UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Leach, Lloyd"

Browsing by Author "Leach, Lloyd"

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Alcohol consumption, physical activity, and cad risk factors in firefighters
(Bentham Open, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Leach, Lloyd
Firefighting is a physically and psychologically stressful occupation, where firefighters often resort to alcohol use as a coping strategy. Firefighters are particularly vulnerable to alcohol misuse and alcohol disorders, negatively affecting their health, well-being and, possibly, work performance. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of alcohol consumption and its relationship with the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, weekly physical activity, and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters, males and females, were conveniently recruited from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, South Africa, between September to November, 2020. Firefighters were then separated according to sex, age, ethnicity, and CAD risk factors. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H were used to determine the statistical differences between groups, Kendall’s Tau was used to assess the correlation between ordinal and continuous variables, and Chi-square to assess the association between categorical variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.
Association between major coronary artery disease risk factors in the city of Cape Town firefighter and rescue service
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2021) Leach, Lloyd; Ras, Jaron
Background: Many CAD risk factors occur concurrently, increasing the odds of the development of other risk factors, which is particularly seen in male and older firefighters. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association and odds ratios between the various CAD risk factors in firefighters. Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters, males and females, were conveniently recruited from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researcher generated questionnaire was used to collect participant sociodemographic information, and all research procedures were conducted according to the ACSM guidelines. The study took place between September and November 2019. Results: There were significant associations between hypertension and age [χ2 (1) = 18.0, p < 0.001, OR = 6.3 (95% CI: 2.6, 15.5)], hypertension and obesity [χ2 (1) = 7.9, p = 0.005, OR = 3.0 (95% CI: 1.4, 6.6)], hypertension and diabetes [χ2 (1) = 5.1, p = 0.040, OR = 4.0 (95% CI: 1.1, 14.8)], and hypertension and dyslipidaemia [χ2 (1) = 8.5, p = 0.004, OR = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.4, 6.7)], family history and central obesity [χ2 (1) = 3.9, p = 0.04, OR = 2.4 (95% CI: 0.9, 5.8)], and family history and central obesity [χ2 (1) = 3.9, p = 0.04, OR = 2.4 (95% CI: 0.9, 5.8)]. Conclusion: Increased age, central obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia increased the odds of developing other major CAD risk factors, which was predominantly apparent in male firefighters of mixed ethnicity. The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service should emphasize the mitigation of these major CAD risk factors through education and behavioural modification, especially as male firefighters aged.
Child in Africa : Opportunities and Challenges
(Nova, 2016) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Leach, Lloyd
The study aimed to establish the perceived parenting styles, decision making styles and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours of male and female learners in secondary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. A cross-sectional comparative design was implemented. The sample consisted of 457 Grade 9 learners from the Overberg Educational District. The mean age for the sample was 16 years (SD= 1.45), made up of more female (53.8%) than male (46.2%) participants. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used. When testing for differences between male and female learners using MANOVA, no significant main effects were found. The findings, therefore, suggest that authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making and frequent engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were the most prevalent behaviours amongst male and female learners.
Coronary artery disease risk factors among fire-fighters in the Western Cape Province
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Achmat, Ghaleelullah; Leach, Lloyd
The work demands involved in fire-fighting place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of on-duty death among fire fighters and is a major cause of morbidity. This study investigated the prevalence of coronary artery disease risk factors among career fire fighters in the Western Cape.
Does family structure matter? Perceived parenting, decision making and healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescents in rural South Africa.
(Nova Publishers, 2015) Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Leach, Lloyd; Davids, Eugene Lee
The aim of the study was to compare perceived parenting styles, decision making styles and healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescents from single and two-parent families within a rural setting in South Africa. The study employed a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative group design. The sample consisted of 457 Grade 9 learners from four randomly selected secondary schools in the Overberg Education District, Western Cape, South Africa. The data was collected using the Parental Style and Dimension Questionnaire, Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II as well as a short biographical questionnaire. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (MANOVA). The results suggest that maternal and paternal authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making and often engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were prevalent for adolescents in rural South Africa. The results furthermore suggest that there were no significant main effects of family structure on perceived parenting styles, decision making styles and healthy lifestyle behaviours. The findings also serve as a recommendation for future research to do an urban-rural comparison, as the applicability of urban findings are often questioned in rural studies.
The effect of carbohydrate ingestion on the motor skill proficiency of soccer players
(Human Kinetics Publishers Inc., 1996) Zeederberg, C.; Leach, Lloyd; Lambert, Estelle V.; Noakes, Timothy D.; Dennis, S.C.; Hawley, J.A.
This study examined the effects of ingesting a glucose-polymer (GP) solution on the motor skill proficiencies of association football (soccer) players from two teams playing during two matches in a cool environment. Fifteen minutes before each match and at halftime, players from both teams ingested 5 ml/kg of either placebo or a 6.9% GP solution. GP ingestion did not improve tackling, heading, dribbling, or shooting ability. On the contrary, the mean of successful tackles was lower with GP ingestion than with placebo. The success rate for heading, dribbling, and shooting also tended to be lower in the GP than in the placebo condition. In contrast, success in passing and ball control was similar in the two conditions. Improvements in passing and ball control may have been related to a decrease in the intensity of play in the second half of the game. These data indicate that there are no measurable benefits of GP ingestion for the motor skill proficiencies of soccer players during games played in a cool environment.
Effect of physical activity on coronary heart disease risk factors among firefighters: a scoping review protocol
(BMJ open, 2023) Achmat, Ghaleelullah; Erasmus, Charlene; Leach, Lloyd; Kanaley, Jill
Introduction: Physical activity interventions have been used for various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease. However, the literature is still limited regarding the effect of physical activity on coronary heart disease among firefighters. Methods and analysis The review will be conducted according to recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and PRISMA Protocol guidelines. This scoping review will provide a synthesis of current evidence on the effects of physical activity on coronary heart disease among firefighters. Search strategies will be performed in the following databases: Cochrane database, PubMed, Medline, (EbscoHost), Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL (EBSCO), SAGE journals, ScienceDirect and Scopus. We will include literature in the English language that are full-text peer-reviewed articles from inception to November 2021. Screening of (titles, abstracts and full text of potential articles) will be done by two independent authors using EndNote V.9 software tool
Effect of tumble turns on swimming performance in level 3 swimmers
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Smithdorf, Gareth; Leach, Lloyd
Swimming, as a sport, is constantly developing, both through the resources employed in training and assessment, and through the technological development of the fundamental aspects of swimming. In the freestyle events, swimmers spend between 38% and 50% of their competition time executing turns in short pool competitions over distances that vary from 50 m to 1500 m. The importance of the turn has been noted and analyzed for several decades, where it was found that the final turn velocity was second only to mid-pool swimming velocity for determining a medal finish in the men’s race. Due to the impact that the tumble turn has on swimming performance, the present study investigated the importance of the tuck index, foot-plant index and wall-contact time (WCT) on swimming performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the tuck index, foot-plant index, and WCT on the round trip time (RTT) in the tumble turn performance in level 3 swimmers in the freestyle swimming stroke. A quantitative cross-sectional and descriptive design was used in this study. A convenient sample of ten (10) swimmers were tested, five male and five female, all being level 3 swimmers affiliated to the high performance team of Swimming South Africa (SSA). Video analyses of the turns were recorded. Each subject performed thirty (30) trials, each consisting of a 50 m freestyle swim with flip turns at race pace. Descriptive statistics and multiple stepwise regression analyses were used to analyse the data. A p-value of below 0.05 indicated statistical significance. The mean tuck index was 0.57 ± 0.14°. The mean foot-plant index was 0.45 ± 0.10 cm. The mean WCT was 74.31 ± 11.57 %. The mean RTT was 2.47 ± 0.40 s. A significant negative correlation was found between tuck index and RTT (r = -0.41; p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between foot-plant and WCT. Further regression analysis showed that the tuck index was a significant predictor of RTT (F = 21.745, p < 0.001). Following the freestyle tumble turn, the flutter kick technique remained the superior method of exiting the wall, based on the 5 m RTT. Therefore, the introduction of optimal turning practice for age-group swimmers is likely to result in significant reductions in turning times and should be noted by coaches and swimmers alike.
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, Susan
This 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.
Experiences of athletes living with HIV following disclosure of their sero-status in Ndirande Blantyre Malawi
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Kondowe, Ivy Yvonnie; Leach, Lloyd; Ley, Clemens
Athletes are at risk for HIV infection due to their celebrity status which enables them to associate with multiple concurrent sexual partnerships. Athletes with an HIV sero-positive status should be encouraged to disclose their HIV positive status to enable them access appropriate treatment, care and support. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of athletes living with HIV following disclosure of their sero-status. The study was conducted in Ndirande Township in the city of Blantyre, Malawi. Twelve purposively sampled athletes living with HIV, four males and eight females between the ages of 18 and 30 years, participated in this study. Data was collected using qualitative methods conducting semi-structured, face to face individual interviews and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The consequence of disclosure model was used to explain the themes that emerged from the data. The results of the study indicated that all athletes disclosed their HIV seropositive status. The majority of the athletes disclosed their HIV positive status to spouses, family members, friends and health care providers in order to access support and treatment. However, athletes did not disclose to their clubs and sports institutions because there was no conducive environment. After disclosure of their status, most athletes had positive experiences that included increased psychosocial support and care from their social networks. Some athletes had negative experiences such as stigma and discrimination from teammates and distant relatives. While athletes living with HIV had support from families and community support groups, there was a lack of appropriate support systems in the sport institutions. In addition, athletes living with HIV had limited access to health care services. For athletes living with HIV to remain productive, there is need for further research and the establishment of appropriate support systems in different levels of the sport institutions.
Exploring the relationship between organizational structure and organizational responsibility: Perceptions of executive managers, sport coaches and elite athletes of Karate South Africa regarding sport performance
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Sookrajh, Sanhaviya S; Leach, Lloyd
The organizational structure of Karate South Africa (KSA) has been successful in enhancing karate as a sport, by providing structural support. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between organizational structure and the responsibility of KSA and, specifically, the perceptions of the executive managers, sport coaches and elite athletes of KSA regarding sport performance. A qualitative study was conducted using an exploratory narrative approach. Twenty participants consisting of executive managers, national sport coaches and elite athletes were recruited through purposive sampling. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with executive managers, sport coaches and nationally ranked athletes from KSA in the nine provinces.
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, Lloyd
South 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.
Health behaviour, decision making and perceived parenting: Are male and female learners significantly different?
(IFE Centre for Psychological Studies (ICPS), 2016) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.; Leach, Lloyd
The study aimed to establish the perceived parenting styles, decision making styles and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours of male and female learners in secondary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. A cross-sectional comparative design was implemented. The sample consisted of 457 Grade 9 learners from the Overberg Educational District. The mean age for the sample was 16 years (SD= 1.45), made up of more female (53.8%) than male (46.2%) participants. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used. When testing for differences between male and female learners using MANOVA, no significant main effects were found. The findings, therefore, suggest that authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making and frequent engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were the most prevalent behaviours amongst male and female learners.
The link between parenting approaches and health behavior: a systematic review
(Routledge, 2017) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.; Leach, Lloyd
The familial home environment, where parenting takes place, plays an important role in the health behaviors that children and adolescents engage in and has implications on health and well-being in later life. Lifestyle-related behaviors predispose children and adolescents to the global burden of non-communicable and other lifestyle-related diseases. This review therefore examined and described previous studies looking at the associations between health behaviors and parenting approaches. It suggests that engagement in health behaviors, which promotes overall health and well-being, was associated with autonomy, supportive parenting, parental encouragement, behavior control, parental nurturance, warmth and responsiveness, and parental involvement. The review highlights the gap in literature focusing on the health behavior of children and adolescents as well as on parenting. In addition, the review also provides an overview of the continents where fewer studies have examined the presented associations. The findings presented also serve as a guide for program development and implementation to address the increase in non-communicable and other lifestyle-related diseases.
A model examining the relationship between parenting styles and decision making styles on healthy lifestyle behaviour of adolescents in the rural Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Leach, Lloyd
The Health Promotion Model provides a theoretical framework exploring the relationships between healthy lifestyle behaviours of individuals. The three behavioral determinants affecting healthy lifestyle behaviours as posited by the model are (i) individual characteristics, (ii) behaviour-specific cognitions and affects, and (iii) behavioural outcomes that promote health. Research indicates that a number of health risk behaviours are established in adolescence and affect health and well-being in later life. In South Africa where young people account for more than 9 million of the population, and with adolescence being a period where the development of health risk behaviours is prevalent, it becomes important to research the associations that aid in healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescence in this country, particularly in rural communities where research on adolescents remains limited. This study therefore aimed to develop and test a model that examined the effects of the interaction between perceived parenting styles and adolescent decision making styles on healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescents in the rural Western Cape. The study employed a mixed methodological sequential exploratory design, using (i) systematic reviews and (ii) a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional research design. Systematic reviews established the associations in existing empirical studies that examined the associations of parenting approaches with (a) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (b) decision making styles. Quantitative data was collected using a self-report questionnaire that consisted of four sections, demographical information, Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire among 457 Grade 9 learners in the Overberg Education District in the Western Cape, South Africa. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V23 (SPSS) for descriptive and inferential statistics (correlations and multivariate analysis of variance) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The systematic reviews suggested that empirical studies have found parenting approaches to be associated with (i) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (ii) decision making styles of children and adolescents in existing literature. The quantitative studies showed that perceived authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making styles, and frequent engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were the most prevalent among adolescents in the rural Western Cape. No significant main effects were established on the basis of participant gender or family structure. The model developed and tested, guided by the Health Promotion Model, suggests that a significant positive relationship exists between maternal parenting styles and decision making styles of adolescents. In addition, the findings demonstrated that paternal parenting styles positively affect the decision making styles of adolescents as well as their engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours. Overall, the study suggested the important role that parents play in adolescent decision making styles and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and even more the role of paternal parental figures in the development of children and adolescents.
A model examining the relationship between parenting styles and decision making styles on healthy lifestyle behaviour of adolescents in the rural Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Leach, Lloyd
The Health Promotion Model provides a theoretical framework exploring the relationships between healthy lifestyle behaviours of individuals. The three behavioral determinants affecting healthy lifestyle behaviours as posited by the model are (i) individual characteristics, (ii) behaviour-specific cognitions and affects, and (iii) behavioural outcomes that promote health. Research indicates that a number of health risk behaviours are established in adolescence and affect health and well-being in later life. In South Africa where young people account for more than 9 million of the population, and with adolescence being a period where the development of health risk behaviours is prevalent, it becomes important to research the associations that aid in healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescence in this country, particularly in rural communities where research on adolescents remains limited. This study therefore aimed to develop and test a model that examined the effects of the interaction between perceived parenting styles and adolescent decision making styles on healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescents in the rural Western Cape. The study employed a mixed methodological sequential exploratory design, using (i) systematic reviews and (ii) a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional research design. Systematic reviews established the associations in existing empirical studies that examined the associations of parenting approaches with (a) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (b) decision making styles. Quantitative data was collected using a self-report questionnaire that consisted of four sections, demographical information, Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire among 457 Grade 9 learners in the Overberg Education District in the Western Cape, South Africa. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V23 (SPSS) for descriptive and inferential statistics (correlations and multivariate analysis of variance) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The systematic reviews suggested that empirical studies have found parenting approaches to be associated with (i) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (ii) decision making styles of children and adolescents in existing literature. The quantitative studies showed that perceived authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making styles, and frequent engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were the most prevalent among adolescents in the rural Western Cape. No significant main effects were established on the basis of participant gender or family structure. The model developed and tested, guided by the Health Promotion Model, suggests that a significant positive relationship exists between maternal parenting styles and decision making styles of adolescents. In addition, the findings demonstrated that paternal parenting styles positively affect the decision making styles of adolescents as well as their engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours. Overall, the study suggested the important role that parents play in adolescent decision making styles and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and even more the role of paternal parental figures in the development of children and adolescents.
Participation of secondary school learners aged 14 to 16 years in organised sport
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Mia, Mohamed Ayyub; Leach, Lloyd
In South Africa, few children and adolescents belong to sports clubs, and adolescent participation in organised sport has steadily declined, especially in recent years. Participation levels in organised sport have decreased during late childhood and, more increasingly, as adolescents grow older. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the participation of secondary school learners aged 14 to 16 years in organised sport. The study was a quantitative and descriptive, cross-sectional design. The study sample was 329 conveniently sampled secondary school learners, males, and females, aged 14 to 16 years from three state schools in Cape Town, Western Cape Province.
Physical activity behaviours of persons with HIV and AIDS in low-income populations: The design of a context-sensitive randomised control trial
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mabweazara, Smart Zivanai; Leach, Lloyd
The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are serious health issues that continue to affect many nations. Specifically, the sub-Saharan African region has the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS worldwide. Africans living in informal settlements or townships have the highest prevalence of HIV in South Africa. Persons of low socioeconomic status (SES) in general become socialised into unhealthy behaviours and risk factors at early ages, and experience poor health outcomes. Physical activity (PA) is one cost-effective, non-pharmacological approach that has been reported as conjunctive therapy for HIV to effectively address these impairments. Aim: The aim of the study was to develop a contextualized intervention that promotes PA among persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) of low SES. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. Studies included (1) a systematic review which assessed (a) specific and useful intervention techniques that were previously used in successful PA interventions (b) relevant behaviour change theories used to develop the intervention content, (2) a narrative review which examined the available literature on PA, social support and SES with a view to inform the design of effective PA interventions for PLWHA of low SES, (3) a cross sectional study which aimed at determining if age, body weight, height, gender, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), educational attainment, employment status, CD4+ cell count, and body mass index (BMI) could predict overall PA among PLWHA of low SES in Cross roads Township in the Western Cape Province, South Africa (4) a cross-sectional study which (a) examined the PA profile of PLWHA of low SES based on PA domains and intensity and (b) determined whether employment status and level of education can predict PA among PLWHA of low SES in Cross roads Township in the Western Cape Province, South Africa (5) a mixed methods study which investigated the benefits and barriers of PA for HIV-positive women of low SES using the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale and focus group discussions, (6) a study which sought to develop a contextualised intervention for promoting PA among PLWHA of low SES and (7) a crossover study conducted at a community centre caring for HIV positive Black African Xhosa-speaking women of low SES in Nyanga Township in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. Results: The systematic literature review showed that the following techniques, namely, ‘provide feedback on performance’, ‘goal setting (behaviour)’, and ‘plan social support/social change’ were the most frequently used behavioural change techniques in interventions focusing on promoting PA for the management of chronic diseases amongst individuals of low SES. The review also showed that the Transtheoretical model of behaviour change and the Social Cognitive theory were the common theoretical frameworks of most study interventions.
Physical activity interventions for the management of chronic disease in low-income populations: A systematic review
(AFAHPER-SD, 2016) Mabweazara, S.Z.; Ley, Clemens; Leach, Lloyd
The objectives of the study were to conduct a systematic literature review examining the specific intervention techniques in an updated taxonomy of behaviour change techniques that were included in successful interventions to change physical activity behaviour in low-income individuals, to assess the relevant behaviour change theories that underpinned the interventions, and to examine the relationship between behaviour change theory and intervention content. The study was a systematic literature review by narrative synthesis examining studies from 1980 to 2014. Data sources for the review included the following electronic databases: Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar. The eligibility criteria for the selected studies included in the review were only randomised controlled trials aimed at increasing physical activity among low-income adults. The outcome measure for the study was physical activity. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. ‘Provide feedback on performance’, ‘goal setting (behaviour)’, and ‘plan social support/social change’ were the most frequently used behavioural change techniques. Among the existing theories, the Transtheoretical model of behaviour change and the Social Cognitive theory were the common theoretical frameworks to form the basis of most study interventions. Interventions to increase physical activity in low-income persons had positive effects on changing physical activity behaviour. Policy makers and physical activity practitioners should engage effective and context-sensitive behavioural change techniques and advocate for theoretically grounded interventions in order to increase physical activity behaviour in lowincome populations.
Physical and performance measures of university cricket players
(AFAHPER-SD, 2016) November, R.V.; Leach, Lloyd
The ability to throw a ball at high velocity and with great accuracy is critical for successful performance in many ball sports. This study examines the physical characteristics and performance measurements amongst university cricketers. A convenient sample of 40 male cricketers from four teams at the University of the Western Cape was tested. Physical characteristics comprised stature, body mass, skinfold thickness, girth circumferences and limb lengths. Isokinetic strength was measured at 60º•sec-1 and 90º•sec-1using the Biodex Pro System 4 isokinetic dynamometer. Throwing velocity was measured using a calibrated Speed Gun. The fourth team had a significantly shorter arm length than the other teams. Player experience also differed significantly between the first team and the other three teams. Age and body fat percentage correlated significantly with throwing velocity, but in the first team only. Significant correlations were found for the following variables, i.e., between age and strength ratio in the first team; between hip circumference and peak torque during internal rotation at 90º•sec-1 in the second team; between body mass and peak torque during internal rotation at 60º•sec-1 in the third team; between total arm length and peak torque during internal rotation at 60º•sec-1 in the fourth team. In conclusion, this study found that various physical characteristics such as age and body fat percentage significantly influenced throwing velocity, while body mass, hip circumference and total arm length had a significant influence on peak torque.

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