Research Aricles (Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/2165

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 78

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.
Her-stories in South African sport: gender and sport in the Cape Colony 1806-1910
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Jones, Denise
INTRODUCTION: The gendering of South African sport has a point of origin which is not explicitly evident until one examines the impact of the combined effects of the masculinity-sports relationship during the Victorian era, British imperialism and colonization in Southern Africa, and the institutionalisation of sports in England and her colonies. The question that emerges is "how did this shape the sports(s) practices of women at the time?" OBJECTIVES: The objective is to highlight the way the sporting culture of Victorian England and the associated ideals of womanliness and manliness shaped the initial construction of gender and sport in South Africa. METHODS: Review of literature on sport in the history of South Africa, 1806-1910. The article has been written within the framework of subsequent emerging themes. DISCUSSION: In this article the focus is on (1) the way the importance placed on the reproductive role of women promoted the view that females were physically more vulnerable than males and therefore their participation in sports put them at risk; (2) how female sports participation was both liberating and restrictive and led to a redefinition of femininity; and (3) the scant reference to sporting females in the Cape media of the time. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: It is not possible to obtain an understanding of the way sport constructs unequal gender relations without some knowledge of how they evolved over time. Scholarship in sports history should incorporate gender relations as an analytical category of historical research.
Socio-economic status and menarcheal age in urban african schoolgirls in the western cape, South Africa
(University of Stellenbosch, 2008) Travill, Andre L.; Madsen, Richard; Cameron, Noel; Kemper, Han C.
The impact of different socio-economic levels, height, weight and sum of four skinfolds on the menarcheal age of 302 Black, South African school girls ranging in age from 8 to 17 years was researched. Socioeconomic status was obtained by means of a questionnaire that focused on the education, income, and occupations of the parents of the participants and the accommodation in which they were reared. Menarcheal age was obtained by means of a questionnaire. When restricted to those girls who had reached menarche, the mean age was found to be 14.34 years (SD=0.93). The application of survival analysis revealed an estimated median age of 14.25 years with a 95% confidence interval estimate of 14.08 and 14.58. Based on the log-rank statistic, significant differences were found in the survival curves of the different SES categories (p=0.0098). It was found that lower SES corresponded to curves having longer survival times, i.e. later ages of menarche. Differences were found in weight (p=0.037) and in height (p=0.0042), but no difference in SUM4 (p=0.44), between girls who have reached menarche and those who have not.
Female sport administrators’ experiences of organisational fit in the workplace
(AFAHPER-SD, 2011) Titus, Simone
Gender inequality in South African sport has been legislated against by a number of constitutionally binding Acts. Although these policies have done much to address the general absence of women in leadership positions in sport, this absence is undoubtedly linked to gender inequality in sport. This is a reflection of the realities which shape women’s understanding of their organizational experiences in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to report on female sport administrators’ experiences of organisational fit in their places of work with regard to their experiences of resistance and exclusion, decision making, the absence of women in leadership positions and tokenism in sport. A qualitative method was used to explore organisational fit as experienced by participants in their places of work. Candidates were purposively selected to reflect the cultural and historical diversity of the women in leadership positions in sport in the Western Cape. Data was collected by using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Reflexivity and trustworthiness were ensured by doing member checks, clarifying researcher bias and peer review and debriefing.
Correlation between growth and physical fitness of socially disadvantaged girls
(University of Stellenbosch, 2011) Travill, Andre L.
The intention of this study was to investigate the relationship between growth and physical fitness of girls between the ages seven and 18. The girls (N=302) were randomly selected from six randomly selected schools in an informal settlement in the Western Cape. Twenty anthropometric measurements were taken on each participant. Some of the measurements included heights, girths, skinfolds and breadths. Skinfold measurements were further used to calculate body composition and somatotypes. The following physical fitness components were included for assessment: flexibility (sit-and-reach test); grip strength (hand grip dynamometer); leg power (standing long-jump); speed (50m-sprint test); and cardiovascular endurance (three-minute step test). The relationship between growth and fitness characteristics was determined by means of a stepwise discriminant analysis. The participants were divided into 'under 13' and '13 and older' groups and were used to establish differences in the relationships between growth and fitness. The analysis showed the prominence of weight and height as predictors of fitness parameters, especially strength, speed and leg power.
Individuals with traumatic brain injuries perceptions and experiences of returning to work in South Africa
(IOS Press, 2012) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed; Van Rensburg, Viki; Travill, Andre L.
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the central concepts of a model that would facilitate the return to work process of individuals with brain injury. However for the purpose of this paper there will be a focus only on the barriers and facilitators that influence the return to work process. Participants: Ten individuals who were diagnosed with a mild to moderate brain injury participated in this study. Methods: Qualitative research methods were used in order to explore the research question. The participants were selected by means of purposive sampling and the data was collected by means of in depth interviews. Results: The results of the study revealed that the participants experienced a sense of loss of function after the brain injury, a fear of the future and loss of confidence in their worker roles. The participants also indicated that by means of adapting occupational routines and actively engaging in rehabilitation they developed confidence in their worker roles. Conclusion: Occupational therapists have to use a client centred holistic work integrative approach in order to successfully rehabilitate as well as facilitate the return to work process with people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
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, Susan
OBJECTIVE: 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.
Profile of coronary heart disease risk factors in first-year university students
(LAM Publications Limited, 2013) Leach, Lloyd; Leach, N.; Bassett, Susan
There 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.
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.
Sport and recreation on Robben Island
(Taylor & Francis, 2013) Keim, Marion; Bouah, Lyndon
The article provides insight into an important part of South Africa’s sport history that has not been explored yet: What was the role sport and recreation played on Robben Island in the days when it served as political prison? The research has been a collaborative project of the Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Western Cape Sports Council, Mayibuye Centre and the University of the Western Cape’s Interdisciplinary Center for Sport Science and Development. Facilitated by the establishment of a ‘Robben Island General Recreational Committee’ in the 1960s, sport and recreation took a very special form on the Island. Unknown to South Africans and the world, during Apartheid, sport and recreation on Robben Island were used as a vehicle to unite people and to promote values of respect, integrity, dignity, teamwork and fair play as an integral part of a holistic person. Leisure activities became a place of triumph of human spirit, body and soul. The research facilitated the process of digitisation of archives from the Island. Numerous sources were discovered, giving an insight into the role of sport and recreation for many of South Africa’s past and present leaders. The study also highlights the role sport and recreation played in the unique journey to freedom and democracy.
Experiences and perceptions of students with disabilities concerning factors influencing participation in recreational sport at a University in Western Cape Province , South Africa
(LAM Publications Limited, 2013) Wright, S. A.; Titus, Simone
South African universities share a common purpose to make sport and recreation accessible to students at higher education institutions, including students with disabilities.Therefore, integrating students with disabilities into the daily activities of any university institution is important as it may be beneficial for them to participate in recreational activities on campus. This study focuses on the experiences and perceptions of students with disabilities regarding recreational sport whilst at university. A qualitative methodological framework was employed. A sample of five students with disabilities was purposefully selected and face-to-face interviews as well as follow-up telephonic interviews were arranged. A list of cue questions guided the interview to ensure it flowed logically. Interviews were tape recorded (with written consent from participants) and transcribed verbatim. The data from the interviews were analysed using thematic data analysis. Physical, social and managerial constraints are not the only forms of inaccessibility, experience and perceptions, also play a role towards recreational sport participation for students with disabilities. The findings of this study indicated that the benefits of active participation lead to increased cognitive awareness and expression of internal motivation to pursue recreational sport on campus. The findings also denote that being coerced into sports and skill level leading to intimidation are factors that inhibit the pursuit for active leisure participation. This study lends itself to a fresh understanding of how to better cater for recreational sporting needs of university students with disabilities.
Exploring the use of digital gaming to improve student engagement at a resource poor institution in South Africa
(Academic Conferences International Limited, 2014) Titus, Simone; Ng'ambi, Dick
Although student engagement has potential to enhance learning and student retention, the use of digital games to achieve this learning outcome remains a challenge in higher education. while the role of gamification is highly predicated in horizon reports to enter mainstream education, the popularity of game-based learning has remained marginal. in this paper we report on the use of game-based learning at a higher education institution where students are pre-disposed to play games outside formal educational settings. this is further compounded by the challenging nature of designing learning activities that fully exploits students' capacity to engage. this paper reports on a case study using game based learning as a tool to mediate engagement for students enrolled in health science education at a resource poor higher education institution in south africa. the aim of this study was to examine the role of a digital game to enhance student engagement within the classroom. by means of mixed methods, this study utilised a design-based enquiry using a case study of sport science curricula. design-based research was used as part of the design and implementation of an interactive learning environment using a technology (gaming) innovation within an education setting. sixty-four students from a sport science department volunteered to participate in this study. quantitative and qualitative data was collected. results indicate that even though 89% if participants indicated that they have played digital games, only 46 % indicated that they have engaged with a digital game for the purpose of learning. baseline data prior to intervention suggested that students did not learn well in groups (70.3%, m=1.91; sd=0.938). however, in post-intervention focus group interviews students expressed that the introduction of a digital game for learning in the classroom aided co-construction of knowledge in a fun and meaningful way. this study concludes that the use of digital games is a valuable mediating tool in sport science education as it strengthens collaborative learning and improves engagement. this paper recommends a strategy to improve engagement and ultimately student retention. this study offers new insight into understanding student engagement within a game based learning environment.
The case studies: authentic learning
(Routledge, 2014) Herrington, Jan; Mitchell, Veronica; Rowe, Michael; Titus, Simone
Moving from theory to practice in higher education is deeply challenging. While exploring pedagogical models in the literature may lead to tacit understanding of general principles, actually implementing these principles in practice can be an entirely different matter.
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.
Exercise testing and intervention: translation into a low resource community
(2015) Onagbiye, Sunday; Moss, Sarah J; Cameron, Melainie
Ikageng is a low-resource community on the outskirts of Potchefstroom in the North West Province of South Africa. South Africa experiences a burden of disease that includes both diseases of lifestyle due to obesity and sedentary behaviour, and diseases of poverty due to poor sanitation and insufficient public health measures. Exercise interventions are powerful tools to modify diseases of lifestyle, and the effects of these interventions can be readily measured using structured fitness tests, clinical examination procedures, and pencil and paper tests of health and wellbeing. In Ikageng we explored the possible translation of exercise intervention and testing into a low-resource community. We undertook a series of linked studies, commending with the translation of the SF-8 into Tswana, and the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and face validity testing of this questionnaire in the community. We bench-marked the Tswana SF-8 against the South African English version of the same. We then compared several variations of a graduated step test for the prediction of VO2 peak, comparing the individual test when completed stepping in time to a metronome against a test completed using music to hold time, and the preferred of these individual tests against the step test completed in pairs. Once we had identified the most acceptable forms of these field tests, we conducted pilot testing of these tools during a community based exercise intervention (dancing). We have been able to demonstrate that the Tswana version of the SF-8, and modified step tests, are similarly robust, valid, and as practically useful as their traditional English and laboratory based forms respectively.
C.L.R. James and a place for history in theorising 'sport for development and peace'
(Inderscience, 2015) Darnell, Simon C.; Kaur, Tarminder
Recent research suggests the need for robust theory building in the field of sport for development and peace (SDP). Recognising this, we argue for further attention to, and appreciation of, the historical context within which many SDP initiatives and research projects take place, with particular focus on the history of colonialism as it relates to sport. Drawing on the foundational work of C.L.R. James, we suggest that an historical approach, informed by insights from postcolonial theorising, encourages analyses of ambivalence, hybridity and even irony in the field of SDP. We use James' insights, and recent appraisals of his work, to offer specific theoretical insights for the study of SDP, with a particular focus on social actors in context.
Social-ecological, motivational and volitional factors for initiating and maintaining physical activity in the context of HIV
(Bentham Science Publishers B.V., 2015) Ley, Clemens; Barrio, María Rato; Leach, Lloyd
Sport and exercise can have several health benefits for people living with HIV. These benefits can be achieved through different types of physical activity, adapting to disease progression, motivation and social-ecological options. However, physical activity levels and adherence to exercise are generally low in people living with HIV. At the same time, high drop-out rates in intervention studies are prevalent; even though they often entail more favourable conditions than interventions in the natural settings. Thus, in the framework of an intervention study, the present study aims to explore social-ecological, motivational and volitional correlates of South African women living with HIV with regard to physical activity and participation in a sport and exercise health promotion programme. The qualitative data was produced in the framework of a non-randomised pre-post intervention study that evaluated structure, processes and outcomes of a 10-week sport and exercise programme. All 25 participants of the programme were included in this analysis, independent of compliance. Data was produced through questionnaires, participatory group discussions, body image pictures, research diaries and individual semi-structured interviews. All participants lived in a low socioeconomic, disadvantaged setting. Hence, the psychological correlates are contextualised and social-ecological influences on perception and behaviour are discussed. The results show the importance of considering social-cultural and environmental influences on individual motives, perceptions and expectancies, the fear of disclosure and stigmatisation, sport and exercise-specific group dynamics and self-supporting processes. Opportunities and strategies to augment physical activity and participation in sport and exercise programmes in the context of HIV are discussed.
Therapeutic recreation as a developing profession in South Africa
(Routledge, 2015) Young, Marie E. M.
South Africa experiences socio-economic challenges with a high prevalence of poverty resulting in disability and non-communicable diseases affecting the health and welfare of communities. Health services are not always accessible or available to citizens, especially those of previously disadvantaged or rural communities. The South African National Plan for Development 2030 aims to address these inequality and health issues. One focus area of this plan is the inclusion of recreation, leisure and sport as an important service sector to improve the health and well-being of all individuals. Therapeutic recreation could play an important role in this regard. In South Africa, therapeutic recreation is in its developmental stages. This paper aims to provide the reader with an overview of therapeutic recreation in South Africa as a developing profession. An overview of the current status of the profession is discussed in terms of standard of practice and as it relates to health professions and recreation service providers, programmes with therapeutic value and training needs. The study concludes that there is still groundwork to be done, calling for interested parties to embark on an aggressive advocacy and strategic planning process to develop therapeutic recreation as a profession in South Africa.
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.
Relationship among fitness, morphological characteristics, skills and performance in men's fast-pitch softball
(University of Stellenbosch, 2015) Wentzel, Melissa; Travill, Andre L.
Men's fast pitch softball does not have a specific battery of tests and relies on the tests and norms of baseball. The specific morphological and fitness demands of the sport are, therefore, not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to establish whether morphological and fitness characteristics are related to skill and performance measures in men's fast-pitch softball players. The sample was purposively selected and consisted of 15 provincial and 15 club male players. Anthropometric, fitness and skills test were conducted. Match statistics were obtained from the provincial softball federation for the provincial players and from the club for its members. Data were analysed and interpreted both collectively as a group and separately as teams for the purpose of comparison. The results identified a number of strong significant relationships between the different variables tested. Stature and percentage body fat were found to interact significantly with the two key performance areas, batting and base running. The findings convincingly suggest that coaches should include fitness, morphological and skills tests in their coaching and fitness programmes, team selection and talent identification processes.

Browse

Browsing by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options