Does Ramadan Fasting Affect Spirometric Data of Healthy Adolescents?

Abstract

Purpose: Several studies raised the effects of Ramadan fasting on healthy adults spirometric data, but none was performed in children. The aim of this study was to compare the spirometric data of a group of faster adolescents (n = 26) with an age-matched non-faster one (n = 10). Methods: This comparative quasi-experimental study, including 36 healthy males aged 12 to 15 years, was conducted during the summer 2015 (Ramadan: June 18 to July 16). Three sessions (Before-Ramadan [Before-R], Mid-Ramadan [Mid-R], After-Ramadan [After-R]) were selected for spirometry measurements. Spirometry was performed around 5.5 to 3.5 h before sunset and the spirometric data were expressed as percentages of local spirometric norms. Results: The two groups of fasters and non-fasters had similar ages and weights (13.35 ± 0.79 vs 12.96 ± 0.45 years, 46.8 ± 9.2 vs 41.7 ± 12.6 kg, respectively). There was no effect of Ramadan fasting on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow, and maximal mid-expiratory flow. For example, during the Before-R, Mid-R, and After-R sessions, there was no significant difference between the fasters and non-fasters mean FVC (101 ± 11 vs 99 ± 14, 101 ± 12 vs 102 ± 14, 103 ± 11 vs 104 ± 13, respectively) or FEV1 (101 ± 13 vs 96 ± 16, 98 ± 11 vs 97 ± 16, 101 ± 10 vs 98 ± 16, respectively). Conclusions: Ramadan fasting had no interaction effect with the spirometric data of Tunisian healthy male adolescents.

Does Ramadan Observance Affect Cardiorespiratory Capacity of Healthy Boys?

“…The aforementioned finding is not sustained by this study since the two groups of fasters and non-fasters included similar percentages of boys with a “clinically significant” 6MWD decrease (57.69% vs. 30.00%, respectively). The present study result is not surprising since the respiratory system adapts normally during RO (Ben Fraj et al, 2019). A recent study concluded that “RO had no interaction effect with the spirometric data of healthy boys” (Ben Fraj et al, 2019).…”

“…The present study result is not surprising since the respiratory system adapts normally during RO (Ben Fraj et al, 2019). A recent study concluded that “RO had no interaction effect with the spirometric data of healthy boys” (Ben Fraj et al, 2019). For example, during the Pre-R, Mid-R, and Post-R ECs, there was no significant difference between the fasters and non-fasters groups’ mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (101 ± 13 vs. 96 ± 16; 98 ± 11 vs. 97 ± 16; 101 ± 10 vs. 98 ± 16%, respectively; Ben Fraj et al, 2019).…”

“…A recent study concluded that “RO had no interaction effect with the spirometric data of healthy boys” (Ben Fraj et al, 2019). For example, during the Pre-R, Mid-R, and Post-R ECs, there was no significant difference between the fasters and non-fasters groups’ mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (101 ± 13 vs. 96 ± 16; 98 ± 11 vs. 97 ± 16; 101 ± 10 vs. 98 ± 16%, respectively; Ben Fraj et al, 2019). It is important to highlight that while RO impairs the adolescents’/children’s performance during maximal and endurance exercises with higher intensities (e.g., increased 3,000-m running time; Fenneni et al, 2015; Meckel et al, 2008), it has no impact on the short-term explosive performance (e.g., vertical and horizontal jump tests, 20-m and 30-m sprints, and medicine ball throw; Fenneni et al, 2014).…”

“…The present study is part of a project involving two parts. The first, which was recently published, aimed to evaluate the impact of RO on spirometric data (Ben Fraj et al, 2019). The authors concluded that “RO had no interaction effect with the spirometric data of healthy boys.” The second part is the objective of this study.…”

Ramadan 2020 and Beyond in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Scientific Evidence For Action

“…It has been reported that a 30-day IF, such as RF, showed a significant increase in the levels of some gene products that correlated with immune system regulation, neuropsychiatric disorders, DNA repair and carcinogenesis, that is, RF developed a serum proteome protecting against cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, as well as numerous neuropsychiatric disorders [111]. Also, Ben Fraj et al [112] have concluded that RF has no impact on the lung function, and this was evaluated by using spirometry test and comparing spirometric data between the fasting and nonfasting healthy adolescents aged 12-15 years. The same observation has been reported among adults [113].…”