In common with other expatriate Indian Populations, the Indian community of South Africa has a high incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Little information is available on the effects of exercise and diet on risk factors in this group. The present study is directed at the functional changes occurring as a result of a moderate aerobic physical activity programme, comprising 30 minutes of supervised exercise, three times per week for 15 weeks. Healthy male volunteers were recruited from the staff of the University of Durban-Westville, who were not on any lipid lowering medication and were not involved in any programme of physical activity for at least 12 weeks before the start of the project. The 41 subjects were assigned into one of three groups: exercise only (E) (15 subjects); exercise and diet (ED) (14 subjects) and a control (C) (12 subjects) group on no intervention. Besides laboratory investigations all participants were subjected to standardized fitness and anthropomorphological evaluation, a brief family history for coronary artery disease and a detailed dietary history was compiled. Baseline lipid results indicate that only 7 of the 41 subjects had normal lipid profiles using as cut-off points 5.2 mmol/l for cholesterol, 1.5 mml!l for triglyceride and 0.9 mmol/l for HDL-C. Obesity was moderately prevalent before intervention, with a mean decrease of 25% in body fat in both E and BD groups(p~0.05). The experimental subjects became leaner. After the intervention programme an average 20 percent increase was evident in physical working capacity as measured by peak V~ in both experimental groups (p~0.01). The controls showed little variation over the 15 weeks. The indices of muscular endurance and flexibility showed statistically significant changes (P~ 0.05) in both experimental groups after intervention. This certainly indicates elevated levels of fitness after the intervention. The lipid profiles show little alteration in total cholesterol, with a 7.3% decrease in triglyceride levels in the E group (which was not statistically significant) compared with a 14.7% increase in the controls. HDL-C showed an increase in both experimental groups (p~0.01). The total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio had an average fall of 11.9% in the experimental groups (P~0.05) compared with a 5.6% decrease in the control group. These data support the claim that regular, moderate exercise reduces the risk of heart disease through its effects on coronary risk factors in a high risk South African population. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1995.

Background: As variable-geared, elliptical Rotor Q-rings may improve pedal dynamics by reducing the effect of the "dead spot" in the pedaling action and altering the mechanical leverage, use of these chain rings is currently gaining popularity among competitive amateur and professional cyclists. There are, however, no randomized, controlled, published studies examining the physiological effect of using Rotor Q-rings vs. standard circular chain rings. In addition, no previous studies comparing circular and noncircular chain rings have included analysis of the markers of exercise induced muscle damage. Aim: This work was designed to compare physiological response to an incremental cycling protocol when using Rotor Q-rings (QR) with an eccentricity ratio of 1.10 and 74° default setting, to that obtained when normal, circular chain rings (NR) are used. Methods: Twelve trained amateur cyclists (age: 40.67 ± 7.53 years) performed two incremental tests to exhaustion on their own bicycles in a controlled laboratory environment. The subjects were randomized to QR and NR trials which took place seven days apart, within a cross-over design. The type of chain ring attached to the cycle (QR vs. NR) was blinded from the participant. After an eight-minute warm-up at 130 W, the power output was increased by 30 W on the minute. During each trial, heart rate, VE, V02 were measured continuously and RPE and blood lactate concentration were measured during the last 15 seconds of each workload. Ventilatory and blood lactate turn- points were determined from serial VE and blood lactate concentrations. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration was measured before and immediately after each trial. A numerical pain rating scale was used to assess post exercise leg muscle and knee joint soreness 24hr post trial. Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in mean peak power output (380 ± 29.0 W vs. 385 ± 31.8 W), mean power (194.9 ± 12.7 W vs. 197.2 ± 16.7 W), mean distance covered (9.02 ± 1.29 km vs. 8.89 ± 1.84 km) during the QR and NR trials, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between trials in submaximal and maximal V02, VE or RPE, and ventilatory or lactate turnpoints (p > 0.05). Knee pain and leg muscle soreness as well as and increment in serum LDH levels did also not differ significantly following the two trials (p > 0.05). The difference in peak blood lactate concentrations (12.62 mmol. £"' ± 2.15 on QR vs. 13.84 mmol. £"' ± 1.68 on NR), however, reached borderline significance (p = 0.055). Conclusion: Despite the popularity of non-circular chain rings and the apparent mechanical advantage derived from their use, the findings of this study were unable to provide support for significant physiological advantages when using Rotor Q-rings with an eccentricity ratio of 1.10 and 74° default setting, during an incremental cycling test to exhaustion. While the borderline significance of the lower mean maximal blood lactate concentration following the Q-ring trial requires confirmation in a larger study, the possible roles of training, higher eccentricity ratios and different orientations of the crank to the chain ring in eliciting a physiological advantage, require further investigation. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

The present study profiled the fitness characteristics of elite South African surfers. Sixty-one surfers volunteered to participate in the study. Each subject underwent a maximal tests in order to measure peak maximum oxygen uptake, anthropometery, co-ordination, agility, balance, Wingate test, and isokinetic strength assessments of the knee and shoulder in extension and flexion, including shoulder internal and external rotation. Lung function measurements were also measured to assess the lung capacity of the subjects. The cardiovascular demands of surfing was high showing a peak VO2 of 54.9 (+SD=9.73) ml.kg-1.min-t, and a peak VE of 98.3 (+SD=17.8) l.min-1. Actual lung function results obtained by the subjects were greater than predicted scores for age and weight. Anaerobic scores were excellent for surfers as compared to other sportpersons. Balance and agility scores were excellent. Good strength ratios and values were obtained through isokinetic testing, both for the shoulders and the knees. The subjects showed an above level of fitness in all the measurements as compared to other water-based athletes. As a result the research showed that surfing can be best enhanced through the principle of specificity, and that the subjects engaged in this sport can be regarded as elite athletes. / Thesis (M.Sport Sc.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2000.

The main aim of this study was to compare fitness levels of Indian high school boys in two cohorts: 1977 and 1997. A secondary aim was to identify if the same problem areas or strengths still exist in 1997 as in 1977 or if the levels of fitness have further deteriorated or improved, as well as the establishment of norms for boys 14 - 18 years. Ten different Secondary schools from the Durban Metropolitan area participated in this study. The test battery included eight tests measuring four components of motor fitness based on the Fleishman study. The tests that were used consisted of fifty metre shuttle run, fifty metre dash, sit-ups, pull-ups, medicine ball put, shot-put, 250m shuttle run and 12 minute run/walk test. Data from 500 hundred boys were included in the research analysis and these were categorized into 5 different age groups, 13,6 - 14,6 years; 14,7 - 15,6 years; 15,7 - 16,6 years; 16,7 - 17,6 years and 17,7 - 18,6 years. Basic statistical procedures were used to determine the normality of the samples for height and weight in each age group. Standard score tables were drawn for each age group. A paired t-test was used to determine if a significant difference between the means existed. The level of significance was set at 0,05. The means of both studies were compared to ascertain the difference in fitness levels in the two cohorts. The analysis of the data revealed that the fitness status of adolescent boys have deteriorated over two decades. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2000.

This study investigated the attitudes towards Physical Education in KwaZulu and the determinants of those attitudes. The focus was on the teaching of the subject in schools and colleges of education in the KwaZulu Department of Education and Culture. The purpose of the study was to establish whether Physical Education was being limited by a lack of resources and/or the perceived low status of Physical Education. Questionnaires were developed for four different groups, namely, teachers, principals, college lecturers and the pupils and students themselves. The analysis of the responses indicated that all four groups held strong beliefs about the benefits of the subject. The benefits which the pupils regarded as the most positive were in the areas of physical fitness and social development. In contrast to their western counterparts, pupils and students did not view Physical Education as a "light relief' subject nor did they regard enjoyment as a requisite. Negative determinants of attitude were found to be related primarily to the lack of facilities and the consequent lack of diversity in the Physical Education curriculum. Respondents from the teachers' and principals' groups revealed that the teaching of Physical Education in KwaZulu was important but severely inhibited by a combination of factors. Allocation of resources in the form of physical facilities and equipment was found to be deficient. There was an absence of qualified staff, which resulted in the subject either being omitted from the curriculum or being taught by teachers with no knowledge of its objectives nor of the correct teaching methods. In some cases the subject was confused with sport and coaching school teams and in most cases the subject played a subservient role to that of examination subjects. The promotion prospects of the Physical Education teachers were not perceived to be limited compared to their academic counterparts because all of them were teaching academic subjects. Those with specialised training in Physical Education were not in evidence because they were not teaching Physical Education. College lecturers were specialist trained and indicated a much greater degree of success in the implementation of Physical Education programmes. Colleges had superior facilities and equipment although insufficient use of funds was apparent. College lecturers did not feel that they successfully achieved the educational objectives of the subject. In agreement with their western counterparts, they perceived their promotion prospects to be limited. The failure to implement successful programmes of Physical Education in the schools led to the recommendation that preservice specialised training was vitally important but not sufficient and that in-service courses in the form of practical workshops for staff and principals were essential in order to support the preservice initiatives. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1996.

Thesis (PhD (Sport Science))—University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two different types of movement programs on movement competence, self-esteem and resiliency in adolescent girls from a low-socio economic environment. A non-equivalentcontrol-group design was followed. A total of N=63 girls from similar socioeconomic environments between the ages of 13-14 participated in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups. The pre-tests and post-tests were administered to all groups. Four motor fitness/motor ability tests were selected to gather data about movement competence. The Self-Perception Profile for Children (Harter, 1985) was used to measure self-esteem and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor & Davidson, 2003) was used to measure resiliency. Only two of the groups received intervention programs. One group received 20 sessions in an expressive dance movement program called Biodanza and the other intervention group received 20 sessions in self-defence.

Thesis (PhD (SportPsych))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / There has been a greater awareness in the psychological aspects of sport over the past few decades, and in particular, how the psyches of the players affect their performance. The game of cricket has been no exception. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) has been used successfully in the business world, but very little research has been done in the sport milieu. The motivation for this research was two-fold. First, there was the need for a cricket team to be mentally prepared to play at their highest potential on provincial level; second, the researcher was curious about NLP techniques being successfully applied in sport. NLP is the study of human excellence. It describes human functioning, and focuses on experience and experimenting rather than prescription; it can focus on how to intervene, transform and improve human functioning. NLP uses modelling to identify particular skills in successful people. (They like to say: “If he can do it, then I can do it too”.) Neuro refers to the nervous system and how it processes particular codes in the body through the five senses. Linguistic refers to the use of language and how it gives meaning to the neural processes through communication and symbolic systems. Programming refers to how a person sequences his actions to achieve his goals.

Thesis (PhD (Sports Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / There is general consensus that athletes, striving to compete and perform at the highest level, should optimally balance training and competition stress with adequate regeneration. Although a well-planned training programme is of utmost importance, the time between training sessions and competitions is critical for the modern-day athlete. It is suggested that athletes should apply a variety of recovery methods to enhance the regeneration process. Although team sport is a popular entity throughout the world, there is limited published research on the regeneration process in team athletes and recovery methods to enhance the regeneration process. The aim of this study was to develop a model that could serve as a guideline for the regeneration of team athletes within the South African context. Two phases were involved in the process of developing a model. Phase one involved a research of literature in order to assess which strategies can be implemented for athletic regeneration, and what information team athletes are given for regeneration. The second phase involved an investigation into the recovery strategies that are currently used for regeneration by elite South African team players during the competitive phase of the year. Research questions focused on the recovery methods used by players, the perceived importance of various recovery methods to the players, and the relationship between sport and level of participation in the use of recovery strategies. This study did not attempt to assess the knowledge of the players on recovery methods.

Thesis (PhD (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 16-week multidimensional intervention programme on the speed and accuracy of decision making, declarative knowledge and visual skills of u/20 rugby players. Two intact groups of rugby academy players participated in this study. One academy group participated in the intervention programme, which included activities, including the statistical analysis of individual players, game analysis, tactical rugby discussions, rugby rule discussions and visual skills training. The other academy group served as the comparison group and completed both the pre- and post-tests. The results indicated significant improvements in the speed of tactical decision making by participants in both the experimental and the comparison groups. Both groups also indicated a significant deterioration in the accuracy of their decisions. Both groups achieved a significant improvement in their declarative knowledge of rugby rules, as well as in their visual skills. The similarity in the post-test scores of the two groups led to the conclusion that the intervention programme, as presented in this study, did not appear to make a significant impact on the players. Suggestions are made for the design of future intervention programmes to improve tactical decision making.

Thesis (PhD (Sport Science))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Sport performance management has emerged as a specialization in sport science that is focused on providing the athlete and coach with optimal information about training programmes and the support services needed in order to pursue excellence. As a more professional approach to disability sport has grown with the international status of the Paralympics, sport performance management dealing specifically with athletes with disabilities requires development. The purpose of this study was to focus on documenting the delivery of sport science support for three cyclists with cerebral palsy training for the Athens Paralympics. A case study approach was taken in this research that provided sport science support to three cyclists. Documentation of the training experience of each cyclist over 18 months of training leading up to the Games, was accomplished by quantification of daily training as well as periodic laboratory testing. A comprehensive picture was drawn of training intensities, modalities and frequencies for each cyclist during each macro-cycle, with special attention to the following three variables. Power output and lactate Power output and VO2 max Peak and mean sprint power output (Wingate test) Two of the three cyclists perceived the support they received to have been critical to the success of their preparation. The investigator concluded that sport management has an important role to play in the development of disability sport at the elite level, and that a lot more hard training is possible for cyclists with cerebral palsy, than some coaches may have previously believed, especially in terms of intensity and duration.