Ramadan daily intermittent fasting reduces objectively assessed habitual physical activity among adults

Bibliographic Details
Title: Ramadan daily intermittent fasting reduces objectively assessed habitual physical activity among adults
Authors: Abdualziz Farooq, Karim Chamari, Suzan Sayegh, Maha El Akoum, Abdulla Saeed Al-Mohannadi
Source: BMC Public Health, Vol 21, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2021)
Publisher Information: BMC, 2021.
Publication Year: 2021
Collection: LCC:Public aspects of medicine
Subject Terms: Ramadan fasting, Physical activity, Daily intermittent fasting, Pedometer, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270
More Details: Abstract Background Muslims around the world practice intermittent fasting during the month of Ramadan each year. We hypothesized that daily physical activity could be reduced among Muslims due to the inability to refuel and rehydrate in the fasting state. Methods A cohort study design among adults registered with national physical activity community program. Data from a pedometer-based community program was used to extract 3 months of daily step counts before, during, and after Ramadan for the past years (2013–2019). A survey was conducted among participants to determine fasting practice and other health and environmental factors. Results A total of 209 participants completed the survey and provided valid data on physical activity. During Ramadan, the average steps per day decreased significantly (− 385 ± SE 158) among participants who fasted (n = 151) p = 0.046 and increased (+ 731 ± SE 247) for the non- fasting participants (n = 58) p = 0.010. Fasting participants preferred before sunset (33.8%) or evening (39.7%) for physical activity. Whereas, non-fasting participants preferred early morning (34.5%). Conclusion Fasting during Ramadan impacts the daily physical activity behavior among Muslims. Interventions should focus on creating awareness of the importance of maintenance of adequate physical activity for adults fasting during Ramadan.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1471-2458
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2458
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11961-9
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/9d4b223a2c2d40589d7e59902b6a99c0
Accession Number: edsdoj.9d4b223a2c2d40589d7e59902b6a99c0
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:14712458
DOI:10.1186/s12889-021-11961-9
Published in:BMC Public Health
Language:English