Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1992.

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 (MSpor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of plyometric exercise training on the aerobic and anaerobic capacities of well-trained cyclists. Twenty male competitive cyclists (age: 24 ± SD 5 years, height: 180 ± SD 6 cm and body mass: 77 ± SD 6 kg), including 12 mountain bikers and eight road cyclists were randomly divided into an experimental (n = 13) and a control group (n = 7). Testing included kinanthropometric measurements, vertical jump test, bench pull test, maximal aerobic capacity test, indoor 5-kilometer time trial (TT), anaerobic capacity test (30-second Wingate test) and an outdoor 4.4-kilometer time trial (field test). The plyometric training program had no statistically significant effect on the maximal aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, time trial performance (laboratory and field) and vertical jump performance of the experimental group. Selected outcome variables, i.e. VO2max, PPO and MP during the Wingate test and time to complete the laboratory TT, bordered on statistical significance. The experimental group significantly improved their upper body strength. There was also a strong correlation between the outdoor TT and upper body strength (r = 0.72). Although the plyometric training program did not significantly improve the performance of the cyclists, indications were that the experimental group improved their anaerobic power and upper body strength. One previous study in the literature suggested that the effects of a plyometric training program may only become evident a few weeks after completion of the program. It is therefore possible that the cyclists in this study would have experienced the benefits of plyometric training only later, i.e. closer to the competition season when the aim of their training program is to improve power and speed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal wat die effek van pliometriese oefeninge is op die aërobiese en anaërobiese vermoëns van goed ingeoefende fietsryers. Twintig kompeterende mans fietsryers, (ouderdom: 24 ± SD 5 jaar, lengte: 180 ± SD 6 cm en gewig: 77 ± SD 6 kg), was ewekansig ingedeel in of ‘n eksperimentele (n = 13) of ‘n kontrole groep (n = 7). Die groep sluit twaalf bergfietsryers en agt padfietsryers in. Kinantropometriese metings, vertikale spronghoogte, ‘n bolyf kragtoets (“bench pull test”), ‘n maksimale aërobiese uithouvermoë toets, ‘n binneshuise 5-kilometer tydtoets (TT), ‘n anaërobiese kapasiteit toets (30-sekonde Wingate toets) en ‘n buitemuurse 4.4-kilometer tydtoets (veldtoets) was voltooi gedurende die toetsperiode. Die pliometriese oefenprogram het geen statisties betenisvolle effek op maksimale aërobiese kapasiteit, anaërobiese kapasiteit, tydtoets prestasie (laboratorium en veld) of op vertikale spronghoogte van die eksperimentele groep gehad nie. Spesifieke uitkomsveranderlikes, soos VO2maks, piek en gemiddelde kraguitset gedurende die Wingate toets, en die tyd wat dit geneem het om die laboratorium tydtoets te voltooi, het gegrens aan ‘n statistiese betekenisvolle verbetering in die eksperimentele groep. Die eksperimentele groep het ‘n betekenisvolle verbetering getoon in hul bolyfkrag na die intervensie. Daar was ook ‘n sterk verband tussen die veld tydtoets en die bolyfkrag in die eksperimentele groep (r = 0.72). Hoewel die pliometriese oefenprogram nie die prestasie van die fietsryers betekenisvol verbeter het nie, het dit tekens van verbetering in die eksperimentele groep se anaërobiese en bolyfkrag getoon. ‘n Vorige studie het voorgestel dat ‘n pliometriese inoefeningsprogram slegs na ‘n paar weke na die intervensie ‘n effek sal toon in prestasie. Daarom is dit moontlik dat die fietsryers in die studie die voordele van pliometriese oefeninge eers later ervaar het, nader aan die kompetisiefase wanneer die doel van die oefenprogram is om spoed en krag te verbeter.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine what skills and tactics distinguish local level competition from top level competition in wheelchair rugby, through the use of games analysis. Eighteen games were filmed and analysed at three different levels of competition (local club level, regional level and international level). A five-level category set was developed to generate statistics related to successful and unsuccessful performance .. Results revealed that games play at local club and regional level in South Africa were dominated by turnovers and poor ball handling skills. Wheelchair mobility also was a factor in unsuccessful play. Basic tactical play, especially on defense, was also a major cause for concern at these levels. The difference between the South African national team and three other top international teams was not the distribution of reasons for success, but rather the frequency of success rate. South Africa was successful only 45% of the time in their performance of skills while international teams were successful 77% of the time. lt was evident in this study that the standard of play in the local club and regional level in South Africa reflects on their international performance. Ball possession is frequently lost to poor passing and poor wheelchair mobility. Turnovers are more often the result of poor passing by the opponents, rather than good defense. Successful goal inbounds and side inbounds plays are too often the result of poor defense rather than good offensive play. This study demonstrates that games analysis can be a helpful tool in determining the reasons for success and lack of success during wheelchair rugby. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om deur middel van die ontleding van rolstoelrugbywedstryde te bepaal watter taktieke en vaardighede in klub- en topvlakkompetisie onderskei kan word. Agtien wedstryde is op drie verskillende kompetisievlakke (klub-, streek- en internasionale vlak) verfilm en ontleed. 'n Vyfvlak kategoriestelsel is ontwerp om die suksesvlak, al dan nie, statisties in al drie kompetisievlakke aan te dui. Die resultate dui dat wedstryde op klub- en streeksvlak deur swak balhantering en verlies van balbesit (turnovers) gekenmerk word. Onvoldoende vaardigheid in rolstoelmobiliteit en tekorkominge in die taktiek van basies verdedigende spel was ook bydraende faktore. Die verskil tussen die Suid-Afrikaanse rolstoelrugbyspan en drie ander top internasionale spanne, was nie soseer verskillende oorsake vir onsuksesvolle spel nie, maar eerder die mate (hoeveelheid) sukses wat behaal is deur vaardige en taktiese spel. Die Suid-Afrikaans span was slegs 45% suksesvol in hul vaardighedsuitvoering, terwyl die internasionale spanne 'n 77% suksessyfer behaal het. Die studie dui verder aan dat die spelstandaarde wat op klub- en streeksvlak gehandhaaf word, neerslag vind in die Suid-Afrikaanse nasionale span. Hier word balbesit dikwels verloor as gevolg van swak aangee en swak rolstoelbeweeglikheid. Die verkryging van balbesit (turnovers) is meer dikwels as gevolg van swakbalhantering (aangee) deur die opponenete as goeie verdediging deur die Suid-Afrikaanse span. Suksesvolle afgooie na die aanteken van 'n doel, asook suksesvolle kant-ingooie, is eerder die resultaat van swak verdediging deur die opponente as goeie aanvallende spel. Die studie bewys dat die verfilming en ontleding van wedstryde, 'n waardevolle hulpmiddel kan wees vir bepaling van redes vir sukses, aldan nie, in rolstoelrugby.

This study aimed to document the effects of regular exercise and physical activity on the aged. Subjects (n=S8) over the age of sixty-five participated in the study. All subjects were patrons from various retirement centers of the DAFTA organization (Durban Association for the Aged). The subjects completed a PAR-Q and informed consent form, which allowed the eligible to participate in the study. A pre and post-test battery was administered to measure the following parameters; body mass, height, girth measurement, agility and dynamic balance, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, co-ordination, dynamic grip strength and aerobic capacity. During the experimental period the subjects engaged in a structured intervention exercise programme of 30 weeks. The intervention programme composed of games, walking, stretching, flexibility and resistance training exercises aimed at improving the following fitness components; agility and dynamic balance, strength, flexibility, co-ordination and aerobic capacity. Inferential and differential statistical methods were employed in order to analyzethe data. The study indicated that regular exercise and physical activity positively impacted the senior citizens' functional capacity and improved their quality of life (p<O.OS). The intervention programme served its purpose well. There are, however, many changes to be made to suit specific institutions and individuals. To ensure similar positive effects, follow-up exercise programmes would be necessary. / Thesis (M.Sport Sc.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2002.

Sport has become a major industry as well as a key cultural preoccupation in contemporary society. Cities are increasingly using major sporting events and activities to re-image themselves, promote urban development and fund economic growth and regeneration. Major sport events are often recognised for their ability to generate significant economic benefits for the host destination. The major difference between this study and other economic impact studies is that the event is tracked over a two-year period. This afforded the author the opportunity to compare and note the variations in the data over the two years. Initially, the study purports to analyse the economic impact of the Comrades Marathon on the City of Durban. A secondary objective is to demonstrate the value of such a major sporting event to the regional and provincial governments as well as the formal and informal businesses in the city. Durban like other key cities in the world is and will increasingly be confronted by two main and related challenges. Firstly, there is need to successfully compete in a universal economy characterised by increased competition and globalization. Secondly, there is need to eliminate poverty and address issues of inequality and marginalization. Thus, the Comrades Marathon, as a major sporting event, can be seen as a primary driver to create jobs and contribute to competitiveness. As stated the research was conducted over two years viz. 2004 and 2005 thus representing an "up" and a "down" run. The questionnaire method and interviews were employed for this study and were administered to accommodate the alternate runs. The questionnaire requested data on the age, gender, occupations, income levels, spending patterns and the types of activities that the population found attractive. The population consisted of foreign runners and supporters, runners and supporters that reside in other provinces of South Africa, stall holders at the Comrades Expo that is normally held over three days prior to the race, representatives of the sponsors of the event and vendors. The sample was selected randomly from the population. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with representatives from the hotel industry in Durban, the Acting-Chief Executive Officer and committee members of the Comrades Marathon Association and the Marketing Managers/Public Relations Officers of three major shopping malls located in Durban. Turco, Swart, Bob and Moodley (2003) reported that the leverage ratio that is public sector input against private sector response indicated that the 2001 Comrades Marathon together with other major sporting events held in the city were successful and contributed significantly to the Durban economy. The leverage ratio is illustrative of the amount of money that was accrued to the private sector with every Rand spend by the public sector. Consideration was given to the total revenue generated by peoples' average spending at the events and the total amount accruing to the accommodation industry. Cognisance must be taken that the leverage ratio does not consider overall spending in Durban as well as other general multipliers such as revenue generated from transport, other financial transactions, product suppliers, guided tours, established businesses and informal traders. The findings showed that the leverage ratio for 2004 was computed to be 1:216.38 that is for every Rand spent by the public sector on the event R216.38 was generated by the private sector. In addition, the leverage ratio for 2005 was computed to be 1:434.49 that is for every Rand spend by the public sector on the event R434.49 was generated by the private sector. Thus, the expenditure was considerably higher in 2005 with an upsurge of R31 819 272 that is an increase of 33%. The fundamental idea behind the economic impact of sporting events is that it injects a significant increase in the demand of goods and services into the economy. This effect is not simply the direct effect of consumer spending but also the indirect effects caused by the stimulus to the economic activities induced by the direct effects. / Thesis (M.Sport Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.