Between Fasting and Bad Habits: Why Some Players' Performance Declines During Ramadan
The article discusses the decline in performance of some athletes during Ramadan, comparing them to their counterparts in European leagues and highlighting the impact of training management and dietary habits.
The article examines the performance drop observed in certain athletes during Ramadan, questioning the reasons behind this trend, especially when compared to their peers in European leagues. Experts argue that the issue is not inherently linked to fasting but to how training loads are managed alongside nutritional practices and physical preparation culture. Dr. Jamal Takik, a physical education professor in Algeria, highlights that the decline can often be attributed to how athletes approach their training during this holy month.
One significant factor mentioned is the alteration of training schedules, which disrupts the athlete's biological clock. Experts in physical preparation emphasize that training at times that diverge significantly from match timings can confuse the body's internal schedule, affecting sleep cycles, wakefulness, and energy levels throughout the day. When athletes train at inconsistent times, their bodies may not reach peak readiness when it comes time to compete, adversely affecting their performance during matches.
The consequences of poor time management in training are evident; athletes may experience misalignment in their peak performance times due to their body's adaptation to different activity cycles. This could lead to a decrease in competitiveness and overall effectiveness during Ramadan matches. The article thus stresses the need for a structured and tailored approach to training and nutrition for athletes observing fasting, to ensure they can maintain optimal performance levels during this period.