Abstract

During the holy month of Ramadan the quality of food and eating patterns changed and drinking will be stopped
for at least 10 to 16 hours on the basis lunar calendar. The effects of exercise and fasting solely or combined on
metabolic and hematologic responses well established. The purpose of the present study was to study the effects of
Ramadan fasting with or without weight-lifting training on vascular volumes and selected hematological indices in
young male weight-lifters. Blood samples were taken at 24h before and 24h after the last day of holy Ramadan
fasting period and weight-lifting training for determination of the selected red and white blood cells compositions.
The Vascular volumes (Blood, Red cells, and plasma volumes) were determined and calculated by using both
hemoglobin and hematocrit estimations before and after Ramadan fasting with or without weight-lifting training.
The results indicate that red cell volume and MCHC were significantly decreased and increased in fasting group
(P<0.05) respectively. The percentages of hematocrit were significantly low in both training and fasting groups. A
higher and significant platelet count was found in training group. The present data indicate that weight-lifting
training during the holy Ramadan in compare to fasting had no impact on red and white cells composition
exception on platelet count and Hematocrit. A decrease in Hematocrit might be due to the incomplete dehydration
period which amplified by stop drinking and nutritional habits during the holy Ramadan.

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