Abstract
Background
The evaluation of the autonomic nervous system through the
analysis of the heart rate variability has been used by a lot of research teams
during these last two decades but the effects of Ramadan have always been a
matter of controversy, especially, on children and adolescents. And since there
were no anterior studies on this specific subject, our protocol tried to
establish a connection between RF and the autonomic nervous system.
Aim
Recognize the effects of Ramadan on BMI, on anaerobic sports
performance through a laboratory test (the Wingate test) and on the activity of
the autonomic nervous system through the analysis of heart rate variability.
Methods
Nine male athletes playing football for at least five years in
a professional league club, aged 16.2 #177; 0.5 years, weighing 66 #177; 6 kg
and a size of 176 #177; 5 cm, participated in our study. This study took place
during the summer of 2011 during the month of Ramadan where the duration of the
fast varies between 14h30 and 15h. The measurements were done between 3:00 PM
and 5:00 PM. On all sessions these parameters were measured/calculated: Height
(cm), Weight (kg), BMI (Kg/m2), Performances during a Wingate test,
and the HR beat to beat using a Polar S810 device. The HRV was measured during
three maneuvers: supine position, standing position and during the effort. To
analyze the results we transferred the data on computer and we used the
software (The Biomedical Signal Analysis Group, Applied Physics Department,
University of Kuopio, Finland) to process them.
Results
Neither the BMI nor the performances during Wingate test were
influenced by RF. The parameter that was significantly lowered during RF was
the HR at rest and during the effort. In addition, our results showed a
modulation of the vegetative nervous system which leans towards the
parasymapatic tone.
Conclusion:
RF did not bring any significant changes on the anthropometric
parameters and the anaerobic performances of our subjects but influence the
sympathetico-vagal balance.
Keywords
Ramadan fasting - Wingate Test - Autonomic Nervous System - Heart
Rate Variability
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