Effect of Ramadan Intermittent fasting on hydro-electrolytic parameters and physical performance among Division 1 amateur handball players of Porto Novo (Republic of Benin)

Abstract

This prospective controlled study was undertaken to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on hydro-electrolytic parameters and physical performance of handball players in Benin. Blood K+, Na+, Cl-, Ca++ and albumin (ALB) as well as weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), resting heart rate (rHR) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) were measured three days before and on the 28th day of fasting, in 13 handball players of Division 1 amateur (EG) and six non-athletes used as control group (CG). At the end of the fasting period 1) weight, BMI (p < 0.05), AC (p < 0.01), ALB (p < 0.01) and K+ (p < 0.05) decreased; 2) there was no variation in blood Na+, rHR and MAS(p > 0.05); 3) an increase in blood calcium and Na/K ratio was recorded (p < 0.05). These results suggest the implementation of new strategies of nutritional education for Muslim athletes living in hot climates, in order to reduce the negative effects of Ramadan fasting on their sports performance