The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on dynamic postural control in judo athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) effects on dynamic postural control in male judo athletes. In a randomized order, 11 male judokas (22.5 ± 2.8 years, 173.8 ± 6.9 cm, and 70.3 ± 4.4 kg; mean ± SD) were asked to perform four protocols of dynamic postural control, i.e., sit to stand test (STS), step up and over test (SUO), step quick turn test (SQT), and forward lunge test (FL), one week before RIF (BRF), during the second week (SWR) of RIF, and three weeks after RIF (AR). The results of the present study showed that during the dynamic balance tests, the movement time, lift-up index, and impact index during the STS test were significantly higher during SWR in comparison with BRF and AR (p < 0.05). However, those measured during the SUO test appeared independent of RIF. The turn time and turn degree during the SQT test and the distance, the impact index, the contact time, and the force impulse increased significantly from BRF and AR to the SWR (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in all tests (i.e. STS, SUO, SQT, and FL) between BRF and AR. In conclusion, the present study suggested that RIF may negatively affect the postural control of judo athletes. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.