.9 ± 0.8 years, height: 153.00 ± 8.93 cm, body mass: 55.4 ± 18.2 kg), who fasted the entire month of Ramadan in 2012 for the first time in their lives, were included. The experimental protocol comprised four testing phases: two weeks before Ramadan (pre-R), the end of the second week of Ramadan (R-2), the end of the fourth week of Ramadan (R-4), and 10 to 12 days after the end of Ramadan (post-R). During each phase, participants performed the 6MWT at approximately 15:00. HR (expressed as percentage of maximal predicted HR) and oxy-sat (%) were determined at rest and in each minute of the 6MWT.Results:R-4 HR values were lower than those of (1) pre-R (in the second minute), (2) R-2 (in the first and second minutes), and (3) post-R (in the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth minutes). R-2 oxy-sat values were higher than those of pre-R (in the third minute) and those of post-R (in the fifth minute). Post-R oxy-sat values were lower than those of pre-R and R-4 in the fifth minute. These oxy-sat changes were not clinically significant since the difference was less than five points.Conclusion:In non-athletic children, their first RIF influenced their heart rate data but had a minimal effect on oxy-sat values.

Pulmonary Function of Young Muslim Males During the Month of Ramadan.

During the month of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), both dietary and sleep patterns are adversely affected to cope with the rituals of Ramadan. Literature suggests that sleep deprivation and alteration of dietary pattern and nutritional impairment affect the pulmonary structure and function. Pulmonary function during RIF was not explored earlier. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of RIF on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in healthy young Muslim males. Fifty sedentary nonsmoking healthy young Muslim male individuals of 20 to 25 years of age without any history of pulmonary or other major diseases were recruited by simple random sampling from different parts of Kolkata, India. Participants completed the American Thoracic Society questionnaire to record their personal demographic data, health status, and consent to participate in the study. Expirograph and peak flow meter were used to record the pulmonary function parameters (PFTs). PFTs were within the normal range and did not show any significant variation during the RIF. Body height and body mass depicted significant correlation ( p < .05, p < .001) with PFTs. Tidal volume, vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow rate had significant correlation ( p < .05, p < .01, p < .001) with age. Simple and multiple regression equations were computed to predict PFTs in the studies population. RIF did not affect the normal range of PFTs in young Muslim males of Kolkata, India. Standard errors of estimate of the computed regression equations were substantially small enough to recommend these equations as norms to predict the PFTs in the studied population.

The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on lipid peroxidation in healthy young men while controlling for diet and sleep: A pilot study.

AIMS:We hypothesized that if we control for lifestyle changes during Ramadan, Ramadan Islamic intermittent fasting (IF) reduces oxidative stress. This study was conducted to examine the effect of Islamic IF during and outside of Ramadan on the circadian changes in lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) during and outside while controlling for potential confounders.METHODS:Serum MDA concentration was measured in eight healthy male volunteers at baseline (BL), after fasting for 1 week before Ramadan (BL fasting), and during Ramadan. Blood samples were drawn at 22:00, 02:00, 04:00, 06:00, and 11:00. The participants were admitted to the sleep laboratory and monitored for 24 h on the day of the measurements. In the laboratory, each participant received meals of fixed compositions and caloric contents based on their ideal body weights. Light exposure, physical activity, and total sleep duration were uniformly maintained during the three study periods.RESULTS:The participants had a mean age of 26.6 ± 4.9 years and a mean body mass index of 23.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2. No significant changes were observed in MDA levels and blood glucose during BL, BL fasting, or Ramadan.CONCLUSION:In this pilot study, under conditions of fixed sleep-wake schedules and caloric intake, Ramadan IF does not alter serum MDA levels in healthy subjects. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The effect of fasting on erectile function and sexual desire on men in the month of Ramadan.

To determine the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on erectile function (EF), sexual desire and serum hormone levels. Eligible male participants completed the two domains of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire for EF and sexual desire. They also provided information on any known disease, treatment taking, smoking habits and frequency of sexual intercourse. Frequency of sexual intercourse, two domains of IIEF questionnaire, serum hormone levels, body weight before and four-weeks after the end of month of Ramadan were also recorded. Overall, 45 men, with a mean age of 37 ± 7.2 years, participated in the study. Frequency of sexual intercourse (P = .046), sexual desire (P = .002), body weight (P = .009) and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level (P = .016) decreased significantly at the end of month of Ramadan compared to baseline. No statistically significant differences were found on EF (P = .714), serum testosterone (P = .847), luteinizing hormone (P = .876), estradiol (P = .098) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels (P = .290). Ramadan intermittent fasting might be associated with decrease in sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse and serum FSH level.

Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on body composition and neuromuscular performance in young athletes: a pilot study

There is a conflict in the literature with regard to effects of the Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on body composition and neuromuscular performance. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effect of the RIF on body mass/composition and neuromuscular performance during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and a muscle endurance exercise (Tlim ) of the knee extensors. Eight adolescents (17.2 ± 0.5 years) karate players were tested. Anthropometric variables (i.e. body mass, body mass index, fat mass and lean body mass) were evaluated 7 days before Ramadan (T1), and on days 7 (T2) and 28 (T3) of Ramadan. Each subject performed three MVC and a Tlim at 75% of MVC at T1, T2, and T3. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis was recorded during these neuromuscular tests. The anthropometric variables were unaltered by RIF. Likewise, there was no significant effect of RIF on the MVC (P = 0.29) and the Tlim (P = 0.22). This result was in accordance with the absence of change in both EMG activity level during MVC and in the rate of changes in EMG parameters (EMG activity level and frequency content) during Tli m . The results of the present study suggest that RIF does not impair maximal force generating capacity and muscle endurance at 75% of MVC. Therefore, Muslim experienced athletes could maintain their neuromuscular performance level by undertaking usual training loads during RIF.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Spirometric Values and Clinical Symptoms in Asthmatic Patients

Introduction: Ramadan is the 9th Islamic lunar month during which Muslims avoid eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on asthma control is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the spirometric variables and clinical symptoms on well-controlled asthmatic patients during Ramadan. Methods: a cohort study was conducted in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Twenty-nine (19 females and 10 males) well-controlled asthmatic patients aged 47 (12) years completed the study. The average duration of fasting was 26.5 days. Assessment of spirometric variables (daily peak expiratory flow, peak expiratory flow variability, peak expiratory flow home monitoring ) as well as asthma clinical symptoms including dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness were carried out. Results: No significant changes in clinical symptoms were reported in asthmatic patients at the end of Ramadan fasting. Among spirometric variables, only peak expiratory flow improved after Ramadan (p <0.05). There was a reduction in the mean peak expiratory flow variability from 13% at the first week of fasting to 10% at the fourth week (p <0.05). Conclusion: In well-controlled asthmatic patients, Ramadan fasting resulted in improvement in peak expiratory flow and peak expiratory flow variability.

Effect of fasting in Ramadan on body composition and nutritional intake: a prospective study

The present study aimed to assess the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on body weight and composition and the effects of age and sex. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated and fat mass, fat-free mass and percentage body fat were assessed by bioelectrical impedance on 240 adult subjects (male: 158) who fasted between sunrise and sunset for at least 20days. Measurements were taken 1week before and 1week after Ramadan. Energy and macronutrient intakes were assessed using a 3-day food frequency questionnaire on a sub-sample of subjects before and during Ramadan. Subjects were grouped according to age and sex: ≤35years (n=82, males: 31) and 36-70years (n=158, males: 127). There were significant reductions in weight and BMI (P<0.001) in almost all subjects, with the biggest being in males ≤35years [-2.2% (SE 2.2%), P<0.001]. Waist and hip circumferences fell in most subjects, except females aged 36-70years. Fat mass fell in most subjects, ranging from 2.3% to 4.3% from baseline, except in females aged 36-70years who did not experience a significant change. Fat-free mass was significantly reduced in all subjects (P<0.001), whereas percentage body fat was lower only in males by 2.5% (SE 3.2%) (P=0.029) in those aged ≤35years and by 1.1% (SE 1.5%) (P<0.001) in those aged 36-70years. Dietary intake was similar before and during Ramadan, except in males whose protein intake fell during Ramadan (P=0.032). Ramadan fasting leads to weight loss and fat-free mass reductions. Body composition changes vary depending on age and sex.

The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on dynamic postural control in judo athletes

The aim of this study was to evaluate Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) effects on dynamic postural control in male judo athletes. In a randomized order, 11 male judokas (22.5 ± 2.8 years, 173.8 ± 6.9 cm, and 70.3 ± 4.4 kg; mean ± SD) were asked to perform four protocols of dynamic postural control, i.e., sit to stand test (STS), step up and over test (SUO), step quick turn test (SQT), and forward lunge test (FL), one week before RIF (BRF), during the second week (SWR) of RIF, and three weeks after RIF (AR). The results of the present study showed that during the dynamic balance tests, the movement time, lift-up index, and impact index during the STS test were significantly higher during SWR in comparison with BRF and AR (p < 0.05). However, those measured during the SUO test appeared independent of RIF. The turn time and turn degree during the SQT test and the distance, the impact index, the contact time, and the force impulse increased significantly from BRF and AR to the SWR (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in all tests (i.e. STS, SUO, SQT, and FL) between BRF and AR. In conclusion, the present study suggested that RIF may negatively affect the postural control of judo athletes.

Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on postural control in judo athletes

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.