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

Access to healthcare for people with disabilities in South Africa: Bad at any time, worse during COVID-19?
(AOSIS, 2021) McKinney, Emma L.; McKinney, Victor; Swartz, Leslie
People with disabilities, especially those living in low- and middle-income countries, experience significant challenges in accessing healthcare services and support. At times of disasters and emergencies, people with disabilities are further marginalised and excluded. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many people with disabilities are unable to access healthcare facilities, receive therapeutic interventions or rehabilitation, or gain access to medication. Of those who are able to access facilities, many experience challenges, and at times direct discrimination, accessing life-saving treatment such as intensive care unit admission and ventilator support. In addition, research has shown that people with disabilities are at higher risk of contracting the virus because of factors that include the need for interpersonal caregivers and living in residential facilities. We explore some of the challenges that people with disabilities residing in South Africa currently experience in relation to accessing healthcare facilities.
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.
Analysing the impact of the 50:22 kick law changes in South African rugby tournaments between 2021 and 2022
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Strydom, Wikus; Kraak, Wilbur; Vaz, Luis
Tactical kicking plays a crucial role in rugby union, influencing both attacking and defensive strategies and potentially impacting a team’s overall success. The introduction of the 50:22 law requires defensive teams to reposition players to anticipate and counter kicks, thereby reducing the number of players in their defensive front line. This study investigated the impact of the 50:22 kicking law on kicking profiles by comparing the 2021 and 2022 seasons, as well as examining the success rate of 50:22 kicks during the 2022 season in South African rugby union tournaments. A retrospective research design was employed, utilising video-based performance analysis software (Nacsport Scout Plus) for data collection. The analysis encompassed all general play kicks from 177 matches spanning two seasons and tournaments, amounting to a total of 6,479 kicks. Within this dataset, there were 53 successful 50:22 kicks out of 162 attempts. Key findings revealed an upswing in kicks by scrum halves (2021: 20%, 2022: 26%; p = 0.00) and a concurrent decline in kicks by fullbacks (2021: 21%, 2022: 18%; p = 0.01).
Analysis of social networking sites used by student spectators in university sport
(AFAHPER-SD, 2021) Phillips, Kirby; Titus, Simone
Social media usage has caused a notable shift in the use of strategies and relevant tools with which to communicate with sport spectators, catapulting sports into one of the most read topics on social media. This rapid growth of social media in sport has stimulated research in this field of study, delineating the different parts of social media, including social networking sites, and creating opportunities for university sport departments to foster relationships between university sport and student spectators. The purpose of this study was to identify the social networking sites used by student spectators in university sport. Based on a cross-sectional research design, amodified survey was distributed electronically to a randomly selected sample of 540 full-time registered studentsat the University of the Western Cape.The findings indicated that WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram were the most popular social networking sites used by student spectators in university sport. This study concluded that thethree social networking sites were the most preferredamong student spectators. Therefore, this research provides higher education institutions the opportunity to leverage off the students’ usageof social networking sitesfor marketing purposes. The study recommendsthe need for social media-based marketing strategies by university sports departments to be targeted at social networking sites visited by student spectators.
Association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(MDPI, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Kengne, Andre P.; Smith, Denise L.
Approximately 45% of on-duty related mortalities were due to sudden cardiac death, with many of these fatalities related to cardiovascular disease and overexertion, while performing emergency duties. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to determine the association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters. A literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOHost, and ScienceDirect was conducted; the Rayyan® intelligent systematic review tool was used to screen and select studies for inclusion. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme toolkit were used for methodological assessment of included studies. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 and MedCalc® statistical softwares to determine the effects of obesity (Z = 10.29, p < 0.001) and aging (Z = 4.72, p < 0.001) on cardiorespiratory fitness.
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.
Association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in firefighters
(MDPI, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Smith, Denise L.; Soteriades, Elpidoforos S.
Firefighters perform strenuous work in dangerous and unpredictable environments requiring optimal physical conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health (CVH) in firefighters. This cross-sectional study systematically recruited 309 full-time male and female firefighters between the ages of 20 to 65 years in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness was assessed using absolute (ab˙VO2max) and relative oxygen consumption (relVO2max), grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups, sit-and-reach for flexibility and lean body mass (LBM). CVH encompassed age, smoking, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid profile, body mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference. Linear regressions and logistic regressions were applied. Multivariable analysis indicated that relVO2max was associated with systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001), non-fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (p = 0.037). Poor CVH index was negatively associated with rel˙VO2max (p < 0.001), leg strength (p = 0.019), and push-ups (p = 0.012).
Body circumference parameters predict body mass index in children aged 2-5 years
(Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2017) Onagbiye, Sunday O.; Mulubwa, M.; Young, Marie E. M.
Body circumference parameters have become simple screening measurements that can be used as an indicator of body fat distribution to detect pediatric obesity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships that exist between body circumference parameters of head, neck, arm, forearm, waist, hip, mid-thigh, front-thigh and body mass index (BMI). A total of forty randomly selected children with the mean age of 2.97 years participated in this study. Stature, body mass, and body circumferences were measured according to the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropmetry (ISAK). All the participants’ parents completed informed consent forms before their children could be allowed to participate in the study. There was a significant correlation between the hip and neck circumferences and BMI. Regression analyses revealed that BMI was best predicted by the combined effect of neck and hi neck circumferences. Combined effects of hip and neck circumferences were significant predictors of BMI in children.
Body image, weight discrepancy and body mass index among university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
(AJOL, 2020) Toriola, Olumatoyin O.; Onagbiye, Sunday O.
This study examined the relationship between body image, weight discrepancy and body mass index among female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 183 university students aged 18.7±1.17 years volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric variables were measured according to the protocol of International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Body image perception was assessed using silhouette matching techniques. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between body image and weight perceptions in relation to actual physical measurements by means of two indices: Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID) and FAI (Feel weight status minus actual weight status inconsistency). One-way ANOVA was computed to test for any substantial differences in the participants’ dependent measures according to body mass index (BMI) categories. Percentage distribution of participants’ actual weight categories were 71% (underweight), 18.6% (normal weight) and 10.4% (overweight). Using the body silhouette chart, the mean value for the participants’ feel and ideal figures were 3.6 and 2.2, while their FID and FAI scores were 1.4 and 0.55, respectively. Results of the regression analysis indicated that every unit increase in Feel figure yielded a highly significant increase in BMI by 1.4 kg/m2 . By contrast, a unit increase in the Ideal figure resulted in a non-significant decrease in BMI by -0.19 kg/m2 . The relationship between the actual body weight and body image discrepancy among Riyadh university students has practical implications for their health.
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.
Can social innovation advance the PMTCT programme? A South African reflection
(Sinnergiak Social Innovation, 2022) Mdleleni, Lwando; Velapi, Linda
The prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programme is an initiative developed to enable health care practitioners to provide essential care to mothers in order to prevent the transmission of HIV to their infants.However,the PMTCT programme has not been reaching its intended prevention objectives. This paper identifies the social issues that elucidate the gap between PMTCT program goals and the role that Social Innovation could play in improving the status quo.Supporting Social Innovationin health helps reduce infectious diseases by empowering communities to become active participants in their health challenges through local adaptation of global strategies that facilitate the reduction of health system limitations.The article combines a review of the literature with empirical evidence extracted from research that has analyzed the postpartum experiences of mothers living with HIV in the context of the PMTCT program in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa in 2021.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors, musculoskeletal health, physical fitness, and occupational performance in firefighters: A narrative review
(Hindawi Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022) Ras, Jaron
Introduction. Firefighting is a strenuous occupation that requires firefighters to be in peak physical condition. However, many firefighters have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, impaired musculoskeletal health, and are not physically fit for duty, which all negatively impact their occupational performance. Therefore, the aim of this review is to determine the relationship between cardiovascular disease risk factors, musculoskeletal health, physical fitness, and occupational performance in firefighters. Methods. The electronic databases PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched online via the library portal of the University of the Western Cape. Publications and grey literature between the years 2000 to present were used. In total, 2607 articles were identified; after the removal of duplicates 1188 articles were then screened, and were excluded for not meeting initial screening criteria. The remaining 209 full-text articles were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, where 163 articles were excluded. Only studies that were quantitative were included. This left 46 articles that were then finally included in the current narrative review. Results. The current literature indicated that significant relationships existed between cardiovascular risk factors, musculoskeletal health, physical fitness, and occupational performance. The results indicated firefighters who were aged, obese, physically inactive, cigarette smokers, and unfit were at the highest risk for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health complications, and unsatisfactory occupational performance. Musculoskeletal health complications significantly affected occupational performance and work ability and were related to physical fitness of firefighters. Most cardiovascular risk factors were related to physical fitness, and all physical fitness parameters were related to occupational performance in firefighters. Conclusion. The overwhelming evidence in the current review established that physical fitness is related to occupational performance. However, the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and musculoskeletal health in relation to occupational performance is less clear and still understudied. Significant gaps remain in the literature.
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.
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.
Cochrane corner: beta-blockers for hypertension
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2017) Wiysonge, Charles S.; Bradley, Hazel A.; Volmink, Jimmy; Mayosi, Bongani M.
Beta-blockers refer to an assorted group of medications that block the action of endogenous catecholamines on beta-adrenergic receptors.1 The ß1 and ß2 receptorsare the primary beta-adrenergic receptors in the human cardiovascular system. Beta- blockers differ in their ß1/ ß2-receptor selectivity and vasodilatory properties. Based on this diversity, beta-blockers have been categorised into first, second and third generation. First-generation beta-blockers, also referred to as non-selective blockers, possess equal affinity for ß1 and ß2 receptors. Second-generation (or selective) beta-blockers exercise more affinity for ß1 than ß2 receptors. Neither of these traditional beta-blockers has vasodilatory properties, which is an intrinsic characteristic of third-generation beta-blockers.
Community and home-based exercise for the prevention and treatment
(Researchgate, 2017) Onagbiye, Sunday O; Moss, Sarah J; Cameron, M
Using Evidence. Improving lives
Comparison of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 9-13 year-old children from two countries using CDC and IOTF reference charts
(Science Alert, 2018) Toriola, Abel; Ajayi-Vincent, Olusesi; Oyeniyi, Patrick; Akindutire, Isaac; Adeagbo, David; Konwea, Patience; Awosusi, Olukemi; Ogunsile, Seyi; Moselakgomo, Violet Kankane; Onagbiye, Sunday; Monyeki, Makama
Background and Objectives: The epidemic of obesity is frequently prevailing, certainly among pediatric inhabitants and could be influenced by environmental and heritable factors. So, the aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 9-13 year old children from Nigeria and South Africa using the criteria of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) for obesity classification chart based on age and gender-specific BMI cut-off points. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements were taken using standardised protocol and used to estimate body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in 1361 South African and 1229 Nigeria school children aged 9-13 year old. Height, body weight, BMI and WHtR were examined for Nigerian and South African school children according to sample size and age category. The BMI for age was used to classify the children according to weight categories and by gender, after which the obesity prevalence using the BMI Category for cut-off points chart was performed by age and countries. Results: The results showed that 1.1% (IOTF) and 9.9% (CDC) of Nigerian children were overweight. Corresponding data for South African children were 1.8% (IOTF) and 10.0% (CDC). Obesity estimates for Nigerian and South African children slightly varied for IOTF classification (1.1, 0.7%), but were similar when CDC classification was used (5.1%). In contrast, the CDC standard indicated strikingly lower incidence of underweight among the South African (4.9%) and Nigerian (4.8%) children. Conclusion: The lack of consistency in body weight classification using CDC and IOTF chart raises the question as to the right classification to use to evaluate weight abnormalities in children and adolescents. The choice of cut-off point in assessing overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence should be based on reliable judgment as this could undermine the integrity of epidemiological research data.
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.
COVID-19, disability and the context of healthcare triage in South Africa: Notes in a time of pandemic
(OpenJournals Publishing AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2020) McKinney, Emma Louise; McKinney, Victor; Swartz, Leslie
During disasters, when resources and care are scarce, healthcare workers are required to make decisions and prioritise which patients receive life-saving resources over others. To assist healthcare workers in standardising resources and care, triage policies have been developed. However, the current COVID-19 triage policies and practices in South Africa may exclude or disadvantage many disabled people, especially people with physical and intellectual impairments, from gaining intensive care unit (ICU) access and receiving ventilators if becoming ill. The exclusion of disabled people goes against the principles established in South Africa’s Constitution, in which all people are regarded as equal, have the right to life and inherent dignity, the right to access healthcare, as well as the protection of dignity.
Development of a context-sensitive physical activity intervention for persons living with HIV and AIDS of low socioeconomic status using the behaviour change whee
(BCM, 2019) Mabweazara, S.Z.; Leach, L.L.; Ley, C.
: Regular physical activity (PA) has been recommended for the management of HIV and AIDS. The purpose of this study was to develop a contextualised intervention for promoting PA among women living with HIV and AIDS (WLWHA) of low socioeconomic status (SES). A secondary aim of the study was to optimise the PA intervention using behavioural theory/ frameworks derived from preliminary studies and the literature.The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) for designing behaviour change interventions was used. This method was further supplemented by evidence from the literature, systematic literature review (SLR), a concurrent mixed methods study and two cross-sectional studies. The SLR aided in determining the theoretical frameworks to inform the intervention, the specific PA behaviours to be targeted by the intervention, the intervention functions, the intervention policy category and the mode of delivery of the intervention. The concurrent mixed methods study was used to identify key factors that needed to change in order for participants to engage in regular PA. The first cross-sectional study was used to determine the gender to be targeted by the study. The second crosssectional study was used to determine the domain and intensity of PA to target in the intervention

Browse

Browsing by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options