Monitoring the Mental Health of Athletes During the Month of Ramadan

Muslim athletes observing Ramadan fasting experience substantial alterations in their dietary habits, sleep patterns, and training routines, which may adversely affect their mental health. In this context, a comprehensive and methodologically sound assessment of their mental health is warranted throughout the fasting period.

This review adopts a conceptual framework grounded in the biopsychosocial model of well-being. It is informed by a critical synthesis of the scientific literature, including original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and narrative reviews, with the aim of proposing a structured and contextually appropriate framework for monitoring the mental health of athletes during Ramadan.

The proposed approach integrates both global and specific assessment tools that encompass the physical, mental, and social dimensions of well-being. The quality of life scale developed by the World Health Organization, administered on a weekly basis, facilitates a comprehensive overview of well-being. Complementarily, a six-dimension mood scale-applied daily-allows for the detection of fluctuations in athletes' mood states. Perceived exertion and physical recovery are monitored using accessible tools that evaluate sleep quality, fatigue, muscle soreness, and stress. Furthermore, the use of wearable technologies enables the continuous and objective monitoring of psychophysiological parameters, including heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep cycles, and stress levels.

A continuous and multidimensional evaluation of mental health during Ramadan is essential for preserving athletes' overall health. Targeted training of coaches and medical personnel in mental health monitoring is also imperative to ensure effective and timely support.