Female participation in high-contact sports has increased dramatically in the past two decades, raising concern regarding injury to the female breast and the need for protective equipment. While the use of chest/breast protectors by women is advocated, little is known of their efficacy and effect on athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chest/breast protector use on measures of performance and comfort, and to determine the mechanical response of the protectors to applied impacts. The four chest/breast protectors selected for study included rigid polyethylene and flexible closed-cell foam styles. To evaluate physiological and comfort differences among the control (no protector) condition and the protectors, female subjects completed a submaximal treadmill running protocol, during which metabolic, skin temperature and perceived comfort data were collected. To evaluate effects on general agility, subjects completed a timed agility test. To assess cushioning properties, the vertical acceleration-time and force-displacement histories of a projectile during surface contact with each protector were analyzed using a drop test method. Analysis of variance methods were used to compare metabolic, temperature, comfort, agility, and energy absorption variables. Graphic presentations accompanied by qualitative interpretation of data across the time history of the impacts were used to describe cushioning properties of the protectors. The chest/breast protectors in this study did not significantly increase oxygen consumption for submaximal treadmill running. Some but not all protectors produced significantly higher skin temperatures than the no-protector condition. Greater temperatures and temperature differentials between the skin and exterior equipment surface were associated with multiple plastic/fabric layers and closed-cell foam construction. No protectors produced significantly higher ratings of thermal sensation or perceived skin wettedness than the control condition. Two protectors were assessed as similar to the control condition on general comfort sensation while two were deemed to be significantly less comfortable. There was no decrease in general agility associated with protector wear. The closed cell foam protector generally showed better shock attenuation characteristics, while the rigid protectors generally demonstrated superior shock absorption. Relationships with regard to cushioning properties changed in response to systematic variation of missile mass and drop height. / Graduation date: 1992

The purpose of this project was to review anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) literature and develop a performance evaluation and injury risk assessment (PIER) for female soccer players. A strategy guide for decreasing injury risk and enhancing performance was developed in hopes to bring awareness to the athletic community about ACL injury for female soccer players.

Background: Clothing and protective gear worn during intermittent exercise has shown to increase physiological and perceptual responses, and negatively impact performance capacities, due to increased heat strain, suggested to hasten the onset of fatigue. However, the mechanisms of fatigue experienced in rugby remain unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was establish whether clothing and protective gear worn during a simulated rugby protocol impacts players‘ biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses. Methods: 15 registered university and school first XV rugby players with a mean (± SD) age of 20.9 years (± 1.9) volunteered to participate in the study. Testing was performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with temperatures having to be within the range of 16º C-22º C. The mean (± SD) ambient temperature was 17.6º C (± 1.6) for the control condition and 17.3º C (1.5) for the experimental condition. The mean (± SD) relative humidity was 65.2 % (± 9.5) for the control condition and 66.3 % (± 10.0) for the experimental condition. Player‘s performed two protocols of 80-minutes; a control condition (minimal clothing and protective gear) and an experimental condition (full clothing and protective gear). Physiological, perceptual and performance responses were measured at set intervals during the protocol, while biophysical responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol during a 3-minute EMG treadmill protocol. Results: Muscle activity significantly (p< 0.05) increased with increasing running speeds. There were no significant (p> 0.05) differences for muscle activity between conditions, except for the semitendinosus muscle, which was significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the control condition while running at high speeds. Players‘ heart rates, core temperatures and perceptual responses were significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition. Performance responses were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during the experimental condition. Conclusion: The main driver of physiological and perceptual responses was the exercise itself. However, the additional clothing and protective gear exacerbated the responses, particularly towards the end stages of the protocol. This negatively impacted players‘ performance. Muscle activity appeared to be unaffected by increased body temperatures. However, core temperatures never reached critically high levels during either condition.

[Truncated abstract] Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are a major problem in sport. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the causative factors of ACL injuries and to study the effect of various types of lower-limb training on underlying neuromuscular mechanisms involved in stabilisation and risk of ACL injury. Investigation of the mechanisms was conducted on controlled balance and strength tests as well as in sporting manoeuvres. It was aimed to assess if the neuromuscular changes map over into the performance of sporting manoeuvres and if potential for loading on the ACL and risk of injury was reduced or exacerbated . . . ACL strain can be decreased through reduction in the applied loads and greater knee flexion. Further to this, muscle activation has the ability to reduce loading on the ACL through co-contraction and selective activation patterns. This thesis demonstrated differing neuromuscular adaptations from various training types that map over into the performance of sporting manoeuvres. The research indicated that the Balance-Training was the most favourable in reducing potential for injury risk on the ACL. Alternatively strength training elicited neuromuscular changes that were likely to increase the risk of force on the ACL. The Machine+Balance training resulted in some negative and positive outcomes with the balance training tending to counteract the negative affects of machine weights training resulting in small improvements in muscular support and load reduction. This study provides us with better understanding of the underlying mechanisms from various training types and their potential affect on risk of ACL injury.

M.Phil (Sport Management) / Physical Education and sport has a natural place in education whether the approach is formal or informal. Providing learners with the opportunity to play sport at school and to participate in Physical Education ensure that they receive education that addresses the body, mind and spirit. Participation in sport and physical activities in the education environment involves, next to enjoyment, a range of risks. Unfortunately, incidents of injuries and accidents that could have been prevented do occur. These may lead to allegations ofnegligence on the part of a coach, official or even a spectator. It is an educator's duty to ensure that in all matters pertaining to children, including participation in sport and physical activities, the principle of acting in the best interests of the child must take precedence. Proper safety practices and procedures should be implemented by the educator and the school in order to prevent injuries. Risk management is one of the methods by which sport educators can provide the safest possible environment for their participants. This is necessary not only to comply with legal requirements but also to demonstrate sound educational principles that support learnercentered education. This study sought to identify the key problems surrounding the safety of learners engaged in physical activities in the context of sport, Physical Education and recreation in South African independent schools. It analyzed the .qualifications and experience of sport and Physical Education teachers as well as educators' knowledge of risk management practices. An assessment was made about the extent to which risk management procedures were implemented in various schools in order to prevent injuries from occurring.. The study was conducted from a positivistic paradigm and the design comprised a survey. The primary data was gathered by the use of a questionnaire. Secondary data was obtained using literature studies describing risk management, the law in sport and education as well as the management ofsport in schools. The study has established that in general, safety practices and procedures at independent schools in Gauteng are implemented in a prudent and responsible manner. In some schools and with some aspects improvements can still be made but the overall status appears professional and promising. It has been established that independent schools demonstrate good practice with regard to the aspects of insurance, safety measures, supervision of staff members and learners, instruction, equipment, facilities, policies and procedures...