Acute and delayed effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on the postural control of elite judokas: focus on mobility and dynamic balance performance

Souissi, Nafaa and Zouita, Amira and Abedelmalek, Salma and Ammar, Achraf and Ezzedine, Gaith and Trabelsi, Khaled and Dziri, Katherine and Clark, Cain and Souissi, Nizar and Chamari, Karim (2025) Acute and delayed effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on the postural control of elite judokas: focus on mobility and dynamic balance performance. Sport Sciences for Health. ISSN 1824-7490

Preview

Text
s11332-025-01415-9.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
Download (606kB)

Official URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11332-0...

Abstract

Background

Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) induces significant physiologic changes, including alterations in sleep patterns, energy intake, and hydration status, which may affect athletic performance. Given the importance of postural control in judo, understanding the impact of RIF on mobility and dynamic balance is crucial for optimizing performance and injury prevention.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the acute and delayed effects of RIF on postural control in elite judokas, with a specific focus on mobility and dynamic balance performance .

Methods

Ten elite judokas (23.5 ± 2.3 years, 172.6 ± 7.4 cm, and 71.6 ± 3.9 kg) completed three morning test sessions assessing postural mobility and dynamic balance using the walk across (WA) and limit of stability (LoS) tests. Assessments were conducted before Ramadan (BR), during the third week of fasting (DR), and 3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). Anthropometric measures and daily energy intake were also recorded.

Results

Significant reductions in total daily energy intake, body mass, and body mass index were observed at DR compared to BR and AR ( p < 0.05). In the WA test, step length, and movement speed significantly decreased during DR ( p < 0.001), while step width remained unchanged. In the LoS test, reaction time and sway velocity increased ( p < 0.001), while directional control decreased ( p < 0.001) at DR compared to BR and AR. No significant differences were found for maximum excursion across conditions.

Conclusion

RIF transiently impaired both mobility and dynamic postural control in elite judokas, likely due to a combination of sleep disturbances, reduced energy intake, and dehydration. These impairments resolved 3 weeks after Ramadan. Coaches and athletes should consider targeted nutritional and sleep strategies to mitigate these temporary declines in postural stability during fasting periods.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1007/s11332-025-01415-9
Dates:	Date Event 12 April 2025 Accepted 3 May 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Balance impairment, Ramadan observance, Elite athlete, Combat sport
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-02 - sport and exercise sciences > CAH03-02-01 - sport and exercise sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	27 Jun 2025 15:24
Last Modified:	27 Jun 2025 15:24
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16449