Regular exercise can modulate the immune system functioning through changes in the number and function of leukocytes as well as in red blood cells and other typical blood markers. High intensity exercise promotes increases in cytotoxic activity, phagocytic capacity, chemotaxis and cell apoptosis. The aim of the study was to compare the chronic effects of a 24-week training program using CrossFit® methodology on hematological variables of men vs. women. Twenty-nine CrossFit® athletes (35.3 ± 10.4 years, 175.0 ± 9.2 cm, 79.5 ± 16.4 kg) participated in the study. The blood count, the lipid profile and glucose markers were measured every two months during the study period. The erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentrations increased in months 4 and 6 in men and women, respectively. Hematocrit levels increased in men in months 2, 4 and 6, while in women only in month 6. Red cell distribution width increased in men in month 6 when compared to the value in month 2. Segmented neutrophils increased in men in month 6 and eosinophil levels increased in women in month 6. Differences between the two sexes were observed in monocytes levels at baseline, as well as in months 2, 4 and 6. Cross-Fit® training increased red cell count indicators in both sexes, which may be related to increased erythropoiesis. Some white blood cell counts were altered and these differed between sexes. The number of lymphocytes remained stable throughout the experiment.

The purpose of this pilot study was to associate the history of extracurricular activity practice with the performance on the Functional Movement Screen Test, and to correlate different directions of the Y Balance Test with the performance on the Functional Movement Screen Test, as well as the weekly time spent on physical activities. Six women (age: 25.67 ± 4.68 years; height: 1.61 ± 0.06 m; total body mass: 65.47 ± 10.31 kg; body mass index: 25.06 ± 3.94) voluntarily participated in the present study. Each participant visited the laboratory on a single occasion, during which anthropometric measurements and movement pattern data (Functional Movement Screen Test and Y Balance Test) were collected, along with their past and current history of physical activity practice. Regarding the associations between the Functional Movement Screen Test and the history of extracurricular physical activity practice, no significant association was observed (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant correlations (p > 0.05) between the Functional Movement Screen Test and any of the Y Balance Test directions, nor between the weekly time spent on physical activities and any of the Y Balance Test directions. With respect to physical education in childhood, the study underscored its relevance for maintaining an active lifestyle in adulthood. It also highlighted the importance of school physical education and the role of the physical education teacher in encouraging physical activity among children. There are still open questions and a need for more studies and research on the topic, especially concerning improvements in current class programs to better engage students in physical activity and consequently promote a more active future.

Este estudo encontra sua relevância na necessidade de estabelecer ações que possam ser capazes de promover a atenuação dos efeitos das violências sofridas pelas mulheres ou até mesmo evitar que essas venham a ocorrer. No Brasil, os números de novos casos de violência doméstica e feminicídio são crescentes e isso torna necessária a ação da sociedade em buscar formas para enfrentar tal problema social e de saúde pública que afeta diretamente mulheres, filhos e famílias de maneira geral. Desta maneira, objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar as percepções de estudantes universitárias sobre uma única aula de práticas corporais de defesa pessoal no combate à violência contra mulher. Para isso, foi empregada uma metodologia mista, com técnicas de estatística descritiva, construção de nuvens de palavras e análise conteúdo, para analisar as questões levantadas junto às estudantes universitárias que participaram da pesquisa, em uma única aula de defesa pessoal. Os resultados obtidos permitem mostram que 33,3% da amostra já sofreu violência por parceiro íntimo e que destas, 75% sofreram mais de um tipo de violência. Também houve um aumento da percepção das mulheres sobre a capacidade de se protegerem fisicamente em uma situação de risco. Concluímos que uma única aula de defesa pessoal foi capaz de promover efeitos positivos na percepção das mulheres, aumentando assim sua autoeficácia para lidar com situações de violência.