The impact of a 40-min nap on neuromuscular fatigue profile and recovery following the 5-m shuttle run test.

This study aims to investigate the impact of a 40-min nap opportunity on perceived recovery, exertion, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) following the 5-m shuttle run test (5SRT), after 1 night of normal sleep. In a randomised, counterbalanced, cross-over design, 17 trained men (mean [SD] age 20 [3] years, height 173 [6] cm, body mass 68 [6] kg) performed a 5SRT under two conditions: a 40-min nap opportunity and no-nap condition. After both conditions, electromyography signals during a 5-s isometric knee extension were recorded before and immediately after the 5SRT. Two electrical nerve stimulations at the femoral nerve were measured during and after the MVIC. Force, voluntary activation level, M-wave amplitudes, potentiated twitch, and electromyography signals (root mean square) were measured during each MVIC. Perceived exertion was recorded after each repetition of the test and perceived recovery was determined after the end of the MVIC. Compared to the no-nap condition, the 40-min nap resulted in significant enhancements in both the highest distance (p < 0.01, Δ = +7.6%) and total distance (p < 0.01, Δ = +7.5%). Before and after exercise, values for MVIC, root mean square, M-wave amplitudes, and voluntary activation level were improved after the 40-min nap opportunity compared to no-nap condition (all p ≤ 0.01). Values for perceived exertion and recovery were improved after the 40-min nap opportunity in comparison with no-nap condition (p ≤ 0.01). A 40-min nap opportunity improved repeated high-intensity short-term maximal performance, perceived recovery, associated neuromuscular responses, and reduced perceived fatigue. Therefore, our findings suggest that central and peripheral processes are involved in the improvements of 5SRT performance after napping.

Pre-Exercise Caffeine Intake Attenuates the Negative Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Several Aspects of High-Intensity Short-Term Maximal Performances in Adolescent Female Handball Players.

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether, after Ramadan, pre-exercise caffeine intake can reduce any possible negative effects of this month on short-term maximal performances in young female handball players. A randomized study involved thirteen young female handball players. Participants performed a squat jump (SJ), Illinois agility test (AG), and 5 m run shuttles test (total (TD) and peak (PD) distances) at 08:00 AM and 06:00 PM on three different occasions: one week before Ramadan (Pre-R), the last week of Ramadan (R), and the week after Ramadan (Post-R). A placebo (Pla) or caffeine (Caff) (6 mg·kg-1) was administered 60 min before exercise test sessions at two distinct times of day (08:00 AM and 06:00 PM) during the two periods: Pre and Post-R. The PSQI and dietary intake were assessed during all testing periods. The results revealed that Pre-R, (SJ, AG, TD, and PD) test performances were greater in the evening (PM) than in the morning (AM) (all p < 0.001). However, compared with Pre-R, PM performances declined significantly during R (all p < 0.001) and Post-R (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, Pre-R, AM Caff produced moderate significant improvements compared with AM Pla, with small-to-no beneficial effects observed with PM Caff in SJ (4.8% vs. 1%), AG (1.8% vs. 0.8%), TD (2.8% vs. 0.3%), and PD (6% vs. 0.9%). Nevertheless, Caff produced moderate ergogenic effects during both AM and PM sessions during Post-R in SJ (4.4% vs. 2.4%), AG (1.7% vs. 1.5%), TD (2.9% vs. 1.3%), and PD (5.8% vs. 3%) with values approaching those of Pre-R Pla within the same time of day (p > 0.05, p > 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). In summary, pre-exercise Caff intake with a dose equivalent to 6 mg·kg-1 reduced the negative effects of Ramadan fasting in several aspects of short-term maximal performances in young female handball players at both times of the day.

Performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory responses to repeated high-intensity exercise following a 40-min nap.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 40-min nap opportunity (N40) on performance during, markers of muscle damage and inflammation, and the perception of fatigue and recovery, in response to a 5-m shuttle run test (5msrt). Fifteen male amateur athletes performed the 5msrt under two conditions: N40 and no-nap condition (NN). Blood biomarkers were collected at rest and after the 5msrt to measure muscle damage (i.e., creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)) and inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP)). RPE was determined immediately after each repetition of the test and PRS and DOMS were determined 5 min, thereafter. Compared to NN, N40 improved the highest distance (p<0.001, Δ=+7.9%) and the total distance (p<0.001, Δ=+7.2%) attained during the 5msrt. Pre and post the 5msrt, participants presented lower muscle damage (i.e., CK, LDH, ASAT and ALAT) and inflammation (i.e., CRP) (p<0.05) values in the N40 compared to NN. Concerning RPE, DOMS, and PRS, there was a positive effect in the N40 vs. NN (p<0.01). N40 represents an effective method for improving repeated high intensity short-term maximal performance, PRS, and associated muscle damage and inflammation, and reducing RPE and DOMS.

Physiological response and physical performance after 40 min and 90 min daytime nap opportunities.

This study aimed to examine the impact of 40-min and 90-min naps on performance in the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT) and on various physiological and perceptual measures. Sixteen male athletes (20 ± 3 years, 173 ± 7 cm, 67 ± 7 kg) performed the 5mSRT after a 40-min nap (N40), after a 90-min nap (N90), and in a no-nap, control condition (N0). The 5mSRT involves six repetitions of 30 s of all-out exercise. Total distance (in the six repetitions) and highest distance (in a single repetition) in the 5mSRT were greater after naps than in N0 (p < 0.001), and the total distance, which reflects the anaerobic capacity, was greater in N90 than in N40 (p < 0.05). Physiological and perceptual responses were favourable in both nap conditions (p < 0.01), more so in N90 than in N40 (p < 0.05). Together, the results support the contention that physiological/perceptual responses after napping contribute to improved exercise performance and that longer naps are more effective.

Longer Nap Duration During Ramadan Observance Positively Impacts 5-m Shuttle Run Test Performance Performed in the Afternoon.

It is well-documented that changes in the rhythm of life during Ramadan affect sleep schedules (i.e., interruption of night sleep patterns) and are likely to have negative effects on physical and cognitive performances. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of different naps opportunities' durations during Ramadan on performance of short-duration repetitive maximal exercise and perception of effort. Fifteen physically active men (age: 21 ± 3 years, height: 177 ± 6 cm, body-mass: 73 ± 10 kg) performed a 6 × 30-s shuttle run test after a 25-min nap (N25), a 45-min nap (N45), and in a no-nap condition (NN) during three experimental periods: ∼2 weeks before Ramadan (BR), the last ten days of Ramadan (ER), and ∼3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). During the shuttle run test performed in the late afternoon, the greatest distance (GD), the total distance (TD) and a fatigue index (FI) were assessed. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was determined after each 30-s effort. Dietary intake and sleep quality were assessed in each of the three periods. Compared to BR, GD and TD were lower in the ER testing period (p = 0.005; d = 0.54) but returned to BR levels in the AR period. During ER, carbohydrate intake was lower (p = 0.04; d = 0.2), and sleep duration and sleep quality were reduced (d = 0.27 and 0.54, respectively), although other aspects of dietary intake and sleep pattern were not affected. Compared to NN, GD and TD were higher after N25 (d = 0.57 and 0.34, respectively) and N45 (d = 0.93 and 0.88 respectively). RPE was lower in N45 (p = 0.035, d = 0.84). N45 resulted in higher TD (p = 0.021, d = 0.13) and lower RPE (p = 0.004; d = 0.57) compared to N25 during ER. Taking a daytime nap benefits subsequent performance in a shuttle run test, whether sleep the previous night was normal (as in BR) or compromised (as in ER). The benefits of napping were greater after a 45-min nap opportunity than after a 25-min nap opportunity.

A daytime 40-min nap opportunity after a simulated late evening soccer match reduces the perception of fatigue and improves 5-m shuttle run performance.

The effect of a 40-min nap opportunity was investigated during the day following a late evening simulated soccer match. Twelve male amateur soccer players (23 ± 3 years; 77.3 ± 5.3 kg; 1.76 ± 0.04 m) performed the Loughborough-intermittent-shuttle test at 21h00 and the following day they completed the sleepiness scale after either a nonap (N0) or 40-min nap (N40) opportunity that began at 14h00. At 17h00, participants performed the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT) (6 × 30-s with 35-s in-between; best distance (BD) and total distance (TD) were calculated). After performing the 5mSRT, they provided their rating of the perceived exertion (RPE) and rated their muscle soreness. Sleepiness scores were significantly lower in N40 in comparison with N0 (P < 0.05). A significant increase of TD (+64.5 m) and BD (+9.6 m) after N40 compared to N0 was observed (P < 0.05). The improved performance was associated with reduced levels of muscle soreness and lower RPE. In conclusion, a daytime 40-min nap opportunity after a late evening simulated soccer match improves short-term repetitive maximal performance in soccer players, and has positive effects on perception of sleepiness, muscle soreness, and RPE.

A Thirty-Five-Minute Nap Improves Performance and Attention in the 5-m Shuttle Run Test during and Outside Ramadan Observance.

Ramadan observance is characterized by several changes in behaviors, such as food and sleep, which could affect physical and cognitive performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 35-min nap (N35) opportunity on physical performance during the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT); attention; feelings; mood states; and perceptual measures of stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness during Ramadan observance. Fourteen physically active men (22 ± 3 years, 177 ± 4 cm, 76 ± 5 kg) were tested after a no-nap condition (N0), N35 15 days before Ramadan (BR), the last 10 days of Ramadan (DR), and 20 days after Ramadan (AR). Measures included the digit cancellation test (attention estimation), the profile of mood state (POMS), and the Hooper questionnaires. After a 5-min standard warm-up, participants performed the 5mSRT (6 × 30 s with 35 s in between; best distance (BD), total distance (TD), and fatigue index (FI) were recorded), along with the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after each test repetition. After the 5mSRT test, participants responded to the feeling scale (FS). The results showed that TD and FI during the 5mSRT were not affected by Ramadan observance. However, BD was significantly lower than DR compared to AR after N0 (∆ = -4.3 ± 1.3%; p < 0.01) and N35 (∆ = -2.6 ± 1.0%; p < 0.05). After N0, attention decreased significantly at DR in comparison with BR (p < 0.05) and AR (p < 0.001). BD and TD improved after N35 compared to N0 at BR (∆ = +4.4 ± 2.1%, p < 0.05 for BD and ∆ = +4.8 ± 1.6%, p < 0.01 for TD), DR (∆ = +7.1 ± 2.2%, p < 0.05 for BD and ∆ = +5.1 ± 1.6%, p < 0.01 for TD), and AR (∆ = +5.5 ± 1.5%, p < 0.01 for BD and ∆ = +5.2 ± 1.2%, p < 0.001 for TD). A significant increase in attention was observed after N35 in comparison with N0 at DR (p < 0.01) and AR (p < 0.01). However, no changes were found for the perception of mood states, stress, sleep, muscle soreness, and the FI during the 5mSRT. Also, N35 was better than N0 for RPE at DR (p < 0.05), feelings at AR (p < 0.05), and fatigue estimation at AR (p < 0.01). A 35-min nap opportunity may have beneficial effects on physical and cognitive performances before, during, and after Ramadan.

A 90 min Daytime Nap Opportunity Is Better Than 40 min for Cognitive and Physical Performance.

This study examined the effects of different nap durations on attention and physical performance as well as mood states, sleepiness, perceived exertion (RPE), recovery (PRS), and muscle soreness (DOMS) in trained men. Fourteen amateur team sport players (age: 20.3 ± 3.0 years, height: 173.1 ± 6.7 cm, body-mass: 68.1 ± 6.6 kg) performed a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) test, 5-m shuttle run, and the digit-cancellation (i.e., attention) test after a no-nap (N0) and 40-min (N40) and 90-min (N90) of nap opportunities. Subjective measurement of mood states, RPE, PRS and DOMS were determined. Compared to N0, both nap durations enhanced attention, MVIC, total distance (TD), and higher distance (HD) (p < 0.001), with a higher gain after N90 compared to N40 for attention (Δ = +3), MVIC (Δ = +30N) and TD (Δ = +35m) (p < 0.001). Total mood scores were better after N40 and N90 compared to N0 (p < 0.05), with lower scores after N90 compared to N40 (p < 0.05). DOMS and RPE scores were significantly lower and PRS was significantly higher after N40 and N90 compared to N0 and after N90 compared to N40 (p < 0.05). Although both nap opportunity durations were beneficial, N90 was better than N40 for improving physical performances and attention as well as the perception of recovery, reducing fatigue perception, muscle soreness, and negative mood states.

Effects of the 5-m Shuttle Run Test on Markers of Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Fatigue in Healthy Male Athletes.

Physical exercise is often associated with increases in muscle damage markers and inflammation. However, biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation responses to the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT) have not yet been evaluated. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of the 5mSRT on muscle damage markers, inflammation, and perception of fatigue and recovery in healthy male athletes. Fifteen male amateur team sports players (age: 20 ± 3 yrs, height: 173 ± 7 cm, body-mass: 67 ± 7 kg) participated in this study. Blood biomarkers were collected at rest, 5 min after, and 72 h after the 5mSRT to measure muscle damage (i.e., creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)) and inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP)). Best distance (BD), total distance (TD), fatigue index (FI), and percentage decrement (PD) during the 5mSRT were assessed. Perceived recovery (PRS) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were recorded before, 5 min after, and 72 h after the 5mSRT; perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded before, during, and 72 h after the 5mSRT. Muscle damage biomarkers post 5mSRT showed a significant increase compared to pre 5mSRT (p < 0.001) levels ((i.e., CK (190.6 ± 109.1 IU/L vs. 234.6 ± 113.7 IU/L), LDH (163.6 ± 35.1 IU/L vs. 209.9 ± 50.8 IU/L), ASAT (18.0 ± 4.4 IU/L vs. 21.7 ± 6.2 IU/L), and ALAT (10.2 ± 3.4 IU/L vs. 12.7 ± 3.8 IU/L)) and 72 h post 5mSRT (p < 0.001) levels ((CK (125.3 ± 80.5 IU/L vs. 234.6 ± 113.7 IU/L), LDH (143.9 ± 36.6 IU/L vs. 209.9 ± 50.8 IU/L), ASAT (15.0 ± 4.7 IU/L vs. 21.7 ± 6.2 IU/L), and ALAT (8.6 ± 2.4 IU/L vs. 12.7 ± 3.8 IU/L)). CRP was also significantly higher post 5mSRT compared to pre 5mSRT (2.1 ± 2.5 mg/L vs. 2.8 ± 3.3 mg/L, p < 0.001) and 72 h post 5mSRT (1.4 ± 2.3 mg/L vs. 2.8 ± 3.3 mg/L, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were reported between (i) physical performance parameters (i.e., PD, FI, TD, and BD), and (ii) markers of muscle damage (i.e., CK, LDH, ASAT, and ALAT) and inflammation (i.e., CRP). Similarly, DOMS and RPE scores were significantly higher post 5mSRT compared to pre 5mSRT (2.4 ± 1.0UA vs. 6.7 ± 1.1UA and 2.1 ± 0.6 UA vs. 8.1 ± 0.6 UA, respectively p < 0.001) and 72 h post 5mSRT (1.9 ± 0.7 UA vs. 6.7 ± 1.1 UA and 1.5 ± 0.6 UA vs. 8.1 ± 0.6 UA, respectively p < 0.001). PRS scores were significantly lower post 5mSRT as compared to pre 5mSRT (6 ± 1 UA vs. 3 ± 1 UA, p < 0.001) and 72 h post 5mSRT (7 ± 1 UA vs. 3 ± 1 UA, p < 0.001). Significant correlations existed between (i) performance parameters (PD, FI, TD, and BD) and (ii) RPE, PRS, and DOMS. The 5mSRT increased biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation, as well as the DOMS and RPE and reduced the PRS. Seventy-two hours was sufficient for fatigue recovery induced by the 5mSRT. PD is better than FI for the calculation of performance decrements during the 5mSRT to represent fatigue.

Effects of 25-Min Nap Opportunity during Ramadan Observance on the 5-m Shuttle Run Performance and the Perception of Fatigue in Physically Active Men.

We aimed to investigate the effects of a 25-min nap opportunity on physical performance during the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT), feelings (i.e., evaluated by the feeling scale), attention (i.e., evaluated by the digit cancellation test) and the perception of fatigue (i.e., recorded by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE)) during Ramadan observance. Twelve physically active men (age: 21.1 ± 3.2 yrs, height: 1.76 ± 0.05 m, body-mass: 71.2 ± 9.3 kg) voluntarily participated in five test sessions: 15 days before Ramadan (BR), the first 10 days of Ramadan (FR), the last 10 days of Ramadan (ER), 10 days after Ramadan (10AR) and 20 days after Ramadan (20AR). During each test session, participants performed the digit cancellation test, a 5-min standard warm-up, the 5mSRT (6 × 30-s with 35-s intervals-between) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after no-nap (N0) and 25-min nap opportunity (N25) conditions. Participants also completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) during each period. The total distance covered during the 5mSRT did not differ significantly before, during or after Ramadan, but was significantly greater after N25 compared to N0 at 10AR (687.5 ± 23.0 m vs. 725.6 ± 41.1 m; p = 0.018) and 20AR (698.3 ± 19.8 m vs. 742.6 ± 58.3 m; p = 0.003). The attention scores were higher after N25 in comparison with N0 at 10AR (p = 0.04) and 20AR (p = 0.02). RPE scores were not significantly different between N25 and N0 conditions. Feelings scores were higher after N25 compared to N0 during both FR (p = 0.007) and 20AR (p = 0.04). A significant deterioration of sleep quality was recorded during Ramadan (i.e., PSQI scores were significantly higher during and after compared to BR (p < 0.0005)). A 25-min nap opportunity was beneficial for physical and cognitive performance after Ramadan observance; however, any effect is insufficient to show significant beneficial impacts during Ramadan.

Effect of different nap opportunity durations on short-term maximal performance, attention, feelings, muscle soreness, fatigue, stress and sleep.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different nap opportunity durations on short-term maximal performance, attention, feelings, muscle soreness, fatigue, stress and sleep. Twenty physically active men (age: 21.1 ±â€¯3.6 years, height: 176.4 ±â€¯5.7 cm, body-mass: 72 ±â€¯10.8 kg) performed the 5-jump and the digit-cancellation (i.e., attention) tests after four randomized nap opportunity conditions: no-nap opportunity (N0), 25 min of nap opportunity (N25), 35 min of nap opportunity (N35) and 45 min of nap opportunity (N45). Subjective measurement of feelings, muscle soreness, fatigue, stress and sleep were performed during each test session. Compared to N0, there was a significant improvement of the 5-jump performance during N35 (Δ = +3.5%, p < .01) and N45 (Δ = +3.7%, p < .01). Attention was also better after N45 compared to N0 (Δ = +7.5%, p < .05). Fatigue, sleep and stress scores were significantly lower after N25, N35 and N45 compared to N0 (p < .05). However, no-significant effect of naps durations on feelings and fatigue scores was observed. A nap opportunity has a beneficial effect on physical performance and attention with better results observed for naps ≥35 min.

Effect of napping opportunity at different times of day on vigilance and shuttle run performance.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a nap opportunity during the daytime realized at different times of day on physical and mental performance. Eighteen physically active males (age: 20.5 ± 3.0 years, height: 175.3 ± 5.9 cm, body-mass: 70.0 ± 8.6 kg) were tested under four experimental conditions: no-nap condition, nap at 13h00, nap at 14h00 and nap at 15h00. All nap durations were of 25-min and all tests were performed at 17h00. They performed a 5-m shuttle run test, which generated measures of the highest distance (HD) and total distance (TD). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each of the six sprints in the 5-m shuttle run test. Vigilance was measured using a digit cancellation test. The results showed that TD at 17h00 was 4% greater after a nap at 14h00 than in the no-nap condition (+28 m, p < .05) or after the nap at 13h00 (+29 m, p < .05). HD was 8% higher (+9 m, p < .001) after a nap at 14h00 than in the no-nap condition and 7% higher after nap at 15h00 than in the no-nap condition (+7 m, p < .05). In addition, HD was 6% higher after nap at 14h00 (+7 m, p < .01) and 5% higher after nap at 15h00 (+9 m, p < .01) than HD after a nap at 13h00. Napping at 13h00 had no effect on physical performance at 17h00. No significant differences were observed between RPE and vigilance scores in the nap and no-nap conditions. In conclusion, napping for 25 min at 14h00 and 15h00 produces meaningful improvements in responses during repeated short-term maximal exercise tests performed at 17h00. Napping at 13h00 does not. Vigilance, as measured using a digit cancellation test, and RPE scores are not influenced by any of the nap opportunities.

Nap Opportunity During the Daytime Affects Performance and Perceived Exertion in 5-m Shuttle Run Test.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of different durations of nap opportunity during the daytime on repeated high-intensity short-duration performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS: Seventeen physically active men (age: 21.3 ± 3.4 years, height: 176.7 ± 5.9 cm, body mass: 71.8 ± 10.2 kg) performed a 5 m shuttle run test [to determine best distance (BD), total distance (TD), and fatigue index (FI)] under four conditions: a 25 min nap opportunity (N25), a 35 min nap opportunity (N35), a 45 min nap opportunity (N45), and control condition (no-nap) (N0). The sleep quality of each nap opportunity was evaluated using a scale ranging from 0 "no sleep" to 10 "uninterrupted, deep sleep throughout." The four conditions were performed in a random order. RPE was recorded after each repetition of the 5 m shuttle run test and the mean score was calculated. RESULTS: BD increased after N25 (+6%) and N45 (+9%) compared to N0 (p < 0.05) and was significantly higher after N45 compared to N35 (p < 0.05). Compared to N0, the three nap opportunity durations enhanced TD (p < 0.05) with greater enhancement after N45 compared to N25 (+8% vs. +3%) and N35 (+8% vs. +3%). For FI, no-significant differences were observed between the three nap opportunity durations and N0. The mean RPE score was significantly higher after N25 (+20%) and N0 (+19%) compared to N45 (p < 0.05). All participants were able to fall asleep during each nap condition with a sleep quality score of 6.9 ± 1.0, 7.0 ± 0.7, and 7.1 ± 0.8 for N25, N35, and N45. CONCLUSION: A nap opportunity during the daytime was beneficial for physical performance and perceived exertion with the N45 being the most effective for improving performance and reducing fatigue during the 5 m shuttle run test. The implication of the present study is that athletes might benefit from a nap opportunity of 25, 35 or 45 min before practice or before a competition.

Short-term maximal performance, alertness, dietary intake, sleep pattern and mood states of physically active young men before, during and after Ramadan observance.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in short-term maximal performance, alertness, dietary intake, sleep pattern and mood states of physically active young men before (BR), during and after Ramadan observance. METHODS: Twelve physically-active men (age: 21.9±2.4yrs, height:1.77±0.09m, body-mass: 72.6±7.8kg, exercising: ≥3h/week) performed the 5-jump and the digit-cancellation (alertness) tests 15-days BR, on the first (FR) and last 10-days of Ramadan (ER) and 10-days (AR10) and 20-days (AR20) after Ramadan. During each period, sleep pattern (Pittsburgh-Sleep-Quality-Index (PSQI)), mood states (Profile-of-Mood-States (POMS)) and dietary intake were recorded. RESULTS: No significant changes in the 5-jump, digit-cancellation test and POMS parameters appeared during and after Ramadan relative to BR. However, the PSQI total score was lower during FR compared to AR10 (p<0.001). Specifically, the subjective sleep quality was lower (i) at BR compared to FR (p<0.05), AR10 (p<0.01) and AR20 (p<0.01) and (ii) at ER and AR20 compared to FR (p<0.05). The sleep duration (i) increased at FR (p<0.05) and (ii) decreased at AR10 (p<0.01) and AR20 (p<0.05) compared to BR. Sleep disturbances were significantly greater (i) at BR compared to FR (p<0.01), ER (p<0.01), AR10 (p<0.05) and AR20 (p<0.05) and (ii) at AR10 and AR20 compared to FR and ER (p<0.05). In terms of diet, the fractional contribution of carbohydrate (%) was lower and the dietary fat content (g) was higher during ER than AR10 and AR20 (p<0.05). Further, the dietary protein (in %) was significantly lower during FR compared to BR (p<0.01), ER (p<0.05), AR10 (p<0.05) and AR20 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ramadan had no-adverse effects on the 5-jump performance, alertness, or mood states in physically active young men. However, the sleep duration was shorter and the sleep quality was improved following compared to during Ramadan. The fractional intake of fat also increased at the expense of carbohydrate during Ramadan, and the protein intake was lower at the beginning of Ramadan than before, at the end of and after Ramadan.

Sleep Patterns, Alertness, Dietary Intake, Muscle Soreness, Fatigue, and Mental Stress Recorded before, during and after Ramadan Observance.

Ramadan is one of the pillars of the Islamic creed. Its observance commonly causes chrono-biological changes. The present study examined sleep and alertness during Ramadan observance relative to data collected before and after Ramadan in a sample of young, physically active men. Information was also collected on dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress over the three periods. Fourteen physically active men (age: 21.6 ± 3.3 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.06 m, body-mass: 73.1 ± 9.0 kg) completed the Hooper questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and responded to the digit cancellation test (DCT) fifteen days before Ramadan, during the last ten days of Ramadan and 20 days after Ramadan. The PSQI results indicated that sleep duration was significantly longer before Ramadan (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) compared to during Ramadan and was longer before Ramadan than after Ramadan (p = 0.04). In addition, the sleep efficiency was lower during Ramadan in comparison to before Ramadan (p = 0.02) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04). The daytime dysfunction score increased during Ramadan in comparison with before Ramadan (p = 0.01) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04), and the sleep quality score was higher during (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) as compared to before Ramadan. The sleep disturbance score increased during Ramadan relative to before Ramadan (p = 0.04). However, Ramadan observance had no significant effect on sleep latency. Mental alertness also decreased at the end of Ramadan compared to before (p = 0.003) or after Ramadan (p = 0.01). Dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress as estimated by the Hooper questionnaire remained unchanged over the three periods of the investigation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance had an adverse effect on sleep quantity and on mental alertness, but not on sleep quality. However, dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress remained unaffected.