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
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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