Research in the Asian Journal Of Sports Medicine investigates the effects of Ramadan fasting on respiratory muscle strength.

Ramadan fasting and exercise

During the summer months Ramadan fasting can be a major challenge for those who wish to exercise, with evidence indicating that it causes higher subjective ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), the mechanisms for which it says are not exactly known and the role of respiratory muscle strength has not yet been studied.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on respiratory muscle strength. Results show that it may cause a reduction of respiratory muscle strength through reduction of body weight.

The study also suggests that further larger sample size studies with control of all confounding factors are required in order to know the effect of fasting on respiratory muscle strength. However, until such future studies are conducted, there is something that can be done in order to help those who wish to exercise and are fasting at Ramadan to keep up the strength of their breathing muscles: POWERbreathe breathing muscle training.

POWERbreathe exercises the breathing muscles using resistance training to make them stronger, improving breathing stamina and reducing fatigue. So although physically working out can be a drain on the body when ‘fuel’ is reduced through fasting, POWERbreathe breathing training can still be performed, keeping the integrity of the individual’s fitness at a strong level. This is hugely beneficial for those exercising once the holy month of fasting is over as when they begin their fitness regimen again.