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Does Ramadan fasting affect the physical workload?
La Tunisie Medicale
|November 7, 2019
Summary
Physical workload during Ramadan fasting was assessed in Tunisian workers. Results showed a medium physical workload, with no significant changes compared to non-fasting periods in summer or winter.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Human Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Ramadan fasting, observed during summer months, may impact physical workload.
- Understanding the physiological strain on workers during fasting is crucial for occupational health.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively quantified workload changes across different seasons during Ramadan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the physical workload of workers during Ramadan in the summer season.
- To compare this workload with non-fasting periods in both summer and winter seasons.
- To assess potential significant differences in physical strain.
Main Methods:
- An 18-month prospective cohort study was conducted in Tunisian brickyard and textile manufacturing companies.
- Three measurement visits were performed: during Ramadan (summer), outside Ramadan (summer), and outside Ramadan (winter).
- Physical workload was evaluated using questionnaires and heart rate monitoring (ISO 8996 standards) for 24 male workers.
Main Results:
- Physical workload during Ramadan was categorized as 'Medium'.
- No significant differences were found in the equivalent metabolic rate between the two companies during Ramadan.
- Working metabolic rate and percentage of maximum working capacity utilization decreased in non-fasting periods (V2 and V3) without significant inter-visit differences.
Conclusions:
- The physical workload during Ramadan in industrial settings is 'Medium'.
- No significant differences in physical workload were observed between Ramadan and non-fasting periods.
- Findings suggest that Ramadan fasting does not significantly alter physical workload in these occupational contexts.
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