The Optimal Time of Day for Training during Ramadan: A Review Study

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Research Laboratory ''Sports performance optimization'' National Center of Medicine and Science in Sports (CNMSS), Tunis, Tunisia.

2 High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Sfax, Sfax University, Tunisia.

3 High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Gafsa, Gafsa University, Tunisia.

4 High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Ksar-Saïd, Manouba University, Tunisia.

Abstract

Literature concerning the effects of Ramadan fasting on sports performance presents conflicting results. In this context, some studies reported a significant impairment of sports performance during the month of Ramadan. However, other studies suggested that Ramadan fasting has no significant effect on physical performance.
 The discrepancies between the studies could be explained by time-of-day variations in testing. In this regard, recent studies reported that Ramadan negatively affects the afternoon sports performance; however, the morning and the evening (after breaking the fast) performances were not affected by fasting. This suggests that the optimal time of day for training during Ramadan is the morning or the evening. Therefore, coaches should schedule the training sessions in the morning or evening during the month of Ramadan. However, further studies should investigate the effect of training at a specific time of day on sports performance during Ramadan.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health
Volume 2, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
February 2014
Pages 46-52

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 March 2014
  • Revise Date: 02 April 2014
  • Accept Date: 09 April 2014

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