Basketball-Specific Small-Sided Games Training during Ramadan Intermitting Fasting: Do Changes in Body Composition,...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutrition

Background:

• Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) presents unique physiological challenges for athletes.
• Understanding the impact of training load during RIF on performance is crucial for athlete management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of an additional small-sided games (SSGs) training program during RIF on technical performance in professional basketball players.
• To investigate the relationship between technical performance changes and alterations in body composition, sleep habits, and perceived exertion.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four professional male basketball players were divided into an intervention (INT) and control (CON) group.
• Both groups underwent a four-week SSGs training program.
• Evaluations included technical performance, body composition, sleep quality, and perceived exertion before and after the intervention period.

Main Results:

• The intervention group experienced significant decreases in body composition, sleep duration, and heart rate during RIF.
• Ratings of perceived exertion significantly increased, and technical performance was negatively affected in the intervention group.
• Statistical analysis (MANCOVA) indicated no significant group differences when adjusted for key physiological changes.

Conclusions:

• Technical performance in professional male basketball players is significantly impaired by the end of Ramadan intermittent fasting.
• These performance decrements occur independently of changes in perceived exertion, sleep habits, or body composition.