Résumé :
Introduction : The veil in Islam is a garment, which covers the entire body except the face, hands and feet. Muslim woman wears it in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family eventually during sports activity.The aim of our study was to determine whether wearing a veil can affect submaximal aerobic fitness based on different parameters. 

Material and methods : Twelve sedentary females aged 21 to 28 years,performed a 6-min walk test (6MWT) and submaximal cycle ergometer test (SCET). During the first session, the subjects performed the tests wearing sports outfit (sweat pants + jacket +veil). In the second session, the subjects performed the same tests wearing shorts and a t-shirt then we compared parameters in both sessions. Parameters evaluated were: body temperature (BT), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP),6minutes walk distance (6MWD)and dyspnea according to the Borg scale. The significance level was set at a probability level ≤ 0.05.

 Results : Mean age, weight, systolic and diastolic BP were respectively 24 ±2.2 years, 61.5±13 kg,120±5mmHg, and 80±5mmHg. During both sessions, we did not find significant difference during 6MWT with or without veil for the following parameters: HR, BP, 6MWD. Significant differences were found for BT (p<0.002) and dyspnea (p<0.002). For the SCET, significant differences were found only for HR and dyspnea (p<0.05). 

Conclusion : Wearing a veil is not likely a constraint for practicing physical activity. However, it can impact submaximal exercise training.  

Mots clés : submaximal aerobic fitness, 6-min walk test, submaximal cycle ergometer test, muslim veil

Auteurs : Hend KNAZ  , Syrine Gallas , Amal BEN KAMLA  , Imed LATIRI 

Mail de la personne à contacter pour questions : hendknaz27@gmail.com