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Published on: September 15, 2017
Arousal and continuous attention during Ramadan intermittent fasting
Nazan Dolu1, Ahmet Yüksek, Alparslan Sizer
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Erciyes, Department of Physiology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey. nazan_dolu@yahoo.com
Summary
Ramadan fasting did not affect overall arousal levels but did increase reaction times to auditory stimuli. Continuous attention and reaction amplitude also decreased during intermittent fasting, impacting cognitive performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Ramadan fasting involves abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
- Understanding the cognitive effects of intermittent fasting, such as during Ramadan, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Ramadan fasting on arousal and continuous attention.
- To assess changes in electrodermal activity and performance on a cancellation test during fasting.
Main Methods:
- Electrodermal activity (skin conductance) and a cancellation test were measured in students during fasting and non-fasting conditions.
- Auditory stimuli were used to assess electrodermal responses.
Main Results:
- Skin conductance levels did not differ between fasting and non-fasting groups.
- The non-fasting group showed higher skin conductance response amplitude and lower onset latency to auditory stimuli.
- The fasting group had decreased continuous attention, evidenced by fewer marked targets and more missed targets on the cancellation test, along with increased completion time.
Conclusions:
- Ramadan fasting did not alter general arousal but did increase reaction time to auditory stimuli.
- Intermittent fasting during Ramadan negatively affected continuous attention and reaction amplitude, suggesting cognitive performance impairment.
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