Thesis (PhD(Sport Sc))--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research was to gain insight into the sprinting of athletes with selected physical disabilities. The sprint performances of four Paralympic athletes (T43, T13, T37 and T38 classifications) were analysed in terms of variability in the biomechanics of their set position and in the kinematics of the initial acceleration phase and the maximal acceleration phase of their 100m sprints. The athletes also reported their perceptions about the potential of a rhythm training programme to influence their sprinting. A case study approach was used. Sprint kinematics were video-recorded four times over the training year. DartFish ProSuite software supported the digital tagging of anatomical landmarks and the calculation of the biomechanical features of the set position as well as the kinematics of each athlete. A subjective log was used to gather their perceptions about the rhythm training programme. There was variability in all aspects for all four Paralympic athletes. This should encourage coaches to help athletes find optimal kinematics in relation to their disability, rather than trying to coach them to a set template of an ideal form. Based on the kinematic data collected over all four test sessions, it appears that a coaching focus on stride length was the key to faster sprinting for this T43 (amputee) athlete. A coaching focus on stride frequency (once optimal stride length had been discovered) was the key for the T13 sprinter (visually impaired), and a coaching focus on stride frequency was the key to faster sprinting for both the T37 and T38 athletes (cerebral palsy). Although all of the athletes enjoyed the rhythm training programme, only the least experienced athlete (T38) reported that he would like to continue with this form of training. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om insig rakende die naellooptegnieke van atlete met geselekteerde fisiese gestremdhede te verky. Die naellooptegnieke van vier Paralimpiese atlete (T43, T13, T37 en T38 klassifikasies) is ontleed. Die ontleding is gedoen met betrekking tot die veranderlikheid in biomeganika tydens hul gereedheidsposisies in die wegspringblokke asook in die kinematika van die aanvanklike versnellingsfase en die maksimale versnellingsfase gedurende hul 100m naelloopitems. Die atlete het ook hul persepsies rakende ’n ritmiese oefenprogram wat potensieël hul naellope kon beïnvloed gerapporteer. ’n Gevallestudiebenadering is gebruik. Beeldmateriaal van naelloopkinematika is vier keer gedurende die oefenjaar vasgelê. “DartFish ProSuite” sagteware het die digitale kodering van anatomiese punte ondersteun asook die berekening van biomeganiese eienskappe gedurende die gereedheidsposisie en die kinematika van elke atlete gefasiliteer. Daar is op ’n subjektiewe basis boekgehou van die atlete se persepsies rakende die ritmiese oefenprogram. Daar was wisselvalligheid in alle aspekte met betrekking tot al vier Paralimpiese atlete. Dit behoort as aanmoeding vir afrigters te dien om atlete te help om optimale kinematika in verband met hul gestremdheid te vind, eerder as om die atlete volgens ’n vaste templaat of ideale vorm te probeer afrig. Volgens die kinematiese data wat oor die loop van al vier toetsingsessies ingesamel is blyk dit asof ’n afrigtingsfokus op treëlengte die sleutel tot vinniger naellope vir die T43- atleet (amputasie) was. ’n Afrigtingsfokus op treëfrekwensie (nadat optimale treëlengte bewerkstellig is) was die sleutel vir die T13-atleet (visueel gestremd) en ’n afrigtingsfokus op treëfrekwensie was die sleutel tot vinniger naellope vir beide die T37- en T38-atlete (serebrale gestremdheid). Alhoewel al die atlete die ritmiese oefenprogram geniet het, het slegs die mees onervare atleet (T38) aangedui dat hy met hierdie vorm van oefening sou wou aanhou.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study investigated the exercise preferences of female university students participating in exercise modes presented at the local gymnasium and their expectations of the outcomes of such participation. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the most important reason for their participation and whether this was satisfied by their choice of exercise mode. A third aim was to determine other reasons that contributed to the selection of exercise environment and mode. The size of the research group of the pilot study was 210 (n=210). For the final longitudinal study, over a period of three years, it was 985 (N=985). The study population was selected on a basis of convenient sampling, availability and interest among young female gymnasium members, (aged 18 to 27 years). Their participation was voluntary. Original questionnaires were constructed for the purpose of the study to provide general demographic and physical characteristic information of the participants, their exercise preference and choice of exercise mode, reasons for participation in particular exercise modes, time spent on physical activity, frequency of attendance of exercise sessions, exercise motivators, barriers to exercise, medication and supplementation prevalence, health problems and smoking. The questionnaire was completed in a five to 10 minute time slot before the commencement of exercise classes at the gymnasium. Information required on the questionnaire was verbally explained to the participants during the initial few minutes of data capturing. Guidance was given for each section of the questionnaire during the five to 10 minute period allocated for completion. Data was captured on Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and the analysis was performed using Statistica for Windows (Statsoft SA-2008). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse and present the data. The results of the study indicated that most (34.4%) young female students who regularly attended group exercise sessions at the gymnasium preferred participating in the exercise modality punchline (a boxing aerobic modality), with the aim of losing weight (45%) and improving their general fitness (24%). / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om die oefenvoorkeure en oefenverwagtinge van jong damestudente wat gereeld by die plaaslike universiteitgimnasium oefen, vas te stel. Tweedens wou die studie die belangrikste redes vir deelname bepaal, en of hierdie verwagting gerealiseer het met die keuse van oefenmodaliteite in hierdie oefenomgewing. 'n Derde doel was om vas te stel watter ander redes 'n bydrae sou maak tot die keuse van 'n oefenomgewing en oefenmodaliteite. Die navorsingspopulasiegroep was jong dames in 'n universiteitsomgewing. Tydens die verkennende studie was die getal kandidate 210 (n=210). Vir die finale longitudinale studie, oor ’n tydperk van 3 jaar, was dit 985 (N=985). Die jong dames by die spesifieke universiteitgimnasium is geselekteer op grond van beskikbaarheid en belangstelling in die navorsing en was tussen die ouderdom van 18 en 27 jaar. Hul deelname was vrywillig. 'n Vraelys is spesiaal vir hierdie navorsing opgestel. Die vraelys het inligting ingewin oor algemene demografiese aspekte en fisieke kenmerke van die deelnemers, oefenvoorkeure en verwagtings van oefenmodaliteite, redes vir die seleksie en deelname in oefenmodaliteite, tyd bestee aan oefening, frekwensie van deelname, motiveerders vir oefening, beperkende faktore ten opsigte van gereelde deelname aan fisieke aktiwiteit, medikasie en supplementasie gebruik, gesondheidsprobleme en rook. Die vraelyste is voltooi in die eerste vyf tot 10 minute van oefenklasse, voor die aanvang van die gereelde gimnasiumprogram. Inligting op die vraelys is verbaal aan die teikengroep verduidelik in die eerste paar minute van elke klas. Tydens hierdie tydperk is gereeld inligting oor elke vraag verskaf vir kontrole en akkuraatheid van voltooiing van die vraelys. Data oor die veranderlikes is in die rekenaarprogram Microsoft Excel gekodeer en die statistiese ontleding is deur middel van Statistica vir Windows (Statsoft SA 2008) gedoen. Beskrywende data is gebruik om die resultate te ontleed en aan te bied.

Thesis (MSportwet)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Proprioception is generally defined as the sense of position and movement of the limbs. The sense arises through activity in sensory neurons located in skin, muscles and joint tissues. Joint proprioception provides the neurological feedback needed for the control of muscle actions, and serves as protection against excessive strain on passive joints. The rationale for this study was that if proprioception improves, functional balance will improve. Improvements in functional balance will contribute to improvements in functional skills. An improvement in functional skills can decrease dependence on others, which in turn w\could increase quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a proprioceptive training programme, using only low technology apparatus, on the proprioception and functional balance of older adults. Twenty-five older adults (M = 73.1 years) were assigned to either a control (n = 10) or intervention group (n = 15). The Berg Balance Scale was used for assessment of the functional balance of the participants, while the Harrison’s Recovery Test was used to assess proprioception. The intervention group was placed on an eight-week proprioceptive training programme consisting of three, twenty-minute sessions a week. Using paired and unpaired t-tests for the statistical analysis, significant improvements were observed in the intervention group for both proprioception and functional balance (p<0.05). It was concluded that the proprioception and functional balance of older adults could be significantly improved with a proprioceptive programme using only low technology apparatus. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Propriosepsie kan gedefinieer word as die liggaam se vermoë om die posisie en die beweging van die afsonderlike liggaamsdele waar te neem. Dit vind plaas deur die registrering van die aktiwiteit van sensoriese neurone wat in die vel, spiere en die sagte weefsel van die gewrigte is. Die neurologiese terugvoer wat noodsaaklik is vir die doeltreffende beheer van spieraksies, is afkomstig van die proprioreseptore in die gewrigte. Dit is as gevolg van hierdie neurologiese terugvoer, dat propriosepsie dien as beskermingsmeganisme teen oormatige stremming op die liggaam se gewrigte. Die beginsel van hierdie studie was dat as propriosepsie verbeter, dit sal lei tot verbeteringe in funksionele balans. Verbetering in funksionele balans sal weer lei tot verbeteringe in funksionele vaardighede. Dit is heel moontlik dat verbetering in funksionele vaardighede ‘n persoon minder afhanklik sal maak van ander. Hoe meer onafhanklik ‘n mens van ander is hoe beter is jou lewenskwaliteit, aangesien jy baie meer dinge kan ervaar en doen. Die doel van hierdie studie was om vas te stel of ‘n propriosepsie inoefenings program, wat slegs van lae tegnologiese apparaat gebruik maak, suksesvol gebruik kan word om die propriosepsie en ook die funksionele balans van ouer volwassenes te verbeter. Vyfen- twintig ouer volwassenes (M = 73.1 jaar) het deelgeneem aan die studie en was òf deel van die kontrole group (n = 10) òf van die oefen groep (n = 15). Funksionele balans is gemeet deur van die “Berg Balance Scale” gebruik te maak, terwyl die “Harrison’s Recovery Test” gebruik is om propriosepsie te meet. Die oefengroup het deelgeneem aan ‘n propriosepsie oefenprogram wat bestaan het uit drie, oefensessies van twintig minute elk vir ag weke. Gepaarde en ongepaarde t-toetse is gebruik gedurende die statistiese analise. Die resultate was statisties betekenisvol vir beide die propriosepsie en die funksionele balans van die oefen groep (p<0.05). Die studie het getoon dat die propriosepsie en funksionele balans van ouer volwassenes statisties betekenisvol verbeter kan word deur middel van ‘n inoefeningsprogram vir die verbetering van propriosepsie waar slegs van lae tegnologiese apparaat gebruik maak word.

Thesis (M Sport Sc)-- Stellenbosch University, 1998. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The purpose of this study was to develop a practical, reliable psychological skills inventory to assess the psychological skills of athletes. This primarily involved identifying the relevant psychological skills that affect sport performance. A variety of developmental procedures were applied in the construction of this inventory, including the consultation of sport psychology literature, identification of articles which characterise successful athletes, analysis of research articles pertaining to the psychological Skills, and review of available psychological tests. The initial inventory consisted of 82 items which evaluated six psychological skills: achievement motivation, goal setting, anxiety control, maintaining confidence, concentration and mental rehearsal. The inventory was completed by 304 students from the Department of Human Movement Science at the University of Stellenbosch. The respondents' data were divided into two groups depending on their achievement in sport. The results indicated that the inventory was able to differentiate between successful and less successful athletes on the psychological skills measured. Other aspects were statistically analysed, namely language, age, and gender differences, correlation between individual item and achievement level, and the contri,bution of each item to its psychological skill. The final inventory consists of 60 items, with ten items from each of the six psychological skills. Information obtained from the inventory can identify the strengths, weaknesses and deficiencies in the psychological skills of athletes, so that a psychological skills training programme can be developed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING:Die doel van hierdie studie was om 'n praktiese, betroubare sielkundige inventaris te ontwerp om die sielkundige vaardighede van sportlui vas te stel. Dit het hoofsaaklik bestaan uit die identifisering van relevante sielkundige vaardighede wat sportprestasie beinvloed. 'n Verskeidenheid van prosedures was toegepas in die konstruksie van die inventaris, insluitend konsultasie van sportsielkundeliteratuur, identifesering van artikels wat suksesvolle sportlui beskryf, ontleding van narvorsingsartikels met betrekking tot sielkundige vaardighede en 'n oorsigstudie van relevante sielkundige toetse. Die aanvanklike inventaris het bestaan uit 82 items, wat ses sielkundige vaardighede getoets het, naamlik prestasiemotivering, doelwitstelling, aktiveringsbeheer, handhawing van selfvertroue, konsentrasie en verstandelike oefening. Die inventaris is deur 304 studente van die Departement Menslike Bewegingskunde aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch voltooi. Die respondente se data is in twee groepe, afhangende van hul prestasie in sport, verdeel. Die resultate het aangedui dat die inventaris tussen suksesvolle en minder suksesvolle atlete onderskei met betrekking tot die sielkundige vaardighede wat gemeet is. Ander aspekte is statisties ontleed, naamlik taal, ouderdom, geslag, korrelasie tussen afsonderlike items en prestasievlak, asook die bydrae van elke item tot sy sielkundige vaardigheid. Die finale inventaris behels 60 items, met tien items van elk van die sielkundige vaardighede. Inligting wat van die inventaris verkry word, kan die sterkpunte en tekortominge van atlete bepaal, wat as basis vir die ontwikkeling van 'n sielkundige program kan dien.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The purpose of this study was to describe the different methods used by coaches to improve decision making in ruby. The study included three coaches from the Western Cape area. Two of the three coaches worked with U/20A league teams and the third coach worked in the Super A league. Eight coaching sessions were video taped and analysed to identify the coaching method used when presenting skill development activities. The verbal behaviour each coach was also recorded. Five rugby games involving each of the teams were also analysed to determine which team had the highest success rates in key categories. The results showed that Coach 1 integrated decision making with skill practice primarily through the method of verbal feedback during sessions where he used a direct teaching style. His comments to players during technical skill instruction were focussed on linking their skill performance to its tactical use in a game. The other two coaches followed the expected pattern of using indirect teaching styles to teach players how to apply tactics. It was concluded that different coaches may use different teaching styles to improve players’ decision making. The belief that the direct style of coaching focuses on technical learning at the expense of tactical understanding may be false. Much more research needs to be completed on coaching methods before specific recommendations can be made to coaches about optimal approaches to balancing the demand for good tactical decision making and sound technical skill performance.

Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: See full text for abstract / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sien volteks vir opsomming

Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated the optimal training load required for peak-power production in two types of exercises, namely an Olympic-type and a ballistic exercise. The hang clean and the squat jump were selected to represent these two types of exercise. It was ascertained whether a change in strength levels and training status will have an effect on the optimal loads for peak-power production of rugby players. In addition, the influence that different playing positions have on power production was also investigated. Fifty-nine under-21 male rugby players (Mean Age 19.3yrs; SD ± 0.7yr) from two rugby academies, performed a maximal-strength test in the hang clean and squat, followed by a power test in the hang clean and squat jump with loads ranging from 30 to 90% of maximal strength (1RM). Testing was conducted in the pre-season phase and repeated during the inseason phase. Peak power for the hang clean was achieved at 90% 1RM in the pre-season and at 80% 1RM during the in-season. Peak power for the squat jump was achieved at 90% 1RM in the pre-season. However, this location of the optimal loading was not significantly higher than that of the other loadings (60, 70 and 80% 1RM). During the in-season, peak power for the squat jump was reached at 90% 1RM. Here again, the optimal-loading location was not significantly higher than that of the other loadings (50, 60, 70 and 80% 1RM). It was concluded that the optimal load for power production is 90% 1RM for the hang clean and 60-90% for the squat jump. It was found that an improvement in strength levels of the subjects affected both peak-power production and the optimal load in both exercises. During the in-season peak power in the hang clean was reached at 80% 1RM, and at 50% 1RM for the squat jump. There were no significant differences in the performances of subjects from different playing positions (forwards versus backline players). In the hang clean, peak-power production seems to be reliant on increased strength and results in peak-power output at high loads. The squat jump, on the other hand, is more reliant on velocity due to its ballistic nature and is possibly better suited to developing power at lighter loadings. Because it produces peak power at a lower percentage load than the hang clean, the squat jump could be more effective in power development for players who are inexperienced in power training. Long-term exercise periodisation in power training can therefore be employed progressively from simpler exercises (e.g., squat jump) using only the legs, to more complex exercises (e.g., Olympic-lifting) that involve the whole body. This study confirmed that the specific requirements of different sport codes should be considered meticulously before selecting and prescribing exercises and loads for power-training programmes. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hooffokus van hierdie studie was op die optimale oefenlading wat vereis word vir die produsering van piek-profkrag tydens die uitvoering van twee tipes oefening, naamlik ’n Olimpiese- en ’n ballistiese oefening. Die hang clean en die squat jump is geselekteer om bogenoemde twee tipes oefening te verteenwoordig. Daar is bepaal of ’n verbetering van die krag-vlakke en oefenstatus van rugbyspelers ’n invloed het op die optimale ladings vir piek-plofkrag ontwikkeling. Verder is die moontlike rol van verskillende speelposisies ondersoek. Nege-en-vyftig onder-21 mans-rugbyspelers (M-ouderdom 19.3jr; SD ± 0.7jr) vanuit twee rugbyakademies het ’n maksimale-krag toets in die hang clean en squat uitgevoer. Dit is opgevolg deur ’n plofkrag-toets in die hang clean en squat jump met ladings wat gewissel het van tussen 30 en 90% van maksimale werkverrigting (1RM). Toetsing het plaasgevind in die voor-seisoen fase en is herhaal tydens die daaropvolgende speelseisoen. Piek-plofkrag vir die hang clean is bereik tydens ’n oefenlading van 90% 1RM in die voor-seisoen en by 80% 1RM later in die speelseisoen. Piek-plofkrag vir die squat jump is behaal by 90% 1RM in die voor-seisoen fase. Hierdie optimale lading-lokasie was egter nie beduidend hoër as by die ander ladings van 60, 70 en 80% 1RM nie. Tydens die speelseisoen is piek-plofkrag bereik in die squat jump by 90% 1RM. Die optimale lading-lokasie was weereens nie beduidend hoër as by die ander ladings van 50, 60, 70 en 80% 1RM nie. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat die optimale oefenlading vir die ontwikkeling van piek-plofkrag vir die hang clean 90% 1RM is, en 60% vir die squat jump. Daar is ook gevind dat ’n verbetering in kragvlakke van die toetslinge, beide piek-plofkrag-produksie en die optimale oefenbelading in albei oefeninge beïnvloed. Tydens die speelseisoen is piek-plofkrag behaal in die hang clean by 80% 1RM, en by 50% 1RM in die squat jump. Geen beduidende verskille in werkverrigting is gevind tussen toetslinge uit verskillende speelposisies (voorspelers versus agterlyn-spelers) nie. Dit blyk dat in die hang clean, die produksie van plofkrag beïnvloed word deur ’n verbetering in krag en dat dit tot hoër optimale ladings vir piek-plofkrag produksie lei. Die squat jump, in teenstelling, is meer afhanklik van snelheid en is moontlik beter geskik vir die produsering van plofkrag teen ligter oefenladings. Omdat die squat jump piek-plofkrag genereer teen laer ladings as die hang clean, kan dit meer effektief wees vir spelers met gebrekkige ervaring in krag-oefening. Lang-termyn oefen-periodisering in plofkrag-oefening kan gevolglik progressief aangewend word vanaf eenvoudiger oefeninge (bv. squat jump), waar slegs die bene gebruik word, tot meer komplekse oefeninge (bv. Olimpiese-gewigoptel) waar die hele liggaam betrek word. Hierdie studie bevestig dat die spesifieke vereistes van verskillende sportkodes deeglik oorweeg moet word alvorens oefeninge en ladings geselekteer en voorgeskryf word vir plofkrag-programme.

Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The running industry has seen a lot of changes over the past years. Minimalistic footwear and barefoot training are redefining the running industry and community. These new developments have led to extensive research being conducted on the effects of barefoot running on kinetics, kinematics, energy expenditure and the prevention of injuries. Most of the shoe manufacturers have come up with an idea to mimic barefoot running. Barefoot running has shown to increase running economy and decrease impact forces. Inconclusive evidence exists as to whether barefoot training improves proprioception and muscle strength or reduces running-related injuries. The primary aim of the study was to determine the effects of barefoot training on speed, agility, power and balance in netball players. Twenty women netball players (age: 20 ± 2 years) volunteered for the study and were randomly assigned to the barefoot group (n = 10) and the shod group (n = 10). All participants had to attend at least 14 training sessions, where the barefoot group gradually increased the barefoot exercise time. Speed, agility, vertical jump height, single leg stability and lower leg circumferences were measured prior to and after completion of the intervention programme. At the completion of the intervention programme, participants had to give verbal feedback regarding their subjective experience of barefoot training. Seventy percent of the barefoot participants preferred barefoot training to shod training. The speed test showed a small improvement over 10-metres (P > 0.05), but not over 20-metres (P > 0.05).Agility had a significant improvement (0.14 seconds ± 0.10 seconds; P < 0.05) on the left and right leg (0.19 seconds ± 0.07 seconds; P < 0.05) for the barefoot group. There was also an improvement in the single leg stability with the right leg showing a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in anterior/posterior, medial/lateral and overall stability for the barefoot group. All except the left anterior/posterior index had a small practical effect post-intervention. No significant increases were found in the circumferences or the vertical jump height. The results show that barefoot training results in improved agility and single leg stability, compared to shod training. The effect it has on the prevention of injuries could not be determined, as the duration of the study was too short. In conclusion it can be deduced that barefoot training has a positive effect on agility and stability, thus possibly leading to improved performance. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar het baie veranderinge in die hardloopwêreld plaasgevind die afgelope paar jaar. Minimalistiese skoene en kaalvoetoefening is van die grootste redes daarvoor. Baie navorsing oor die effek van kaalvoet hardloop op die kinetiese en kinematiese veranderinge in die voet, sowel as die energieverbruik en die voorkoming van beserings is die laaste tyd gedoen. Die meeste van die groot skoenvervaardigers het ook nie agtergebly nie en spog elk met hul eie minimalistiese skoen. Daar is reeds bewys dat kaalvoetoefening effektiwiteit tydens hardloop verbeter en dat die kragte wat op die liggaam inwerk tydens kaalvoetaktiwiteite, minder is tydens kaalvoethardloop as wanneer daar met skoene gehardloop word. Baie navorsers beweer ook dat kaalvoetoefening propriosepsie en spierkrag verbeter en dat oefengeïnduseerde beserings verminder word as gevolg daarvan. Hierdie bewerings is egter nog nie deur die navorsing bewys nie en kan dus net as bewerings gesien word. Die hoofdoel van die studie was om die effek van kaalvoetoefening op die spoed, ratsheid, plofkrag en balans van netbalspelers te bepaal. Die steekproef het uit 20 vroulike netbalspelers bestaan (ouderdom: 20 ± 2 jaar), wat lukraak in die kaalvoet- (n = 10) en die kontrole groep (n = 10) opgedeel is. Daar is van die spelers verwag om ‘n minimum van 14 oefensessies by te woon. Tydens die oefensessies het die kaalvoet-groep die hoeveelheid tyd wat hulle kaalvoet oefeninge doen stelselmatig vermeerder. Spoed, ratsheid, vertikale sprong hoogte, eenbeen stabiliteit en omtrekke van die onderbeen is voor en na die intervensieprogram gemeet. Die spelers hetverbale terugvoering gegee oor hul ervaring van kaalvoetoefening. ‘n Meerderheid van die deelnemers (70%) het kaalvoetoefening bo oefening in skoene verkies. Daar was ‘n effense verbetering in die 10-meter spoedtoets (P > 0.05), maar oor 20-meter kon dit nie volgehou word nie. ‘n Betekenisvolle verbetering tydens die ratsheid toets is waargeneem vir die linker- (0.14 sekondes ± 0.10 sekondes; P < 0.05) en regterbeen (0.19sek ± 0.07sek; P < 0.05) van die kaalvoetgroep. Daar was ook ‘n verbetering in die stabiliteit van die regterbeen in die anterior/posterior, mediaal/lateraal en algemene stabiliteit (P < 0.05). Daar was ‘n klein praktiese effek in al die post-intervensie metings ten opsigte van stabiliteit, behalwe vir die anterior/posterior indeks van die linkerbeen. Geen betekenisvolle verskille het na die intervensie voorgekom vir die plofkrag of onderbeen omtrekke nie. Die resultate van die studie dui daarop dat kaalvoetoefening kan lei tot ‘n verbetering in ratsheid en stabiliteit. Die invloed wat kaalvoetoefening het op die voorkoming van beserings kon egter nie bepaal word nie, aangesien die duur van die studie nie lank genoeg was nie. Die gevolgtrekking van die studie is dat kaalvoetoefening ‘n positiewe effek op ratsheid en stabiliteit het, dus kan dit ook moontlik ‘n positiewe effek op prestasie hê.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The purpose of this study was to develop a valid test battery that could measure movement competence in rugby at U/16 level. Movement competence was adopted as the focus in this research because rugby is a sport consisting of challenges in primarily open skill situations. Competence is a level of proficiency that is higher than that of a novice, but not as high as an expert. Competence in rugby would imply that a player is reasonably successful in meeting the challenges of the dynamic situations on the field. Following a review of some different approaches to defining the abilities that seem to contribute to competence, movement competence in rugby at U/16 level was defined in terms of physical abilities, motor abilities and rugby skills. A test battery was designed to measure these variables, and then the battery was administered to the U/16 regional level group (n = 21) and the U/16 average level group (n = 108) from the same region. Anthropometry was recognised as a source of critical information in talent identification and development programmes, but because it has been well studied by other investigators, it was not included. Test validity was examined by comparing the scores between the two groups (the assumption is that the regional group should score higher on each item) and by asking the coaches to rate the tests in terms of face validity. The regional group achieved significantly better results in terms of speed, aerobic fitness, flexibility and power, in comparison with the average group. This suggests that the provincial players are more physical fit than the average high school players at U/16 level. However, the results of the motor abilities and skill items did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Although the coaches rated the test battery highly, new test items for these variables need to be considered to the next cycle in the Test of Rugby Competence.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Intellectually impaired (II) athletes are not allowed to participate at the Paralympic Games because there is no accepted classification system for these athletes. The rationale for this study was to see if there are any physical differences existing in the sprint performance of II and non-II athletes and to see if there is a way to incorporate these differences into a new (accepted) classification system. The objective of this study was to identify any physical sources for the differences between II and non-II, with regard to the acceleration phase, the first 30m of the 60m sprint race, which could then be used in conjunction with other tests in the classification of II athletes. This new classification system might then allow II athletes to participate in the Paralympic Games again. 32 II athletes (22 male and 10 females) and 14 non-II athletes (10 males and 4 females) were used in this study. The sprint performance was analysed and compared of each athlete using the DartFish ProSuite software programme. The data collected from these analysis was then compared using the unpaired t-test, looking for any significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). From this analysis, it was concluded that stride length was the reason for the poorer performance of the II group when compared to the non-II group. Further research is required before definite conclusions can be made on the possible reasons for this difference.