Does Ramadan fasting influence time-motion metrics and psychophysiological responses in soccer players during small-sided games performed in fed and fasted states?

Abstract

We explored how Ramadan fasting (RF) influences GPS-derived time-motion metrics and psychophysiological responses in soccer players during small-sided games (SSG). Twelve semi-professional male players (mean age 21.1 ± 0.7 y; estimated V ̇ O2max 54.5 ± 2.2 mL/min/kg) participated in four experimental SSG sessions in a within-subject, counterbalanced design. These sessions were scheduled at 15:00 and 21:00 before Ramadan, in a fed state (i.e., BR15fed and BR21fed), and during the fourth week of Ramadan at 15:00 in a fasted state (DR15fasted) and at 21:00 in a fed state (DR21fed). Sleep patterns, dietary intake, and insomnia symptoms were evaluated during the week preceding and final week-of-Ramadan. Participants’ Hooper index (wellness) and daytime sleepiness and mood measures were assessed before each session. Time-motion metrics using GPS and exercise heart rate (HR) were assessed during all sessions, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected after each session. Except for a higher number of decelerations in DR21fed session (p < 0.001), RF had no significant effect on other time-motion metrics. Absolute and relative exercise HR were higher at BR15fed than at BR21fed and at DR15fasted. RPE, Hooper index scores, and perceptual stress and muscle soreness components were higher at DR15fasted compared to BR15fed. Additionally, RF was associated with decreased sleep duration (by ~45 minutes) and increased insomnia symptoms and daytime sleepiness, while mood states and dietary intake were unchanged. RF induced physiological and perceptual changes in response to exercise, particularly in the fasted state. However, SSG performance metrics remained stable, suggesting fasted athletes can maintain short-duration SSG performance regardless of fasting status.