Ramadan Fasting Effects on Postural Control in the Elderly: A Comparison Between Fallers and Non-fallers

Abstract

Our purpose was to compare the effects of Ramadan fasting on postural control in elderly fallers and non-fallers. The protocol involved twenty-four healthy old volunteer males divided into two groups: fallers (mean age = 75.43 ± 5.26 years, weight = 67.25 ± 5.30 kg and height = 1.65 ± 0.02 m) and non-fallers (mean age = 72.3 ± 6.42 years, weight = 65.5 ± 6.15 kg and height = 1.64 ± 0.03 m). Participants performed a simple reaction time test (SRT) and a postural control protocol on four different occasions: one week before Ramadan (BR), during the second (SWR) and the fourth week (FWR) of Ramadan and three weeks after Ramadan (AR). Center of pressure (CoP) parameters [the CoP medial-lateral length (CoP), and the CoP antero-posterior length (CoP)] were assessed using a force platform under two surface conditions: Firm surface and Foam surface. The results showed that Ramadan fasting influences similarly fallers and non-fallers. In fact, for both groups, the CoP and the CoP values increased significantly during the SWR and the FWR compared to BR. These CoP parameters decreased significantly in the Firm surface conditions in the FWR. Moreover, the CoP parameters were significantly higher during the FWR and AR in comparison with BR in the Foam surface conditions. However, the amplitude of increase of the CoP % and the CoP % (ΔCoP % and ΔCoP %) between BR and the SWR was significantly higher in the fallers than non-fallers. The SRT of elderly fallers and non-fallers was significantly higher in the SWR and in the FWR compared to BR. In conclusion, Ramadan fasting alters similarly postural control of elderly fallers and non-fallers, but the amplitude (ΔCoP % and ΔCoP %) of this alteration seems to be more pronounced in fallers than non-fallers. A probable beginning of adaptation occurs at the FWR. However, three weeks seems to be insufficient to recover postural control alterations due to Ramadan fasting in difficult sensory conditions in elderly fallers and non-fallers.

Time-restricted feeding and lower-extremity functioning in community-dwelling older adults

“…To our knowledge this is the first study assessing intermittent fasting in association with ILEF. Our findings of an increased risk of balance impairment in participants on TRF are in line with previous publications in older adults who practiced Ramadan fasting [29,30]. A study among 15 older men showed that fasting approximately 17 hours per day for four weeks had a detrimental effect on postural balance performance and in simple reaction time [29].…”

“…Another study compared the effects of Ramadan fasting on postural control between a group of 12 participants with a history of at least two spontaneous and unexpected falls during the previous year and a group of 12 non-fallers. Ramadan fasting had similar adverse effects on in postural control both groups, that could lead to balance dysfunction and mobility limitation in older adults [30]. Despite Ramadan fasting is a common variety of TRF, it is of note that fasting time is approximately 12 hours per day from dawn to sunset [17], which contrast with TRF in our study participants and with usual TRF diets.…”

Diagnostic Balance Tests for Assessing Risk of Falls and Distinguishing Older Adult Fallers and Non-Fallers: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…Three studies were retrieved through screening of previous systematic reviews. Altogether, there were 19 prospective studies [ 22 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ] and 48 retrospective/case-control studies [ 18 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ...…”

Ramadan and Diabetes: A Narrative Review and Practice Update

“…Fasting can adversely affect postural control of elderly people; this is worse in those who are habitual fallers pre-Ramadan [158]. During Ramadan, there is partial sleep deprivation, which can adversely affect cognitive function, attention and memory [159].…”

“…A pre-Ramadan fasting programme consisting of planned changes in mealtimes and altered sleeping habits can help the elderly adapt to the changes during Ramadan. Particular emphasis is to be laid on maintaining sleep duration by going to bed early and on avoiding unaccustomed surfaces and inadequate environments, such as wet surfaces and reduced ambient lighting, to minimize the risk of falling [158]. A review of all medications, including hypoglycaemic agents with varying hypoglycaemic potential, is essential.…”