Thesis (M.Phys.Ed.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2003. / Bibliography: leaves 161-171. Also available online.

Thesis (MPhysT. (Sports Medicine))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio) / Being involved in soccer in Rwanda at both national and international level exposes soccer players to the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to identify common soccer injuries among the 1st and 2nd division soccer teams in Rwanda and to establish the need for physiotherapy intervention. This deals with the first two stages of injury prevention, which included identification and description of the extent of the problem and the identification of factors and mechanisms that play a part in the occurrence of injuries. / South Africa

Thesis (M.Sc.( Sports Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation)) --Sefako Makgatho Medical University, 2013. / Introduction: Soccer predisposes its players to a number of injuries which could adversely affect the player’s career if relevant management is not instituted. The aim of the study was to develop a profile of soccer injuries amongst the premier soccer teams in Lesotho and determine a need for physiotherapy intervention. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive survey was used. Simple random selection was used to select a total of 201 soccer players from 12 premier teams participated in the study. Inferential statistics were performed using ANOVA, ANCOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests to determine the relationship of the players’ injuries, contributing factors and their management. Questionnaire’s validity and reliability were established by physiotherapist working with athletes. Results: The lower limb is the commonly affected body part with the ankle sustaining most injuries (36.4%). Common types of injuries were muscle strains (32.4%) and ligament sprains (23.0%). Mechanisms of injury during competitive games and training sessions include being tackled (25.2%); landing, tackling and overuse. Injuries sustained are treated sometimes by medical personnel (43.7%), traditional or home remedies (41.7%) and physiotherapist (29.6%). Ankle injuries are associated with self- treat (p= 0.020). There is a strong significant relationship between the mode of treatment (not physiotherapy) and common injuries that occurred amongst the players (p<0.05). The common mechanism of injury is also association with the common injuries that occurred (p<0.05). Conclusion and implications: Injuries occurring amongst soccer players in the Lesotho Premier Soccer League are sprains and strains and no consistent management is available for the injured players. The type and severity of common injuries indicate their impact on the soccer sporting activity. The injured player ceases activity immediately after injury. Soccer fraternity need to pay attention to provision of physiotherapy services and players have to be educated regarding appropriate injury prevention and management strategies.

Being involved in soccer in Rwanda at both national and international level exposes soccer players to the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to identify common soccer injuries among the 1st and 2nd division soccer teams in Rwanda and to establish the need for physiotherapy intervention. This deals with the first two stages of injury prevention, which included identification and description of the extent of the problem and the identification of factors and mechanisms that play a part in the occurrence of injuries.

Achieving adequate and appropriate recovery from exercise is essential in ensuring optimal performance during repeated bouts of exercise. The use of various recovery interventions has become popular in an attempt to enhance subsequent performance and accelerate post-exercise recovery. The application of various post-exercise hydrotherapy interventions has become increasingly popular, however, the majority of current recovery practices appear to be based largely on anecdotal evidence as opposed to rigorous scientific research or evidence based findings. Physiologically, various hydrotherapy protocols have been shown to affect the body via fluid shifts (interstitial to intravascular space), changes in blood flow and cardiovascular function, and reductions in oedema. The possible psychological effects of water immersion must also be considered, with athletes commonly reporting reduced sensations of fatigue and soreness following immersion. Current literature suggests both hydrostatic pressure and water temperature to be important factors influencing the success of hydrotherapy. The overall aim of the present thesis was to enhance current knowledge and understanding with regards to the physiological and performance effects of various forms of hydrotherapy, used as a post-exercise recovery intervention. Initially, four cold water immersion interventions were compared to active recovery, performed between two bouts of high intensity cycling in hot environmental conditions. Effectiveness of recovery was determined via performance in a subsequent exercise bout; in addition, core body temperature, lactate, and heart rate were recorded. The remaining studies were designed to investigate the effects of cold water immersion, hot water immersion, contrast water therapy, and passive recovery 4 (control) following exercise-induced fatigue and exercise-induced muscle damage. Rate of recovery was assessed through changes in performance, core body temperature, thigh girths, blood markers, and perceived exertion/soreness. The results of the combined studies indicate cold water immersion to be more effective than active recovery when performed immediately post-exercise between two bouts of high intensity cycling in hot environmental conditions. Additionally, both cold water immersion and contrast water therapy were effective in aiding recovery from exercise-induced fatigue and exercise-induced muscle damage. Performance variables indicated an improved maintenance or return of performance following these recovery protocols. The present studies have provided additional information to the limited knowledge base regarding the effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy interventions, specifically, the effect of such interventions on subsequent athletic performance. In conclusion, cold water immersion and contrast water therapy appear to be superior to hot water immersion, active recovery, and passive recovery following fatiguing and muscle damaging exercise. Functional and physiological recovery was enhanced following the use of these two recovery protocols.

Being involved in soccer in Rwanda at both national and international level exposes soccer players to the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to identify common soccer injuries among the 1st and 2nd division soccer teams in Rwanda and to establish the need for physiotherapy intervention. This deals with the first two stages of injury prevention, which included identification and description of the extent of the problem and the identification of factors and mechanisms that play a part in the occurrence of injuries.