The Impact of Ramadan Fasting on the Sports Activities, Diet, and Anthropometry of Basketball Players in Eastern Algeria

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Institute of Nutrition, Food and Agro-Food Technologies (INATAA), University of Brother’s Mentouri Constantine1 (UFMC1), Algeria.

2 Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Technology (LNTA), University of Brother’s Mentouri Constantine1 (UFMC1), Algeria.

3 Service of Internal Medicine, Hospital University, Constantine, Algeria.

Abstract

Introduction: During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. In this period, meals become exclusively nocturnal, and the traditional dishes served are often rich in fats and carbohydrates. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the sports activities, diet, and anthropometry of the basketball players of the clubs of eastern Algeria. Methods: This transversal study was conducted on 32 basketball players. Data were collected on the sports activities, diet (24-hour food recall, frequency of usual food consumption), and length of sleep using questionnaires. In addition, anthropometric measurements were performed. Results: The basketball players trained more frequently during normal periods compared to Ramadan (4.3±0.4 vs. 2.0±0.1 day/week; p <0.001) and hydrated in the evening during Ramadan (2.7±0.7 liters/day). The contribution of carbohydrates exceeded the recommendations. A significant difference was observed in the frequency of food consumption between normal periods and Ramadan for the fruits and vegetables group (p <0.001), fatty and sweet products (p <0.001), and beverage group (p <0.01). However, no significant difference was observed in the length of sleep between the two periods (P=0.621), and the body components did not change (weight, body mass index, brachial muscle circumference, and total muscle mass). Conclusion: According to the results, Ramadan fasting had no significant effects on the diet, sports activities, and anthropometry of the basketball players.

Keywords


  1. Alsafadi H, Wilson J, Patel V. Managing diabetes in people fasting during Ramadan. Diabetes Prim Care. 2011; 13(3): 152-9.
  2. Roky R, Chapotot F, Benchekrou MT, Benaji B, Hakkou F, Elkhalifi H, et al. Daytime sleepiness during Ramadan intermittent fasting: polysomnographic and quantitative waking EEG study. J Sleep Res. 2003; 12(2): 95-101.
  3. Cazorla G, Farhi A. Exigences physiques et physiologiques actuelles. Revue EP.S. 1998; 273: 60-6.
  4. Baklouti H, Rejeb N, Aloui A, Jaafar H, Ammar A, Chtourou H, et al. Short versus long small-sided game training during Ramadan in soccer players. Phys Ther Sport. 2017; 24: 20-25.
  5. Food Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Preparation and use of food-based dietary guidelines: report of a joint FAO/WHO consultation. WHO: technical report series, 880; 1998.
  6. SUpplémentation en VItamines et Minéraux AntioXydants. Portions alimentaires. Manuel photos pour l’estimation des quantités. Paris: Polytechnica; 1994.
  7. Centre d’Information sur la QUalité des ALiments. Table de composition des aliments Français. Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire, Alimentation, Environnement, Travail. Available at: https://pro.anses.fr/tableciqual/ Accessed May 22, 2016.
  8. WHO. Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic. Geneva: Report of a WHO consultation; 2004.
  9. Barbe P. Les compartiments corporels. Chapter taken from Traité de nutrition clinique de l’adulte. 2nd ed. Paris: Flammarion Médecine-Sciences; 2001. p. 11-7.
  10. Séguy D. Evaluation de l’état nutritionnel. Available at: http://w3med.univ-lille2.fr/pedagogie/contenu/discipl/nutritio/2002-01le17eval-nutri.pdf. Accessed March 21, 2017.
  11. Packa Tchissambou B, Massamba A, Mabiala Babela JR, Oniangue R, Bahanguila BA, Gnama Mankoti G, et al. Recovery from exercise in trained smokers. Ann Cardiol Angeiol. 2002; 51(6): 327-35.
  12. Armstrong LE. Nutritional strategies for football: counteracting heat, cold, high altitude and jet lag. J Sports Sci. 2006; 24(7): 723-40.
  13. Fall A, Sarr M, Mandengue SH., Badji L, Samb A, Gueye L, et al. Effects of prolonged water and food restriction (ramadan) on performance and cardiovascular responses during incremental exercise in tropical climate. Sci Sport. 2007; 22(1): 50-3.
  14. Badsevant A, Laville M, Lerebours E. Traité de nutrition clinique de l’adulte. 2nd ed. Paris: Flammarion Médecine-Sciences; 2001.
  15. Martin A. Apports nutritionnels conseillés pour la population française. 3rd Ed. Paris: Tec&Doc-Lavoisier; 2001.
  16. Bencharif M, Dahili K, Benseghir L, Benabbas Y. Effect of Ramadan fasting on dietary intake and physical activity: Comparison by age and gender. Nutr Clin Metab. 2017; 31(2): 140-50.
  17. El-Khatib AH, Tolbert TA, McIlvain GE, McKeon P. Participation of muslim athletes during the month of Ramadan. Int J Athl Ther Train. 2012; 17(5): 41-5.
  18. Maughan R.J. Fasting and sport: an introduction. Br J Sports Med. 2010; 44(7): 473-5.
  19. Chaouachi A, Coutts AJ, Chamari K, Wong del P, Chaouachi M, Chtara M, et al. Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on aerobic and anaerobic performance and perception of fatigue in male elite judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2009; 23(9): 2702-9.
  20. El Ati J, Beji C, Danguir J. Increased fat oxidation during Ramadan fasting in healthy women: an adaptative mechanism for body-weight maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995; 62(2): 302-7.
  21. Bogdan A, Bouchareb B, Touitou Y. Ramadan fasting alters endocrine and neuroendocrine circadian patterns: Meal-time as a synchronizer in humans. Life Sci. 2001; 68(14): 1607-15.
  22. Reilly T, Edwards B. Altered sleep-wake cycles and physical performance in athletes. Physiol Behav. 2007; 90(2-3): 274-84.
  23. Karli U, Guvenc A, Aslan A, Hazi, T, Acikada C. Influence of Ramadan fasting on anaerobic performance and recovery following short time high intensity exercise. J Sport Sci Med. 2007; 6(4): 490-7.