Ramadan Observance Research Articles

Impact of Ramadan Observance on Physical Activity Barriers, Sleep Patterns, and Physical Fitness in Adults With Nonfasting Type 1 Diabetes

ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to identify sleep patterns, physical fitness, and barriers to physical activity (PA) during Ramadan observance in a cohort of nonfasting individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). MethodsSixty-one nonfasting patients with T1D (29 women, 32 men) completed questionnaires before and during Ramadan. The questionnaires consisted of 3 assessment instruments: the Barriers to Physical Activity in Type 1 Diabetes (BAPAD1), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. ResultsDuring Ramadan, BAPAD1 scores exhibited a nonsignificant increase (p=0.378). Primary barriers encompassed hypoglycemia risk, work schedules, diabetes control, and fatigue. The PSQI scores demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.01), revealing a deteriorated sleep quality. Sleep duration decreased by 58 minutes (p<0.01) and was associated with later bedtimes and more awakenings. PA levels decreased notably (p=0.042), particularly for vigourous activities (p=0.017), whereas sedentary time showed a significant increase (p=0.008). ConclusionsRamadan observance did not affect barriers to PA in individuals with T1D despite alteration of sleep patterns and PA practice. Lifestyle alterations associated with Ramadan observance significantly impact individuals with T1D who are not fasting, resulting in reduced PA, shortened sleep duration, and increased sedentary time.

Enhancing classroom attention during Ramadan: The efficacy of instructional videos in sports science education

Millions of Muslim university students observe Ramadan annually, yet little research explores their classroom experiences amid the distinctive circumstances of this holy month. Addressing this research gap, this study investigates the association between Ramadan observance and classroom attention among sports science students. Additionally, the effectiveness of instructional videos as an intervention was examined. In a crossover design, thirty-six fasting students received exposure to three regular theoretical tennis lessons before Ramadan, three regular lessons during Ramadan, and three lessons incorporating instructional videos during Ramadan. A counterbalancing procedure was implemented to minimize confounders, including the order of exposure, the time of day, and the lesson content. Classroom attention was assessed through self-reporting using digital clickers throughout 50-min lessons. The results revealed a significant increase in attention lapses during regular Ramadan lessons (non-Ramadan: 3.69 ± 2.08 lapses vs. Ramadan: 6.89 ± 2.55 lapses; p < 0.001). Surprisingly, attention lapses decreased significantly (p < 0.001), even compared to non-Ramadan conditions (p < 0.01), when instructional videos were used (2.42 ± 1.57 lapses). The effectiveness of instructional videos in improving classroom attention under Ramadan observance is highlighted in this study. While heightened attention levels are generally acknowledged as indicators of a more efficient knowledge acquisition experience, this research does not explicitly posit instructional videos as effective content-delivery tools under Ramadan conditions. However, it lays the groundwork for such possibilities, which could be investigated in future research.

Sleep Quality and Chronotype of Young Athletes Addicted to Smartphones During Ramadan Observance

Objective: Problematic smartphone use is associated with social, physical, and mental health issues, including chronotype and sleep patterns. During Ramadan intermittent fasting, these factors were more affected. However, no study explored problematic smartphone use and sleep patterns during Ramadan. Thus, the present study explored problematic smartphone use, sleep patterns, and chronotypes among athletic sample during Ramadan and assessed their relationship.Methods: Fifty athlete students (18.44±0.79 years) were voluntarily involved in this prospective cohort study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) were used to collect information on sleep quality and circadian preferences, respectively, before one week of Ramadan (baseline). Then, the participants repeated the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and completed the Arabic version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale short version (SAS-sv) at the end of Ramadan.Results: Of the 50 patients, 38% of the participants demonstrated problematic smartphone use. Ramadan showed no significant impact on sleep quality. Problematic smartphone use was not associated with sleep quality or chronotype. Nevertheless, it was negatively correlated with chronotype.Conclusion: High prevalence of smartphones and sleep quality was reported during Ramadan. The associations between sleep quality and problematic smartphone use were not confirmed. However, there is a negative relationship between chronotype and problematic smartphone use. The study suggests more focus on how athlete students can exploit physical exercise as a healthy alternative to keep control of excessive use of smartphones.

Chronotype, Aerobic Performance, and Sleep Quality of Young Athletes Before and During Ramadan Observance

Background and Objective Intermittent fasting has become a popular topic in recent years, with many people turning to this dietary approach to improve their health and manage their weight. It has also been studied for its potential impact on various aspects of health, including sleep and physical performance. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of intermittent fasting during Ramadan and chronotype on sleep quality and aerobic performance in young athletes.Methods This study is a prospective cohort design with repeated measurements, including 117 amateur athletes (16.86 ± 1.07 years) from Morocco. The aerobic performance was measured with the 20-m shuttle-run test. We also assessed sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The chronotype was assessed by the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. We examined the difference in means before and during Ramadan; then, we analyzed the correlation between all variables.Results The current study showed that while aerobic performance and sleep quality declined during Ramadan, those with good sleep quality performed better in all periods. It also showed that chronotype is correlated with the aerobic performance before but not during Ramadan. However, the chronotype is associated with the sleep quality before and during Ramadan.Conclusions During Ramadan, athletes must build coping strategies to improve their sleep quality and maintain optimal physical performance.

Contextual determinants of mass drug administration performance: Modelling fourteen years of lymphatic filariasis treatments in West Africa.

Effective mass drug administration (MDA) is the cornerstone in the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and a critical component in combatting all neglected tropical diseases for which preventative chemotherapy is recommended (PC-NTDs). Despite its importance, MDA coverage, however defined, is rarely investigated systematically across time and geography. Most commonly, investigations into coverage react to unsatisfactory outcomes and tend to focus on a single year and health district. Such investigations omit more macro-level influences including sociological, environmental, and programmatic factors. The USAID NTD database contains measures of performance from thousands of district-level LF MDA campaigns across 14 years and 10 West African countries. Specifically, performance was measured as an MDA's epidemiological coverage, calculated as persons treated divided by persons at risk. This analysis aims to explain MDA coverage across time and geography in West Africa using sociological, environmental, and programmatic factors. The analysis links epidemiological coverage data from 3,880 LF MDAs with contextual, non-NTD data via location (each MDA was specific to a health district) and time (MDA month, year). Contextual data included rainfall, temperature, violence or social unrest, COVID-19, the 2014 Ebola outbreak, road access/isolation, population density, observance of Ramadan, and the number of previously completed MDAs. We fit a hierarchical linear regression model with coverage as the dependent variable and performed sensitivity analyses to confirm the selection of the explanatory factors. Above average rainfall, COVID-19, Ebola, violence and social unrest were all significantly associated with lower coverage. Years of prior experience in a district and above average temperature were significantly associated with higher coverage. These generalized and context-focused findings supplement current literature on coverage dynamics and MDA performance. Findings may be used to quantify typically anecdotal considerations in MDA planning. The model and methodology are offered as a tool for further investigation.

How do chronotype and sleep patterns impact young athletes' aerobic performance during Ramadan intermittent fasting?

Ramadan observance has been practiced by many faith groups and cultures worldwide. Mo-reover, recently, it has been adopted as a natural alternative to promote public health. During Ramadan, our circadian rhythm can be altered. This study investigates how athletes' chronotype and sleep patterns impact aerobic fitness during Ramadan intermittent fasting. A prospective cohort design with repeated measurements was adopted. We measured the chronotype, maximal Oxygen Uptake as a measure of aerobic performance, and sleep patterns before and during Ramadan intermittent fasting. Then we explored the correlation among these variables. 50 amateur athletes (Mean age = 17.22 years SD = 1.15) from Morocco participated in this study. The maximal Oxygen Uptake was measured with the 20-m shuttle-run test. The chronotype was assessed by the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. The sleep timing was assessed by Sleep Timing Question-naire. We also assessed sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We examined the difference between variable means before and during Ramadan, also considering chronotype and sleep patterns of participants. The results showed a significant decrease in sleep quality and maximal Oxygen Uptake during the Ramadan Intermittent Fasting. Also, we found a significant correlation between the chronotype, time in bed and time spent asleep. However, chronotype and sleep quality did not affect maximal Oxygen Uptake during the Ramadan intermittent fasting. Sleep and chronotype do not influence physical performance during Ramadan Intermittent Fasting. More research is needed to identify the leading cause of the drop in aerobic performance.

The Fast and the Studious? Ramadan Observance and Student Performance

The Fast and the Studious? Ramadan Observance and Student Performance

A Thirty-Minute Nap Enhances Performance in Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Tests during and after Ramadan Observance.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 30 min nap (N30) on the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) both during and after Ramadan. Ten physically active kickboxers (age: 21.20 ± 1.61 years, height: 174.80 ± 4.34 cm, body mass: 73.30 ± 7.10 kg and body mass index (BMI): 24.00 ± 2.21 kg/m2) voluntarily performed the RAST test after an N30 and in a no-nap condition (NN) during two experimental periods: the last ten days of Ramadan (DR) and ∼3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). During each DR-NN, DR-N30, AR-NN and AR-N30 protocol, kickboxers performed RAST performance. A statistically significant difference was found between Ramadan periods (DR vs. AR) in terms of max power (W) (F = 80.93; p1 &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.89), minimum power (W) (F = 49.05; p1 &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.84), average power (W) (F = 83.79; p1 &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.90) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 11.25; p1 = 0.008; η2p = 0.55). In addition, the nap factor was statistically significant in terms of the max power (W) (F = 81.89; p2 &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.90), minimum power (W) (F = 80.37; p2 &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.89), average power (W) (F = 108.41; p2 &lt; 0.001; η2p = 0.92) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 16.14; p2 = 0.003; η2p = 0.64). Taking a daytime nap benefits subsequent performance in RAST. The benefits of napping were greater after an N30 opportunity for DR and AR.

Ramadan observance is associated with higher fatigue and lower vigor in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression

ABSTRACT Systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the effects of Ramadan observance on athletes’ mood states are lacking. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify the impact of Ramadan observance on athletes’ mood states assessed using validated scales. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Scielo) were used to search for relevant studies conducted among athletes during Ramadan. Studies that included assessments of mood states, using validated scales, in athletes were included. The quality of the selected studies was scored using the QualSyst assessment checklist. Eighteen studies were selected, of which 15 were of strong quality and the remaining three studies were rated as moderate quality. Ramadan observance resulted in significantly higher fatigue scores (g = 0.781, 95% CI 0.481–1.08, p < .001) and lower vigor scores (g = −0.297, 95% CI −0.493 to −0.101, p = .003), with no significant change in depression, confusion, anger, and tension scores (p > .05). Continuation of training during Ramadan increased feelings of fatigue and lowered vigor. Collaboration between mental and physical fitness coaches is needed to maintain the balance between workload and recovery during Ramadan observance. Future primary studies with greater methodological rigor are warranted.

Ramadan Observance Exacerbated the Negative Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Sleep and Training Behaviors: A International Survey on 1,681 Muslim Athletes.

ObjectiveDisrupted sleep and training behaviors in athletes have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed at investigating the combined effects of Ramadan observance and COVID-19 related lockdown in Muslim athletes.MethodsFrom an international sample of athletes (n = 3,911), 1,681 Muslim athletes (from 44 countries; 25.1 ± 8.7 years, 38% females, 41% elite, 51% team sport athletes) answered a retrospective, cross-sectional questionnaire relating to their behavioral habits pre- and during- COVID-19 lockdown, including: (i) Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI); (ii) insomnia severity index (ISI); (iii) bespoke questions about training, napping, and eating behaviors, and (iv) questions related to training and sleep behaviors during-lockdown and Ramadan compared to lockdown outside of Ramadan. The survey was disseminated predominately through social media, opening 8 July and closing 30 September 2020.ResultsThe lockdown reduced sleep quality and increased insomnia severity (both p < 0.001). Compared to non-Muslim (n = 2,230), Muslim athletes reported higher PSQI and ISI scores during-lockdown (both p < 0.001), but not pre-lockdown (p > 0.05). Muslim athletes reported longer (p < 0.001; d = 0.29) and later (p < 0.001; d = 0.14) daytime naps, and an increase in late-night meals (p < 0.001; d = 0.49) during- compared to pre-lockdown, associated with lower sleep quality (all p < 0.001). Both sleep quality (χ2 = 222.6; p < 0.001) and training volume (χ2 = 342.4; p < 0.001) were lower during-lockdown and Ramadan compared to lockdown outside of Ramadan in the Muslims athletes.ConclusionMuslim athletes reported lower sleep quality and higher insomnia severity during- compared to pre-lockdown, and this was exacerbated by Ramadan observance. Therefore, further attention to Muslim athletes is warranted when a circadian disrupter (e.g., lockdown) occurs during Ramadan.

Teaching Physical Education During Ramadan Observance

Culturally responsive teaching is an important approach that can guide all educators in responding to their students’ various cultures, needs, interests, religions, languages, abilities, and learning preferences. Doing so helps to create an inclusive environment for all students that views diversity as a strength. PE teachers, like teachers in any other subject area, should be aware of their students’ different backgrounds, keep in mind that each student is unique, and make reasonable accommodations when necessary (e.g., students with disabilities, Muslim students who are fasting during Ramadan observance, international students who speak different languages). Unlike classroom teachers, PE teachers may need to make additional accommodations when a student’s ability to engage in strenuous physical activity is limited. Ramadan observance is one such case, so this paper presents some tips, activities, and practical recommendations that PE teachers may wish to consider.

Longer Nap Duration During Ramadan Observance Positively Impacts 5-m Shuttle Run Test Performance Performed in the Afternoon.

It is well-documented that changes in the rhythm of life during Ramadan affect sleep schedules (i.e., interruption of night sleep patterns) and are likely to have negative effects on physical and cognitive performances. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of different naps opportunities’ durations during Ramadan on performance of short-duration repetitive maximal exercise and perception of effort. Fifteen physically active men (age: 21 ± 3 years, height: 177 ± 6 cm, body-mass: 73 ± 10 kg) performed a 6 × 30-s shuttle run test after a 25-min nap (N25), a 45-min nap (N45), and in a no-nap condition (NN) during three experimental periods: ∼2 weeks before Ramadan (BR), the last ten days of Ramadan (ER), and ∼3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). During the shuttle run test performed in the late afternoon, the greatest distance (GD), the total distance (TD) and a fatigue index (FI) were assessed. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was determined after each 30-s effort. Dietary intake and sleep quality were assessed in each of the three periods. Compared to BR, GD and TD were lower in the ER testing period (p = 0.005; d = 0.54) but returned to BR levels in the AR period. During ER, carbohydrate intake was lower (p = 0.04; d = 0.2), and sleep duration and sleep quality were reduced (d = 0.27 and 0.54, respectively), although other aspects of dietary intake and sleep pattern were not affected. Compared to NN, GD and TD were higher after N25 (d = 0.57 and 0.34, respectively) and N45 (d = 0.93 and 0.88 respectively). RPE was lower in N45 (p = 0.035, d = 0.84). N45 resulted in higher TD (p = 0.021, d = 0.13) and lower RPE (p = 0.004; d = 0.57) compared to N25 during ER. Taking a daytime nap benefits subsequent performance in a shuttle run test, whether sleep the previous night was normal (as in BR) or compromised (as in ER). The benefits of napping were greater after a 45-min nap opportunity than after a 25-min nap opportunity.

Anthropometric, Psychosocial, Physiological, and Postural Observances During Ramadan in Men With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

This study aimed to carry out a Ramadan observance (RO) on anthropometric, psychosocial, physiological, and postural characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty COPD patients were evaluated. Tests performed 1 week before Ramadan (C), and during the second (R-2) and the fourth weeks of Ramadan (R-4) included standard anthropometry, spirometry, a quality of life questionnaire (VQ11), a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), measurement of maximal voluntary contraction force of the quadriceps (MVC), Timed Get Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Unipedal Stance (UST). During R-2, there were significant decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volumes, 6MWT distance, MVC, BBS, and UST, with significant increases in TUG and significant changes in VQ11. During R-4, there was some recovery, but all variables remained significantly different from initial control data. To conclude, RO adversely affects pulmonary function, exercise performance, postural balance, and quality of life in COPD, with some recovery by the R-4. Although a number of functional consequences remain to be elucidated, functional losses were insufficient to limit daily living in our sample, but further studies are recommended in those with more severe COPD, paying particular attention to postural disturbances and a possible increase in the risk of falls.

Does observance of Ramadan affect sleep in athletes and physically active individuals? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an accurate description of the effect of Ramadan observance on sleep duration, sleep quality, daily nap duration, and daytime sleepiness in athletes and physically active individuals. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley, and Taylor and Francis) were used to search for relevant studies conducted with athletes or physically active individuals during Ramadan, published in any language, and available before May 23, 2021. Studies that included assessments of sleep quantity and/or quality, and/or daytime sleepiness, and/or daily naps in athletes and physically active individuals were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using "QualSyst". Of the 18 papers included in this study (298 participants in total), 14 were of strong quality, two were moderate, and the remaining two were rated as weak. Individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration (number of studies, K=17, number of participants, N=289, g=-0.766, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.199 to -0.333, p=0.001). Additionally, the global score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased from 4.053 (K=5, N=65, 95% CI 3.071-5.034) pre-Ramadan, to 5.346(95% CI 4.362-6.333) during Ramadan, indicating a decrease in sleep quality. The duration of daytime naps increased during compared to pre-Ramadan (K=2, N=31, g=1.020, 95% CI 0.595-1.445, p=0.000), whereas Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores remained unchanged during versus pre-Ramadan (K=3, N=31, g=0.190, 95% CI -0.139-0.519, p=0.257). In conclusion, individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration, impairment of sleep quality, and increase in daytime nap duration, with no change in daytime sleepiness levels.

Ramadan Observance Is Associated with Impaired Kung-Fu-Specific Decision-Making Skills.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Ramadan observance (RAM) on decision-making in Kung-Fu athletes. Fourteen male Kung-Fu athletes (mean age = 19 ± 3 years) completed two test sessions: before Ramadan (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (ER). In the afternoon of each session (between 16:00 h and 18:00 h), participants completed: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subjects also reported subjective fatigue, alertness, and concentration. Additionally, all participants performed video-based decision-making tasks (i.e., reaction time and decision-making). Results indicated that reaction time decreased by 30% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.01). However, decision-making decreased by 9.5% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.05). PSQI results indicated sleep quality score, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency were negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). ESS was higher at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In addition, fatigue scores, estimated by the POMS and current subjective feelings (i.e., fatigue, concentration, and alertness), were also negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance was associated with an adverse effect on sleep and decision making, as well as feelings of fatigue, alertness, and concentration.

A Thirty-Five-Minute Nap Improves Performance and Attention in the 5-m Shuttle Run Test during and Outside Ramadan Observance.

Ramadan observance is characterized by several changes in behaviors, such as food and sleep, which could affect physical and cognitive performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 35-min nap (N35) opportunity on physical performance during the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT); attention; feelings; mood states; and perceptual measures of stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness during Ramadan observance. Fourteen physically active men (22 ± 3 years, 177 ± 4 cm, 76 ± 5 kg) were tested after a no-nap condition (N0), N35 15 days before Ramadan (BR), the last 10 days of Ramadan (DR), and 20 days after Ramadan (AR). Measures included the digit cancellation test (attention estimation), the profile of mood state (POMS), and the Hooper questionnaires. After a 5-min standard warm-up, participants performed the 5mSRT (6 × 30 s with 35 s in between; best distance (BD), total distance (TD), and fatigue index (FI) were recorded), along with the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after each test repetition. After the 5mSRT test, participants responded to the feeling scale (FS). The results showed that TD and FI during the 5mSRT were not affected by Ramadan observance. However, BD was significantly lower than DR compared to AR after N0 (∆ = −4.3 ± 1.3%; p < 0.01) and N35 (∆ = −2.6 ± 1.0%; p < 0.05). After N0, attention decreased significantly at DR in comparison with BR (p < 0.05) and AR (p < 0.001). BD and TD improved after N35 compared to N0 at BR (∆ = +4.4 ± 2.1%, p < 0.05 for BD and ∆ = +4.8 ± 1.6%, p < 0.01 for TD), DR (∆ = +7.1 ± 2.2%, p < 0.05 for BD and ∆ = +5.1 ± 1.6%, p < 0.01 for TD), and AR (∆ = +5.5 ± 1.5%, p < 0.01 for BD and ∆ = +5.2 ± 1.2%, p < 0.001 for TD). A significant increase in attention was observed after N35 in comparison with N0 at DR (p < 0.01) and AR (p < 0.01). However, no changes were found for the perception of mood states, stress, sleep, muscle soreness, and the FI during the 5mSRT. Also, N35 was better than N0 for RPE at DR (p < 0.05), feelings at AR (p < 0.05), and fatigue estimation at AR (p < 0.01). A 35-min nap opportunity may have beneficial effects on physical and cognitive performances before, during, and after Ramadan.

Effects of Ramadan Observance on Dietary Intake and Body Composition of Adolescent Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the effects of Ramadan observance on dietary intake, body mass and body composition of adolescent athletes (design: systematic review and meta-analysis; data sources: PubMed and Web of Science; eligibility criteria for selecting studies: single-group, pre-post, with or without control-group studies, conducted in athletes aged <19 years, training at least 3 times/week, and published in any language before 12 February 2020). Studies assessing body mass and/or body composition and/or dietary intake were deemed eligible. The methodological quality was assessed using ‘QualSyst’. Of the twelve selected articles evaluating body mass and/or body composition, one was of strong quality and eleven were rated as moderate. Ten articles evaluated dietary intake; four were rated as strong and the remaining moderate in quality. Continuation of training during Ramadan did not change body mass from before to the first week (trivial effect size (ES) = −0.011, p = 0.899) or from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = 0.069, p = 0.277). Additionally, Ramadan observance did not change body fat content from before to the first week (trivial ES = −0.005, p = 0.947) and from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = -0.057, p = 0.947). Lean body mass remained unchanged from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = −0.025, p = 0.876). Dietary data showed the intake of energy (small ES = -0.272, p = 0.182), fat (trivial ES = 0.044, p = 0.842), protein (trivial ES = 0.069, p = 0.720), carbohydrate (trivial ES = 0.075, p = 0.606) and water (trivial ES = −0.115, p = 0.624) remained essentially unchanged during as compared to before Ramadan. Continued training of adolescent athletes at least three times/week during Ramadan observance has no effect on body mass, body composition or dietary intake.

Does Ramadan Observance Affect Cardiorespiratory Capacity of Healthy Boys?

Studies raising the issue of the effects of Ramadan observance (RO) on boys’ 6-min walk test (6MWT) data are rare. The studies, which did not include control groups of non-fasters, presented contradictory results. This study aimed to compare the 6MWT data (6-min walk distance [6MWD; m, %predicted], heart rate [HR; bpm, % of maximal predicted HR]), oxy-hemoglobin saturation (Oxy-sat; %), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively; mmHg) determined at rest (Rest and at the end End of the test) of a group of 22 healthy fasting boys (age: 12 to 15 years) with an age-matched non-fasting group (n = 10). The 6MWTs were performed during three experimental conditions (ECs): Pre-Ramadan, Mid-Ramadan, and Post-Ramadan. The two groups’ 6MWT data for each EC were compared, and repeated factorial analysis of variance (2 groups vs. 3 ECs) was performed. Both groups had similar values of 6MWD (m, %predicted), HRRest or HREnd (bpm, % of maximal predicted HR), Oxy-satRest, Oxy-satEnd, SBPRest, and DBPRest during the three ECs. Compared to the non-fasting group, the fasting group had significantly higher SBPEnd (121 ± 10 vs. 130 ± 11) and DBPEnd (72 ± 6 vs. 78 ± 7) determined during the Mid-Ramadan EC. No significant interactive effects of the groups (2) vs. ECs (3) was found for the 6MWD (%predicted; p = .809), HRRest (%, p = .555), HREnd (%, p = .964), Oxy-satRest (p = .336), Oxy-satEnd (p = .389), SBPRest (p = .708), SBPEnd (p = .548), DBPRest (p = .277), and DBPEnd (p = .096). To conclude, in boys, RO does not impact the 6MWD, HR, or Oxy-sat, but it has minimal impact on the SBPEnd and DBPEnd.

Effects of 25-Min Nap Opportunity during Ramadan Observance on the 5-m Shuttle Run Performance and the Perception of Fatigue in Physically Active Men.

We aimed to investigate the effects of a 25-min nap opportunity on physical performance during the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT), feelings (i.e., evaluated by the feeling scale), attention (i.e., evaluated by the digit cancellation test) and the perception of fatigue (i.e., recorded by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE)) during Ramadan observance. Twelve physically active men (age: 21.1 ± 3.2 yrs, height: 1.76 ± 0.05 m, body-mass: 71.2 ± 9.3 kg) voluntarily participated in five test sessions: 15 days before Ramadan (BR), the first 10 days of Ramadan (FR), the last 10 days of Ramadan (ER), 10 days after Ramadan (10AR) and 20 days after Ramadan (20AR). During each test session, participants performed the digit cancellation test, a 5-min standard warm-up, the 5mSRT (6 × 30-s with 35-s intervals-between) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after no-nap (N0) and 25-min nap opportunity (N25) conditions. Participants also completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) during each period. The total distance covered during the 5mSRT did not differ significantly before, during or after Ramadan, but was significantly greater after N25 compared to N0 at 10AR (687.5 ± 23.0 m vs. 725.6 ± 41.1 m; p = 0.018) and 20AR (698.3 ± 19.8 m vs. 742.6 ± 58.3 m; p = 0.003). The attention scores were higher after N25 in comparison with N0 at 10AR (p = 0.04) and 20AR (p = 0.02). RPE scores were not significantly different between N25 and N0 conditions. Feelings scores were higher after N25 compared to N0 during both FR (p = 0.007) and 20AR (p = 0.04). A significant deterioration of sleep quality was recorded during Ramadan (i.e., PSQI scores were significantly higher during and after compared to BR (p < 0.0005)). A 25-min nap opportunity was beneficial for physical and cognitive performance after Ramadan observance; however, any effect is insufficient to show significant beneficial impacts during Ramadan.

Qualitative evaluation of A Safer Ramadan, a structured education programme that addresses the safer observance of Ramadan for Muslims with Type 2 diabetes

AimsMuslims can choose to fast during Ramadan. Guidelines exist for providing clinical support for this group, but there is a lack of culturally tailored diabetes management interventions to provide guidance. The study evaluates the implementation of a programme developed to meet this need. MethodsA Safer Ramadan is a multi-faceted package comprising a self-management and community awareness programme, and healthcare professional training. Implementation of the programme took place in two cities in the UK, prior to Ramadan 2017. Uptake and attendance were determined, and qualitative interviews and focus groups were completed with people attending the programme, and with various stakeholders involved in implementation and delivery. ResultsSuccess of the implementation varied and engagement by primary care was limited. Three central themes emerged from the interviews highlighting barriers and facilitators of the programme implementation. These were the referral pathway, programme content and feedback on the delivery of the programme. ConclusionsProvision of interventions that provide support and education for Muslims during Ramadan was implemented in communities and valued by GPs and practice nurses. However, heavy workloads to support delivery made it difficult for practices to engage. Recommendations for future delivery of the programme indicate that greater attention should be given to marketing and its supporting practices. Furthermore, training for practice nurses to support patients prior to Ramadan and provision of funding is required.