Effect of a Supervised Exercise-Training Programme on Morbidity and Wellness of South African Hajj Pilgrims in 2018: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ill health and poor physical and mental conditioning adversely affects pilgrims’ ability to optimally perform the arduous physical rituals of Hajj. We postulate that a supervised, pre-departure exercise programme improves their health status and may reduce morbidity. Methods: Ninety-three accredited pilgrims completed a 6-12 weeks graduated, supervised walking programme designed to get the participants fit to do a 10 km walk. Assessments including a morbidity survey, a six-minute walk test, and a POMS (Profile of Mood States) were conducted before and immediately after the exercise programme. A morbidity questionnaire, the six-minute walk test, and POMS were completed post-Hajj (n=88). A group of 200 non-matched pilgrims who were not part of the exercise programme, were approached post-Hajj to fill in the morbidity questionnaire, with eight-two responding. Results: Results for 88 participants were available with 13.7% reporting medical events during the Hajj period, significantly less than the non-participants (62.2% of 82 respondents), and less when compared to other studies (up to 91%). The mean distance recorded in the six-minute walk test increased by 5% after the exercise programme (481.3 meters before to 506.3 m after) and 3% after Hajj (520.7 m). Similar positive changes in the POMS were noted across the three time periods. The resting heart rate did not show significant changes. Conclusion: This study shows that a supervised exercise programme for Hajj pilgrims has a positive effect on their physical and mental conditioning, which may reduce morbidity. Larger controlled trials are warranted to determine the optimum dose of exercise.

Towards associating negative experiences and recommendations reported by Hajj pilgrims in a mass-scale survey

“…In our study, we develop a comprehensive questionnaire and perform a mass-scale survey of 988 pilgrims. Prior work performed surveys on pilgrims on a small-scale [31] , [13] , [56] . Moreover, those surveys focused on specific negative experiences, such as health issues, navigation, transport, etc., [57] , [29] , [58] .…”

“…Considering health issues, many studies investigated pilgrims' health condition during the Hajj pilgrimage and different factors associated with it [17] , [30] , [31] , [32] . Taibah et al, 2020 [17] inquired about which health-related threats concern foreign Hajj pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, how they typically seek information to be better prepared against these threats, and what economic, social, language, and cultural barriers they face.…”

“…Noweir et al, 2008 [30] describe the relation between heat casualties and climate heat load during Hajj seasons. Besides, Parker et al, 2022 [31] studied the effect of supervised exercise programs on the physical and mental health of Hajj pilgrims. This study found the supervised exercise programs for Hajj pilgrims having a positive effect on their physical and mental conditioning, which may reduce morbidity.…”