Image credit: Unsplash

Effects of Ramadan fasting on match-related changes in skill performance in elite Muslim badminton players

Image credit: Unsplash

Effects of Ramadan fasting on match-related changes in skill performance in elite Muslim badminton players

Abstract

We examined the extent to which Ramadan fasting affects badminton skill performance under simulated (i.e., competitive) matchplay conditions. Ten male Muslim national-level badminton players performed a 40-min (2 sets x 20 min per set in each match) badminton single matches in a non-fasted (CON) and in Ramadan-fasted (RAM) state on separate occasions. Skills assessment involved performing eight lowserves and eight overhead smashes at baseline, at the end of set 1 and set 2 (mid- and end-match, respectively). Players’ pre-match diet was standardised between conditions and consumed either at ~12:00 or at ~05:00 for CON and RAM, respectively. There were no differences in the accuracy, consistency and speed of the low-serve between CON and RAM at the three match-play time-points (all P > 0.05). Likewise, accuracy and consistency of the overhead smash were not affected by RAM (P > 0.05), but overhead smash velocity was slower in RAM than CON at the mid- (-7.3 ± 7.1%; P = 0.016) and end-match (-5.3 ± 4.4%; P = 0.007). Blood glucose, blood lactate, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were similar throughout the match-play protocol (all P > 0.05). No differences were observed between conditions in players’ overnight sleep, daytime nap duration and level of daytime sleepiness (all P > 0.05), whereas prematch perceived tiredness and fatigue ratings were higher in RAM (both P < 0.01). In conclusion, although Ramadan fasting resulted in increased sensations of fatigue and tiredness during match-play, skill performances were however largely maintained, with the only observed decrement being a decrease in overhead smash velocity.

Publication
In European Journal of Sport Science
Date