Physical inactivity is identified as one of the major risk factors for the development of coronary heart diseases. It has been well documented in research literature that regular engagement in physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits has a positive influence on the risk of developing coronary heart diseases. Research literature reveals that these diseases have a negative influence on the productivity of the employee. In the light of the above mentioned, the fact has become clear that the health of the employee is of major concern to the employer. Healthy employees mean better productivity and better financial benefits for the company. The aim of this research is therefore to determine the physical activity, lifestyle and coronary index profiles of employees working at an electricity supply company in South Africa. Furthermore the aim is to determine the influence of physical activity and lifestyle on the coronary health of the same population. A total of one hundred and seventy nine (N=179) voluntary subjects between the ages of 26 and 65 years (46.1 ± 9.5), who were part of a non-random availability population, took part in the study. Data was collected by means of questionnaires. The Physical Activity Index questionnaire of Sharkey and Gaskill (2007) was used to collect data on the physical activity of respondents, the Lifestyle Index questionnaire of Belloc and Breslow (1972) was used to determine the lifestyle practises of the respondents and the Coronary Risk Index of Bjiirstrom en Alexiou (1978) was used to determine the coronary risk index of the respondents. The physical activity index profile of the respondents was classified as average (25.6 ± 35.6), as was the case with their lifestyle index profile (4.5 ± 1.3) and coronary risk index profile (25.5 ± 7.5). In spite of these findings, it was found that the majority of respondents in fact led a sedentary life (58.1%). That means that the respondents have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. The results further showed that age, exercise, gender and stress was identified as the major contributors to increased risk of developing coronary heart diseases. The fact emerged that the majority of respondents were unaware of their cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure status. These findings are problematic, for it is well documented in research literature that these three factors are major contributors to the development of coronary heart disease. In terms of the influence of physical activity and lifestyle on coronary health, a statistic meaningful (p < 0.05) difference was found in terms of physical activity and lifestyle habits on the coronary health of the employees. Wellness programs that are implemented by companies are of great value. These programs give the workers the opportunity to take responsibility for their health and provide them with the necessary tools to manage their health on optimal levels. Companies that succeed in motivating their staff to engage in these wellness programs, can empower their staff to care for their own health. This means less risk of developing coronary heart diseases, increased productivity and decreased absenteeism, sick leave and medical costs. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Physical inactivity is identified as one of the major risk factors for the development of coronary heart diseases. It has been well documented in research literature that regular engagement in physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits has a positive influence on the risk of developing coronary heart diseases. Research literature reveals that these diseases have a negative influence on the productivity of the employee. In the light of the above mentioned, the fact has become clear that the health of the employee is of major concern to the employer. Healthy employees mean better productivity and better financial benefits for the company. The aim of this research is therefore to determine the physical activity, lifestyle and coronary index profiles of employees working at an electricity supply company in South Africa. Furthermore the aim is to determine the influence of physical activity and lifestyle on the coronary health of the same population. A total of one hundred and seventy nine (N=179) voluntary subjects between the ages of 26 and 65 years (46.1 ± 9.5), who were part of a non-random availability population, took part in the study. Data was collected by means of questionnaires. The Physical Activity Index questionnaire of Sharkey and Gaskill (2007) was used to collect data on the physical activity of respondents, the Lifestyle Index questionnaire of Belloc and Breslow (1972) was used to determine the lifestyle practises of the respondents and the Coronary Risk Index of Bjiirstrom en Alexiou (1978) was used to determine the coronary risk index of the respondents. The physical activity index profile of the respondents was classified as average (25.6 ± 35.6), as was the case with their lifestyle index profile (4.5 ± 1.3) and coronary risk index profile (25.5 ± 7.5). In spite of these findings, it was found that the majority of respondents in fact led a sedentary life (58.1%). That means that the respondents have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. The results further showed that age, exercise, gender and stress was identified as the major contributors to increased risk of developing coronary heart diseases. The fact emerged that the majority of respondents were unaware of their cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure status. These findings are problematic, for it is well documented in research literature that these three factors are major contributors to the development of coronary heart disease. In terms of the influence of physical activity and lifestyle on coronary health, a statistic meaningful (p < 0.05) difference was found in terms of physical activity and lifestyle habits on the coronary health of the employees. Wellness programs that are implemented by companies are of great value. These programs give the workers the opportunity to take responsibility for their health and provide them with the necessary tools to manage their health on optimal levels. Companies that succeed in motivating their staff to engage in these wellness programs, can empower their staff to care for their own health. This means less risk of developing coronary heart diseases, increased productivity and decreased absenteeism, sick leave and medical costs. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Motivation: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in South Africa and worldwide. Various investigations have confirmed the hypothesis that elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels may be linked to vascular disease, and it has become clear that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Extensive research on the influence of vitamin supplementation leading to the lowering of homocysteine levels has been done, but extensive research on the effect of physical activity on high homocysteine levels is lacking. The interaction of vitamin supplementation in combination with physical activity has also not been investigated. If a conditioning exercise programme can demonstrate a lowering effect on elevated homocysteine levels, it will confirm the importance of physical activity as a less expensive alternative for a better lifestyle that can also continue to lower morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: This study examined the effect of a conditioning program, vitamin supplement and a combination of both on Hcy levels in men with coronary heart disease risk factors. Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded crossover study, 84 men matched for physical activity (PA) levels, age and risk factors were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups [A = physical conditioning, 20-30 min; 70-80% (THR), 8 = physical conditioning + supplement, C = supplement (12,5 ug vitamin 812; 200 ug folic acid) or D = control). Groups A, B, and C were crossed over according to the Latin square design. Total plasma homocysteine, maximal oxygen consumption (V02max) and body composition (BMI & Fat %) were measured before and after each 12-week intervention period. A 6-week washout period separated the crossovers. Results: The experimental and control groups presented similar baseline characteristics and the profile analysis of the V02max values and Hcy concentrations indicated positive results (multivariate p-value <0.0001), due to the fact that the four groups repeated measurements, presented different patterns. A phase effect for the V02max values and a phase and interaction effect for the Hcy concentrations were indicated, though all the subjects were requested to maintain their normal daily routine (eating pattern, PA levels and alcohol consumption) for the duration of the study. The lack of compliance to the conditioning programme makes it impossible to draw conclusions for V02max values. The poor compliance lead to a small sample size that eventually leads to less statistical power. Conclusion: This study found that a 12-week conditioning programme had no effect on Hcy concentrations. The results of this study make it impossible, due to poor compliance, to suggest that the effect of increased PA on homocysteine may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of CVD. It is, therefore, recommended that more studies should be conducted to further investigate the effect of PA and vitamin supplements on tHcy levels. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Several studies have already reported that ministers are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands, role conflict and personal situations (Roux, 1992:227; Scholtz, 1996:134; Kellerman, 2000:28). Stress is detrimental to general health and is the primary reason why ministers leave the ministry (Andrew, 1997:15, Virginia, 1998:50; Swart et al., 2000:339; Bisschoff & Schoeman, 2003:52). Research showed that regular physical activity and maintaining a good level of physical fitness has positive effects on physical and psycho-emotional health (Paffenbarger, 1994:860; Margetts et al., 1999:97; Botha, 200237; Fourie, 2002:7). In this respect, it became clear that participation in physical activity may decrease the risk of developing coronary heart disease and other illness through it's likely buffering effect against the negative effects of stress (Barlow et al., 1990:392; Bouchard & Despres, 1995:270; Stofan et al., 1998: 1808; Le Roux, 2000:59; Schlebusch, 2000:50). The objective of this study was firstly to determine interaction of physical activity on the relationship between coronary risk index and happiness and quality of life of South African Dutch Reformed ministers. Secondly, to determine the interaction of physical activity with coronary risk index in respect of years of service, congregation size, co ministership and congregation type, and thirdly, to study the interaction of physical activity with happiness and quality of life in respect of the last mentioned demographic parameters. The subjects were 340 male ministers of the Dutch reformed church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index. The risk of developing coronary heart disease was determined by Bjurnstrom and Alexiou's (1978:524-525) coronary risk index assessment, while happiness or quality of life was measured by using the Affectometer 2 of Kammann and Flett (1983:259). The mean index of physical activity participation was 33.81 ± 32.30 which could be classified as fair, although 32.2% of the subjects fell in the low activity group. The coronary risk index showed that 19.9% of the population indicated a high risk of developing coronary artery disease, while 48.9% indicated a low level of happiness and quality of life. Significant (p10.05) relationships between physical activity, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life were found among the high activity and low activity groups. Physical activity indicated a positive effect on the coronary risk index, independent of happiness and quality of life, as well as years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. Physical activity also indicated a positive effect on happiness and quality of life, independent of years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. In most cases physical activity also showed a significant interaction on the relationships between coronary risk index and years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type, as well as on the relationships between happiness and quality of life and the last mentioned demographic parameters. This study indicated that the ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church who participated in this study operated in a danger zone regarding their happiness and quality of life. Physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic and preventative modality on the interaction of physical activity among the relationships between demographic factors, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life of Dutch Reformed ministers. It was also concluded that physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic modality in the physical and psychological wellness of South African ministers of religion. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Several studies have already reported that ministers are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands, role conflict and personal situations (Roux, 1992:227; Scholtz, 1996:134; Kellerman, 2000:28). Stress is detrimental to general health and is the primary reason why ministers leave the ministry (Andrew, 1997:15, Virginia, 1998:50; Swart et al., 2000:339; Bisschoff & Schoeman, 2003:52). Research showed that regular physical activity and maintaining a good level of physical fitness has positive effects on physical and psycho-emotional health (Paffenbarger, 1994:860; Margetts et al., 1999:97; Botha, 200237; Fourie, 2002:7). In this respect, it became clear that participation in physical activity may decrease the risk of developing coronary heart disease and other illness through it's likely buffering effect against the negative effects of stress (Barlow et al., 1990:392; Bouchard & Despres, 1995:270; Stofan et al., 1998: 1808; Le Roux, 2000:59; Schlebusch, 2000:50). The objective of this study was firstly to determine interaction of physical activity on the relationship between coronary risk index and happiness and quality of life of South African Dutch Reformed ministers. Secondly, to determine the interaction of physical activity with coronary risk index in respect of years of service, congregation size, co ministership and congregation type, and thirdly, to study the interaction of physical activity with happiness and quality of life in respect of the last mentioned demographic parameters. The subjects were 340 male ministers of the Dutch reformed church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index. The risk of developing coronary heart disease was determined by Bjurnstrom and Alexiou's (1978:524-525) coronary risk index assessment, while happiness or quality of life was measured by using the Affectometer 2 of Kammann and Flett (1983:259). The mean index of physical activity participation was 33.81 ± 32.30 which could be classified as fair, although 32.2% of the subjects fell in the low activity group. The coronary risk index showed that 19.9% of the population indicated a high risk of developing coronary artery disease, while 48.9% indicated a low level of happiness and quality of life. Significant (p10.05) relationships between physical activity, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life were found among the high activity and low activity groups. Physical activity indicated a positive effect on the coronary risk index, independent of happiness and quality of life, as well as years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. Physical activity also indicated a positive effect on happiness and quality of life, independent of years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. In most cases physical activity also showed a significant interaction on the relationships between coronary risk index and years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type, as well as on the relationships between happiness and quality of life and the last mentioned demographic parameters. This study indicated that the ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church who participated in this study operated in a danger zone regarding their happiness and quality of life. Physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic and preventative modality on the interaction of physical activity among the relationships between demographic factors, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life of Dutch Reformed ministers. It was also concluded that physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic modality in the physical and psychological wellness of South African ministers of religion. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Motivation: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in South Africa and worldwide. Various investigations have confirmed the hypothesis that elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels may be linked to vascular disease, and it has become clear that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Extensive research on the influence of vitamin supplementation leading to the lowering of homocysteine levels has been done, but extensive research on the effect of physical activity on high homocysteine levels is lacking. The interaction of vitamin supplementation in combination with physical activity has also not been investigated. If a conditioning exercise programme can demonstrate a lowering effect on elevated homocysteine levels, it will confirm the importance of physical activity as a less expensive alternative for a better lifestyle that can also continue to lower morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: This study examined the effect of a conditioning program, vitamin supplement and a combination of both on Hcy levels in men with coronary heart disease risk factors. Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded crossover study, 84 men matched for physical activity (PA) levels, age and risk factors were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups [A = physical conditioning, 20-30 min; 70-80% (THR), 8 = physical conditioning + supplement, C = supplement (12,5 ug vitamin 812; 200 ug folic acid) or D = control). Groups A, B, and C were crossed over according to the Latin square design. Total plasma homocysteine, maximal oxygen consumption (V02max) and body composition (BMI & Fat %) were measured before and after each 12-week intervention period. A 6-week washout period separated the crossovers. Results: The experimental and control groups presented similar baseline characteristics and the profile analysis of the V02max values and Hcy concentrations indicated positive results (multivariate p-value <0.0001), due to the fact that the four groups repeated measurements, presented different patterns. A phase effect for the V02max values and a phase and interaction effect for the Hcy concentrations were indicated, though all the subjects were requested to maintain their normal daily routine (eating pattern, PA levels and alcohol consumption) for the duration of the study. The lack of compliance to the conditioning programme makes it impossible to draw conclusions for V02max values. The poor compliance lead to a small sample size that eventually leads to less statistical power. Conclusion: This study found that a 12-week conditioning programme had no effect on Hcy concentrations. The results of this study make it impossible, due to poor compliance, to suggest that the effect of increased PA on homocysteine may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of CVD. It is, therefore, recommended that more studies should be conducted to further investigate the effect of PA and vitamin supplements on tHcy levels. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This study evaluated a mandatory fitness assessment and counseling program designed to reduce coronary risk factors related to diet and exercise. The study was conducted at a southwestern graduate level theological institution. There were 19 mandatory and 22 voluntary participants. Each subject initially had either high blood pressure, high percentage body fat, or high total cholesterol. Significant changes were made within both groups regarding body fat percentage and diastolic blood pressure. Total cholesterol levels decreased for the voluntary group only. The mandatory group significantly improved their exercise level, yet still showed a significantly less positive attitude towards exercise. Overall, the fitness assessment and counseling was somewhat beneficial for both the mandatory and voluntary groups.