Sports injuries in the adolescent are becoming more frequent as more athletes participate in sporting activity, and sport is the leading cause of injury in the adolescent. Appropriate physical conditioning of the adolescent which includes a warm-up session, endurance training, strengthening exercises and balance training have shown to reduce the rate of injury during pre-season and in-season training. The aim of this study was to establish the current knowledge of athletic coaches in the Johannesburg-North Education District, in the physical conditioning of high-school middle- and long-distance runners. There was no validated questionnaire available to complete this study, so a questionnaire was designed based on the most recent evidence regarding each item. Athletic coaches at each school were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: that they worked at high schools and/or secondary schools whose students participated in middle and long distance running, that they spoke and understood English, that they worked at private and/or public schools, and that they were either gender. There were 33 high schools in the Johannesburg-North Education District that completed the survey out of a possible 42 high schools, a response rate of 78 per cent. Following the statistical analysis of the results, it was found that the questionnaire had an internal consistency (reliability co-efficient) of 0.92. The coaches scored on average 67 per cent for the questionnaire, showing that they had a good knowledge of the physical conditioning concepts. The only significant relationship found was between the coaches’ scores for the use of balance and proprioceptive exercises and age. In conclusion it was found that coaches in both public and private schools have correct physical conditioning knowledge with regards to high school middle and long distance runners. Recommendations are made with regards to future policy, and the researcher suggests that future studies should involve testing the coaches’ practical application of their knowledge. / Dissertation (MPhysT)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Physiotherapy / unrestricted

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.

Todos os equinos que participam de competições de alto rendimento devem ser submetidos a um plano de treinamento estruturado baseado nas suas condições fisiológicas. Este deve ter como finalidade desenvolver um atleta que expresse o máximo do seu potencial, preservando o equino para que ele tenha uma vida desportiva mais duradoura possível e com o menor número de lesões. O treinamento físico promove alterações fisiológicas nos sistemas energético, aeróbico e anaeróbico, cardiovascular e respiratório, endócrino e musculoesquelético. O presente estudo teve como objetivos avaliar o metabolismo de equinos destinados à modalidade de Concurso Completo de Equitação (CCE) de uso militar, por um protocolo de treinamento intervalado, utilizando testes a campo, através da frequência cardíaca, respiratória e bioquímica sanguínea (Lactato, Glicose, Creatina Quinase, Lactato Desigrogenase e Aspartato Aminotransferase). Os equinos destinados à equipe de CCE foram submetidos primeiramente a três dias de teste (Etapa 1) com intervalo de quatro dias de descanso entre cada teste, após participaram de um programa de treinamento intervalado por três dias semanais durante seis semanas consecutivas e novamente foram submetidos aos mesmos testes realizados no inicio do programa (Etapa 2) Os testes consistiam em Teste de Velocidade Incremental (TVI) em cinco estágios de velocidades crescentes (240, 320, 400, 480 e 560 m/min); Teste de Salto Incremental (TSI) realizado em três estágios de altura crescente (40, 55 e 70 cm) e Percurso de Salto (PS) contendo 13 esforços em uma velocidade de 325m/min. No TVI foi encontrado aumento da Frequência Cardíaca (FC) em todos estágios de acordo com aumento de velocidade. Os valores de FC da Etapa 1 foram inferiores ao da Etapa 2. Obtivemos diferença significativa nas velocidades 240m/min; 320m/min; 480m/min e 10 min/Ap. A FR dos animais foi superior na Etapa 1 comparada à Etapa 2. A diminuição dessa variável se mostrou significativa em todas velocidades. O nível de lactato plasmático não teve diferença significativa comparando as duas etapas. Os valores de glicose, durante o teste, mostraram diferença significativa somente na velocidade de 240 m/min da Etapa 2 em comparação com a Etapa 1. A mensuração das enzimas musculares CK, AST e LDH mostraram, em quase totalidade, diminuição significativa nas velocidades da Etapa 2 comparadas a Etapa 1. Na velocidade de 560 m/min e 10min/Ap, Etapa 2, o nível de CK sanguíneo não mostrou diminuição significativa, nesta mesma velocidade não houve decréscimo significativo no valor de AST. Durante o TSI a frequência cardíaca mostrou aumento significativo nas alturas 55 e 70 cm A frequência respiratória mostrou uma diminuição significativa nas duas últimas voltas, 55 e 70cm, e nos 10min após exercício da Etapa 2 comparado a Etapa 1. Os valores de Lactato e glicose não distinguiram estatisticamente com algum nível de significância comparando as duas etapas. A enzima CK não teve diferença significativa entre as duas etapas em contrapartida a LDH mostrou diminuição em todos valores das mensurações da Etapa 2 comparado a Etapa 1. Os valores de AST diminuíram com significância aos 55cm e nos 10 min após exercício da Etapa 2. No PS a frequência cardíaca no não teve variação na comparação entre as duas etapas. A frequência respiratória teve uma taxa de recuperação com diminuição significativa na Etapa 2. Os valores de lactato não aumentaram durante o percurso de salto na Etapa 2; os valores de glicose diminuíram durante o percurso, mas não mostraram variações significativas em nenhuma das etapas. As enzimas musculares CK e AST tiveram um aumento significativo nos 10 min/Ap durante a Etapa 2 comparado a Etapa 1. Os três testes demonstraram um efeito positivo na avaliação do condicionamento dos equinos destinados ao CCE. Se este efeito pode ser maximizado aumentando a intensidade, frequência ou período de treinamento intervalado, pesquisas adicionais são recomendadas. / All horses that participate in high level competitions should be submitted to a training protocol based on their own physiological conditions. Its aim must be to develop an athlete able to achieve its maximum potential, preserving the horse in order to permit the longest sportive life as possible and with the minimum of injuries. The physical training promotes physiological changes in aerobic and anaerobic energetic systems, cardiac, respiratory, endocrine and muscleskeletal systems. This study’s objective is to evaluate the athletic metabolism of eventing horses, using an interval training protocol. Field tests observing heart rate, respiratory rate and blood biochemistry (Lactate, Glucose, Kinase Creatine, Dehydrogenase Lactate and Aminotransferase) were used. The eventing team’s horses were submitted, firstly, to three tests (Phase 1), with a four days rest between each test. Then, after accomplishing a six week interval training protocol, a new sequence of tests were performed (Phase 2), repeating exactly those performed on Phase 1. The tests were: Incremental Speed Test in five raising speed stages (240, 320, 400, 480 and 560 m/min); Incremental Jumping Test in three increasing heights (40, 55 and 70cm); and Show Jumping Course Test with 13 fences and 380m/min speed. In the IST a heart rate increment was found in all stages according to the speed raising. The heart rate numbers on Phase 1 were lower than in Phase 2. Significant difference was found in speeds 240, 320 and 480m/min, and also 10 minutes after the last stage. The animals´ respiratory rate in Phase 1 was higher than in Phase 2. The lowering in this parameter was significant at all speed stages Plasma lactate levels showed no significant difference between the two Phases. Glucose numbers showed significant difference between Phase 1 and 2 only in the 240m/min speed stage. The measurement of CK, AST and LDH enzymes showed, in almost all tests, significant decreasing numbers in Phase 2 compared to Phase 1. In 560m/min speed and 10’ after, at Phase 2, Blood CK and AST levels showed no significant decrease. During IJT the heart rate numbers increased significantly in 55cm and 70cm heights. Respiratory rates decreased significantly in 55cm and 70cm heights and also 10’ after, comparing Phase 2 to Phase 1. Glucose and Lactate values had no significant statistic difference between the two Phases. CK enzyme showed no significant difference between the two Phases, although LDH showed decreasing measurement values in Phase 2 when compared to Phase 1. AST values decreased significantly in 55cm, 70cm and 10’after at Phase 2. In SJCT the heart rate had no variation comparing the two Phases. Respiratory rate showed significant decreasing in recovery rate on Phase 2. Lactate values did not increase during SJCT on Phase two; Glucose decreased during the SJCT, but did not show significant variation in any of the two Phases. CK and AST muscle enzymes increased significantly in 10’after at Phase 2 when compared to Phase 1. All three tests have a positive effect on the physical fitness level of eventing horses. Whether this effect can be maximized by increasing intensity, frequency or interval training period, further research is recommended.

O desenvolvimento tecnológico vem reduzindo o esforço físico nas últimas décadas, exigindo menos do organismo, levando as pessoas ao sedentarismo. Isto tem determinado um aumento na expectativa de vida, ocasionando um grande número de pessoas aposentadas que precisam ser reintegradas à comunidade. O fenômeno do envelhecimento tem sido foco de pesquisadores de várias áreas do conhecimento, buscando identificar, nas pessoas com idade acima de sessenta anos, algumas características para subsidiar programas de inclusão social, além de tratamento mais adequado às doenças características desta faixa etária, numa perspectiva psicossocial. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo levantar, sob a perspectiva dos sujeitos atendidos, alguns elementos de avaliação de programas de condicionamento físico para pessoas que vivem na terceira idade. Neste sentido, foram construídas escalas de atitude com base no modelo bifatorial proposto por Fishbein/Ajzen, buscando identificar a força de crenças (b) sobre avaliações (e), de conteúdos relacionados à realização de programas de condicionamento físico dirigido à terceira idade. Estudos de fidedignidade com base no índice Alfa de Crombach identificaram homogeneidade nas escalas. Os resultados obtidos pela administração em 30 pessoas com idades superiores a sessenta anos, alfabetizadas e sem sintomatologia de doenças que pudessem impossibilitar a participação na pesquisa, indicaram prevalência de fortes crenças sobre conteúdos positivos relacionados as subcategorias referentes à Convívio Social, Teleologia, Maturidade/Realização/Enfrentamento, Relações Conjugais com relação a Categoria 1, viver na terceira idade. Para outras subcategorias, Animação, os dados acompanharam estes resultados, com exceção de um item, cuja dispersão dos pontos no quadrante não permitiu uma análise da conjugação entre crenças e avaliações; para Angústia, tal dispersão também prevaleceu, não havendo uma direção modal para a conjugação entre cognições e afetos relacionados a conteúdos desta subcategoria. Considerando a Categoria 2, foram encontradas fortes crenças a respeito de conteúdos positivos relacionados a Efeitos Benéficos, Recreação e Ativação, relacionado a perspectiva de participar de exercícios físicos neste momento da vida. Avaliações de medidas sobre a administração do condicionamento físico demonstraram ao longo da fase de assimilação do programa, ganhos significantes em todas avaliações realizadas, identificando mudanças de atitudes com relação a efeitos negativos relacionados com o Esforço Físico exigidos durante a realização das atividades prescritas. Considerando a perspectiva de inclusão social de pessoas na terceira idade, como um desdobramento da participação em Programas de Condicionamento Físico, os dados obtidos indicam, além da perspectiva de ganho em condicionamento físico, uma busca pela quebra da inércia, convívio social e lazer. Tais resultados permitem concluir que os programas de condicionamento físico representam um elemento importante para o enfrentamento cotidiano pelas pessoas que vivem na terceira idade, levando-as a uma postura ativa frente aos desafios da vida diária, além de incrementar o processo de socialização e recuperação da auto-estima na interação social. / The technological development comes reducing the physical effort in the last decades, demanding less from the organism, taking the people to be sedentary. This has been determining an increase in the life expectation, causing a great number of retired people that you/they need to be reintegrated the community. The phenomenon of the aging has been researchers' of several areas of the knowledge focus, looking for to identify, in the people with age above sixty years, some characteristics to subsidize programs of social inclusion, besides treatment more adapted to the characteristic diseases of this age group, in a perspective psychosocial. This research had as objective to lift, under the perspective of the assisted subjects, some elements of evaluation of programs of physical conditioning for people that live in the third age. In this sense, attitude scales were built with base in the model bilateral proposed by Fishbein/Ajzen, looking goes to identify by it forces of faiths (b) about evaluations (e), of contents related to the accomplishment of programs of physical conditioning driven to the third acts. Studies of trustworthy based in the index Alpha of Crombach identified homogeneity in the scales. The results obtained by the administration in 30 people with acts over sixty years, alphabetized and without symptoms of diseases that could disable the participation in the research, they indicated prevalence of strong faiths on related positive contents the referring subcategories Social to Conviviality, Teleology, Maturities/Realizes/ Entrencherment, Married Relationships with relationship the Category 1, to live in the third acts. For another subcategories, Animation, the data accompanied these results, except for an item, whose dispersion of the points in the quadrant didn't allow an analysis of the conjugation between faiths and evaluations; for Anguish, such dispersion also prevailed, not having a modal direction for the conjugation between cognitions and related affections the contents of this subcategories. Considering the Category 2, they were found strong faiths regarding positive contents related to Beneficial Effects, Recreation and Activation, related the perspective of participating at this time of physical exercises of the life. Evaluations of measures about the administration of the physical conditioning demonstrated along the phase of assimilation of the program, won significant in whole accomplished evaluations, identifying changes of attitudes with relationship to negative effects related with the Physical Effort demanded during the accomplishment of the prescribed activities. Considering the perspective of people's social inclusion in the third age, as an unfolding of the participation in Programs of Physical Conditioning, the obtained data indicate, besides the gain perspective in physical conditioning, a search for the break of the inertia, social conviviality and leisure. Such results allow to conclude that the programs of physical conditioning represent an important element for the daily entrencherment for the people that live in the third age, taking them to a posture activates front to the challenges of the daily life, besides increasing the socializes process and recovery of the self-esteem in the social interaction.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2008. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Feb. 4, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Feb. 4, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 2003. / "May 2003." Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-137).

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.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 1999. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 151-174). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 1999. / "December 1999." Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [174]-186). Also available on the Internet.