Natalie Allen

Background: Individuals observe Ramadan fasting for ~11 h per day for 28–30 days, which can negatively affect lean mass. Resistance training or increased protein intake can potentially preserve lean mass in these individuals. Methods: Twenty-three young and healthy adult Muslim men were divided into three groups: Ramadan fasting (RAM), Ramadan fasting combined with resistance training (RAM + RT), and Ramadan fasting combined with 30 g of daily whey protein (RAM + WH). Participants’ body mass, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, fat mass, and lean mass were measured the week prior to and during the last week of Ramadan via a stadiometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: Body mass (kg) was decreased for all three groups (RAM = −1%, RAM + RT = −1%, RAM + WH = −1.3%; p = 0.033), though there were no differences between groups. Lean mass (kg) was decreased for all three groups (RAM = −1%, RAM + RT = −1%, RAM + WH = −2%; p = 0.013), though there were no differences between groups. No differences were observed for body weight, BMI, or body fat percentage. Conclusions: These results indicate resistance training or whey protein did not provide any advantage for preserving lean mass in individuals participating in Ramadan fasting.

This observational research presents multi-year findings of a project using an online case study implemented in an undergraduate Medical Nutrition Therapy class that fostered interprofessional collaboration among students from various healthcare disciplines. The case study focused on a fictional patient with an ischemic stroke and all work was virtual. Students from various allied healthcare fields were represented: dietetics and nutrition, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work. Both undergraduate and graduate students participated in developing a virtual care plan for the patient, with an emphasis on helping students explain their role to the team, while simultaneously learning how to collaborate with other healthcare providers virtually. Results indicated significant improvement in students' knowledge across multiple subject areas, enhanced communication within simulated healthcare teams, and a deeper understanding of cross-disciplinary clinical roles. Participating students reported increased confidence as they entered dietetic internships and graduate programs, as well as better preparation for healthcare team interactions. This virtual case study was designed with scalability in mind, allowing it to be easily adapted to accommodate varying class sizes and cater to diverse allied health disciplines. The assignment provided professional training in effective communication and made it a valuable addition to dietetic education. Results indicated significant improvement in students' knowledge across multiple subject areas, enhanced communication within simulated healthcare teams, and a deeper understanding of cross-disciplinary clinical roles. Participating students reported increased confidence as they entered dietetic internships and graduate programs, as well as better preparation for healthcare team interactions. This virtual case study was designed with scalability in mind, allowing it to be easily adapted to accommodate varying class sizes and cater to diverse allied health disciplines. The assignment provided professional world training in effective communication and made it a valuable addition to dietetic education.