Exercise Performance and Recovery of Muslim Endurance Athletes during Ramadan Fasting

Abstract

This study examined the effects of Ramadan fasting on various training regimes, running endurance performance and recovery in a controlled environment. Twenty male athletes (fasting and non-fasting) performed a 20m shuttle run test (20SRT) pre and post a 4-week periodized training programme. Training loads from various types of exercises, ratings of perceived exertions (RPE), total quality recovery (TQR) and heart rates were daily monitored. No significant differences existed between groups for SRT, heart rates, training volume and RPE. A strong relationship (r=0.88; p<0.05) was evident between TQR and recovery duration (modalities: stretching, cool down, swimming, whirlpool and sauna) for fasting athletes. Ramadan fasting does not affect the achievement of daily training goals and the improvement of endurance performance throughout a mixed endurance and strength training programme where daily undulating periodized models are used. Allowing athletes to freely select from various recovery modalities above the 26 min span daily, can eventually increase their training recovery under Ramadan fasting conditions.