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Achieving optimum sports performance during Ramadan: some practical recommendations.
Ronald J Maughan1, Yacine Zerguini, Hakim Chalabi
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK. r.j.maughan@lboro.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Muslim athletes can maintain performance during Ramadan with proper training, nutrition, and sleep management. Individualized monitoring is key to preventing fatigue and injury while balancing religious observance and athletic demands.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Nutrition Science
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Muslim athletes observe fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.
- Athletes often continue training and competing while observing religious, cultural, and social activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the available evidence on maintaining athletic performance during Ramadan.
- To provide guidance for athletes, coaches, and event organizers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on Ramadan and athletic performance.
- Analysis of factors influencing performance, including training, nutrition, and sleep.
Main Results:
- High-level athletes can maintain performance if training, food/fluid intake, and sleep are well-managed.
- Individualized monitoring can prevent fatigue, overtraining, illness, and injury.
- Adjusting training timing and intensity, particularly post-sunset, may optimize recovery and adaptation.
- Adequate sleep is crucial for well-being and performance.
Conclusions:
- Athletic performance during Ramadan is achievable with careful management of training, nutrition, and sleep.
- Individualized monitoring and adjustments are essential for Muslim athletes.
- Consideration of fasting needs by coaches, teammates, and event organizers is important.
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