Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to compile a sport psychological skills profile of track and field athletes and to determine whether a purposefully-developed psychological-skills training (PST) programme would affect this profile and athletic performance. The study was conducted in two phases. During the first phase 143 student athletes completed sport psychological skills questionnaires before competing in the 2011 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Athletics Championship. The athletes’ perceived importance of psychological skills, psychologically preparedness, and need for psychological skills training were investigated. The athletes’ best performances at the championship were recorded and their IAAF performance points calculated. The majority of the athletes perceived PST as important. However, in contrast, a large percentage was uncertain about their need for PST programmes and, alarmingly, most of the athletes under-utilized the services of sport psychologists. This could possibly indicate a resistance to PST. Overall, the results revealed poor sport psychological skill levels. Only the achievement motivation and goal directedness dimensions showed satisfactory results. Effect sizes were used to compare the sport psychological skill levels of more and less successful athletes. This revealed significant differences between the respective groups. The within-group comparisons showed that the more successful sprinters outscored the less successful sprinters in the subscales of stress control and achievement motivation. Achievement motivation was the only aspect that differed significantly between the more and less successful middle and long-distance athletes. Among the jumpers, confidence and stress control distinguished between the top and bottom athletes. The more successful throwers recorded higher imagery and achievement motivation scores than the less successful throwers. The results from the first phase were used to develop a PST programme aimed at improving the sport psychological skill levels and performance of student track and field athletes. In Phase Two, athletes from Stellenbosch University were divided into an experimental (n = 24) and control group (n = 18). Both groups underwent pre and post-testing of the same psychological skills questionnaires used in the first phase, whilst their athletic performances were recorded on both occasions. The experimental group participated in a PST programme consisting of seven sessions which covered the following topics: achievement motivation, goal-directedness, managing somatic anxiety, managing cognitive anxiety, self-confidence, concentration, and imagery. In addition to these sessions daily activities and assignments were completed in a workbook. The effectiveness of the PST programme in improving the athletes’ sport psychological skills levels is evident from the improvements observed in nine of the eleven subscales among the experimental group opposed to four skills among the control group. Inexplicably, the control group’s athletic performance improved significantly more than that of the experimental group. Further research into the role and effectiveness of PST in track and field is recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om ’n sportsielkundige vaardigheidsprofiel vir baan- en veldatlete saam te stel en om te bepaal tot watter mate ’n sportsielkundige vaardigheidsprogram (SVP) hierdie profiel en atletiekprestasie sal beïnvloed. Die navorsing het uit twee fases bestaan. Gedurende fase een het 143 studente-atlete verskeie sportsielkundige vraelyste voltooi voor deelname aan die 2011 Suid-Afrikaanse Studente-Atletiekkampioenskappe (USSA). Die atlete se persepsie oor die belangrikheid van sielkundige vaardighede, sielkundige voorbereiding en behoefte aan onderrig in sielkundige vaardighede is ondersoek. Die atlete se beste vertonings tydens die kampioenskappe is gemonitor en hul IAAF- prestasiepunte bereken. Die meerderheid van hierdie atlete het aangedui dat sportsielkundige vaardigheidsontwikkeling belangrik is, maar in teensteling hiermee het ’n groot persentasie aangedui dat hulle onseker is oor hul behoefte aan sportsielkundige vaardigheidsontwikkeling. Die bevinding dat die meerderheid van die atlete nie genoegsaam van sportsielkundige dienste gebruik maak nie, is kommerwekkend. Hierdie verskynsel kan op ’n weerstand teen sportsielkundige vaardigheids-ontwikkeling dui. In geheel het die sportsielkundige profiel van hierdie baan- en veldatlete swak vertoon, behalwe vir prestasiemotivering en doelgerigtheid wat bevredigende resultate opgelewer het. Effekgroottes is gebruik om die sportsielkundige vaardighede van minder en meer suksesvolle atlete met mekaar vergelyk. Dit het beduidende verskille tussen die groepe opgelewer. Die binnegroepvergelykings het getoon dat meer suksesvolle naellopers hoër tellings as minder suksesvolle naellopers in die volgende subskale behaal het: stresbeheer en prestasiemotivering. Prestasiemotivering was ook die enigste subskaal wat tussen meer en minder suksesvolle middel- en langafstandatlete kon onderskei. Selfvertroue en stresbeheer was twee aspekte wat tussen meer en minder suksesvolle springers gediskrimineer het. Prestasiemotivering en beelding was die enigste sportsielkundige dimensies wat tussen meer en minder suksesvolle gooiers kon onderskei. Die meer suksesvolle gooiers het beter vlakke met betrekking tot hierdie twee subskale getoon. Die resultate van die eerste fase is gebruik om ’n sportsielkundige intervensieprogram te ontwikkel waardeur sielkundige vaardighede en prestasie van tersiêre baan- en veldatlete verbeter kan word. In die tweede fase is atlete van die Stellenbosch Universiteit in ’n eksperimentele- (n = 24) en kontrolegroep (n = 18) verdeel. Beide groepe het dieselfde sportsielkundige vraelyste as in die eerste fase, voor en na afloop van die intervensieprogram, waaraan die eksperimentele groep meegedoen het, voltooi. Alle deelnemers se atletiekprestasies is voor en na afloop van die intervensieprogram genoteer. Die eksperimentele groep het aan die ontwikkelde sportsielkundige vaardigheidsprogram deelgeneem wat uit die volgende sewe sessies bestaan het: prestasiemotivering, doelgerigtheid, somatiese angsbeheer, kognitiewe angsbeheer, selfvertroue, konsentrasie en beelding. Hierdie sessies is deur daaglikse aktiwiteite aangevul en opdragte wat in ’n werkboek voltooi moes word. Die effektiwiteit van die program in die ontwikkeling van sielkundige vaardighede blyk duidelik uit die bevinding dat die eksperimentele groep betekenisvolle verbeteringe getoon het in nege uit elf sportsielkundige vaardighede teenoor die vier vaardighede wat by die kontrolegroep verbeter het. ’n Onverklaarbare bevinding was egter dat die kontrolegroep se atletiekprestasies betekenisvol meer verbeter het as die eksperimentele groep s’n. Verdere navorsing oor die rol en effektiwiteit van sportsielkundige vaardigheidsontwikkeling in atletiek word aanbeveel.

Thesis (MScSportSc)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The premise of this study focused on the holistic approach to the human body, mainly the connection between the brain and the body. According to Sibley and Etnier (2003:243) both the brain and the body are involved in all forms of learning and should not be considered as separate entities. Therefore, interdependent entities, in other words, what happens to one will affect the other. It is important to realize that learners attend school as holistic beings and that both the body and the brain require sufficient stimulation throughout the day. The purpose of this study focused on the effect of intervention programmes ([1] an integrated academic skills and physical development programme and [2] a moderately intensive physical activity programme) on Grade 2 learners' academic abilities, particularly with regard to literacy and numeracy skills. The study took place at two Afrikaans primary schools (a Quintile 5 school [School A] and a Quintile 1 school [School B]) in the Stellenbosch area. Six Grade 2 classes these schools were used for the purpose of this study. These six groups served as the sample. In this study a quasi-experimental design was used where participants were selected through a convenience sample. The participants that were divided into already existing class groups were made available by the schools. It was thus not possible to select learners randomly. Two Grade 2 groups (the experimental groups) from each school [A1 (n = 25), A2 (n = 26), B1 (n = 23) and B2 (n = 23)], took part in the two intervention programmes, whereas one Grade 2 group from each school (the control group) [A3 (n = 25), and B3 (n = 27)], did not participate in the intervention programmes. The Grade 2 groups consisted of both boys and girls. In the experimental group 48 boys and 49 girls took part in two intervention programmes (N = 97). The control group consisted of 22 boys and 30 girls participants (N = 52). Data was collected by means of a questionnaire and a pre- and post-test. The experimental and control groups completed the questionnaire and pre-test before the start of the intervention and the post-test after the intervention. The measuring instruments that were used during the pre- and post-tests were the VASSI Mathematical skills test and the ESSI Reading and Spelling Test. The two research schools used for the purpose of this study are located in diverse communities. School A is embedded in a more affluent community and School B in a less affluent community. School A is largely regarded as a functional and School B as a dysfunctional school. This means that in School A good school management, discipline and order, good knowledge of the curriculum content, low teacher / pupil absenteeism, good opportunities and resources, low repetition rates and little or no early school leaving by learners takes place. School B complies with the opposite characteristics and find it difficult to uphold the above-mentioned standards. Before the start of the study it became clear that the participants of the respective schools’ differed in literacy and numeracy abilities, as well as in participation in physical activities. Test results using the VASSI Mathematical skill test and the ESSI Reading and Spelling Test indicated that School A and B’s participants’ abilities differed in relation to literacy and numeracy skills. School A did better than School B in both literacy and numeracy during the pre-test. Through the information gathered using the questionnaire, it can be concluded that the two schools offer different opportunities to their learners with respect to movement experiences. School A's learners take part in sport and physical education (PE) throughout the year whereas School B did not offer these opportunities to learners. After the intervention programmes and through the use of the post-tests the results indicated that School A and B both showed progress in literacy and numeracy, although it was not statistically significant (p <0.01). Compared to the pre-test results and information gathered through the questionnaire the post-test results indicated that School B, with the least amount of movement opportunities, showed the greatest progress. Specifically the experimental group that took part in the moderately intensive physical activity programme indicated good progress in spelling. The afore-mentioned was not statistically significant and is only regarded as a tendency that warrants further research. Based on the results obtained by the current study general recommendations were made for education practice. It is essential that the importance of physical activity must be recognised. Physical activities can have an effect on the holistic development of the child. Hacker (2008:1) supports the afore-mentioned and believes that physical activities facilitate the development of the building blocks upon which learning processes rests. Thus, policy makers, education departments, teachers, parents and students need to understand the role of physical activity in the learning process. It is also of importance that teachers receive the necessary training in PE. It could be beneficial if refreshment courses or workshops with information regarding gross motor development are offered annually (or more) to PE teachers. Another recommendation eludes to the amount of time spent in schools on PE. The intense focus as on other scholastic subjects should be applied with the same intensity to PE. Additionally, in the South African education system PE should enjoy greater prominence. Thus, it is important that PE should have a daily slot in the school timetable. Recommendations for further research that could have played a role in the results of the present study refers to the sample size. The sample of the present study does not necessarily represent the rest of the Grade 2 groups in South Africa. Therefore, it is proposed that similar studies in future make use of larger samples sizes. It is important to choose the appropriate period in which the study should take place. It could be beneficial to perform a similar study later in the year, especially with regard to the transition from Grade 1 to Grade 2. This will enable the participants to have the necessary reading skills to complete the pre-and post-tests. Specific arrangements regarding space should be cleared up with schools and teachers. A schedule should be drawn up for the duration of the study. It is also recommended that the study be carried out over a longer period. The assumption is that if the intervention takes place over a longer period of time the effect of physical activity on several domains (cognitive, emotional, social and physical) may have been greater. With all the information put forward by the study, it is strongly recommended that the role of PE in schools be reconsidered. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die uitgangspunt van hierdie studie het op die holistiese benadering tot die menslike liggaam gefokus, hoofsaaklik die verbintenis tussen die brein en die liggaam. Volgens Sibley en Etnier (2003:243) betrek enige vorm van leer beide die brein en die liggaam en word beide nie as aparte entiteite beskou nie. Dus, interafhanklike entiteite, met ander woorde wat met die een gebeur sal die ander affekteer. Dit is van belang om te besef dat ‘n leerder skool as ‘n totaliteitswese bywoon en dat beide die liggaam en die brein genoegsame stimulering gedurende die dag moet ontvang. Die doel van hierdie studie het op die invloed wat intervensieprogramme ([1] ‘n geïntegreerde akademiese vaardigheid en fisieke ontwikkelingsprogram en [2] ‘n matig-intensiewe fisieke aktiwiteitsprogram) op Graad 2-leerders se akademiese vermoëns, spesifiek in terme van geletterdheid en syfervaardighede, gefokus. Die studie het by twee Afrikaanse laerskole (‘n Kwintiel 5 [Skool A] en ‘n Kwintiel 2 skool [Skool B]) in die Stellenbosch omgewing plaasgevind. Ses Graad 2-klasse in hierdie skole is vir die doel van hierdie studie gebruik. Hierdie ses groepe het as die steekproef gedien. In hierdie studie is daar van ‘n kwasi-eksperimentele ontwerp gebruik gemaak waar deelnemers deur middel van ‘n gerieflikheidsteekproef geselekteer is. Die deelnemers wat in reeds bestaande klasgroepe verdeel was, is deur die skole beskikbaar gestel. Dit was dus nie moontlik om leerders ewekansig te selekteer nie. Twee Graad 2-groepe (die eksperimentelegroepe) uit elke skool [A1 (n=25), A2 (n=26), B1(n=23) en B2 (n=23)] het aan die twee intervensieprogramme deelgeneem, terwyl een Graad 2-groep uit elke skool (die kontrolegroepe) [A3 (n=25) en B3 (n=27)] nie aan die intervensieprogramme deelgeneem het nie. Die Graad 2-groepe het uit seuns sowel as meisies bestaan. In die eksperimentelegroepe het 48 seuns en 49 meisies aan die twee intervensieprogramme deelgeneem (N=97). Die kontrolegroepe het uit 22 seuns en 30 meisies bestaan (N=52). Data is deur middel van ‘n vraelys en ‘n voor- en na-toets ingesamel. Die eksperimentele- en kontrolegroepe het voor die aanvang van die intervensieprogramme ‘n vraelys en voor-toets voltooi en na afloop van die intervensieprogramme ’n na-toets. Die meetinstrumente wat gedurende die voor- en na-toets gebruik is, was die VASSI-Wiskundige vaardigheidstoets en die ESSI-Lees- en Speltoets. Die twee navorsingskole wat vir die studie gebruik is, is in uiteenlopende gemeenskappe geleë. Skool A is in ‘n meer welvarende gemeenskap geleë en Skool B in ‘n minder welvarende gemeenskap. Skool A kan hoofsaaklik as ‘n funksionele skool bestempel word en Skool B as ‘n disfunksionele skool. Dit beteken dat Skool A vir goeie skoolbestuur, dissipline en orde, goeie kennis van die kurrikuluminhoud, lae onderwyser/leerder-afwesigheid, goeie geleenthede en hulpbronne, lae herhalingsyfers en min of geen vroeë skoolverlating deur leerders bekend is. Skool B voldoen aan die teenoorgestelde eienskappe en sukkel om aan laasgenoemde standaarde te voldoen. Voor die aanvang van die studie het dit duidelik geblyk dat die deelnemers in die onderskeie skole se vermoëns in geletterdheid en syfervaardigheid, asook deelname aan fisieke aktiwiteite, verskil het. Voor-toets resultate wat met behulp van die VASSI-Wiskundige vaardigheidstoets en ESSI-Leesen Speltoets bekom is, het daarop gedui dat Skool A en B se deelnemers se vermoë met betrekking tot geletterdheid en syfervaardighede verskil. Skool A het beter as Skool B in beide geletterdheid en syfervaardigheid gedurende die voor-toets gevaar. Vanuit die inligting wat met behulp van die vraelyste ingesamel is, kan daar afgelei word dat die twee skole verskillende geleenthede ten opsigte van bewegingservarings aan hulle leerders bied. Skool A se leerders neem regdeur die jaar aan sport en Liggaamlike Opvoeding (LO) deel, terwyl Skool B nie hierdie geleenthede aan die leerders bied nie. Na afloop van die intervensieprogramme en met behulp van die na-toets het resultate getoon dat vordering in geletterdheid en syfervaardigheid by Skool A en B voorgekom het, alhoewel nie statisties beduidend (p<0.01) nie. In vergelyking met die voor-toets resultate en die inligting wat uit die vraelys bekom is, het die na-toets resultate getoon dat Skool B wat oor die minste bewegingsgeleenthede beskik, die grootste vordering getoon het. Spesifiek die eksperimentelegroep wat aan die matig-intensiewe fisieke aktiwiteitsprogram deelgeneem het, het goeie vordering in spelvermoëns getoon. Laasgenoemde is nie statisties beduidend nie en word slegs as ‘n tendens beskou wat verdere navorsing regverdig. Op grond van die resultate is algemene aanbevelings vir die onderwyspraktyk vanuit die studie gemaak. Dit is van belang dat die belangrikheid van fisieke aktiwiteite herken word. Fisieke aktiwiteite kan ‘n effek op die holistiese ontwikkeling van die kind hê. Hacker (2008:1) ondersteun laasgenoemde en is van mening dat fisieke aktiwiteit die ontwikkeling van die boustene waarop die leerproses gebou word fasiliteer. Dus, moet beleidmakers, onderwysdepartemente, onderwysers, ouers en leerders die rol van fisieke aktiwiteite in die leerproses verstaan. Dit is ook van belang dat onderwysers die nodige opleiding in LO ontvang. Dit kan voordelig wees as opknappings kursusse of werkswinkels met inligting aangaande grootmotoriese ontwikkeling jaarliks (of meer) aan LO onderwysers aangebied kan word. Nog ‘n aanbeveling dui op die tyd wat aan LO by skole gespandeer moet word. Die intense fokus op ander skolastiese vakke moet met dieselfde erns op LO toegepas word en in die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwyssisteem moet LO groter prominensie geniet. Dus, is dit van belang dat LO daagliks ‘n tydgleuf op die skoolrooster moet hê. Aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing wat ‘n rol in die resultate van die huidige studie kon gehad het, verwys na die grootte van die steekproef. Die steekproef van die huidige studie verteenwoordig nie noodwendig die res van die Graad-2 groepe in Suid-Afrika nie. Dus, word daar voorgestel dat toekomstige soortgelyke studies groter steekproewe gebruik. Dit is van belang om die regte tydperk waarin die studie gaan plaasvind te kies. Dit kan voordelig wees om soortgelyke studie later in die jaar uit te voer, veral met betrekking tot die oorgang van Graad 1 na Graad 2. Dit sal die deelnemers in staat stel om oor die nodige leesvaardighede te beskik wat hulle benodig om die voor- en na-toets te voltooi. Vasgestelde logistieke ten opsigte van ruimte moet met die skole en onderwysers uitgeklaar word. ‘n Skedule moet opgestel word vir die tydperk waarin die studie gaan plaasvind. Daar word ook sterk aanbeveel dat die studie oor ‘n langer tydperk uitgevoer word. Die veronderstelling is dat indien die intervensieprogramme oor ‘n langer tydperk plaasvind die moontlike effek van fisieke aktiwiteite op verskeie domeine (kognitief, emosioneel, sosiaal en fisiek) groter kan wees. Met al die inligting wat deur die studie na vore gebring is, word daar sterk aanbeveel dat die rol van LO in skole heroorweeg word.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Neuromuscular control (NMC) plays a critical role in dynamic movement regulation such as running (Nyland et al., 2011) and injury prevention (Hübcher et al., 2010). This experimental study set out to determine whether an eight-week minimalist shoe training program influences NMC in recreational distance runners. Eleven experimental (EXP) (5 women; 6 men) (age 23.4 ± 2.98 yrs; VO2max 43.55 ± 5.04 ml.min-1.kg-1; BMI 22.61 ± 3.08 kg.m2; Training 17 ± 5km.w-1) and 12 control (CON) runners (7 women; 5 men) (age 25.42 ± 5.57 yrs; VO2max 43.67 ± 4.38 ml.min-1.kg-1; BMI 22.38 ± 3.12 kg.m2; Training 18 ± 6km.w-1) randomly completed an eight-week training program in either minimalist shoe (EXP) or their usual trainers (CON). Neuromuscular control components were measured before and after the intervention i.e. postural sway (Balance Biodex®), using the Athletic Single Leg (ASL) and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB) tests, joint position sense (JPS) using joint angle reproduction tests (Biodex® Isokinetic Dynamometer), frontal and sagittal planes isokinetic strength testing, lower body electromyography (EMG) and kinematic measurements while participants ran on a treadmill. Plantar-dorsiflexion (PF/DF) or inversion eversion (IN/EV) proprioception did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). In selected trials EXP showed less deterioration in IN/ EV foot position error, when compared to CON, with medium to large practical significance. Athletic Single Leg scores for non-dominant (p < 0.01) and dominant M/L (p = 0.05) sway, and dominant overall sway (p = 0.04) improved in CON, with marked differences between genders. Dorsiflexor strength improved for 30∘.sec-1 and 60∘.sec-1speeds in CON (p < 0.01 & p = 0.04, respectively) and in the slower speed for EXP (p = 0.04). Plantar-flexion (PF) strength improved in EXP men (30∘.sec-1 p = 0.02; 60∘.sec-1 p = 0.02), while EXP women demonstrated a 7% deficit. At initial contact PF increased in EXP (8km.h-1 p = 0.01; 10km.h-1 p = 0.01; 12km.h-1 p = 0.01), with women showing a greater change in ankle angle (8km.h-1 p = 0.03; 10km.h-1 p = 0.02; 12km.h-1 p = 0.01) compared to men (8km.h-1 p = 0.05; 10km.h-1 p = 0.06; 12km.h-1 p = 0.05). Greater knee flexion (8km.h-1 ES = 0.64; 10km.h-1 ES = 0.49; 12 km.h-1 ES = 0.51) in EXP. Plantar-flexor pre-activation improved in EXP women, while co-activation improved in EXP men and total activation improved in both genders.Results suggest that women may require more time to transition into minimalist shoes. While minimalist shoes may moderately reduce foot position error, improve strength and muscle activation patterns, excessive plantar flexor muscle damage may reduce strength and muscle spindle proprioceptive feedback. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Neuromuskulêre beheer (NMC) speel ‘n kritieke rol in dinamiese beweginsregulasie, soos met hardloop (Nyland et al., 2011) en beseringsvoorkoming (Hübscher et al., 2010). Hierdie eksperimentele studie het uit gesit om te bepaal of ‘n agt-week minimalistiese skoen oefenprogram NMB kan beïnvloed in rekreasie langafstand atlete. Elf eksperimentele (EXP) (5 vrouens, 6 mans) (ouderdom 23.4 ± 2.98 jr; VO2maks 43.55 ± 5.04 ml.min-1.kg-1; BMI 22.61 ± 3.08 kg.m2; Oefening 17 ± 5km.w-1) en twaalf kontrole (CON) hardlopers (7 vrouens, 5 mans) (ouderdom 25.42 ± 5.57; VO2maks 43.67 ± 4.38 ml.min-1.kg-1; BMI 22.38 ± 3.12 kg.m2; Oefening 18 ± 6 km.w-1) het lukraak ‘n agt-week oefenprogram voltooi, óf in minimalistiese skoene (EXP) of in hul gewone hardlooptekkies (CON). Neuromuskulêre beheer komponente was gemeet voor en na die intervensie i. e. posturale wieg (Balans Biodex®), met gebruik van Atletiese Enkelbeentoets (ASL) en die gemodifiseerde Kliniese Toets van Sensoriese Integrasie en Balans (mCTSIB), gewrigs posisie bewustheid (Biodex® Isokinetiese Dinamometer), frontale en sagitalle vlak isokinetiese kragtoetsing, onderlyf elektromiografie (EMG) en biomeganiese metings terwyl deelnemers op ‘n trapmeul gehardloop het. Plantaar dorsifleksie (PF/DF) of inversie eversie (IN/EV) propriosepsie het nie verskil tussen groepe nie (p > 0.05). In selektiewe proewe het EXP IN/ EV ‘n verminderde afname gehad in foutiewe voet posisieplasings, in vergelyking met CON, terwyl medium na groot praktiese betekenisvolle verskille. . Atleet enkel been toets tellings vir nie-dominant (p=0.001) en dominante M/L (p = 0.05) wieg, en dominant algehele wieg (p = 0.04) het verbeter in CON, met gemerkte verskille tussen geslagte. Dorsifleksor krag het verbeter vir 30∘.sec-1 en 60∘.sec-1spoed in CON (p = 0.01 en p = 0.04, onderskeidelik) en in die stadiger spoed vir EXP (p = 0.04). Plantaarfleksie (PF) krag het verbeter in EXP mans (30∘.sek-1 p = 0.02; 60∘.sek-1 p = 0.02), terwyl EXP vrouens ‘n 7% tekort gedemonstreer het. By initïele kontak het PF toegeneem in EXP (8km.h-1 p = 0.01; 10km.h-1 p = 0.01; 12km.h-1 p = 0.01), met vrouens wat ‘n groter verandering getoon het (8km.h-1 p = 0.03; 10km.h-1 p = 0.02; 12km.h-1 p = 0.01), in vergelyking met mans (8km.h-1 p = 0.05; 10km.h-1 p = 0.06; 12km.h-1 p = 0.05). Groter kniefleksie (8km.h-1 ES = 0.64; 10km.h-1 ES = 0.49; 12 km.h-1 ES = 0.51) in EXP. Plantaarfleksie pre-aktivering het verbeter in EXP vrouens, terwyl ko-aktivering verbeter het in EXP mans, en totale aktivering verbeter het in beide geslagte.Hierdie resultate stel voor dat vrouens moontlik meer tyd sal vereis om na minimalistiese skoene oor te skakel. Terwyl minimalistiese skoene matige verbetering in foutiewe voetposisieplasing, verbeterde krag en spieraktiveringspatrone kan veroorsaak, kan oormatige plantaarfleksie spierskade krag en spierspoel proprioseptiewe terugvoer ook verminder.

Aim. Accurate correlations between a wide range of physical fitness measures and occupational demands are needed in order to identify specific fitness tests and training needs for firefighters. Methods. Forty-eight experienced, professional firefighters (29 ± 7.24 yrs) participated in fitness and job performance testing sessions each spaced a week apart. Analysis was performed using Pearson moment correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression with alpha set at p≤.05. Results. Significant correlations (p≤.01) were found between a job performance task (Revised Grinder) and the following: lean muscle mass (r = -.69), overall fitness (r = -.62), height (r = -.62), strength endurance: deadlift (r = -.54), bent-over row (r = -.51), bench press (r = -.51), shoulder press (r = -.46); maximal strength: hand grip strength (r = -.57), bench press (r = -.51), anaerobic capacity: 400m (r = .50), and aerobic capacity: multistage shuttle run (r = -.46). Multiple linear regression determined that lean muscle mass and aerobic capacity account for 82% of the variation in the job performance task. Conclusion. It is apparent that firefighting taxes virtually all aspects of physical fitness. This data can help the exercise specialist choose appropriate tests and prescribe specific fitness programmes for firefighters. Traditional firefighter exercise programmes focusing mainly on cardiovascular fitness should be replaced with physical conditioning programmes that address all components of fitness. Cardiovascular fitness testing should include the performance of job-related tasks to improve test validity. / Thesis (M.Sport Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

Introduction Heart rate variability (HRV) is regarded as a useful, non-invasive method for investigating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Over the past decade there has been an increase in the number of HRV investigations in the disciplines of medical, sport and exercise science. Despite the extensive use of HRV in investigations of ANS functioning, there are questions relating to the reliability of the technique. Therefore, HRV reliability studies for different population groups have been advocated. Furthermore, research on gender differences in HRV is contradictory. This has resulted in the need to investigate gender characteristics in HRV. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of short-term (5min) recordings of HRV, and to determine the association between HRV and gender. Methods Forty four physically active students (n= 21, age= 21.17 (1.55) males and n=23, age= 19.75 (1.76) females) participated in the study. Heart rate variability parameters were determined from five minute recording of interbeat intervals (IBI) using a Suunto t6 heart rate monitor (HRM). Testing was repeated over 4 consecutive days under the same conditions. The following HRV time and frequency domain measures were calculated using Kubios HRV Software Version 2.0: mean heart rate (HR), standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), percentage of beats that changed more than 50 ms from the previous beat (pNN50), low frequency in normalized units (LFnu), high frequency in normalized units (HFnu) and low frequency to high frequency ratio in normalized units (LF/HFnu ratio). The data was summarized using routine descriptive statistics. Relative reliability was calculated using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (ICC of >0.80 indicated good to excellent reliability) and absolute reliability using typical error of measurement (TEM) and TEM as a percentage of the mean score (TEM%). This statistical measures were computed for days 2 vs 3 (REL 1), 3 vs 4 (REL 2). Day 1 was used as a familiarization day. An unpaired T-test was used to determine whether there were any differences between males and females for the above HRV parameters. Significance was set at p .0.05. Results The ICCs for both REL 1 and REL 2 indicated good to excellent (ICC >0.8) reliability for IBIs and pNN50 for the time domain results. In general, the time domain results had a higher relative reliability than the frequency domain results. Males had an overall lower relative reliability than females for frequency domain parameters. Absolute reliability for REL 2 showed a slightly lower TEM value as compared to REL 1.The largest gender differences in TEM were seen in the frequency domain parameters. Specifically, for males, the TEM was higher than females for the LF/HFnu ratio (REL 2: 116%), the HFnu (REL 1: 90%) and the LFnu (REL 1: 68%). Overall the TEM% was relatively high in most HRV parameters specifically for LF/HFnu (REL 1: 31.4% females and 48.1% males; REL 2: 29.7% females and 40.4% males). These findings indicate that males have decreased absolute reliability compared to females and that random error is greater in men for the frequency domain parameters. Gender differences illustrated significant differences for resting HR (16% higher in females (p < 0.0001)), IBIs (21% higher in females (p <0.0001)) and LF/HFnu ratio (41% higher in males (p = 0.003)). The findings indicate that females have higher total HRV. Conclusions Short term recordings of HRV over consecutive days using the Suunto t6 HRM and Kubios custom HRV software are reliable depending on the HRV parameter being analysed. Overall, the relative reliability results suggest that HRV using the Suunto t6 and Kubios is good. However, the absolute reliability results suggest low reliability. In particular, males demonstrated a poorer absolute reliability (high TEM and TEM%) than females, suggesting a larger day to day random error in males. Furthermore, specific HRV measures differed between males and females demonstrating that females have higher parasympathetic modulation compared to men. The overall higher HRV in females could explain the possible cardio-protective mechanism observed in premenopausal women. Key words: Heart rate variability, Parasympathetic, Reliability, Interbeat Intervals / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

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.