Introduction: The optimal nutrient intake following physical exercise is important in order to quickly the replace lost of nutrients and regenerate the body effectively. This makes it easier to recover and restore muscle damage. In terms of diet, the regeneration means the restoration of glycogen, water and electrolytes, energy supplies, and the alleviation of nervous and muscular injuries and fatigue, as well as the restoration of the immune and hormonal system. A professional physiotherapist plays a vital role in providing optimal nutritional support in the process of successfully regenerating the body after exercise. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma paper is to present the importance of a proper post-exercise diet for muscle recovery. With scientific studies performed by means of meta-synthesis, we wanted to test the following statements: the carbohydrates and proteins input and their ratio are important for a successful post-exercise muscle recovery; sufficient fluid intake during and after exercise is important for good regeneration; after exercising, an individual has to consume a meal consisting of appropriate nutrients over a period of up to 45 minutes. Methods: A meta-synthesis of scientific studies; domestic and foreign scientific articles from 2006 to 2017, and the selection of professional literature from 2004 to 2016 were used. Various databases were also used: Cinahl, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, NLM for the search of foreign scientific literature and the Digital Library of the University of Ljubljana and in the mutual bibliographic catalogue of Slovenian libraries COBBISS.SI. The meta-synthesis of scientific studies was carried out by means of evaluation according to the four-point scale system by Eccles and Masoonam, where evidence marked with the highest value is at Level I. Results: Meta-synthesis of the scientific studies has shown that a good regeneration of muscles after exercise requires a proper the carbohydrates - proteins ratio. Also important is a sufficient intake of fluids and a time period of 45 minutes after exercise during which an individual consumes a meal of appropriate nutritional value, as this positively affects the organism’s regeneration process. Discussion and conclusion: A good diet with the right carbohydrate - protein ratio, as well as a sufficient amount of fluid, is required for good body’s regeneration after physical exercise and maintains his or her health. Therefore, combining knowledge of nutrition with the field of physiotherapy is key in pathing the way to a more stable and functional state of an individual. Physiotherapists awareness of the importance of nutritional support as one of the key factors of regeneration and can contribute to holistic physiotherapy management
|
