Published Article / Sunscreen lotions are the skins protection against sunburn. Even though this sounds like a simple fact, somatologists appear to know remarkably little about the usage, ingredients present and their adverse effects on the skin. In the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP) accredited salons of Bloemfontein, 43 somatologists were tested by means of questionnaires in order to determine their awareness and knowledge regarding sunscreen usage, the ingredients in the lotions and their adverse effects. The results were statistically analysed by means of frequencies and percentages which proved that more than half (58%) of somatologists use sunscreen daily, but do not have the knowledge or awareness of toxic ingredients found in these products. In conclusion, most Somatologists in Bloemfontein are not fully equipped with the knowledge surrounding sunscreens in order for them to provide adequate information to their clients. It is recommended that information regarding sunscreens should be included as a higher priority in the professional product house training including the Somatology curriculum.

M.Tech. / The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the experiences of the somatology therapist from which guidelines for the self-management of therapists within private somatology practices were described. The guidelines were derived from the two research questions: "How do therapists experience self-management during their daily practices?" and "What can be done to improve the self-management of therapists within private somatology practices?" A descriptive, exploratory and contextual qualitative design was used with the underlying philosophy of an Appreciative Inquiry. The accessible population consisted of therapists (N=15) practicing in six private somatology practices in the Pretoria-North region. Purposeful sampling was used in this study. The data collection was conducted by means of individual semi-structured interviews and field notes. The question was formulated by means of Appreciative Inquiry guidelines. A pilot interview was conducted with one participant that served as the preparation for the study. Tesch's Method of data analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes. The Model of Lincoln and Guba was used to ensure that trustworthiness and ethical considerations were maintained throughout the process. Informed consent was given by the private somatology clinic and therapists.

M.Tech. (Somatology) / The somatology industry has seen a rapid advancement in the use of technology to address physical concerns of clients in terms of addressing the visible signs of skin ageing, issues around centimetre reduction, cellulite and other aspects. In South Africa, the Somatology curricula vary between public and private higher education institutions. Even more diversity has been noted within the private somatology higher education providers. The electrical equipment curriculum that is taught in specifically nationally and/or internationally accredited private institutions has not been updated in years and is perceived as outdated. These students are still being taught and examined on electrical equipment that was popular during the 1980’s and that have since been replaced with updated and modern machines. The purpose of this study was to establish the perceived proficiency of newly-qualified nationally and/or internationally accredited graduates in using electrical equipment currently used in the modern health and skincare industry. This study made use of a mixed method design, incorporating three different data-collection techniques. These techniques included unstructured and semi-structured personal telephone interviews and structured questionnaires. Collecting data from three perspectives allowed for triangulation, ensuring validity and reliability. The results of this study concluded that the graduates, from selected specified nationally and/or internationally accredited private higher education institutions, did not deem themselves to be proficient in the use of modern electrical equipment. This sentiment was supported by their employers in the health and skincare industry, and verified by the lecturers who facilitated their learning during their two-year qualification.

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This work is focused on monitoring changes in selected somatic characteristics and motor performance of girls aged 7 and 10 years. The research was also focused on diet and lifestyle of the girls and their parents. The research was conducted at five different primary schools (Tábor, Soběslav, České Budějovice, Tvrdonice). Twenty six somatic dimensions, two functional tests and five motor tests for motor development were measured. There are also presented results of a questionnaire of children and their parents. Some body measurement was used for the calculation of body composition (the weight of the skeleton, the weight of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the weight of the muscle mass and weight of the rest of the body) and the somatotype. The data were recorded in the pre-record sheets and then they were statistically evaluated and processed into tables and graphs. The obtained results were compared with the previous surveys.

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Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Somatology, Durban University of Technology, 2014 / The beginning of the 20th century presented the Somatology profession with unprecedented challenges of acquiring a scientific base and achieving professionalisation. It is in this milieu that a few research studies were previously undertaken with regard to Somatology education however, none particularly focused in relation to areas that are preparing graduates for industry. The current study was a national study that explored the existing National Diploma offering through the lens of students, educators and members of the Durban University of Technology’s Advisory Board. In particular, it focused on developing broad guidelines to guide academics on what further content was required to be integrated into the current Somatology education. A triangulated approach using both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to guide the operationalisation of the research process. Five Universities of Technology participated in the study, viz. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg. Third year and B.Tech students were surveyed with regard to the current Somatology Programme and what further aspects needed to be integrated into it to better prepare graduates for industry. In addition, in-depth interviews were also held with ten academics, two from each University of Technology, to examine what they thought needed to be included in education to strengthen the current programme. The same was done through a focus group discussion with members of the Durban University of Technology Advisory Board. A programme analysis of current content being taught at the five Universities was also undertaken. The results reflected that although most of the samples were satisfied with the current educational programme, they still believed that gaps existed and that graduates were still not adequately prepared for industry. It was found that both students and educators saw the need for more therapies to be included in the training. Both educators and the Advisory Board sample also saw the need for a stronger emphasis to be placed on practical skill development. The Advisory Board sample also strongly articulated for training to occur in an industry context as opposed to the University based experiential setting. Using data from these multiple samples, a set of guidelines was developed and presented. These guidelines were based on what further therapies needed to be integrated into education. The Duke Integrative Medicines Wheel of Health was adopted as the theoretical framework of the study. It was also utilised to identify specific areas that needed to be interwoven into education to further strengthen graduates’ preparedness for industry.