Key result
Ramadan observance is linked to a ~30% decrease in reaction time and impaired decision-making.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ramadan observance on decision-making in Kung-Fu athletes.
Does Ramadan observance affect decision-making skills, sleep quality, and fatigue in male Kung-Fu athletes?
Observational (n=14)
Does Ramadan observance affect decision-making skills, sleep quality, and fatigue in male Kung-Fu athletes?
Effect estimate: 30% decrease in reaction time, 9.5% decrease in decision-making
p-value: p=<0.01 and <0.05
Ramadan observance in Kung-Fu athletes is associated with impaired decision-making, increased fatigue, and reduced sleep quality.
May warrant caution for cognitive demands in fasting athletes; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective confirmation.
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Ramadan observance (RAM) on decision-making in Kung-Fu athletes. Fourteen male Kung-Fu athletes (mean age = 19 ± 3 years) completed two test sessions: before Ramadan (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (ER). In the afternoon of each session (between 16:00 h and 18:00 h), participants completed: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subjects also reported subjective fatigue, alertness, and concentration. Additionally, all participants performed video-based decision-making tasks (i.e., reaction time and decision-making). Results indicated that reaction time decreased by 30% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.01). However, decision-making decreased by 9.5% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.05). PSQI results indicated sleep quality score, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency were negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). ESS was higher at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In addition, fatigue scores, estimated by the POMS and current subjective feelings (i.e., fatigue, concentration, and alertness), were also negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance was associated with an adverse effect on sleep and decision making, as well as feelings of fatigue, alertness, and concentration.
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Saddoud et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Healthy Kung-Fu athletes (n=14). Ramadan observance vs. Before Ramadan was evaluated on Video-based decision-making tasks (reaction time and decision-making) (30% decrease in reaction time, 9.5% decrease in decision-making, p=<0.01 and <0.05). Ramadan observance in male Kung-Fu athletes was associated with a 30% decrease in reaction time (p<0.01) and a 9.5% decrease in decision-making skills (p<0.05) compared to before Ramadan.
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