Physical performance before, during, and after Ramadan among Malaysian university students: A repeated-measures study

Abstract

This study examined changes in physical performance surrounding Ramadan fasting and whether trajectories differed between male and female university students. In a repeated-measures observational study, 69 students (25 male, 44 female) completed assessments one week before Ramadan, in Ramadan weeks 1 and 3, and one week after Ramadan. Body mass index (BMI), Harvard Step Test score, standing broad jump, wall squat duration and sit-and-reach distance were analysed using mixed analysis of variance with time and gender as factors. Time effects were observed for BMI (p = .029), cardiovascular endurance score (p < .001), broad jump (p < .001), wall squat duration (p = .042) and flexibility (p = .004). The step-test score, broad jump and flexibility were lower during Ramadan and increased after Ramadan. Time × gender interactions were observed for broad jump (p = .011) and wall squat duration (p = .009). Male wall squat duration rose across assessments, whereas female values fell during Ramadan and returned towards baseline afterward. These associations indicate distinct temporal patterns across fitness components; without a non-fasting control group, the changes cannot be attributed solely to fasting.