The objectives of this dissertation were to investigate the utility of cf-DNA as a marker of systemic inflammation, fatigue, and training status in a long-term athlete monitoring program (LTAMP). In study one, cf-DNA, other biochemical markers, volume load, and training intensity were measured in weightlifters over 20 weeks. The changes and relationships between these variables were investigated in order to determine which variables may be indicative of an athlete’s training status. In study two, cf-DNA, other biochemical markers, and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) were measured over the course of a 15-week soccer season in order investigate the utility of cf-DNA as an indicator of systemic inflammation and fatigue. In study one, CK was statistically greater T2 than T4, T5, and T6 at p = 0.015, 0.025, and 0.030 respectively. cf-DNA %Δ was correlated with CRP percent change and BF% (r = 0.86 and r = 0.91 respectively). The correlation between cf-DNA and CRP suggests that cf-DNA may be a valuable indicator of inflammation. Upon further visual inspection, cf-DNA and CRP also appeared to rise and fall with changes in volume load with displacement (VLwD). In study 2, G1, cf-DNA (P = 0.001), CRP (P = 0.000), CK (P = 0.003), cf-DNA %Δ (P = 0.002), CRP %Δ (P = 0.002), and CK %Δ (P = 0.002) were all significantly higher than T1 at T2 and T3. In G2, CRP (P = 0.057) and CRP %Δ (P = 0.039) were significantly higher at T2 than T1. Despite the lack of statistically significant differences across all 3 testing times, cf-DNA %Δ, CRP %Δ, and CK %Δ increased throughout the season in G1. In G2, cf-DNA %Δ, CRP %Δ, and CK %Δ were all higher at T2 and T3 than T1 but fewer significant differences were present, potentially a result of the lower sRPE values in G2 versus G1.These results suggest that cf-DNA may a useful marker to reflect accumulated training and competitive stressors. The correlation between cf-DNA and CRP in study 1 suggests that cf-DNA may be a valuable indicator of inflammation.

The overall purpose of this dissertation was to assess the Weightlifting team’s athlete and coach perception of the athlete monitoring program at East Tennessee State University over the course of a mesocycle. This was accomplished by conducting a single investigation using eleven well-trained weightlifters and three coaches. Five data collections were carried out over the course of a single mesocycle leading up to a competition. No statistically significant perceptual changes throughout the training program were observed among any questions for weightlifters or coaches. Interpretation of the means for each question indicate that both weightlifters’ and coaches’ perceptions of the SPEC program’s ability to influence the components assessed by the questionnaire were positive ranging from no different to much better. Participants agree that they do understand why they take part in both SPEC testing and monitoring, and coaches indicated that data from testing and monitoring is used to develop and alter their athletes training. Results further indicate regular communication between coaches and their athletes about the purpose of their programming.

Thesis (PhD (Sport Science))—University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / This study was designed to gain a better understanding of the way in which the quality of the sport-career termination is quantitatively affected by athletic and non-athletic factors. A further objective of this study was to contribute and broaden the knowledge base on the athletic careertermination process and endeavour to add new information to the existent body of knowledge on the career-ending process in the world of sport. This study is a sport-specific view on South African track and field and road running athletes’ retrospective views on their retirement. In line with the relevant literature, the influence of athletic (voluntariness and gradualness of sport-career termination, subjective view of athletic achievements, postsport life planning, and athletic identity) and non-athletic factors (e.g., age, educational status) on different aspects of sport-career difficulties was investigated. In phase 1 of the research, 104 retired track and field athletes completed an adapted version of the Cecic-Erpic’s (2000) Sports Career Termination Questionnaire II (SCTQ II). These athletes had been retired for no less than one year with an athletic career at national and international level and were asked to describe in retrospect their experiences and reactions to their athletic career termination. The SCTQII was developed to evaluate the characteristics of the sport-career termination process, the characteristics of the active sport-careertermination transition to post-sport life, and adaptation to post-sport life. In phase 2 of the study, 23 retired South African elite athletes were individually interviewed. An interview guide was developed which probed the sport career of the athletes in depth, from the initial start to the sport career to the process of disengaging from elite sport. The data from the interviews were content analysed.

Thesis (PhDSportwet)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of participation in a special squad-based talent development programme on selected physical variables and skills in adolescent girls. This investigation was initiated in the team sport of netball in order to determine if participation in a talent development programme of this kind can be successful in the South African context. A second purpose was to consider the effectiveness of the squad-based model in relation to the traditional school-based model that is commonly implemented for talent development in South African netball. This study followed a static group design in a field setting. The squad-based group (N=22) was composed of netball players ages 14 – 18 years old from two senior high schools in a previously disadvantaged community. The school-based group (N=45) was composed of netball players from the first and second teams at three schools in the same region, that maintained a good standard of netball and had qualified coaches. The subjects in the squad-based group participated in a special eight-month training programme, which consisted out of 2 training sessions (90minutes) and 1 match per week. The subjects in the school-based group participated in their normal pattern of netball practices and school matches. The results of this study lead to some general conclusions about the squadbased training model: • Four components of skill development improved significantly • Significant changes were found in four of the physical variables associated with netball performance. • The squad-based model appeared to have been significantly more effective than the school-based model in the development of the physical variables of flexibility, speed, throwing velocity and aerobic fitness.Based on the results the squad-based model is proposed as an approach to talent development that can make a significant contribution to the development of skill. Continuous refinement of current models and even the creation of new models, may one day create systems where every child can reach toward his or her own sporting potential. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie behels die deelname van ‘n geselekteerde oefengroep adollessente meisies aan ‘n talentontwikkelingsprogram. Die doel van die studie was om die invloed van deelname aan sodanige program op gekose fisiek- en vaardigheidskomponente na te gaan. Netbal, as ‘n spansport, is gebruik om te bepaal of hierdie tipe talentontwikkelingsprogramme suksesvol in die huidige Suid- Afrikaanse konteks kan wees. ‘n Verdere doelwit was om die effektiwiteit van hierdie oefengroepmodel teenoor die meer tradisionele skoolgebaseerde-model, wat tans algemeen in Suid-Afrikaanse netbal toegepas word, na te gaan. Die studie het ‘n statiese-groepontwerp gevolg in ‘n veldtoetsing omgewing. Die oefengroep (N=22) het bestaan uit netbalspeelsters tussen die ouderdomme 14-18 jaar, van twee senior hoërskole vanuit die agtergeblewe gemeenskappe. Die skoolgebaseerde groep (N=45) het bestaan uit speelsters van die eerste en tweede netbalspanne van drie skole in dieselfde streek. Hierdie drie skole beskik oor gekwalifiseerde afrigters en handhaaf ‘n hoë speelstandaard. Die speelsters van die oefengroep het aan ‘n spesiale agtmaande oefenprogram deelgeneem, met twee oefensessies per week (90 minute) asook een wedstryd per week. Die netbalspeelsters in die skoolgebaseerde-program het hulle normale oefenpatroon gevolg en aan skoolwedstryde deelgeneem. Die resultate van hierdie studie het gelei tot sekere algemene gevolgtrekkings omtrent die geselekteerde oefengroepmodel: • Vier komponente van die spelvaardighede het statisties beduidend verbeter. • Beduidende statistiese veranderinge is waargeneem in vier van die fisieke komponente wat met netbal geassosieer word. • Dit blyk dat die oefengroepmodel statisties meer effektief was in die onwikkeling van fisieke komponente soos lenigheid, spoed, aerobiese fiksheid en spoed van gooie, as die skoolgebaseerde oefengroep.Gebaseer op die resultate van die oefengroepmodel, kan hierdie benadering tot ontwikkeling ‘n beduidende verskil maak in die ontwikkeling van netbalvaardighede. Verdere verfyning van huidige talentontwikkelinsgmodelle, mag in die toekoms aanleiding gee tot bruikbare sisteme waar elke deelnemer die kans gegun sal word om sy sportpotensiaal te bereik.

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 (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of an aquatic- and landbased plyometric programme upon selected, sport-specific performance variables in adolescent male, rugby union players. A group of 52 rugby players (age: 16.3 ± 0.8 years, height: 176 ± 6.9 cm and body mass: 76.1 ± 11.9 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: aquatic group (n=18), land group (n=17), and a control group (n=17). Prior to and after the sevenweeks of training, the power, agility and speed of participants were assessed by means of Fitrodyne repeated countermovement jumps, the Sergeant vertical jump, the Illinois agility test, a standing broad jump, and a 10- and 40- metre sprint. All three groups maintained their summer extra-curricular sport commitments during the intervention period. When the three groups were analysed, no significant differences were found between the groups with regard to all tested performance variables. With regard to withingroup changes, the aquatic group improved significantly (p<0.05) in the Illinois agility test, performed to the right. The land group showed significant (p<0.05) improvements in peak concentric power during Fitrodyne repeated countermovement jumps. All groups reflected highly significant (p<0.01) improvements in the Sergeant vertical jump. None of the groups displayed any improvements in sprint speed. The control was the only group to improve significantly in the standing broad jump (p<0.05). Land-based plyometric training might be a functionally superior training modality for athletes, although aquatic plyometrics could also offer an effective training modality for performance enhancement in power-based sports such as rugby union football. Aquatic-based plyometrics should not completely replace land-based plyometrics, as it might not adequately develop the specific neuromuscular patterns or functional needs of explosive sports. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die effektiwiteit van ‘n water- en landgebaseerde pliometriese program met mekaar te vergelyk in terme van geselekteerde, sportspesifieke uitvoeringsveranderlikes in manlike adolessente rugbyspelers. ‘n Groep van 52 rugbyspelers (ouderdom: 16.3 ± 0.8 jaar, lengte: 176 ± 6.9 cm en liggaamsmassa: 76.1 ± 11.9 kg) is lukraak in een van drie groepe ingedeel: watergroep (n=18), landgroep (n=17), en ‘n kontrolegroep (n=17). Voor en na die sewe-weke oefenprogram, is spelers se plofkrag, ratsheid en spoed getoets deur middel van Fitrodyne herhaalde spronge, Sergeant vertikale sprong, Illinois ratsheidstoets, staande verspring, en ‘n 10- en 40-m spoedtoets. Al drie groepe het vir die duur van die intervensieperiode met hulle somersport aangegaan. Na analise van die drie groepe se data, is daar geen statisties betekenisvolle verskille tussen die groepe ten opsigte van die prestasieveranderlikes gevind nie. Die waterpliometriese groep se prestasie in die Illinois ratsheidstoets na regs het statisties beduidend (p<0.05) verbeter. Die landgroep het betekenisvolle (p<0.05) verbetering in die piek konsentriese plofkrag met die Fitrodyne herhaalde spronge getoon. Aldrie groepe het betekenisvolle (p<0.01) verbetering getoon in die Sergeant vertikale sprong. Geen groep se spoed het verbeter nie. Slegs die kontrolegroep se staande verspring het statisties betekenisvol verbeter. Land-gebaseerde pliometriese oefening kan moontlik, vanuit ‘n funksionele oogpunt, ‘n beter oefenmodaliteit vir atlete wees. Watergebaseerde pliometriese oefening kan egter ook ‘n oefenmodaliteit vir sport wat plofkrag vereis, soos rugby, wees. Watergebaseerde pliometriese oefening behoort nie land-gebaseerde pliometriese oefening te vervang nie, omdat dit moontlik nie aan die spesifieke neuromuskulêre patrone en funksionele behoeftes van eksplosiewe sport voldoen nie.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The influence of a six-week perceptual-motor and attentional skills programme, combined with teaching strategies, on the motor proficiency and attentional abilities of children diagnosed with ADHD was investigated. The five case study individuals (ranging for Grade 1- 7) took part in a six-week Purposeful Play Programme. Baseline, pre-test and post-test scores were obtained from the Bruininks- Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Test (ADHDT). All five case study individuals showed a significant improvement on their motor proficiency during retention tests as well as improvements on some of the behavioural soft signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. / AFRIKAANDE OPSOMMING: Die invloed van ʼn sesweek perseptueel-motoriese en aandagvaardigheidsprogram, gekombineer met onderrigstrategieë, is op die motoriese vaardighede en aandagvermoëns van kinders gediagnoseer met ATHS, bestudeer. Die vyf gevallestudie individue (tussen Graad 1- 7) het aan „n sesweek Purposeful Play Programme deelgeneem. Die basislyn-, voor- en natoetstellings is verkry vanaf die Bruininks- Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) en Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Test (ADHDT). Al vyf gevallestudie individue het ʼn beduidende verbetering in motoriese vaardigheid getoon tydens retensietoetse asook verbetering in sommige van die gedragstekens van hiperaktiwiteit, impulsiwiteit en afleibaarheid.

Thesis (MASpor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to gain more information on respiratory muscle function of team sports. This was achieved by determining the relationship between anthropometry and respiratory muscle function and the relationship between respiratory muscle function and exercise performance. The degree of respiratory muscle fatigue after a speed endurance test on land and in water was also determined. A total of 62 subjects were tested. The group consisted of 14 netball players (age: 20.9 ± SD 2.0 years; height: 172.5 ± SD 6.1cm and weight: 66.6 ± SD 7.8 kg); 15 rugby players (age: 21.7 ± SD 2.2 years; height: 183.1 ± SD 7.3cm and weight: 92.5 ± SD 13.2 kg); 12 male swimmers (age: 18.9 ± SD 2.5 years; height: 183.3 ± SD 6.5cm and weight: 77.2 ± SD 8.6 kg); 8 female swimmers (age: 17.8 ± SD 1.6 years; height: 168.3 ± SD 5.4cm and weight: 63.9 ± SD 9.8 kg); 7 male control subjects (age: 21.4 ± SD 1.5 years; height: 179.7 ± SD 5.0cm and weight: 80.8 ± SD 10.8 kg) and 6 female control subjects (age: 21.5 ± SD 1.5 years; height: 166.9 ± SD 6.5cm and weight: 60.2 ± SD 6.7 kg). Testing included anthropometric measurements, lung function (FVC test), and respiratory muscle function (baseline MIP, MEP, MVV). Netball -, rugby players and the control subjects performed a speed endurance test on land and the swimmers performed a speed endurance test in the swimming pool. This test was followed by a second MIP measurement 60 and 120 seconds after the sprint endurance test. Respiratory muscle strength showed no correlations to anthropometry for men and women. For men, height, weight, sitting height, biiacromiale breath and waist girth accounted for 17% of the variance in MIP (P = 0.34). The variance in MEP was accounted for 15.6% by height, weight, sitting height, biacromiale breath and waist girth (P = 0.41). For women, weight, sitting height, arm span, biacromiale breath and chest girth accounted for 28.4% of the variance in MIP (P = 0.17), but MEP was accounted for only 22% by sitting height, arm length, arm span and body mass index as well as chest girth (P = 0.32). Respiratory muscle endurance showed correlations to certain anthropometry variables and had a significant regression equations for MVV in men: -312.51 + (2.83 x Arm span) – (0.38 x Sum of 8 skinfolds) and arm span and sum of eight skinfolds accounted for 47.3% of the variance in MVV. Women’s MVV also had a significant regression (P = 0.002): - 106.7 + (1.5 x Body mass) + (1.0 x Arm span) – (0.2 x Sum of 8skinfolds) and weight, arm span and sum of eight skinfolds accounted for 45% of the variance in MVV. Only MIP and MEP had significant correlations (r = 0.63, P < 0.01 and r = 0.66, P < 0.02 respectively) to the speed endurance test on land. Although significant, MVV and FVC showed no correlations to the speed endurance test. Both MIP and MEP had a correlation to the speed endurance test in the water (r = -0.55, P < 0.02 for both). FVC also had a correlation to the speed endurance test, although it was not significant (r = -0.51, P < 0.44). MVV had a poor correlation to the speed endurance test. Sixty seconds after the speed endurance test the land –based group’s (netball and rugby players grouped together) RM were 14.39% fatigued compared to the 9.04% of the water – based group (swimmers) and 41.02% of the control group. One hundred and twenty seconds after the sprint endurance test the land –based group’s RM were 8.43 fatigued compared to the 3.54% of the water –based group and the 24.64% of the control group. In conclusion, anthropometry plays a moderate role in RM endurance but even a smaller role in RM strength. The relationship between RM functions and the speed endurance test varied between the land – and water –based groups, but certain RM function can play a moderate role in the performance in this speed endurance test. All the groups experienced fatigue after the speed endurance test, but the degree was more in the control group followed by the land –based athletes compared to the water –based athletes. This indicates that stronger RM function can lead to less RM fatigue. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om die respiratoriese spier funksies van span sporte te bestudeer en is gedoen deur na die verband tussen respiratoriese spier funksies en antropometrie, die verband tussen respiratoriese spier funksies en oefen prestasie en die mate van respiratoriese spier uitputting na oefening te kyk. ‘n Totaal van 62 subjekte is getoets. Die groep het bestaan uit 14 netbal (ouderdom: 20.9 ± SD 2.0 jaar; lengte: 172.5 ± SD 6.1cm en gewig: 66.6 ± SD 7.8 kg); 15 rugbyspelers (ouderdom: 21.7 ± SD 2.2 jaar; lengte: 183.1 ± SD 7.3cm en gewig: 92.5 ± SD 13.2 kg); 12 mans swemmers (ouderdom: 18.9 ± SD 2.5 jaar; length: 183.3 ± SD 6.5cm and gewig: 77.2 ± SD 8.6 kg); 8 dames swemmers (ouderdom: 17.8 ± SD 1.6 jaar; lengte: 168.3 ± SD 5.4cm and gewig: 63.9 ± SD 9.8 kg); 7 mans kontrole subjekte (ouderdom: 21.4 ± SD 1.5 jaar; lengte: 179.7 ± SD 5.0cm and gewig: 80.8 ± SD 10.8 kg) and 6 dames kontrole subjekte (age: 21.5 ± SD 1.5 years; height: 166.9 ± SD 6.5cm and weight: 60.2 ± SD 6.7 kg). Toetsing het die volgende ingesluit: Antropometriese meetings, long funksies en respiratoriese spier funksies (basislyn maksimale inspirasie drukking (MID), maksimale ekspirasie drukking (MED), maksimale willekeuring ventilasie (MWV)). ‘n Spoed uithouvermoë toets op land is deur die netbal –, rugbyspelers en die kontrole subjekte en ‘n uitgevoer en ‘n spoed uithouvermoë toets in die water is deur die swemmers uitgevoer. Beide hierdie toetse is gevolg deur ‘n tweede en derde maksimale inspirasie drukking 60 en 120 sekondes na die toets. Geen korrelasies is gevind tussen antropometrie en respiratoriese spier sterkte vir beide mans en dames. In die geval van mans, het lengte, gewig, bolyf lengte, bi- akromiale breedte en die omtrek van die middel 17% uitgemaak van die variansie in MIP (P = 0.34). Die variasie van MEP is uitgemaak deur 15.6% van lengte, gewig, bolyf lengte, biakromiale lengte en die omtrek van die middel (P = 0.41). Vir dames het gewig, bolyf length, arm reikwydte, bi –akromiale breedte en bors omtrek ’n 28.4% rol gespeel in die variansie van MIP (P = 0.17), maar die variasie in MEP is voorspel met 22% deur bolyf length, arm length, arm reikwydte, liggaams massa indeks en bors omtrek (P = 0.32). Respiratoriese spier uithouvermoê het ‘n korrelasie getoon met sekere antropometriese veranderlikes en ‘n statisties beduidende vergelyking vir mans MWV: -312.51 + (2.83 x Arm reikwydte) – (0.38 x Som van 8 velvoue) waar arm reikwydte en som van ag velvoue was verantwoordelik vir 47.3% van die variansie in MWV. Die dames se MWV het ook ‘n statisties beduidende vergelyking getoon: MWV = -106.7 + (1.5 x gewig) + (1.0 x Arm reikwydte) – (0.2 x Som van 8 velvoue) waar gewig, arm reikwydte en die som van ag velvoue verantwoordelik was vir 45% van die variansie in MWV. Slegs MID en MED het statisties beduidende korrelasies ( onderskeidelik r = 0.63, P < 0.01 and r = 0.66, P < 0.02 ) getoon met die spoed uithouvermoë toets op land. Geen korrelasie is tussen MWV en die geforseerde vitale kapasiteit toetse gevind al was die verband statistiese beduidend. Beide MID en MED het ’n korrelasie met die spoed uithouvermoë toets in die water getoon (r = -0.55, P < 0.02 vir beide). Die geforseerde vitale kapasiteit toets het ook ’n korrelasie met die spoed uithouvermoë toets, tog was dit nie statisties beduidend nie (r = -0.51, P < 0.44). MWV het geen korrelasie getoon met die spoed uithouvermoë toets op land. Sestig sekondes na die spoed uithouvermoë toets is ’n 14.39 % respiratoriese spier uitputting in die land gebaseerde groep (netbal – en rugby spelers), 9.04% respiratoriese spier uitputting in die water gebaseerde groep (swemmers) en ’n 41.02% respiratoriese spier uitputting in die kontrole groep gevind. Na 120 sekondes was die respiratoriese spiere van die land gebaseerde groep steeds 8.43% uitgeput in vergelyking met die 3.54% van die water gebaseerde groep en die 24.64% van die kontrole groep. Dus speel antropometrie ‘n matige rol in respiratories spier uithouvermoë en selfs ‘n kleiner rol in respiratoriese spier sterkte. Die verband tussen respiratoriese spier funksies en die spoed uithouvermoë toets het gevarieer tussen die land – en die water gebaseerde groepe, maar respiratoriese spier funksies kan ‘n matige rol speel in die voorspelling van die prestasie in die spoed uithouvermoë toets. Die kontrole groep het meer respiratoriese spier uitputting ervaar na die spoed uithouvermoë toets, dus beteken dit dat geoefende en ongeoefend persone respiratoriese spier uitputting sal ervaar.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / Talent identification has been defined as the process by which children are measured on a number of physical and performance variables that are perceived to be a requisite for success within a given sport (Abbott & Collins, 2002:158). One important element in talent identification testing is the capacity to interpret scores. This requires the development of relevant norms for the populations groups who will be involved. The purpose of this study was to generate norms for the interpretation of scores earned by children with disabilities on a basic talent identification screening test battery. The study was focused only on children with intellectual impairments, children with hearing impairments and children with visual impairments. The Talent Search test battery as prescribed by DISSA (Disability Sport South Africa, 2002) found in their screening manual for basic sporting ability of persons with disabilities was used to assess subjects on performance variables. This included body height, sitting height, arm span, body mass, eye-hand coordination, sound localization and eye- hand coordination (for the those with VI), upper body power, leg power, agility, running speed and aerobic fitness (cardiovascular endurance). The group of 140 subjects included 49 children with intellectual impairments (N=27 males and N=22 females), 58 children with hearing impairments (N=35 males and N=23 females) and 33 children with a visual impairment of which 11 (N=7 males and N=4 females) needed to run with a guide and 22 (N=17 males and N=5 females) where independent runners. The descriptive data was processed to produce percentile tables. One problem area was found with testing the eye-hand coordination of children with intellectual impairment, where more than 50% of the children were not able to obtain a score at all. It was also found that some children with hearing impairments had slow running times for the agility run test item, which led to the conclusion that vestibular etiology must be identified prior to the interpretation of test scores.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a customised training programme on the physical components of first league netball players. The key physical variables that affect netball performance were identified as aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, power, muscle strength, flexibility, speed, agility, and muscle endurance. The fitness tests and norms used in this study were mainly based on the Australian protocol, “Physiological Tests for the Assessment of Netball Players”. Two netball clubs in the Boland participated in this study. These two teams played in the same netball league, but they were not matched in any other way. The experimental group (n=14) followed the customised training programme, while the control group (n=16) followed their normal training sessions. After baseline testing, the experimental group completed 23 training sessions in which specific aspects of netball fitness were addressed. After 16 weeks, both groups repeated all the tests. Through statistical analysis, the effect of the training programme was determined, and the differences between the experimental and control groups were quantified. Results of the study revealed the following: 1. The experimental group was statistically significantly better in all the fitness tests during baseline testing, compared to the control group. 2. Power improved significantly through this customised training programme. 3. Although only a few variables changed significantly after the training programme, the experimental group did perform better in most fitness tests after the programme. This study shows that a customised training programme has the potential to improve certain aspects of a netball player’s fitness. The programme should, however, be longer and more sport-specific to produce the desired results. Top netball players should rely on not only their netball skills to be successful, but should also develop their physical capacities optimally.