Does Ramadan Observance Affect Cardiorespiratory Capacity of Healthy Boys?

Abstract

Studies raising the issue of the effects of Ramadan observance (RO) on boys’ 6-min walk test (6MWT) data are rare. The studies, which did not include control groups of non-fasters, presented contradictory results. This study aimed to compare the 6MWT data (6-min walk distance [6MWD; m, %predicted], heart rate [HR; bpm, % of maximal predicted HR]), oxy-hemoglobin saturation (Oxy-sat; %), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively; mmHg) determined at rest (Rest and at the end End of the test) of a group of 22 healthy fasting boys (age: 12 to 15 years) with an age-matched non-fasting group ( n = 10). The 6MWTs were performed during three experimental conditions (ECs): Pre-Ramadan, Mid-Ramadan, and Post-Ramadan. The two groups’ 6MWT data for each EC were compared, and repeated factorial analysis of variance (2 groups vs. 3 ECs) was performed. Both groups had similar values of 6MWD (m, %predicted), HRRest or HREnd (bpm, % of maximal predicted HR), Oxy-satRest, Oxy-satEnd, SBPRest, and DBPRest during the three ECs. Compared to the non-fasting group, the fasting group had significantly higher SBPEnd (121 ± 10 vs. 130 ± 11) and DBPEnd (72 ± 6 vs. 78 ± 7) determined during the Mid-Ramadan EC. No significant interactive effects of the groups (2) vs. ECs (3) was found for the 6MWD (%predicted; p = .809), HRRest (%, p = .555), HREnd (%, p = .964), Oxy-satRest ( p = .336), Oxy-satEnd ( p = .389), SBPRest ( p = .708), SBPEnd ( p = .548), DBPRest ( p = .277), and DBPEnd ( p = .096). To conclude, in boys, RO does not impact the 6MWD, HR, or Oxy-sat, but it has minimal impact on the SBPEnd and DBPEnd.

Relationships of the 5-Jump Test (5JT) Performance of Youth Players With Volleyball Specific’ Laboratory Tests for Explosive Power

“…This is very vital information from a practical standpoint, in that the maximum speed of short distance movement (3–5 m) should also be encompassed into volleyball training ( Mroczek et al, 2018 ). Given the “pioneer” design of this study and despite the fact that youth are not miniature adults ( Miladi et al, 2020 ), 5JT data comparison will be made with related studies achieved on adults.…”

Ramadan fasting in health and disease (2020): A narrative review

“…Five original studies and two systematic reviews addressed various physiological and nutritional issues during Ramadan. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Zouhal et al [9] studied the effects of RF on gut hormones in thirty sedentary males randomly allocated to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group completed their RF rituals.…”

“…This study illustrates how prolonged fasting, like RF, benefits the youth, particularly by decreasing fatigue, improving MRS, and positively impacting BC. Miladi et al [11] compared the 6-min walk test (6MWT) data of a group of 22 healthy fasting boys with an age-matched nonfasting group. The 6MWTs were performed during three experimental conditions: pre-Ramadan (PR), mid-Ramadan, and post-Ramadan.…”

Comments on “Anthropometric, Psychosocial, Physiological, and Postural Observances During Ramadan in Men With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease”

“…It is worth noting that Tunisia has validated 6MWD norms for healthy adults ( Ben Saad et al, 2009 ; Masmoudi et al, 2008 ), and that Tunisian 6MWD is significantly correlated with age, weight, height, and body mass index ( Ben Saad et al, 2009 ; Daami et al., 2017 ; Masmoudi et al, 2008 ). The method opting for a standardization of the 6MWD according to predicted normal values was applied in a study, which was published in the Am J Mens Health , and aiming to raise the effects of RIF on healthy boys’ cardiorespiratory capacity ( Miladi et al, 2020 ).…”

“…In Mekki et al (2022) , the application of the aforementioned specific approach ( ie ; MCID approach) shall surely change the conclusion related to the effects of RIF on 6MWD of COPD patients. It is interesting to note that the “clinical” significance approach was applied in a study, which was published in the Am J Mens Health , and aiming to raise the effects of RIF on healthy boys’ 6MWD ( Miladi et al., 2020 ).…”