Title
Effects of Ramadan fasting on match-related changes in skill performance in elite Muslim badminton players
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Science and Sports
ISSN
07651597
Volume
35
Issue
5
First Page
308.e1
Last Page
308.e10
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research
RAS ID
31397
Abstract
© 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS We examined the extent to which Ramadan fasting affects badminton skill performance under simulated (i.e., competitive) match play conditions. Ten male Muslim national-level badminton players performed a 40-minute (2 sets × 20 minutes 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 low-serves 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 pre-match 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.
DOI
10.1016/j.scispo.2019.07.014
Access Rights
subscription content
Research Themes
Society and Culture
Priority Areas
Human movement and performance
Comments
Aziz, A. R., Lim, D. S. L., Sahrom, S., Muhamed, A. C., Ihsan, M., Girard, O., & Chia, M. Y. H. (2019). Effects of Ramadan fasting on match-related changes in skill performance in elite Muslim badminton players. Science & Sports, 35(5), 308.e1-308.e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2019.07.014