Browsing by Author "Bassett, Susan"
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Item Changes in the physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a competition season(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2013) Hene, Nceba Mzimkulu; Bassett, SusanOBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in the physical fitness characteristics of elite women’s rugby union players over a competitive season. METHODS: Thirty-two elite women’s rugby union players, all members of the South African Rugby Union High Performance Squad, were sub-divided into 2 positional categories of 17 forwards and 15 backs, respectively, and assessed pre-, mid- and post-competition season. Players underwent anthropometric (stature, body mass and sum of 7 skinfolds) and physical performance measurements (vertical jump, 10 m and 40 m sprint, 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and multi-stage shuttle-run test). Analysis. A 2-factor analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences in physical fitness variables between and within playing positions over the competition season (p<0.01). RESULTS: In both groups, no significant changes were detected in the sum of skinfolds, vertical jump height, 1RM bench press and multi-stage shuttle-run test scores throughout the season. However, sprint times (10 m and 40 m) significantly increased and then decreased for both groups between the early (pre- to mid-season) and later phases of the season (mid- to post-season), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that, for improvement in physical fitness, players need to train at higher loads, especially in the preparatory phase. Thereafter, they must take measures to actively maintain these gains throughout the competitive season. Direct supervision of their conditioning should be encouraged.Item Development of guidelines for adolescents and parents to increase adolescent participation in physical activity(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Cozett, Colleen Sarah; Bassett, SusanPhysical inactivity in adolescence increases due to numerous influencing factors and this inactivity may continue into adulthood without intervention. Parental involvement provides support for adolescents to increase their participation in physical activity. In South Africa, it is unclear which strategies are available to improve parental involvement in physical activity in adolescence. Thus, this study aimed to develop guidelines for enhancing parental involvement to increase adolescent participation. The objectives of the study included: The phases and stages linked to the research question, study’s aim and objectives.Item Effects of an exercise programme with people living with HIV: Research in a disadvantaged setting(Routledge, 2014) Ley, Clemens; Leach, Lloyd; Barrio, María Rato; Bassett, SusanThis study aimed to analyse the physical health effects of a community based 10-week physical activity programme with people living with HIV. It was developed, implemented and evaluated in a disadvantaged community in South Africa. A pre-post research design was chosen. Major recruitment and adherence challenges resulted in a small sample. Among the 23 participants who took part in both baseline and final testing, compliant participants (n = 12) were compared to non-compliant participants (n = 11). Immunological (CD4, viral load), anthropometric (height, weight, skinfolds and waist to hip ratio), muscular strength (h1RM) and cardiopulmonary fitness (time on treadmill) parameters were measured. The compliant and non-compliant groups were not different at baseline. Muscular strength was the parameter most influenced by compliance with the physical activity programme (F = 4.516, p = 0.047). Weight loss and improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness were restricted by the duration of the programme, compliance and influencing factors (e.g. nutrition, medication). The increase in strength is significant and meaningful in the context, as the participants goals were to look healthy and strong to avoid HIV related stigma. The improvements in appearance were a motivational factor, especially since the changes were made visible in a short time. Practical implications for health promotion are described. More research contextualised in disadvantaged settings is needed.Item Factors influencing participation in physical activity among 11-13 year-old school children in the Western Cape, South Africa(AFAHPER-SD, 2016) Cozett, C.; Bassett, Susan; Leach, LloydSouth African adolescents, in general, are physically inactive, and obesity amongst the youth at schools has become an alarming trend. This study aimed to identify the predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors of physical activity and to determine the strongest predictors of physical activity participation among adolescents in the Western Cape. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used based on quantitative research methods. A sample of 348 learners, both male and female aged 11 to 13 years, from grades 4 to 7, were conveniently selected from two primary schools in the Metropole South Education District of the Western Cape. Data collection was conducted using the Children’s Physical Activity Correlates Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Pearson correlation and regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship between the variables and to determine the strongest predictors of physical activity, respectively. The results showed that parental influence (r = 0.236, p < 0.01), peer influence (r = 0.012, p < 0.05), perceived physical activity self- efficacy (r = 0.212, p < 0.05) and perceived physical activity competence (r = 0.192, p < 0.05) were all significantly strong predictors of physical activity, with parental influence being the strongest predictor overall. This suggests that adolescents are more likely to participate in physical activity if they receive support from their parents. Parental support includes parents participating with adolescents, attending physical activity team games, buying physical activity equipment, giving permission for after school activities and providing transport to physical activity venues. Parental encouragement for adolescents includes positive reinforcement and continuous encouragement while adolescents are physically active.Item Factors influencing the dropout of students from a cricket and development programme at a University in the Western Cape Metropole(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Simon, Faizel; Bassett, SusanUniversity student-athlete dropout continues to be a concern for many universities and has been the focus of many researchers globally. This qualitative study explored the factors that influenced students to dropout of a cricket and development programme at a university in the Western Cape metropole. Seven former student-athletes and two current administrators participated in this study. This study was guided by the Student Athlete Retention Model by Rivera (2004).Item Participation in sport and the perceptions of quality of life of high school learners in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, South Africa(LAM Publications Limited, 2013) van Hout, R. C. H.; Young, Marie E. M.; Bassett, Susan; Hooft, T.In South Africa, sport unites the country because it transcends race, gender, politics and language groups. Majority of South African youth are in the developmental phase where critical decisions are being taken on key life transitions, including education, work, lifestyle, participation in society, and other psycho-sociological areas. Learners in high school in the previously disadvantaged communities form a crucial part of South Africa’s future. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine how high school learners in the Theewaterskloof Municipality in South Africa perceived the influence of sport participation on their quality of life. The perceptions of the learners were specified according to six domains: drugs, alcohol and crime; mental health; social contact, culture and safety; happiness and wellbeing; physical health and diseases; and academic achievement. The research was conducted at three high schools located in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, Western Cape Province. A questionnaire was used to collect information from 484 learners aged 13 to 18 years. A significant relationship was noted for variables of each domain, except drugs, alcohol and crime and academic achievement. Learners perceived that increasing sport participation resulted in a significantly positive response of at least one variable for the domains social contact, culture and safety; physical health and diseases; mental health; and happiness and wellbeing.Item Profile of coronary heart disease risk factors in first-year university students(LAM Publications Limited, 2013) Leach, Lloyd; Leach, N.; Bassett, SusanThere is substantial evidence that coronary heart disease risk factors are present in people of all ages. The extent to which the problem exists in university students in South Africa has not been confirmed in the literature and needs further investigation. The aim of the study was to profile the coronary heart disease risk factors in first year university students who are at moderate risk for coronary heart disease. A quantitative, cross-sectional study design was used wherein 173 first year students aged 18 – 44 years were identified as being at moderate risk for coronary heart disease according to ACSM guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the data. Among first year students screened for coronary heart disease risk factors, 28.4% of the subjects were found to be at moderate risk. A sedentary lifestyle constituted the most prevalent coronary heart disease risk factor at 31.19%, with smoking (17.97%), obesity (14.24%), family history and dyslipidemia (13.56%), hypertension (9.15%), and impaired fasting glucose (0.34%) also present. The prevalence of multiple coronary heart disease risk factors showed two risk factors to be the most prevalent among the subjects at 45.66%, with three, four, five and six risk factors prevalent at 30.06%, 16.18%, 7.51% and 0.58%, respectively. The majority of first year university students presented with multiple risk factors that place them at moderate risk for coronary heart disease, with physical inactivity constituting the most prevalent risk factor.Item Research capacity development in a South African higher education institution through a north-south collaboration(Unisa Press, 2014) Frantz, Jose M.; Leach, Lloyd; Pharaoh, Hamilton; Bassett, Susan; Roman, Nicolette V.; Smith, M.R.; Travill, Andre L.One of the constraints that prevent higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing countries from engaging in effective and essential research is a lack of research capacity. This study reports on a north-south collaboration between a group of Flemish universities and an HEI in South Africa with the specific goal of improving productivity, quality and capacity amongst researchers. A collaborative project with multiple subprojects was established in 2003, and extended over two consecutive five-year phases. Document analysis was conducted of annual reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, curriculum vitae of participating members, and progress reports of students and supervisors during this time. The findings of the study illustrate the extent to which research capacity objectives can be achieved through a north-south partnership. Members of the collaboration were able to develop intra- and inter-disciplinary partnerships that resulted in maximising the capacity- building efforts, enhancing both individual and institutional research --capacity--.Item Results from South Africa's 2016 report card on physical activity for children and youth(Human Kinetics Publishers Inc., 2016) Uys, Monika; Bassett, Susan; Draper, Catherine E.; Micklesfield, Lisa K.; Monyeki, Andries; De Villiers, Anniza; Lambert, Estelle V.Background: We present results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card on the current status of physical activity (PA) and nutrition in South African youth. The context in which we interpret the findings is that participation in PA is a fundamental human right, along with the right to "attainment of the highest standard of health." Methods: The HAKSA 2016 Writing Group was comprised of 33 authorities in physical education, exercise science, nutrition, public health, and journalism. The search strategy was based on peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and 'gray' literature. The core PA indicators are Overall Physical Activity Level; Organized Sport Participation; Active and Outdoor Play; Active Transportation; Sedentary Behaviors; Family and Peer Influences; School; Community and the Built Environment; and National Government Policy, Strategies, and Investment. In addition, we reported on Physical Fitness and Motor Proficiency separately. We also reported on nutrition indicators including Overweight and Under-nutrition along with certain key behaviors such as Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and policies and programs including School Nutrition Programs and Tuck Shops. Data were extracted and grades assigned after consensus was reached. Grades were assigned to each indicator ranging from an A, succeeding with a large majority of children and youth (81% to 100%); B, succeeding with well over half of children and youth (61% to 80%); C, succeeding with about half of children and youth (41% to 60%); D, succeeding with less than half but some children and youth (21% to 40%); and F, succeeding with very few children and youth (0% to 20%); INC is inconclusive. Results: Overall PA levels received a C grade, as we are succeeding with more than 50% of children meeting recommendations. Organized Sports Participation also received a C, and Government Policies remain promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern. Under-and over-weight were highlighted and, as overweight is on the rise, received a D grade. Conclusion: In particular, issues of food security, obesogenic environments, and access to activity-supportive environments should guide social mobilization downstream and policy upstream. There is an urgent need for practice-based evidence based on evaluation of existing, scaled up interventions.Item Results From South Africa’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth(Human Kinetics Publishers, 2016) Uys, Monika; Bassett, SusanWe present results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card on the current status of physical activity (PA) and nutrition in South African youth. The context in which we interpret the findings is that participation in PA is a fundamental human right, along with the right to “attainment of the highest standard of health.” Methods: The HAKSA 2016 Writing Group was comprised of 33 authorities in physical education, exercise science, nutrition, public health, and journalism. The search strategy was based on peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and ‘gray’ literature. The core PA indicators are Overall Physical Activity Level; Organized Sport Participation; Active and Outdoor Play; Active Transportation; Sedentary Behaviors; Family and Peer Influences; School; Community and the Built Environment; and National Government Policy, Strategies, and Investment. In addition, we reported on Physical Fitness and Motor Proficiency separately. We also reported on nutrition indicators including Overweight and Under-nutrition along with certain key behaviors such as Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and policies and programs including School Nutrition Programs and Tuck Shops. Data were extracted and grades assigned after consensus was reached. Grades were assigned to each indicator ranging from an A, succeeding with a large majority of children and youth (81% to 100%); B, succeeding with well over half of children and youth (61% to 80%); C, succeeding with about half of children and youth (41% to 60%); D, succeeding with less than half but some children and youth (21% to 40%); and F, succeeding with very few children and youth (0% to 20%); INC is inconclusive. Results: Overall PA levels received a C grade, as we are succeeding with more than 50% of children meeting recommendations. Organized Sports Participation also received a C, and Government Policies remain promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern. Under- and over-weight were highlighted and, as overweight is on the rise, received a D grade. Conclusion: In particular, issues of food security, obesogenic environments, and access to activity-supportive environments should guide social mobilization downstream and policy upstream. There is an urgent need for practice-based evidence based on evaluation of existing, scaled up interventions.Item A systematic review of the effects of exercise interventions on body composition in HIV+ adults(Bentham Science Publishers B.V., 2015) Leach, Lloyd; Bassett, Susan; Smithdorf, G.; Andrews, Barry S.; Travill, Andre L.Over the years, physical activity and exercise have been used to positively impact the health and quality of life of persons infected with HIV and, more recently, has been associated with a spectrum of body composition changes. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of various exercise interventions on body composition in HIV positive adults, using a search strategy of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review was performed by five independent reviewers using a predetermined protocol adapted from previous research for assessing the articles for inclusion, the extracted data, and methodological quality. Eight RCTs involving 430 (26% female) HIV positive adults performing exercise a minimum of thrice weekly for at least six weeks were finally selected: Four were progressive resistance training (PRT) studies, three were aerobic training (AT) studies, and one involved yoga. In the PRT studies, there were significant increases in three anthropometric measures, namely, body mass, sum of skinfolds and sum of limb girths. In the AT studies, significant decreases were found in seven anthropometric measures, namely, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, body mass, triceps skinfold, waist circumference and sum of skinfolds. With yoga, the changes were nonsignificant. Exercise contributes to improved body composition and, when applied safely, appears to be beneficial for adults living with HIV/AIDS. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the relatively few RCTs published to date. Future studies would benefit from increased attention to sample size, female participants, participant follow-up, complete statistical analysis and intention-to-treat analysis.Item Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors—A Pilot Study(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2013) Henkel, Ralf; Wang, Ruxiang; Bassett, Susan; Chen, Tao; Liu, Na; Zhu, Ying; Tambi, MohdTongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia; TA) is known to increase testosterone levels and alleviate aging males’ symptoms. This study aimed at investigating TA as an ergogenic supplement for elderly people. Thirteen physically active male and 12 physically active female seniors (57–72 years) were supplemented with 400-mg TA extract daily for 5 weeks. Standard hematological parameters were taken. In addition, the concentrations of total and free testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, insulin-like growth factor-1, and sex hormone-binding globulin were analyzed. As additional biochemical parameters, blood urea nitrogen and creatine kinase as parameters of kidney function and muscle damage, respectively, as well as the muscle strength by a simple handgrip test were determined. After treatment, hemoglobin, testosterone, and dihydroepiandrosterone concentrations, and the ratio of total testosterone/cortisol and muscle force remained significantly lower in female seniors than in male seniors. Hematocrit and erythrocyte count in male seniors increased slightly but were significantly higher than in female seniors. Treatment resulted in significant increases in total and free testosterone concentrations and muscular force in men and women. The increase in free testosterone in women is thought to be due to the significant decline in sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations. The study affirms the ergogenic benefit of TA through enhanced muscle strength