Effects of Ramadan on the diurnal variations of repeated-sprint performance

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2013

Keywords

Fasting, Time of day, RSA, MVC, Hematological measurements

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the effects of Ramadan on cycling repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and corre-sponding diurnal variations.

Methods: Twelve active men performed an RSA test (5 × 6-s maximal sprints interspersed with 24 s passive recovery) during morning and afternoon sessions 1 wk before Ramadan (BR), during the second (R2) and the fourth (R4) weeks of Ramadan, and 2 wk after Ramadan (AR). Maximal voluntary contraction was assessed before (MVCpre), immediately after (MVCpost), and 5 min after the RSA test (MVCpost5). Moreover, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and plasma sodium and potassium (K+) concentrations were measured at rest and after the RSA test and MVCpost.

Results: Overall, peak power (Ppeak) during the RSA test decreased throughout the 5 sprints. Ppeak measured in the rst sprint and MVCpre were lower during Ramadan than BR in the afternoon (P < .05) and higher in the afternoon than the morning BR and AR (P < .05). However, this diurnal rhythmicity was not found for the last 4 sprints’ Ppeak, MVCpost, and MVCpost5 in all testing periods. Furthermore, the last 4 sprints’ Ppeak, MVCpost, MVCpost5, and morning MVCpre were not affected by Ramadan. [K+] measured at rest and after the RSA test and MVCpost were higher during Ramadan than BR in the afternoon (P < .05) and higher in the afternoon than the morning during Ramadan (P < .05).

Conclusions: Fatigability is higher in the afternoon during Ramadan, and, therefore, training and competition should be scheduled at the time of day when physical performance is less affected.

Source Publication

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Volume Number

8

Issue Number

3

First Page

254

Last Page

263

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