Effect of resistance training during Ramadan on body composition and markers of renal function, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity in recreational bodybuilders

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012 Aug;22(4):267-75. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.22.4.267.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a hypertrophic training program during Ramadan on body composition and selected metabolic markers in trained bodybuilders. Sixteen male recreational bodybuilders (9 Ramadan fasters and 7 nonfasters) participated in the study. All visited the laboratory 2 d before the start of Ramadan (Bef-R) and on the 29th day of Ramadan (End-R). In the morning of each session, subjects underwent anthropometric measurement, completed a dietary questionnaire, and provided fasting blood and urine samples. Body mass and body-mass index in nonfasters increased by 2.4% (p = .05 and p = .04, respectively) from Bef-R to End-R but remained unchanged in fasters over the period of the investigation. Fasters experienced an increase in the following parameters from Bef-R to End-R: urine specific gravity (1%, p = .022) and serum concentrations of urea (5%, p = .008), creatinine (5%, p = .007), uric acid (17%, p < .001), sodium (2%, p = .019), potassium (6%, p = .006), chloride (2%, p = .028), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (10%, p = .005). However, only serum creatinine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in nonfasters (3%, p <.001 and 14%, p = .007, respectively) during the same period. Creatinine clearance values of fasters decreased by 3% (p = .03) from Bef-R to End-R. Continuance of hypertrophic training through Ramadan had no effect on body mass and body composition of bodybuilders, but a state of dehydration and reduced renal function were apparent, perhaps because of the restricted opportunity for fluid intake imposed by the study design.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Biomarkers / urine*
  • Body Composition*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Dehydration / blood
  • Dehydration / metabolism
  • Fasting*
  • Humans
  • Immunity / physiology*
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Islam*
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Recreation
  • Resistance Training*
  • Respiratory Rate / physiology
  • Sodium / blood
  • Urea / blood
  • Uric Acid / blood
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Uric Acid
  • Urea
  • Sodium
  • Creatinine