Thiago Sousa Matias

Alongamento estático versus conceito Mulligan: aplicações no treino de flexibilidade em ginastas

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the acute changes in flexibility of hip extension in athletes of Rhythmic Gymnastics in terms of two stretching techniques: the static stretch and Mulligans Long Leg Traction. METHODS: this is a case study, with a quasi experimental investigation. Participated eight female athletes with an average age of 13.25 years, divided into two groups. Group 1 performed Mulligans Long Leg Traction and Group 2 performed static stretch. Photogrammetry was used to assess the range of motion of hip extension. The range of motion was assessed before the program beginning, before and immediately after each session. The duration of the protocol was six weeks (11 sessions). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Initial range of motion of hip extension was 31.38o in the left lower limb and 30.35o in right lower limb. Regarding the acute effects of stretching, the gain in Group 1 (4.73 ± 0.62o and 4.92 ± 0.26o in the left and right lower limb, respectively) was statistically significant superior than in Group 2 (3.42 ± 0.58o in left lower limb and 3.5 ± 0.70o in right lower limb). CONCLUSIONS: With respect to acute changes, Group 1 (Mulligan) had statistically greater gains than Group 2 (static stretching)

Assessment of the perception of physical competence in Brazilian adolescents of different nutritional status

PurposeConsidering the increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese adolescents, this study aimed to analyze the perception of physical competence in Brazilian adolescents of different nutritional status.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was performed and included 2.757 (15 ± 4 years-old) adolescent students (1.302 boys, 1.455 girls) from south of Brazil. Strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance questions were used to evaluate the perception of physical competence. To evaluate nutritional status, body mass index (BMI) was used.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents was 21.2%, with 25.4% for boys and 17.5% for girls. Girls with lower perception of aerobic endurance were more likely to be overweight/obese. Boys with a poor perception of flexibility were about 10 times more likely to be overweight/obese. Adolescents with a weak and moderate perception of strength were less likely to be overweight/obese.ConclusionWe concluded that perception of physical competence differs depending on the nutritional status of adolescents. Lower perceptions of aerobic endurance and flexibility favor the development of overweight and obese adolescents. However, greater perception of strength competence mostly appears in overweight/obese adolescents.