The Impact of Ramadan Fasting on the Sports Activities, Diet, and Anthropometry of Basketball Players in Eastern Algeria

Introduction: During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. In this period, meals become exclusively nocturnal, and the traditional dishes served are often rich in fats and carbohydrates. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the sports activities, diet, and anthropometry of the basketball players of the clubs of eastern Algeria. Methods: This transversal study was conducted on 32 basketball players. Data were collected on the sports activities, diet (24hour food recall, frequency of usual food consumption), and length of sleep using questionnaires. In addition, anthropometric measurements were performed. Results: The basketball players trained more frequently during normal periods compared to Ramadan (4.3±0.4 vs. 2.0±0.1 day/week; p 0.001) and hydrated in the evening during Ramadan (2.7±0.7 liters/day). The contribution of carbohydrates exceeded the recommendations. A significant difference was observed in the frequency of food consumption between normal periods and Ramadan for the fruits and vegetables group (p 0.001), fatty and sweet products (p 0.001), and beverage group (p 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed in the length of sleep between the two periods (P=0.621), and the body components did not change (weight, body mass index, brachial muscle circumference, and total muscle mass). Conclusion: According to the results, Ramadan fasting had no significant effects on the diet, sports activities, and anthropometry of the basketball players.