Sport psychological skills play an important role in sport performance. Evidence further suggests that the psychological skill levels may be influenced by the particular playing position. One hundred and eighty u/19 rugby players from the PUK Rugby Institute (average age: 18.79 +- 0.28 years) were tested during the 2003-2005 rugby seasons by means of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), Psychological Skills Inventory (PSI), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28), as well as a questionnaire dealing with psychosocial factors influencing participation and performance in rugby. Players from the 2004 and 2005 seasons (n=120) were first divided into two groups (top- and lower ranked players) of 60 players each. Effect size results (practical significance) revealed moderately significant differences between the two groups, with the top ranked players outscoring their lower ranked counterparts in self-confidence, general coping resources, coping with adversity, average psychological skills score, as well as the effect of team members/team spirit, coaches and financial aspects on participation and performance. These results confirm that sport psychological skill levels and related psychosocial factors can distinguish between rugby union players of different participation levels. Secondly, the total subject group (n=180) was divided into seven positional groups (props, hookers, locks, loose trio, half-backs, centres and back three). These groups were compared by means of effect sizes (practical significance) for each of seven sport psychological skills as measured with the PSI. Moderate (46) and large (20) practically significant differences were reported for the 147 inter-positional comparisons. The results show that the half-backs and hookers consistently outperformed the other three positional groups, while the props, locks and back three often showed the lowest skill levels. While these results are discussed in reference to practical implications for future position specific sport psychological skills training sessions, they clearly show that sport psychological skill levels differ from one position to another. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Sport psychological skills play an important role in sport performance. Evidence further suggests that the psychological skill levels may be influenced by the particular playing position. One hundred and eighty u/19 rugby players from the PUK Rugby Institute (average age: 18.79 +- 0.28 years) were tested during the 2003-2005 rugby seasons by means of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2), Psychological Skills Inventory (PSI), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28), as well as a questionnaire dealing with psychosocial factors influencing participation and performance in rugby. Players from the 2004 and 2005 seasons (n=120) were first divided into two groups (top- and lower ranked players) of 60 players each. Effect size results (practical significance) revealed moderately significant differences between the two groups, with the top ranked players outscoring their lower ranked counterparts in self-confidence, general coping resources, coping with adversity, average psychological skills score, as well as the effect of team members/team spirit, coaches and financial aspects on participation and performance. These results confirm that sport psychological skill levels and related psychosocial factors can distinguish between rugby union players of different participation levels. Secondly, the total subject group (n=180) was divided into seven positional groups (props, hookers, locks, loose trio, half-backs, centres and back three). These groups were compared by means of effect sizes (practical significance) for each of seven sport psychological skills as measured with the PSI. Moderate (46) and large (20) practically significant differences were reported for the 147 inter-positional comparisons. The results show that the half-backs and hookers consistently outperformed the other three positional groups, while the props, locks and back three often showed the lowest skill levels. While these results are discussed in reference to practical implications for future position specific sport psychological skills training sessions, they clearly show that sport psychological skill levels differ from one position to another. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

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

Rugby Union is a popular sport both internationally and nationally. The sport has seen a rise in high-intensity activity and is more physically demanding on players since turning professional in 1995. Over the past decade, professional rugby players have made frequent appearances in the media due to lapses in psychological, physical, and social wellbeing, suggesting professional rugby players may experience compromised health. Research has largely ignored rugby players' health when health is defined beyond injury. The present study aimed to provide insight into the health of professional rugby players by investigating two components of health, namely psychological and physical wellbeing and the relationship between these facets. Two hundred and thirty-eight (238) professional male rugby union players, situated at the Investec Rugby Academy participated in the study. Psychological wellbeing (PW) was measured by the State Trait Personality Inventory (form Y) (STPI-Y) and the Sport Competitive Anxiety Test (adult form) (SCAT-A). Physical wellbeing was defined as health-related physical fitness (HRPF). HRPF was assessed by measurements of the rugby players' body composition, physical fitness, and heart health. Pearson's correlation co-efficient was calculated between the variables used to measure HRPF and PW. The results showed the rugby players experience average levels of competitive anxiety, above average levels of anger, anxiety, and depression and a relatively high level of curiosity. The rugby players had a high level of HRPF, with the exception of body composition (particularly BMI), cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and heart health (when measured according to the CSI), which indicate a moderate risk to the players' health. Furthermore, the results show significant correlations between variables of HRPF and PW in the rugby players. The findings that indicate professional rugby players do not experience optimal PW and HRPF, as well as the significant correlations found between the variables of the rugby players PW and HRPF, suggest these players may be in a state of overtraining or experiencing overtraining syndrome. / Mini Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

Hyperlordosis or anterior pelvic tilt is a common non-neutral spinal posture associated with weak core stability, low back pain and altered lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns. Yet the effects of altered lumbopelvic posture and core stability on muscle activation patterns have not been evaluated during a functional movement. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between pelvic tilt, core stability and muscle activation patterns during non-weighted squats in U/19 university-level rugby union players. A total of 49 rugby union players participated in this study. Pelvic tilt (dominant side) was measured from a digital photo with clear reflector markers on the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) using the Kinovea video analysis software programme (version 0.8.15). Flexibility of the hamstrings, hip flexors and knee extensors was assessed with goniometry. Core stability was assessed using the pressure biofeedback unit and muscle onset times during the ascent phase of non-weighted squats. The onset times of the transverse abdominis (TrA), erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were measured using electromyography (EMG). Players were then grouped according to pelvic tilt (anterior and neutral) and by playing position (forwards and backs). The between group differences were evaluated for the abovementioned variables using p-value (statistical significance) and d-value (practical significance) measures. Muscle activation patterns and firing order were determined using descriptive statistics. The mean pelvic tilt of all participants (N=49) was an anterior tilt of 15.35°. When grouped by pelvic tilt, the anterior tilt group showed a mean pelvic tilt of 17.83° (n=27) and the neutral pelvic tilt group showed a mean pelvic tilt of 11.75° (n=22). Despite the differences in pelvic tilt, there was no significant difference in flexibility between the groups. Another controversial result is that the anterior tilt group showed practical significantly better core stability (d=0.54) than the neutral tilt group (46.93° vs 56.3°). During the double leg squat the muscle activation patterns were consistent between the groups. TrA activated first, followed by ES. Thereafter, the BF muscle activated, followed by the GM. The first place activation of TrA is consistent with the literature stating that the deep abdominal stabilisers of individuals with good core stability activate before the movement is initiated. The early onset of muscle activity of ES points to a focus on back extension during the ascent of the squat. Because the pelvic tilt was measured during static standing only, it is unclear whether the players in the neutral tilt group were able to hold the neutral pelvic tilt posture throughout the movement. Research has shown that there is an increased focus on trunk extension during the ascent phase of the squat which is not present during the descent. Future research should focus on assessing the pelvic tilt at the beginning of the ascent phase of the squat to ensure accurate results. The delay in GM activation during the ascent of the squat is concerning. GM acts as a lumbopelvic stabilizer, and its slow activation points to a decrease in lumbopelvic stability. This is very important in weight training, because weight training increases the strain on the lumbar spinal structures, which decreases performance and increases the risk of injury. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Hyperlordosis or anterior pelvic tilt is a common non-neutral spinal posture associated with weak core stability, low back pain and altered lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns. Yet the effects of altered lumbopelvic posture and core stability on muscle activation patterns have not been evaluated during a functional movement. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between pelvic tilt, core stability and muscle activation patterns during non-weighted squats in U/19 university-level rugby union players. A total of 49 rugby union players participated in this study. Pelvic tilt (dominant side) was measured from a digital photo with clear reflector markers on the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) using the Kinovea video analysis software programme (version 0.8.15). Flexibility of the hamstrings, hip flexors and knee extensors was assessed with goniometry. Core stability was assessed using the pressure biofeedback unit and muscle onset times during the ascent phase of non-weighted squats. The onset times of the transverse abdominis (TrA), erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were measured using electromyography (EMG). Players were then grouped according to pelvic tilt (anterior and neutral) and by playing position (forwards and backs). The between group differences were evaluated for the abovementioned variables using p-value (statistical significance) and d-value (practical significance) measures. Muscle activation patterns and firing order were determined using descriptive statistics. The mean pelvic tilt of all participants (N=49) was an anterior tilt of 15.35°. When grouped by pelvic tilt, the anterior tilt group showed a mean pelvic tilt of 17.83° (n=27) and the neutral pelvic tilt group showed a mean pelvic tilt of 11.75° (n=22). Despite the differences in pelvic tilt, there was no significant difference in flexibility between the groups. Another controversial result is that the anterior tilt group showed practical significantly better core stability (d=0.54) than the neutral tilt group (46.93° vs 56.3°). During the double leg squat the muscle activation patterns were consistent between the groups. TrA activated first, followed by ES. Thereafter, the BF muscle activated, followed by the GM. The first place activation of TrA is consistent with the literature stating that the deep abdominal stabilisers of individuals with good core stability activate before the movement is initiated. The early onset of muscle activity of ES points to a focus on back extension during the ascent of the squat. Because the pelvic tilt was measured during static standing only, it is unclear whether the players in the neutral tilt group were able to hold the neutral pelvic tilt posture throughout the movement. Research has shown that there is an increased focus on trunk extension during the ascent phase of the squat which is not present during the descent. Future research should focus on assessing the pelvic tilt at the beginning of the ascent phase of the squat to ensure accurate results. The delay in GM activation during the ascent of the squat is concerning. GM acts as a lumbopelvic stabilizer, and its slow activation points to a decrease in lumbopelvic stability. This is very important in weight training, because weight training increases the strain on the lumbar spinal structures, which decreases performance and increases the risk of injury. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014