Effects of Ramadan fasting on male judokas' performances in specific and non-specific judo tasks

This study aimed to examine the effects of Ramadan on judokas' performances in specific and non-specific tasks performed in the afternoon. Twelve male black belt judokas voluntarily participated in this study. The experimental design consisted of two testing phases: the fourth week of Ramadan (FWR) and five weeks after Ramadan (AR). At each phase, the judokas performed two test sessions. During the first one, they performed the squat jump (SJ), the countermovement jump (CMJ), and then, a maximal graded cycle test to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max). During the second one, the judokas carried out a specific judo test. All tests were performed in the afternoon (i.e. 16:00 h). The results showed that jump heights measured in the SJ (p<0.05) and the CMJ (p<0.05) were significantly lower during the FWR than AR. Likewise, VO(2)max (p<0.05) and peak heart rate recorded during the specific judo test (p<0.001) were significantly higher AR with respect to the FWR. Moreover, the number of uchi-komi performed in the specific judo test was significantly lower during the FWR compared to AR (p<0.001). In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that Ramadan leads to impairment in judokas' physical performances during generic and specific judo tests performed in the afternoon.