Monitoring the Mental Health of Athletes During the Month of Ramadan

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Published Jul 1, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i7.5823
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Vol. 103 No. 7 (2025): Tunis Med Jul 2025

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Mohamed Ali Boujelbane
Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany . High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6243-9321
Achraf Ammar
Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany . High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
Khaled Trabelsi
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000 ,Research Laboratory: Education, Motricity, Sport and Health, EM2S, LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia, Department of Movement Sciences and Sports Training, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Haitham Jahrami
Ministry of Health, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Walid Briki
Independent researcher, Grasse, France

Abstract

Introduction: Muslim athletes observing Ramadan fasting experience substantial alterations in their dietary habits, sleep patterns, and training routines, which may adversely affect their mental health. In this context, a comprehensive and methodologically sound assessment of their mental health is warranted throughout the fasting period.


Methods: This review adopts a conceptual framework grounded in the biopsychosocial model of well-being. It is informed by a critical synthesis of the scientific literature, including original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and narrative reviews, with the aim of proposing a structured and contextually appropriate framework for monitoring the mental health of athletes during Ramadan.


Results: The proposed approach integrates both global and specific assessment tools that encompass the physical, mental, and social dimensions of well-being. The quality of life scale developed by the World Health Organization, administered on a weekly basis, facilitates a comprehensive overview of well-being. Complementarily, a six-dimension mood scale—applied daily—allows for the detection of fluctuations in athletes' mood states. Perceived exertion and physical recovery are monitored using accessible tools that evaluate sleep quality, fatigue, muscle soreness, and stress. Furthermore, the use of wearable technologies enables the continuous and objective monitoring of psychophysiological parameters, including heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep cycles, and stress levels.


Conclusion: A continuous and multidimensional evaluation of mental health during Ramadan is essential for preserving athletes’ overall health. Targeted training of coaches and medical personnel in mental health monitoring is also imperative to ensure effective and timely support.

Keywords:

Depression, Exercise, Fasting, Monitoring, Physiological stress

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