Variations of the thermoregulation and motor efficiency of Algerian athletes during the fasting of Ramadan Variations de la thermorégulation et du rendement moteur chez des coureurs en état de jeûne

Abstract

Our research had for objective to study in a group of athletes the influence of the fast of Ramadan on the physical performance and the balance of the thermoregulation.

In this context of investigation, the scientific studies highlight the dangers of the dehydration. What are the precautions to be taken by the Muslim sportsmen who participate in official competitions during the fast of Ramadan? Question for which there are until now no determined methodological directives

Through our research, it is supposed that a diurnal and total alimentary abstinence, particularly hydric was a source of disturbances, causing a negative influence on the physical performance and the thermoregulation balance.

Our experimentation concerned a group of 13 male athletes, aged between 21 and 33 years old. This group of athletes has been tested on a race event of 3000 meters, and that 11 days before the period of Ramadan, 25th day during the fast period, and 119th day after the end of fast of Ramadan. These tests were accompanied with the measures of axillary temperature before and immediately after the realization of every test.

In the term of the research, it was noticed a regression of the average of the physical performances in running and an increase amplitude of the axillary temperature during the period of fast, confirming the hypothesis research.

The study allowed to deduct  that the diurnal food abstinence particularly the hydric privation, decreased the physical performance of middle-distance race and increase the axillary temperature during the period of fast, what inevitably leads towards a state of dehydration where the sportsman can expose his health to consequences which can be grave.