Effect of myofascial release on lower limb range of motion, sit and reach and horizontal jump distance in male university students.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of Myofascial release (MR) on lower limb ROM, sit and reach and horizontal jump distance in male university students. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. BACKGROUND: MR is a technique that aims to stretch fascia to increase range of motion (ROM), relieve pressure points and improve performance. However, there is limited evidence of its actual effects on flexibility and physical performance. METHODS: Twenty-one uninjured, male university students received MR (11 on the first session and the other 10 on the second session 24 h later), completed lower limb ROM assessments, the sit and reach and the horizontal jump tests in a randomized order. MR was performed before the tests with a myofascial stick in the anterior and posterior aspects of the right and left thigh and calf muscles. Each muscle group was massaged for 90 s, totaling 9 min of MR. The testing conditions with MR and without MR were compared using Student t-tests and the effect sizes (ES) were calculated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the testing conditions on horizontal jump distance. However, the sit and reach distance (28 ± 9 vs. 32 ± 9 cm, p = 0.001; ES = 0.44), left hip extension (10 ± 2 vs. 8 ± 2°, p = 0.006; ES = 1.00) and left plantar flexion (36 ± 7 vs. 39 ± 7°, p = 0.044; ES = 0.43) were higher with MR. CONCLUSIONS: MR increased sit and reach distance, left hip extension and plantar flexion, but it did not affect horizontal jump distance in uninjured, male university students.

Efeitos do chá verde e do exercício físico sobre a composição corporal de pessoas obesas / Effects of green tea and physical exercise on body composition of obese people

Objetivo: analisar os efeitos do consumo de chá verde associado ao exercício físico sobre a composição corporal de pessoas obesas. Materiais e método: o estudo trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura. As buscas foram feitas nas bases de dados Lilacs, Scielo e PubMed, utilizando os descritores: obesidade, chá verde, Camellia Sinensis, exercício. Os artigos utilizados foram publicados entre os anos de 2003 a 2015. Resultados: uma ferramenta recentemente utilizada para o controle do peso é o chá verde, considerado um alimento funcional; é a segunda bebida mais consumida no mundo. Evidências mostram seu efeito termogênico com aumento do gasto energético e promoção da oxidação de gorduras. O consumo de chá verde se mostrou efetivo na diminuição de massa corporal, especialmente na forma de gordura, porém o consumo do chá aliado à prática de exercício se mostra mais eficaz para a redução de peso. Ressalta-se ainda que os hábitos alimentares saudáveis devem ser incentivados para obter o máximo dos benefícios dessa planta. Considerações finais: é necessária a investigação mais aprofundada para determinar as doses e formas de administração seguras do chá verde, bem como os mecanismos de ação e da biodisponibilidade dos compostos ativos, pois se trata de um alimento de baixo custo e que pode ser utilizado no manejo nutricional de doenças crônicas como a obesidade, colaborando assim, para a qualidade de vida e saúde da população.(AU)

Objective: This study is a literature review on the effects of green tea consumption associated with exercise on obesity. Materials and method: Searches were made in the databases Lilacs, SciELO and PubMed. Results: One way recently used for weight control is green tea, considered a functional food, is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Evidence shows his thermogenic effect with increased energy expenditure and promoting fat oxidation. The consumption of green tea was effective in decreasing body weight, especially in the form of fat, but tea consumption combined with exercise training proves more effective for weight reduction. It is noteworthy that healthy eating habits should be encouraged to get the maximum benefits of this plant. Closing remarks: It is required further investigation to determine the doses and secure administration of green tea, as well as the mechanisms of action and bioavailability of the active compounds, since it is an inexpensive food which can be used for the nutritional management of diseases chronic such as obesity, thus contributing to the quality of life and health.(AU)