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Ramadan daily intermittent fasting reduces objectively assessed habitual physical activity among adults
Abdualziz Farooq1,2, Karim Chamari3, Suzan Sayegh3
1Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, 29222, Doha, Qatar. mohammed.farooq@aspetar.com.
Background:
Muslims around the world practice intermittent fasting during the month of Ramadan each year. We hypothesized that daily physical activity could be reduced among Muslims due to the inability to refuel and rehydrate in the fasting state.
Methods:
A cohort study design among adults registered with national physical activity community program. Data from a pedometer-based community program was used to extract 3 months of daily step counts before, during, and after Ramadan for the past years (2013-2019). A survey was conducted among participants to determine fasting practice and other health and environmental factors.
Results:
A total of 209 participants completed the survey and provided valid data on physical activity. During Ramadan, the average steps per day decreased significantly (- 385 ± SE 158) among participants who fasted (n = 151) p = 0.046 and increased (+ 731 ± SE 247) for the non- fasting participants (n = 58) p = 0.010. Fasting participants preferred before sunset (33.8%) or evening (39.7%) for physical activity. Whereas, non-fasting participants preferred early morning (34.5%).
Conclusion:
Fasting during Ramadan impacts the daily physical activity behavior among Muslims. Interventions should focus on creating awareness of the importance of maintenance of adequate physical activity for adults fasting during Ramadan.
Insights
Muslims fasting during Ramadan significantly reduce daily physical activity. Maintaining adequate physical activity is crucial for adults observing the fast, requiring targeted interventions and awareness campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Public Health
- Islamic Studies
Background:
- Muslims worldwide observe intermittent fasting during Ramadan.
- This study investigated the impact of Ramadan fasting on daily physical activity levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if daily physical activity is reduced among Muslims during Ramadan.
- To analyze changes in physical activity patterns based on fasting status.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study analyzed pedometer data from 209 adults over 7 years (2013-2019).
- Daily step counts before, during, and after Ramadan were extracted.
- A survey assessed fasting practices and other influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Fasting participants (n=151) showed a significant decrease in daily steps (-385 ± 158, p=0.046) during Ramadan.
- Non-fasting participants (n=58) exhibited an increase in daily steps (+731 ± 247, p=0.010).
- Fasting individuals preferred physical activity before sunset or in the evening.
Conclusions:
- Ramadan intermittent fasting significantly impacts daily physical activity behavior in Muslims.
- Interventions are needed to promote adequate physical activity maintenance among fasting adults.
