The aim of this thesis was to develop and validate squash-specific fitness tests to identify physiological determinants of repeat-sprint ability and performance in sub-elite and elite-standard squash players. Study one examined the validity of a squash-specific test of endurance capability and VO[2max]. Trained squash players and runners completed squash-specific and treadmill incremental tests to exhaustion. Squash players achieved greater VO[2max] on the squash-specific than the treadmill test while runners did not differ. Squash players exercised longer than runners on the squash-specific test despite similar VO2max. The squash test discriminated endurance capability between squash and non-squash players of similar fitness and elicited higher VO[2max] in squash players. The results suggest that it is a valid test of aerobic fitness in squash players. Study two assessed the reproducibility of physiological and performance measures from the squash specific test in county-standard players. Test-retest variability was low for all measures (Typical error < 5%) though the magnitude varied depending on the metric used. Studies three and four examined the validity and reproducibility of squash-specific tests of change-of-direction speed and multiple-sprint ability. County-standard squash players and footballers completed squash-specific and equivalent non-specific tests on separate days. Performance time was recorded. Participants repeated the tests seven days later to assess reproducibility. Squash outperformed non-squash players on the squash-specific tests despite similar non-specific capabilities. Squash-specific tests discriminated squash player rank while non-specific tests did not. Test-retest variability was low (Typical Error < 3%) for both tests. Squash-specific tests predicted ability in squash players and discriminated between squash and non-squash players of equal nonspecific fitness. The findings suggest that the squash-specific tests are valid for the assessment of high-intensity exercise capabilities in squash players. Studies five and six explored correlates of multiple-sprint ability and performance in sub-elite and elite squash players. Squash-specific and general tests were performed by regional league players ranging from division three to premier standard and elite players on three tiers of a national performance program. In sub-elites, multiple-sprint ability and endurance capability discriminated performance and multiple-sprint ability was related to change-of-direction-speed, VO[2max] and endurance capability. In world-ranked men and women, the ability to perform and sustain rapid changes of direction correlated with multiple-sprint ability and together with multiple-sprint ability discriminated performance. Aerobic fitness was not related to performance or multiple-sprint ability in elite players. Senior elites performed better than players on the talented athlete scholarship scheme (TASS) on all tests except VO[2max] and counter-movement jump. Drop-jump power and reactive strength discriminated senior and transition level from TASS players and indices from the multiple-sprint test discriminated seniors from transition and TASS players. This thesis has validated squash-specific tests of endurance and high-intensity exercise capabilities. These tests have shown that high-intensity exercise capabilities determine performance in elites while sub-elite performance is determined by multiple-sprint ability and endurance capability. The findings can be used to improve assessment of training effects and to inform the design of effective training methods.

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie verkennende studie is onderneem om die rol van fisiese welstand rakende algehele geestesgesondheid te ondersoek. Die hoofdoelstelling is om vas te stel of daar verskille is tussen die selfkonsep en veerkragtigheid van ‘n groep individue wat kompeterend aan muurbal deelneem (vir ten minste die afgelope 12 maande) en ‘n ander groep wat geensins aan enige fisiese oefening deelneem nie (ook vir die afgelope 12 maande). Beide die groepe behoort tot die ouderdomsgroep van 50- tot 60 jariges. Hierdie navorsing is aangepak binne die positiewe paradigma van sielkunde as die wetenskaplike bestudering van die oorspronge, die prosesse en meganismes rakende optimale vlakke van menslike funksionering. Binne die kwantitatiewe benadering is ‘n vergelykende navorsingstipe gebruik. Sestig deelnemers is vir die doel van die studie gebruik. Die deelnemende groep (n=30) neem op ʼn gereelde basis aktief deel aan georganiseerde muurbal in die Meestersliga van die Westelike Provinsie se Muurbalunie. Die nie-deelnemende groep (n=30) het bestaan uit dertig individue wat glad nie aan enige fisiese oefening deelneem nie. Drie meetinstrumente is deur al die respondente voltooi, naamlik die Demografiese Vraelys, die Rosenberg Selfkonsepvraelys en die Veerkragtigheidsvraelys. Statisties beduidende verskille is gevind tussen die selfkonsep en veerkragtigheid van die deelnemende groep en nie-deelnemende groep. Die deelnemende groep het ʼn hoër selfkonseptelling en veerkragtigheidstelling as die nie-deelnemende groep getoon. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This explorative study was undertaken to investigate the role of physical well-being regarding mental wellness. The main objective was to establish whether there is a difference in the self-concept and resilience of a group of individuals who participate in squash on a competitive level (for at least the past 12 months) and an age equivalent that does not take part in any physical exercise (for also at least the past 12 months). Both these group’s members belong to the age group of 50 to 60 year olds. This research was located in the paradigm of positive psychology as the scientific study of the origins, processes and mechanisms regarding the levels of optimal human functioning. In this quantitative approach a comparative research method was used. Sixty persons were included in the sample of the study. Members of the participating group (n=30) take part in organised squash actively in the Masters League of the Western Province Squash Union on a regular basis. The non-participating group (n=30) consisted of individuals that do not take part in any physical exercise. Three measuring instruments were completed by all the respondents, namely the Demographic Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Concept Questionnaire and the Resilience Questionnaire. Significant statistical differences were found in measures of the self-concept and resilience between the participating group and the non-participating group. The participating group showed a higher self-concept score and resilience score than the non-participating group.

Abstract not available

The incidence of sudden death during or after squash play has become a source of concern. In order to screen for coronary artery disease, exercise stress testing has been advocated, by the American College of Sports Medicine (1986), for those at or above the age of 45 already exercising or before embarking on exercise. Eighteen veteran squash players (mean age 49 ± 3 yr) took part in the study. Heart rate response was monitored throughout a squash match and for an hour after play. ECG changes were monitored for one hour after squash play. Mean heart rate, throughout playing time was 148 ± 16 beats per minute (range 118 - 168 bpm), representing 86.7% of Predicted Maximum Heart Rate (PMHR). Mean maximal heart rate was 169 ± 14 bpm (range 141 - 186 bpm), representing 98.8% of PMHR. Thus squash represents a very high intensity activity for these players. On subsequent ECG monitoring, no abnormalities were detected. The results of this study confirm that squash is an extremely high intensity sport and that even veteran players play at a level close to their maximal. This level of play did not provoke subsequent cardiac arrhythmias in this small group of players, contrary to an earlier study that reported arrhythmias in one third of a group of younger players in the post match period. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1997.