Ramadan Observance Is Associated with Impaired Kung-Fu-Specific Decision-Making Skills.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Ramadan observance (RAM) on decision-making in Kung-Fu athletes. Fourteen male Kung-Fu athletes (mean age = 19 ± 3 years) completed two test sessions: before Ramadan (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (ER). In the afternoon of each session (between 16:00 h and 18:00 h), participants completed: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subjects also reported subjective fatigue, alertness, and concentration. Additionally, all participants performed video-based decision-making tasks (i.e., reaction time and decision-making). Results indicated that reaction time decreased by 30% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.01). However, decision-making decreased by 9.5% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.05). PSQI results indicated sleep quality score, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency were negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). ESS was higher at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In addition, fatigue scores, estimated by the POMS and current subjective feelings (i.e., fatigue, concentration, and alertness), were also negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance was associated with an adverse effect on sleep and decision making, as well as feelings of fatigue, alertness, and concentration.

Melatonin supplementation improves psychomotor and physical performance in collegiate student-athletes following a sleep deprivation night.

Several studies report sleep deprivation negatively impacts post-cognitive and physical performance, and other functions. Recent findings indicate ingestion of melatonin prior to exercise enhances tolerance to training and improves competition. We investigated the effects of melatonin supplementation on psychomotor performance and selected physical fitness measures of collegiate student-athletes following 4 h and 24 h of sleep deprivation. The study employed a repeated-measures, double-blind, randomized controlled protocol with posttest control group design with six conditions [3 sleep conditions (without sleep deprivation, 4 h sleep deprivation (4SD) and 24 h sleep deprivation (24SD)) × 2 supplementation conditions (melatonin and placebo)]. Ten trained male collegiate student-athletes (mean ± SD; age: 20 ± 2 y) attended the laboratory on six occasions with 72 h between successive visits. Placebo or 6 mg of melatonin were administered orally in capsules 30 min before the tests of: static and dynamic balance, reaction time, and anaerobic power. Also, blood lactate was measured before and 3 min after the anaerobic power exercise. During the placebo session, the results indicated that 4SD and 24SD had negative effect on the measured parameters, with higher impacts of the 24SD condition. Compared to placebo and during both 4SD and 24SD conditions, melatonin had a positive effect on static and dynamic balance, anaerobic power, blood lactic acid, and reaction time (p < .05). However, 6 mg melatonin ingestion had no significant effect on all dependent variables in collegiate student-athletes after the night without a sleep deprivation (p > .05). In conclusion, 6 mg of melatonin may be used by student-athletes to improve balance and psychomotor and physical performances after 4 h or 24 h of sleep deprivation.

Efficacy of hydrotherapy treatment for the management of chronic low back pain.

AIMS: The study investigated the influence of hydrotherapy method-based McKenzie and Williams among patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). METHODS: Semi-experimental pretest-posttest with a control group design trial was conducted at Health Service Center, Qazvin, Iran. Twenty-eight NSLBP patients (16 men and 12 women, age: 42.5 ± 7 years) were recruited. Hydrotherapy program developed based on McKenzie and Williams therapy was performed individually 3 days per week for 20 sessions. Therefore, the study compared a hydrotherapy group (based on McKenzie and Williams therapy) to a control group. Participants attended a hydrotherapy program under the supervision of a hydrotherapist. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Straight Leg Raise Test (SLRT) were measured at the beginning, middle, and at the end of the 20 sessions to determine pain and functionality of the patient's improvement. RESULTS: Overall, NPRS, RMDQ, and SLRT scores were improved in hydrotherapy group in the 10th session and 20th session compared with baseline (p ≤ 0.001) and control group (p ≤ 0.001). No difference in the treatment variables between the 10th session and the 20th session was observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the NSLBP symptom was improved after 10 sessions of hydrotherapy program developed based on McKenzie and Williams therapy.