D.Phil. (Optometry) / Vision is a learned skill that implies an appropriate interpretation of what is seen and interpreted (Abel, 1999). Neural pathways are established as a result of learning, strengthened by achieving a task goal and grow stronger as practice progresses (Edelman, 1992). According to Davis, Kimmet and Auty (1990) it takes 500 hours of practice to change a skill and use that skill competently during competitions. Therefore, training sessions should be structured around learning the perceptual and cognitive skills needed for successful decisions in different environments (Vickers, 2007). Four elements - skill execution, concentration, response time and decision-making - were identified and are known to have a great effect on overall sports performance (Coffey and Reichow, 1995; Erickson, 2007 & Vickers, 2007). A reliable model that could be used to evaluate performance levels by applying these four cardinal elements of performance has been developed through this study. Twenty five rugby players participated in the study which was conducted over a period of three years. The sample was divided into four groups of which three were experimental and one was a control group. Two of the three experimental groups, who came from different regional teams, had specific visual training in the national side. The third experimental group had off-season visual training only and the control group had no visual training at all. Two methods were used to evaluate performance: in the first method three independent top class raters conducted the performance evaluation and the second was based on data collection. Both methods involved the Verusco© system. The results indicated a poor correlation among the raters: two of the three raters agreed that Group 4 (Regional team B, that played for the national side and had specific visual training) performed significantly better than Group 3 (Regional team B that had no visual training) in decision-making during season 1 and Group 1 (Regional team A) showed a significant improvement in skill execution from season 1 to season 2. Group 1 (Regional team A) had non–specific off-season visual training. Groups 2 (Regional team A, that played for the national side) and 4 (Regional team B, that played for the national side) received specific visual training and Group 3 (Regional team B) had no visual training at all.

Thesis (MSportwet)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a six-week plyometric training programme on the explosive power, speed and agility as well as certain physiological characteristics and the physical fitness of rugby players. Thirty subjects, that include the first and second rugby teams of the Paul Roos Gymnasium participated in the study. After a thorough evaluation of their medical history, their health status was confirmed as being “apparently healthy” and fit for participation in the project. The subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group followed a specially designed plyometric training programme in addition to their conventional rugby training, while the control group persisted with the conventional rugby training for the season. Body fat percentage was measured and specific girth measurements were taken to assess physiological changes. Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated by means of the threeminute step test and muscle endurance by means of the push-up and sit-up tests in order to assess the physical fitness of the subjects. The explosive power, speed and agility of the subjects were assessed by means of the agility test [T-drill], ten-meter speed test, Sargent vertical jump test, depth jump test, standing triple jump and the medicine ball chest pass. All measurements and tests were taken before and after the six-week intervention programme of plyometric training. With regards to physiological changes the results showed that the plyometric training programme had a positive effect on the experimental group. The body fat percentage of the experimental group showed a significant decrease and the circumference of their thighs, calves, arms and waist increased. Their chest circumferences did, however, not increase, which might be due to the fact that the plyometric exercises were more specifically aimed at the lower body muscle groups. The results pertaining to physical fitness were mixed. There was a significant improvement (p<0,01) in the cardiovascular fitness of the experimental group while that of the control group stayed relatively constant (p=1,0). With regards to muscle endurance, the control group fared significantly better in the push-up test than the experimental group, while the experimental group fared significantly better in the sit-up test than the control group. The six-week plyometric intervention programme had a statistically significant effect on the performance of the experimental group as compared to the control group, when biomotor skills were assessed. It was concluded that the addition of the specific plyometric exercises to a conventional rugby-training programme would improve the speed, explosive power and agility of rugby players significantly. Beneficial anthropometric changes as well as improved cardiovascular fitness would be additional benefits of a plyometric training programme. The findings of this research suggest that the value of plyometric exercises to motor skills, specific physiological characteristics and physical fitness should not be underestimated and that the trainers and coaches should be informed in this regard. To establish the positive effects of plyometrics as a functional cross training regime for rugby players, more comprehensive research is, however, recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die navorsing was om die effek van ‘n ses-weeklange pliometriese oefenprogram op die eksplosiewe krag, spoed, ratsheid asook sekere fisiologiese karaktereienskappe en die fisieke fiksheid van rugbyspelers te ondersoek. Dertig spelers, wat lede van die eerste en tweede rugbyspan van Paul Roos Gimnasium hoërskool ingesluit het, het aan die studie deelgeneem. Na deeglike evaluering van hulle mediese geskiedenis, is hulle gesondheidsvlakke goedgekeur vir deelname in die studie. Die spelers is in twee groepe verdeel. Die eksperimentele groep het ‘n spesiale pliometriese oefenprogram gevolg, saam met die konvensionele rugby-oefensessies. Die kontrole groep het slegs aan die konvensionele rugby-oefensessies vir die seisoen deelgeneem. Persentasie liggaamsvet en spesifieke omtrekmates is genoteer om die fisiologiese veranderinge te evalueer. Kardiovaskulêre fiksheid is deur middel van ‘n drie-minute opstaptoets geëvalueer en spieruithouvermoë deur middel van opstoot-en opsittoetse om sodoende die speler se fisieke fiksheid te evalueer. Die ratsheid, spoed en eksplosiewe krag van die spelers is deur die ratsheidstoets (T-drill), tien-meter spoedtoets, Sargent vertikale sprongtoets, diepte sprongtoets, staande driesprong en die medisynebal-gooitoets bepaal. Al die bogenoemde toetse en assessering is voor en na die ses-weke intervensie program van pliometriese oefening gedoen. Met betrekking tot die fisiologiese veranderinge, dui die resultate aan dat die pliometriese oefenprogram ‘n positiewe effek op die eksperimentele groep gehad het. Die eksperimentele groep se persentasie liggaamsvet het beduidend verlaag en daar was ‘n neiging tot toename in omtrekmates van die bobeen, kuite, arms en middel. Die borsomtrekmate het egter nie vergroot nie, en kan toegeskryf word aan die feit dat die pliometriese oefenprogram op die ontwikkeling van die spiere in die onderlyf gefokus het. Die resultate ten opsigte van die fisieke fiksheid was eenders vir die twee groepe. Daar was ‘n neiging tot verbetering in die kardiovaskulêre fiksheid van die eksperimentele groep, terwyl die kontrole groep konstant gebly het. Met betrekking tot spieruithouvermoë het die kontrole groep in die opstoottoets verbeter in vergelyking met die eksperimentele groep. Die eksperimentele groep het egter weer verbeter (p<0,01) in die opsittoets, terwyl die kontrole groep konstant (p=1,0) gebly het. Die eksperimentele groep het statisties betekenisvol in die biomotoriese vaardigheidtoetse verbeter na die ses-weeklange pliometriese oefenprogram. Die kontrole groep het geen verbetering getoon nie. Die gevolgtrekking is dat ‘n kombinasie van ‘n pliometriese oefenprogram en konvensionele rugby-oefening kan lei tot die verbetering van spoed, eksplosiewe krag en ratsheid van spelers. Positiewe antropometriese veranderinge sal addisionele voordele van die pliometriese oefenprogram wees. Die bevinding van die navorsing is dat die waarde van pliometriese oefening vir biomotoriese vaardighede, spesifieke fisiologiese eienskappe en fisieke fiksheid nie onderskat moet word nie en dat afrigters in hierdie opsig ingelig word. Om die positiewe effek van pliometrie as ‘n funksionele alternatiewe oefenmetode vir rugbyspelers te bewys, word meer intense navorsing oor die effek van die spesifieke oefenmetode aanbeveel.

Thesis (MPhil (Physiological Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Background. Creatine monohydrate is widely used for its purported ergogenic and anabolic properties. The mechanism by which creatine supplementation enhances muscle growth is not understood. This study was undertaken to determine whether creatine monohydrate supplementation increases the conversion rate of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. An increase in dihydrotestosterone could partly explain the beneficial effect of creatine monohydrate on muscle hypertrophy. Methods. Subcommittee C of the research committee of the University of Stellenbosch approved the study. Project number 2001/ C045. The study was designed as a double blind crossover with subjects (n = 20) in each leg of the study. Group 1 (n = 10) taking creatine monohydrate and group 2 (n = 10) glucose during the first leg of the study. In accordance with crossover study design the groups were reversed in the second leg of the study. Gelatin capsules were filled with 5g of either creatine monohydrate or 5g of glucose. Subjects taking creatine monohydrate also took 25g of glucose to improve absorption of creatine. Subjects took creatine monohydrate 25g plus 25g of glucose (ten capsules in all) or glucose ten capsules per day for seven days in the loading phase. In the maintenance phase they took 5g of creatine monohydrate plus 25g of glucose (six capsules in all) per day or six capsules of glucose, for 14 days. The groups were reversed after a six-week washout period and the dosages repeated as per crossover study design. Blood samples were taken on day zero of the study as baseline measurements, repeated on day 7, (after the loading phase), and again on day 21, (after the maintenance phase). These were again repeated in the second leg of the study as per crossover design. Serum was separated within one hour of collection and stored at minus 70 oC. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations were determined using a radio-immunoassay kit by an accredited university laboratory. The percentage conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone was calculated. The results were statistically analyzed: A paired t - tests at the beginning of each leg of the study and repeated measure analysis of variance, for the pooled data for each condition over the whole study. Results. The difference in blood levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone on both days 0, were not statistically significant. This made the pooling of the data possible. The difference in the percentage conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone over the study period between the creatine monohydrate condition and the glucose condition, was however significant (p < 0.0001). In this small study highly significant statistical results were obtained. The answer to how creatine taken as a supplement exerts its effect may lie in the increased rate of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Conclusion. With the known greater androgenic effect of dihydrotestosterone as opposed to testosterone, the increase in testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone could explain how creatine supplementation exerts its anabolic effect in susceptible individuals. A larger study should be done to confirm these results and answer the questions arising from the findings.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Physio.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

Thesis (M.Sp.L.S.)--University of Waikato, 2008. / Title from PDF cover (viewed February 23, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-110)

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2005. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: Diane L. Gill; submitted to the School of Health and Human Performance. Includes bibliographical references (p. 98-104).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Port Elizabeth, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 217-243).

The aim of this study was to generate useful isokinetic normative data for various cervical musculature strength, range of motion and ratio variables based on different positional categories in a sample of senior elite South African rugby players. Normative data was generated for the following variables: peak torque, power generated at 0.2 of a second, active and passive range of motion, the ratio of peak torque flexion to peak torque extension (PTF/PTE), the ratio of peak torque lateral flexion left to peak torque lateral flexion right (PTL/PTR), the ratios of peak torque to body weight (PT/BW) and the ratios of peak torque to lean body mass (PT/LBM). Furthermore, the data gathered from the senior elite players was compared to similar data obtained from a sample of schoolboy rugby forwards to detect statistically significant differences (p < .05). A normative survey design was used in which 189 subjects from eight provincial unions participated in a one off evaluation session. The evaluation session comprised of various anthropometrical measurements and an isokinetic cervical musculature assessment. The normative data, displayed in Stanine tables, was generated for four positional categories: the front row (# 1-3), the second row (# 4-5), the back row (# 6-8) and the backline (# 9 -15). The second row positional category performed the best on the peak flexion torque variable (44.04 Nm). The front row positional category achieved the largest average peak extension torque (65.6 Nm). The second row positional category achieved the largest average peak lateral flexion right torque (69.42 Nm). A similar result was observed with the measurement of peak lateral flexion left torque, with the second row positional category achieving the largest average peak lateral flexion left torque (66.31 Nm). The backline positional category achieved the lowest averages on all the abovementioned peak torque variables. The front row positional category performed the best on the flexion power generated at 0.2 of a second variable (160.92 W). The front row positional category again achieved the largest extension power generated at 0.2 of a second average (237.02 W). The second row positional category achieved the largest lateral flexion right power generated at 0.2 of a second average (269.81 W). Similar results were observed with the measurement of lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second. The second row positional category achieved the largest lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second average (259.62 W). Again the backline players achieved the smallest power generated at 0.2 of a second averages for all the above-mentioned power variables. The measurement of passive (PROMFE) and active (AROMFE) range of motion for flexion to extension revealed that the second row had the largest average PROMFE (125.44°). The measurement of AROMFE revealed a similar result. The second row again had the largest average AROMFE (108.45°). The measurement of passive (PROMLF) and active (PROMFE) range of motion for lateral flexion left to right revealed smaller and different results to those found for PROMFE and AROMFE. For the variable of PROMLF the backline players had the largest average PROMLF (119.44°). Conversely, the second row had the largest average AROMLF (106.96°). The calculation of the various ratios revealed great variation between the positional categories. This can be attributed to the functional requirements the players have to adhere to, to be successful in their position. Various other statistical calculations were performed to draw the average force distance graphs for the positional categories for the peak torque variables. Furthermore the force distance graphs were assessed to determine the players’ ability to maintain 80% of peak torque. All the senior elite positional categories proved to be significantly (p < .05) older and heavier than the schoolboy forwards. The senior elite forward positional categories were also significantly (p < .05) taller than the schoolboy forward. There however proved to be no significant difference (p > .05) in stature between the backline and schoolboy forwards. All the positional categories proved to have significantly thicker (p < .05) necks, but significantly shorter (p < .05) cervical spines than the schoolboy forwards. The forward positional categories demonstrated to be significantly stronger (p < .05), on all peak torque measures, than the schoolboy forwards. The same was observed between the backline and schoolboy forwards, however no statistically significant difference (p > .05) was observed between the respective sample groups for the measure of peak lateral flexion left torque. For all the measures of power generated at 0.2 of a second, the senior forward positional categories proved to be significantly more powerful (p < .05) than the schoolboy forwards. The senior backline, although significantly more powerful (p < .05) in the flexion movement pattern, proved to be significantly less powerful (p < .05) than the schoolboy forwards in the lateral flexion right movement pattern. No statistically significant differences (p < .05) were found to exist between the senior backline and schoolboy forwards for the extension and lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second variables. All positional categories proved to have significantly smaller (p < .05) active and passive ranges of motion compared to the schoolboy forwards. Conversely, the senior elite players had significantly larger (p < .05) ratios (PTF/PTE, PTL/PTR, PT/BW and PT/LBM) than the schoolboy forwards. Literature has identified schoolboy rugby as having a much higher incidence of cervical spinal injuries than senior rugby. It can thus be inferred from the above information that the variables of peak torque and power generated at 0.2 of a second play a important role in safeguarding a player from injury on the field of play. Furthermore, calculated ratios show that senior players, especially the forwards, have undergone adaptive changes in cervical musculature strength to meet the requirements of the position they play in, thereby safeguarding themselves from cervical spinal injury. Proper cervical musculature conditioning has been cited in the literature as being an effective but neglected method of preventing cervical spinal injuries. The generation of normative data, concerning cervical musculature performance, can thus be used to prevent the occurrence of cervical injuries and re-injury of the cervical spine by providing a standard of musculature strength for safe participation in rugby, and possibly other collision type sports, and a quantified guide for successful patient rehabilitation respectively.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Objective: To determine the effect of chiropractic adjustive therapy to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints on performance indicators such as sprint times and vertical jump height in asymptomatic, moderate-to-highly-active rugby players. Any dysfunction in the spine can affect biomechanics; neurological functioning of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints, as well as the surrounding muscles, and can therefore decrease performance. Methods: The study involved 60 asymptomatic male participants who were moderate-to-highly-active individuals as determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The 60 participants were divided equally into two groups: the experimental group (n=30) received chiropractic adjustments to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints, and the control group (n=30) rested for five minutes. The study design was based on the once-off model. The objective data used in the study was obtained by the vertical jump height test and the 30-metre sprint speed test. These tests were used to test the participants‟ explosive power and speed, and were obtained before and after the intervention. The immediate effect was obtained by comparing the measurements of the performance indicators before and after the intervention. Results: The objective results showed that there were improvements in vertical jump height for both the forwards and the backs (rugby players) in the experimental group. Following the chiropractic adjustment, the forwards increased their vertical jump heights by 0.007m (0.5050m-0.4980m) and the backs by 0.017m (0.5245m-0.5075m). In the control group, the forwards jumped 0.01m (0.5071m-0.4971m) lower than before the five-minute rest, and the backs jumped 0.0053m higher (0.5396m-0.5343m). In the sprint speed test, both the forwards and the backs in both the experimental and the control groups performed better when they completed the indicators after the interventions. The forwards in the experimental group ran 0.146s (4.8050s-4.6590s) faster, while the backs ran 0.1055s (4.6040s-4.4985s) faster. In the control group, the forwards ran 0.1358s (5.0329s-4.8971s) faster, while the backs ran 0.0474s (4.6961s-4.6487s) faster. vii Conclusion: In the experimental group, the results demonstrated performance improvements in both the vertical jump height test and the sprint speed test for the forwards as well as the backs. In the control group, the backs performed better in the vertical jump height and the sprint speed test, while the forwards in the control group performed better in the vertical jump height test and worse in the sprint speed test. The improvements in the experimental group occurred for both the forwards and the backs, and were greater than for the control group. It can therefore be suggested that the improvements noted were as a result of the chiropractic adjustments having provided a biomechanical advantage.

When rugby became professional in 1995, both the game and the social and financial position of the players changed (Basson, 2003). Players started to train full-time and earned annual salaries (Goldman& Johns, 2009). Due to the transition from amateur to professional status, rugby players needed to make adequate personal financial management decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Previous research about personal financial management largely focussed on the general public, and did not focus on South African rugby players. Rugby is a professional sport where players earn money from a young age. It is expected of rugby players to make adequate personal financial decisions from as early as 19 years old. The literature review provided an overview of personal financial management and a discussion on the various components that should be included in personal financial management. A framework for this study was developed. The framework used these components as the base for the personal financial attitudes and practices and how it relates to the demographics of the respondents. Three hypotheses were also formulated based on the literature overview and framework. The objectives of this study were achieved by adopting a quantitative research methodology. A convenience sample of 132 rugby players was drawn for this study. Rugby players from NMMU Madibaz, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EP), South Western Districts Rugby Union (SWD) and Sharks Rugby Union participated in this study. The results of the empirical survey showed that respondents have positive attitudes towards the importance of budgeting, retirement planning, risk management, debt management and investment and the importance of employing a financial planner. On the other hand the personal financial management practices of the respondents in this study can be described as weak. From the results of the empirical survey it is clear that the respondents have weak practices towards the majority of the personal financial management practices. Only one of the three hypotheses was accepted namely that there is a relationship between the demographics of rugby players and their personal financial practices. There is no relationship between personal financial management attitudes and personal financial management practices of South African rugby players and that there is also no relationship between demographic variables and personal financial management attitudes of South African rugby players. This study has provided insight into the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Valuable information was obtained that could help to address the personal financial management needs of rugby players.