Masters of Science - Msc (Physiotherapy)

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Perceptions of lecturers in the health and applied sciences faculty at a selected college regarding physical activity in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases: an explorative study
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Chansa, Katandula
The global burden of non-communicable diseases (ncds) has been increasing, with the most serious health effects occurring rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. The rise in NCD cases is also evident among academic staff worldwide, as well as in developing regions such as Africa, leading to premature death among lecturers. This study explored lecturers' perceptions within the Health and Applied Sciences Faculty at a selected college in Zambia regarding physical activity in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. A qualitative research approach, using an exploratory descriptive study design, was employed. Participation involved purposive sampling. Ethical approval was granted by the Humanities and Social Science Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape. Informed consent was obtained, and confidentiality and anonymity were preserved in accordance with POPIA.
The perception of adolescents with cerebral palsy regarding physical activity
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Matshingwane, Katlego
There is a decline in physical activity in people with cerebral palsy (CP) and adolescence is noted to be the age group in which the decline begins. Owing to the detrimental consequences of this decline in physical activity, it is important to explore the perceptions of adolescents with CP regarding physical activity in their age group, which was the aim of this study. The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge of physical activity in adolescents with CP, to explore their attitudes towards physical activity and to explore barriers to physical activity among adolescents with CP. The research study used a qualitative approach, with an exploratory design using focus group discussion as a tool. The study setting was the Adelaide Tambo School for the Physically Challenged in White City, Soweto, Johannesburg in South Africa. Purposeful sampling was used and the inclusion criteria were both males and females aged 10–19 years with CP only, low to mild speech impairment, no cognitive impairment, in grades 5–12 and with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) of 1–4. The exclusion criteria were learners younger than 10 and older than 19 years, learners with other conditions such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus, severe speech impairment, cognitive impairment and GMFCS of 5. The data were collected through focus group discussions that consisted of 10–12 learners per session undertaken after school for an hour within the school premises with a total of 34 learners. The data were then recorded and stored securely. The results were analysed using thematic analysis that consists of six stages, namely familiarisation with the data, generating initial codes, generating themes, reviewing potential themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report.
Physiotherapists’ perceptions of spirituality in patient care
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Roman, Olivia
Healthcare delivery has evolved significantly over the past decades, with increasing recognition that effective patient care extends beyond the treatment of physical symptoms to encompass the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of human experience. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified spirituality as a dimension of health. However, limited research has been conducted regarding the incorporation of spirituality in physiotherapy practice. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists' perceptions, beliefs, and practices regarding spirituality in patient care within the Western Cape context. The research objectives were: to explore the perceptions and beliefs of physiotherapists with regards to spirituality as a component of patient care; to explore practices of physiotherapists in using spirituality as part of patient care; to explore the advantage or facilitators perceived by physiotherapists when addressing spirituality in patient care; to explore the challenges or barriers perceived by physiotherapists regarding addressing spirituality in patient care; and to examine the perceived impact of incorporating spirituality on patient outcomes and holistic patient care.
Reaction time training in netball players using virtual reality: a randomised controlled trial
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Pinto, Chandré Tamsyn
Background: Quick reaction time is crucial in high-speed sports where split-second decisions impact performance. While traditional training emphasises physical conditioning, VR has emerged as a novel tool for enhancing cognitive- motor skills. VR enables targeted reaction time drills beyond conventional methods by providing an immersive and interactive environment. Despite its growing use in sports, research on VR’s effectiveness in netball remains limited. This study explores whether VR training can improve reaction time in netball players, bridging the gap between traditional and technology-driven training approaches. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of VR training in improving reaction time in netball players. This research contributes to the broader research field of VR in sports. Methodology: The research was conducted at a university high-performance centre in the Cape Metropole. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (Group A) or a control group (Group B). After the study period, Group B received iVR training. Ethics: Ethical approval was obtained from the University of the Western Cape’s Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, and Senate Higher Degree Committees, Ethics number: BM23/9/2. Written consent was secured in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Results: Amongst the 48 netball players, 91.77% (n = 44) were female, and 8.33% (n = 4) were male, with a mean age of 22 years (SD = 3.5). Pre-intervention assessments showed no significant baseline differences in reaction times between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.78). Post-intervention, the experimental group showed a significant 15% reduction in reaction times (p < 0.05), while the control group exhibited no meaningful change (p = 0.62). The four-week intervention involved the experimental group participating in biweekly immersive virtual reality (iVR) sessions, each lasting 15 minutes. The results of this study indicate that iVR training had a meaningful effect on enhancing reaction time amongst netball players, with the intervention group showing greater improvements than the control group engaged in standard training protocols.
The effect of a vibration intervention on the somatosensory Cortex of the brain in patients with sensory peripheral Neuropathy secondary to type ii diabetes mellitus
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Smit, Merisa
Background: Sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) is one of the most common complications of type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM II) and is the most significant risk factor for ulcerations and subsequent lower limb amputations. The vibration perception threshold (VPT) in patients with sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) reflects the severity of secondary sensation loss. This study explores the mechanisms that may have contributed to an improvement in VPT after using a vibration intervention for one month. Preliminary research conducted by the study supervisor has confirmed the effect of vibration on VPT. However, this study seeks to investigate the underlying mechanisms, including potential changes in activity within the somatosensory cortex of the brain. Study aim: This study aims to determine the effect of a vibration intervention, applied to the plantar surface of the foot of patients with SPN secondary to DM II on the somatosensory cortex of the brain. The revised aim was to explore possible physiological mechanisms for improved VPT in patients with Diabetes, following vibration therapy. Methods: A multi-method study design was employed, including a case series and a scoping review. The case series was conducted in Phase 1, followed by the scoping review in Phase 2. In Phase 1, the effect of vibrating insole therapy on somatosensory cortex function was assessed through pre- and post-intervention measurements using a quasi-experimental approach. This case series was conducted at two sites in Cape Town, South Africa: Wound Net clinic and the Cape universities Body Imaging Centre (CUBIC) at Groote Schuur Hospital. Data collection commenced in the second semester of 2019 and was discontinued in March 2020 due to COVID- 19 pandemic restrictions. After a sabbatical pause due to the pandemic, the researcher amended he original objectives before launching Phase 2.
Perceptions of physiotherapy students regarding the management of patients with underlying mental illness in clinical practice at a university in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Salo, Maylene
Mental illness (MI) has become one of the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide, as nearly half of the population will experience a MI at some stage in their life. It is therefore inevitable that most healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, will encounter patients with MI in clinical practice. As physiotherapists occupy an essential role in the management of patients with MI, they need to be equipped with the knowledge, skill, as well as favourable attitudes and behaviours towards patients with MI. Physiotherapy students also require these competencies when managing patients with underlying mental illness they may encounter during their clinical training. Therefore, this study aimed to explore physiotherapy students’ perceptions regarding the management of patients with underlying MI in clinical practice. A qualitative approach, with an exploratory descriptive design was used. Data was collected through individual, audio-recorded face to face interviews, and video-recorded online interviews, using a semi structured interview guide. The study population included all final year undergraduate physiotherapy students registered at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), with 16 students agreeing to participate. Participants were purposively selected due to their clinical exposure and experience gained in clinical practice. Data was analysed by employing Braun and Clarke’s six phase thematic analysis, whereby codes were identified, themes were generated and results presented textually with supporting quotes. Trustworthiness of the study was ensured by employing credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. This study was conducted according to the ethical practices pertaining to the study of human subjects as specified by the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences’ Research Ethics Committee of UWC. Sixteen fourth year, male and female physiotherapy students with a mean age of (22.8 ±1.32 years) consented to participate in this study.
Impostor syndrome and job satisfaction: perceptions of community service physiotherapists within the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) America, Erin
BACKGROUND: Impostor syndrome, marked by persistent self-doubt despite evident success, is common among high-achievers and can negatively affect wellbeing and performance. Newly qualified physiotherapists, transitioning from academic to clinical settings during their community service year, may be particularly vulnerable. Exploring their experiences is crucial for early identification and support, which in turn contributes to targeted interventions, professional development, and the creation of more supportive work environments. AIM/PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore how community service physiotherapists in the Western Cape understand, experience, and manage Impostor Syndrome while completing their community service year. METHOD: A qualitative approach, using an exploratory study design, was employed to gather in-depth insights through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The study population comprised of 20 physiotherapy graduates from South African universities who completed their community service year in either 2023 or 2024 at one of the twenty-four health care facilities (including hospitals and community health care centers) within the public sector of the Western Cape. Only 10 participants were able to be recruited and participated in the study. Purposive sampling was employed, and snowball sampling supplemented recruitment. Interviews were conducted via Google Meet for accessibility. Data saturation was reached after 10 interviews. Verbatim transcripts were thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti software. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of the Western Cape’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and the Western Cape Department of Health. Informed consent was secured, and confidentiality and anonymity were maintained in line with Protection of Personal Information Act. Participation was voluntary, and minimal risk was anticipated. Emotional responses during interviews were addressed with support options.
An analysis of physiotherapy classroom-based teaching and hospital practical skills in Zambia
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Moyo, Geoffrey
The last decade 1990 to 2000 brought many changes to the global health care delivery systems. The changes have rendered the clinical-set up to be complex, ambiguous and unstable. Some physiotherapy training programmes have not kept the pace of change as that recorded in the health care delivery systems during the last ten years. The uneven changes between the health care delivery systems and physiotherapy education in the last decade have made the physiotherapy traditional techniques to be seemly unable to respond to the complex, and ambiguous situations in the clinical setting. Some recent research studies have identified gaps in the curricula of health science training programmes as a result of the rapid changes in the health care systems. Employers of health science professionals are in agreement that new graduates in health sciences possess a body of knowledge in their respective field of study. However, the employers' agreement is below 50% in relation to the graduates' capacity for applying theory to practice in unfamiliar situations, being able to exercise critical judgement and rigorous independent thinking. The researcher was driven to carry out this study because of the persistent complaints about students' inability to translate their theory into practice in the clinical area by clinical educators. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the physiotherapy theory at the Evelyn Hone College (EHC) matched the hospital clinical curriculum. A descriptive quantitative design was employed in the study, using retrospective data from the EHC physiotherapy curriculum, physiotherapy records from Chipata General (rural) and Ndola Central Hospitals (urban) from 1995 to 1999. The Physiotherapy curriculum data and patient records from the two hospitals were compared to establish whether there was any congruence between the two.
The period prevalence and awareness of predisposing risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers at a university in the Northern District of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Elnour, Maysa Adam Agabna
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are defined as pain, discomfort and loss of function in the back, neck and extremities and are common among working role. With the increasing development of science and technology, the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is on the increase as a result of inactivity, fatigue and poor biomechanics in work environments. Physiotherapists are vital in the management of musculoskeletal disorders of employees, especially office workers. Social ecological models have proven to be an effective framework for understanding and guiding population-based health behaviour change interventions at an individual, community and environmental level. Study aim: To determine the period prevalence, and to explore the awareness of the predisposing risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among office workers at a university in the northern district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A mixed methods approach, which involves a qualitative and a quantitative component in the same study and a sequential explanatory design was used. The study was conducted amongst the staff of the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in the northern district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The total number of office workers employed at UBT was 600 in 2021/2022 academic year. A calculated sample size of 264 participants were recruited through convenience sampling to participate in the quantitative study. The Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to gather information from the participants and it has been shown to have good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.80) and validity.
Physical activity behaviour of community dwelling persons with traumatic spinal cord injuries in Cape Town, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Gabriels, Aeysha
Background: A spinal cord injury is a devastating condition, associated with permanent disability and decreased life expectancy. Persons with spinal cord injuries (PwSCIs) often lead sedentary lifestyles, which set in motion a cascade of comorbidities linked to lifestyle behaviours. There is growing evidence indicating that decreasing sedentary behaviour and improving physical activity (PA) are connected to favourable rehabilitation outcomes namely health status and physical functioning. There is paucity of evidence to support this postulation in our setting. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess PA behaviour of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) patients in Cape Town/Western Cape. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed in this study. The population consisted of community- dwelling adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs). Only individuals who have lived in the community for at least one year following injury were recruited. Participants were sourced from the database (2016-2020) of Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town using a sample of convenience. A total of 403 adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) was retrieved from the database (2016-2020). From the 297 people who met the inclusion criteria, 76 participants were included in the study. A large proportion (n=214) could not be reached, 10 relocated to other areas and provinces in South Africa, and 2 declined to participate in the study. The study took place in 42 communities of the Cape Metropole.
The role of physiotherapy in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries at a teaching and referral hospital in Kenya
(Univeversity of the Western Cape, 2014) Kiplagat, Sharon Jemutai; Steyl, Tania
Motorcycle-related head injuries are the leading cause of death, severe injury and disability among motorcycle users globally. In order to define and implement appropriate management of motorcycle-related head injuries, reliable data is required. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) receive many patients with motorcycle-related head injuries but an in depth study on the role played by health professionals such as physiotherapists in their management is not available. Thus the purpose of the study was to investigate the role of physiotherapists in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. A sequential explanatory mixed method design was utilized. A quantitative approach was used to determine the prevalence of motorcycle-related head injuries and to examine the referral tendency of these patients for physiotherapy management. A qualitative approach was employed to explore the physiotherapists’ perceptions regarding their role in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries and the challenges encountered when managing such patients.
Clinical reasoning of clinicians and undergraduate physiotherapy students during the intensive care unit rotation
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kariem, Hudaa; Hess, Danelle
Clinical reasoning (CR) is an important element of clinical practice and is considered essential for decision making. Physiotherapists need to make decisions daily, irrespective of their area of physiotherapy practice. Due to the complexity and intensity of the decision-making process, when it comes to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the reasoning process in this particular setting may be different. The aim of the study was to explore the process of CR in both Clinicians working in ICU and undergraduate student physiotherapists training in the ICU. The objectives of the study were to explore the understanding of CR in undergraduate physiotherapy students and clinicians, to explore the process of CR and clinical decision-making (CDM) in clinicians working in the acute ICU setting and to explore the process of CR and CDM in undergraduate physiotherapy students following their rotation on the ICU placement. This study employed a qualitative approach with an exploratory research design. The population for the study included final year physiotherapy students on their ICU clinical rotation and clinicians working in the ICU. A purposive sampling method was employed to identify the participants. Data for the study was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis approach where various themes and sub-themes emerged from the data.
Surveillance strategies used to monitor injuries in amateur and professional cricket players: An integrative review
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Jacob, Umar-Farouk; Boggenpoel, Blake
Background: Sports injuries have been reported to place pressure on global health systems. To lessen this pressure, sports medical staff play an important role in injury prevention. Injury surveillance is the starting point for injury prevention. To date, there are two consensus statements on injury surveillance in cricket. There are no studies that have reviewed the strategies used to monitor injury among amateur and professional cricketers. Reviewing the current strategies may provide guidance to future researchers and role players on the status of injury surveillance among amateur and professional cricketers. Aims: The overall aim of the present study was to review the existing literature regarding injury surveillance strategies used to monitor injury among amateur and professional cricketers, as well as to assess the reporting of these findings according to both of the cricket injury surveillance consensus statements. In addition to this, this study set out to achieve the following objectives: to describe the surveillance strategies currently used to monitor injuries in amateur and professional cricket players; to assess the methodological quality of the included studies; to assess the reporting of injury surveillance data for amateur and professional cricket players according to the 2005 and 2016 injury surveillance consensus statements; and to make recommendations for future surveillance studies based on the findings of the present study.
Incidence and common causes of major lower limb amputation at a hospital in a sub-district of the City Cape Town municipality.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kaylor, Timothy; Ennion, Liezel
Background: Major lower limb amputation (LLA) is a life-changing event described as the loss of a limb at or proximal to the ankle upwards. The amputation itself is a change in body structure but has a significant influence on many activities, participation in activities and quality of life. Optimal functional outcomes for persons with a major LLA require intensive long-term rehabilitation and costly assistive devices such as prostheses. Due to the high costs associated with it, the increasing number of persons with major LLA places a burden on the resource-limited public health system. In order for the provincial department of health to plan to provide sufficient human and financial resources and procure enough assistive devices such as prostheses, the need for these devices and the incidence of major LLAs should be established. The study aims to determine the incidence and common causes of major LLAs in adults and children who underwent major lower limb amputations at Tygerberg Hospital over one year from 19 December 2019 to 20 December 2020.
Medical doctors physical activity patterns and their advice about chronic diseases of lifestyle risk reduction in Tanzania
(2010) Wallace, K; Phillips, J
Chronic diseases of lifestyle (COL) are on a raising trend in the world regardless of age, economic class or geographical location of a population. The mortality rate associated with COL is alarmingly among the highest globally. Tanzania is not exempted from this development. Literature indicates that physical activity is a health practice that can prevent COL. It is recommended that medical practitioners should hold the responsibility of counselling patients on physical activity. Some studies outside Africa found an association between doctors' physical activity patterns and their counselling practices on the same. This study therefore sought to establish whether physical inactivity among medical doctors in Tanzania significantly influenced their counselling practices on physical activity. A cross sectional quantitative survey at the Muhimbili National Hospital and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute was conducted to derive the required information. A self administered structured questionnaire was voluntarily answered by 144 medical doctors.
Lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular control for the prevention of recurrent hamstring injuries in sprinting
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Kerspuy, Wade; Ennion, Liezel
Introduction: Hamstring injuries are the most prevalent injuries that occur in sport that require sprinting and acceleration (Small et al., 2009). A bigger concern is the high rate of recurrent hamstring strains (Comfort, 2009). The concern is that conventional hamstring rehabilitation may be inadequate, to reduce the prevalence of a recurrent hamstring injury. This study will explore if lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular rehabilitation is currently included in the rehabilitation programmes aimed at the prevention of recurring hamstring injuries in athletes involved in sprinting sports, and secondly, if consensus can be reached amongst experts on the inclusion of lumbo-pelvic control in the prevention of recurrent hamstring injuries. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase a Scoping review was used to determine if lumbopelvic neuromuscular rehabilitation was used in the rehabilitation of hamstring injuries to prevent recurrent injury in sports that involve sprinting, and which types of exercises are commonly used. The second phase consisted of a Delphi study, which was conducted in three rounds of online surveys. Experts were asked if they thought lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular control was important in the rehabilitation of hamstring strains to prevent recurrent injuries, as well their views on specific lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular exercises.
A descriptive of the factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Nairobi, Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Lamech, Francis Bogonko; Phillips, Julie; Pharaoh, Hamilton
Background: Rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world second to football. Many researchers have recommended different rugby injury prevention strategies that can drastically reduce injury incidences in rugby if practiced regularly. However rugby injuries still exist and there is minimal intervention being done in Africa and specifically in Kenya to implement these injury prevention strategies. Aim: To identify factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Objectives: (i) To determine prevalence of rugby injuries in the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) league 2011-2012 season. (ii) To identify and describe various injury prevention strategies and sports safety practices in place among rugby clubs in Kenya. (iii) To determine the factors hindering the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study design was used. Research Setting: The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants: Seven male rugby teams participated in KRFU League 20lll20l2 season; 210 rugby players, 7 team coaches, 7 team managers and 7 team medical practitioners. Instruments: Four self-administered questionnaires for rugby players, team coaches, team managers and team medical practitioners were used to collect data. A two week test-retest reliability pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability for team coaches and rugby players' questionnaires. Team medical practitioners and managers' instruments were adapted from previously validated Sports Safety Analysis Tool (SSAT). To ensure the content and face validity of the adapted instruments it was reviewed by experienced sports safety experts, experienced coaches, referees and sports development officers working as technical advisors in KRFU, in conjunction with qualified and experienced sports Physiotherapists, and the Researcher. Ethical clearance: was granted by the University of the Western Cape and from the relevant authorities in Kenya. Participation was voluntary and participants had the right to withdraw from the study at any time. Written informed consent was sought from all participants and they were assured of anonymity and confidentiality of their information, and that it was intended for research purposes only. Data analysis: Data was analysed using the SPSS version (20.0). Descriptive statistics was conducted to obtain a profile of the study sample and prevalence of rugby injuries, injury prevention strategies, sports safety practices and factors influencing the implementation of injury prevention strategies. These were presented in terms of frequencies and percentages in tables and figures Results: 162 (77%) rugby players, 7 (100%) coaches, 7 (100%) managers and 6 (85 .7%) team medical practitioners participated in this study. A sum of 520 injuries was reported giving a prevalence rate of 94.4%. Out of these injuries the sprains accounted for 17.5%o and strains (15%) and with more than half (52.5%) were mild. Fifty-five percent (55.4%) of the injuries were sustained during matches with the majority (55.6%\ of players sustaining an injury during the second half of play. The lower extremity recorded high prevalence of 48.7%o while tackling and being tackled were the common cause of injury. Majority of rugby players never used headgear, mouth guard and ankle protection at both training and matches. There were deficiencies in conducting cool down, stretching, flexibility and strength training. Lack of time, lack of proper equipments, advice, fatigue, financial constraints, poor facilities and lack of qualified personnel were given as the main reasons for coaches and players not implementing the injury prevention strategies. Moreover safety practices were followed more during competitions than at training. Conclusion: the lower limb injuries are of great concern and training specifically targeted on injury prevention should be encouraged among coaches as it can reduce the injury incidences. Moreover a sports safety committee should be elected among rugby clubs to develop and ensure that sports safety practices and policies are implemented regularly at both training and matches. Finally the coaches and medical personnel should educate players on the importance of injury preventative measures and always encourage them to participate in warmup, cool-down, stretching and, strength and conditioning.
Cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Magida; Phillips, Julie
Dance movements requires explosive power, sustained effort and both local and general endurance. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are the most frequent medical problems among dancers in ballet, which is partly owing to inadequate training and dancers not being properly prepared for the dernands of the dance performance. The study involved a prospective, cohort design. A population of 49 student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were studied over 16 weeks academic year in 2007.The purpose of the present study was to determine the cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries amongst student dancers at TUT. The student dancers filled on a questionnaire about previous injuries, their study schedules and factors they believed increased the risk of injuries. Of the 49 student dancers, 4l (83 o/o) consent to participate. There were 10 cumulative injuries incurred by 41 student dancers over 16 weeks period i.e.7.l yo,0.06 injuries incurred per student month at risk. The main limitations to this study were small sample size and misclassification, recall, and reporting biases. Further research should aim to standardize injury definitions and classifications.
Factors associated with physical activity levels among older adults in selected institutions in Southern Province of Rwanda
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Kanyoni, Maurice; Phillips, Julie
The size of the elderly population both in numbers and proportions of the whole world is increasing rapidly. The increase in the number of elderly people in the world will exert a big impact on health and social services. Population aging is also likely to cause serious societal challenges due to its associated increase in the number of individuals at risk for chronic diseases and injury. Participation in regular physical activity elicits a number of favorable responses that contribute to healthy aging, it is therefore established that physical activity is one way of limiting age related disabilities. Several studies have investigated factors that may be associated with physical activity participation and levels of physical activity in Rwanda among different age groups. However little has been done to investigate physical activity levels among older adults in Rwanda. This study aims to asses the levels of physical activity and the factors associated with it among older adults in Rwanda. A cross-sectional and descriptive study with a quantitative design was conducted. Sixty-three (63) participants from two institutions for the elderly located in the Southern Province of Rwanda were purposively selected. An interview questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential data were analysed statistically with SPSS version 15.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for demographic data. Mean score values and standard deviations for each variable were calculated. Chi-square test was used to test the relationship between selected variables and physical activity participation. The mean age of the participants was 7l years (SD = 9.82; range : 55-l0l years) and more than half (58,7%) of the participants were females. Furthermore the majority of participants were widowed (58'7 %) andreported alcohol consumption (60.3 %). Females were significantly more likely to be physically active than males. Younger participants were more likely to be physically active than the older participants, although not statistically significant. No statistically significant association was found for physical activity participation, marital status, location of residence and education level. Fear of falling and alcohol consumption were significantly related to physical activity participation. Conclusively the study recommends that there is need to promote physical activity among older adults so that this part of the population do not loose on the benefits of physical activity.
Implementation of health education programme relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners in the Amajuba district, Kwa-Zulu Natal
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Chutergon, Serena; Frantz, Jose
Currently, chronic diseases are a growing cause of death and disability in South Africa. This study was an experimental study using a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population was made up of two conveniently selected high schools located in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The total population for the intervention school was 1050 learners and for the control school were 945 learners. Chronic diseases of lifestyle are a group of diseases that share similar risk factors as a result of exposure, over many decades, to unhealthy diets, smoking, lack of exercise and stress. The major risk factors include high blood pressure, tobacco addiction, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health care education programme on the knowledge of high school learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal, through the implementation of a health education programme in the intervention school and a 45 min talk on chronic diseases of lifestyle in the control school. ln addition, the study also determined the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyles among high school learners in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The survey tool used in this study was two self-administered questionnaires. The first being the Youth risk behavioural survey which assessed the learners' diet information, tobacco use, alcohol use and physical activity of which was used to collect information on the health risk behaviours of the learners. This was a validated and reliable questionnaire (chronbachs alpha of 0,897). The second, a knowledge questionnaire for risk factors which assessed the knowledge of learners, regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle. Demographic data and data regarding diabetes, hypertension, stroke, diet information, tobacco use information, alcohol use information and physical activity were initially coded and entered into the Excel program, where upon the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13 was used to analyse the data. The pre-test scores collected from the knowledge questionnaire showed that the mean for the intervention school was 12.8 (SD=4.3) and for the control school was 14.2 (SD=4.5). The post-test score for the intervention school (24.65) was significantly higher (p<0.005) than the post-test score for control group (18.40)' Thus, the implementation of the health education programme at the intervention school made much more significant difference to the knowledge of the pupils regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle than the 45-minute talk at the control school. Based on the Youth risk behavioural survey, it was found that 60% of the total number of participants smoked,67 % drank alcohol, 33% were physically inactive. In addition, 35% were classified as overweight and 60% hypertensive. The outcome of this study thus suggests that the high prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal should be of great concern as it places learners at a high risk for developing chronic diseases of lifestyle, as they grow older. Therefore preventive, promotive strategies and programs like the health education programme must be put in place and implemented in the communities within the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal.

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