Fast bowlers are especially prone to injury as they perform their bowling techniques repetitively at very high intensities. The fast bowling action in the past has been described as a highly explosive activity that produces high levels of stress and strain on the body. The aim of this study was to compile an injury profile of 46 fast bowlers aged 11 to 18, and to identify the associated risk factors for injury during an academy cricket season. A descriptive correlational research design was utilised. Subjects were selected according to age and fast bowling ability. These subjects were observed for one academy cricket season (March to November). Three testing sessions occurred during this time (T1, T2 and T3). Each subject completed two questionnaires: i) bowler history (at T1) and ii) injury history (at T1, T2, and T3). These assisted in grouping the subjects according to their responses into one of three injury classifications (uninjured = S1; injured but able to play = S2; injured and unable to play = S3). Anthropometric and postural data for the entire group of fast bowlers were also collected pre-season (T1). Physical fitness screenings were also conducted during each of the three testing sessions to establish any relationship between the fitness of each fast bowler and the occurrence of injuries. Additional factors assessed during the season were bowling techniques and bowling workload. Statistical significance was indicated by p-values less than .05 (p< .05), while practical significance was indicated by either Cohen’s d-values of 0.2 or better (d>0.2) for tests based on sample means or Cramer’s V for tests based on sample frequencies, the values of which depend on the applicable degrees of freedom. All fitness scores as well as bowling workload figures for each testing session were converted to standard T-scores and these in turn were summated to derive overall fitness and workload T-scores. ‘TT’ indicated the overall average score for the entire season. Changes in performances, bowling workload and injury status were analysed using ANOVA and ANCOVA. A regression analysis was also conducted to analyse the relationship between bowling workload and weeks incapacitated. This study found that hyperextension in the knees had the highest incidence of postural deviation injury (43 percent) followed by winged scapula (39 percent). Only 15 percent of the fast bowlers remained injury-free for the duration of the season, while 35 percent of the subjects were at some stage injured to such an extent that they were unable to play. The incidence of serious injury (S3) showed a statistical and moderate practical (V=0.23, d.f. ≥2) significant increase throughout the data collection period (4 percent at T1 to 30 percent at T3). The most common injury was to the knee (41 percent) followed by those to the lower back (37 percent). These injuries occurred mostly during test periods T2 and T3. The nature of injuries were predominantly strains and "other" which accounted for 39 percent of the injuries overall (TT) and had the highest reported incidence during the period T1 to T3. Sprains followed with an overall incidence of 14 percent. Less frequently reported injuries were tears, fractures, bruises and dislocations. The degree of severity of injuries was defined in terms of the number of weeks a player reported being incapacitated as a result of injury during the academy session. During midand end-season bowlers were on average incapacitated approximately one week out of every five due to injury. The statistics for the duration of the study translate to approximately one week incapacitated out of every seven weeks of play. When comparing the S1/S2 bowlers with the S3 group, the S1/S2 bowlers performed consistently better than the S3 bowlers in all the fitness variables tested. However no significant differences (p>.05) in either flexibility or muscle strength were observed. Of the risk factors analysed, bowling workload presented a statistically significant (p<.0005) increased risk for injury. A strong significant positive relationship (p<.0005, R²=.619) was found between weeks incapacitated and bowling workload, supporting the finding that increased bowling workloads show a linear relationship with the increase in the number of weeks incapacitated from normal play. This study concluded that inadequate fitness, high bowling workload and bowling technique all have a multi-factorial role in predisposing a bowler to increased risk for injury. These variables did not act alone, but have all contributed to recurring injuries. The bowling action alone would not have been detrimental if the workloads were not in excess of the recommended guidelines. Furthermore the workload would not have been as detrimental if the bowlers were well conditioned and uninjured. Management of minor injuries and adequate recovery time, coupled with adequate and relevant fitness preparation would better prepare fast bowlers for the demands of the game.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--James Cook University, 2005. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on May 19, 2007). Includes bibliographical references (p. [229]-252).

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree MA (Counselling Psychology) at the University of Zululand, 2010. / This South African study used a phenomenological approach which researched lived experiences of twenty Black cricketers in the Gauteng region who have been or are currently involved in the transformation process. Data was collected in the form of one-on-one tape recorded interviews from a pre-determined list of qualitative questions. This study explores the factors that are motivating Blacks in Gauteng to take up and play cricket and subsequently persist or drop out; how they have experienced the transformation process; whether or not they consider that they have progressed in the transformation process. The study provides an insight into these young Black Gauteng cricketers‟ perspectives of how Gauteng Cricket Board could make transformation work more effectively and efficiently and contribute meaningfully to the transformation process. This will aid in finding additional explanations to the challenges surrounding meaningful transformation in Gauteng cricket and could hopefully bring a more holistic approach to the issue of transformation. Five themes emerged from the participants‟ responses, namely: Theme one: Dearth of support and resources There are different aspects that are important in the development of a cricketer. A player may have the technical cricketing skills and the talent but a holistic perspective is also necessary. With insufficient off-field requirements that they are experiencing - such as family and community support, cricketing facilities, good cricketing equipment, and independence to travel to and from games - participants say their success in the game is affected negatively. Theme two: Frustration, hopelessness and despair Participants were critical of the transformation process in Gauteng. Relocating to, for example, the Eastern Cape appears to be for many participants their only hope of progression within cricket teams. This continues to entrench their attitude of hopelessness, despair and hurt towards the Gauteng Cricket Board, because the participants‟ views are that there is strong Black cricketing talent in Gauteng. Their frustration is that they contend that transformation in Gauteng is only window dressing. Theme three: Lack of commitment by Gauteng Cricket Board The participants believe there is less focus by the Gauteng Cricket Board on older Black players; they evidence the Gauteng Cricket Board buying players, specifically Coloured players, from other provinces; they experience poor communication and a lack of opportunities; they believe Gauteng Cricket is not doing enough to help Black players progress within the cricket structures; according to them, transformation is not taking place in Gauteng Cricket and is weak in the under-19 structures; they believe Gauteng Cricket does not have enough faith in Black Gauteng cricketers; they feel the Gauteng Cricket structures are weak and are not working efficiently and; Gauteng Cricket is in need of good leadership. Theme four: Increasing racial divide instead of unifying Thirteen participants made ongoing comparisons with their White counterparts, whom these Black players position as being more privileged than them in cricketing terms - even though the directive from the South African Government is to progress transformation. These Black players see the racial integration of the game of cricket more as a comparison and competition between themselves and their White counterparts rather than as unification. Theme five: Value of cricket in personal development and adding value to one’s life The participants cited their learning experiences in cricket as affording them the following: Interacting with people of all races; learning to set a good example; greater self-awareness; learning to make wise decisions; persistence; self-discipline; confidence; tolerance; strengthening of character; self-respect; commitment; aspiring to a greater lifestyle; acquiring leadership skills and educational opportunities; being empowered and empowering others and working together; playing for the team and; acquiring the ability to trust others. The findings of this research allow for a holistic framework that could be developed in conjunction with the Gauteng Cricket Board to help progress transformation in cricket in Gauteng and, therefore, South Africa.

No description available.

Thesis (M.S.)--Marshall University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 103 p. including illustrations and maps. Includes bibliographical references (p. 100-103).

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgetown University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-177). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgetown University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-177).

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgetown University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-177).

Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Abstract in English and Afrikaans. Includes bibliographical references.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / To compare trunk flexion and lateral flexion range of motion (ROM) pre-post intervention. To compare the bowling speed of Action Cricket fast bowlers pre-post intervention. To determine the correlation between change in bowling speed immediately post-intervention to change in trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM immediately post-intervention. To determine the association between change in bowling speed immediately post-intervention and the subjects’ perception of change in bowling speed. Methods: Forty asymptomatic Action Cricket fast bowlers were divided into four groups of ten each. Group 1 received lumbar spine manipulation, Group 2 received thoracic spine manipulation, Group 3 received combined thoracic and lumbar spine manipulation and Group 4 received the sham laser intervention (placebo). Pre- and post-intervention trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM and bowling speed were measured using a digital inclinometer and a SpeedTracTM Speed Sport Radar. The subjects’ perception of a change in bowling speed post-intervention was also recorded. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data. Two-tailed tests were used in all cases. Results: Trunk flexion and lateral flexion increased significantly (p < 0.05) post-spinal manipulation. There was a significant increase in bowling speed post-thoracic (p = 0.042) and post-combined manipulation (p < 0.000). A significant yet weak positive correlation (p = 0.003; r = 0.451) was seen in change in bowling speed and change in thoracic flexion and lateral flexion. There was no significant difference in the percentage subjective change by intervention group (p = 0.217). Conclusions: Spinal manipulation is a valid intervention for short-term increase in bowling speed.