Thesis (MASpor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to gain more information on respiratory muscle function of team sports. This was achieved by determining the relationship between anthropometry and respiratory muscle function and the relationship between respiratory muscle function and exercise performance. The degree of respiratory muscle fatigue after a speed endurance test on land and in water was also determined. A total of 62 subjects were tested. The group consisted of 14 netball players (age: 20.9 ± SD 2.0 years; height: 172.5 ± SD 6.1cm and weight: 66.6 ± SD 7.8 kg); 15 rugby players (age: 21.7 ± SD 2.2 years; height: 183.1 ± SD 7.3cm and weight: 92.5 ± SD 13.2 kg); 12 male swimmers (age: 18.9 ± SD 2.5 years; height: 183.3 ± SD 6.5cm and weight: 77.2 ± SD 8.6 kg); 8 female swimmers (age: 17.8 ± SD 1.6 years; height: 168.3 ± SD 5.4cm and weight: 63.9 ± SD 9.8 kg); 7 male control subjects (age: 21.4 ± SD 1.5 years; height: 179.7 ± SD 5.0cm and weight: 80.8 ± SD 10.8 kg) and 6 female control subjects (age: 21.5 ± SD 1.5 years; height: 166.9 ± SD 6.5cm and weight: 60.2 ± SD 6.7 kg). Testing included anthropometric measurements, lung function (FVC test), and respiratory muscle function (baseline MIP, MEP, MVV). Netball -, rugby players and the control subjects performed a speed endurance test on land and the swimmers performed a speed endurance test in the swimming pool. This test was followed by a second MIP measurement 60 and 120 seconds after the sprint endurance test. Respiratory muscle strength showed no correlations to anthropometry for men and women. For men, height, weight, sitting height, biiacromiale breath and waist girth accounted for 17% of the variance in MIP (P = 0.34). The variance in MEP was accounted for 15.6% by height, weight, sitting height, biacromiale breath and waist girth (P = 0.41). For women, weight, sitting height, arm span, biacromiale breath and chest girth accounted for 28.4% of the variance in MIP (P = 0.17), but MEP was accounted for only 22% by sitting height, arm length, arm span and body mass index as well as chest girth (P = 0.32). Respiratory muscle endurance showed correlations to certain anthropometry variables and had a significant regression equations for MVV in men: -312.51 + (2.83 x Arm span) – (0.38 x Sum of 8 skinfolds) and arm span and sum of eight skinfolds accounted for 47.3% of the variance in MVV. Women’s MVV also had a significant regression (P = 0.002): - 106.7 + (1.5 x Body mass) + (1.0 x Arm span) – (0.2 x Sum of 8skinfolds) and weight, arm span and sum of eight skinfolds accounted for 45% of the variance in MVV. Only MIP and MEP had significant correlations (r = 0.63, P < 0.01 and r = 0.66, P < 0.02 respectively) to the speed endurance test on land. Although significant, MVV and FVC showed no correlations to the speed endurance test. Both MIP and MEP had a correlation to the speed endurance test in the water (r = -0.55, P < 0.02 for both). FVC also had a correlation to the speed endurance test, although it was not significant (r = -0.51, P < 0.44). MVV had a poor correlation to the speed endurance test. Sixty seconds after the speed endurance test the land –based group’s (netball and rugby players grouped together) RM were 14.39% fatigued compared to the 9.04% of the water – based group (swimmers) and 41.02% of the control group. One hundred and twenty seconds after the sprint endurance test the land –based group’s RM were 8.43 fatigued compared to the 3.54% of the water –based group and the 24.64% of the control group. In conclusion, anthropometry plays a moderate role in RM endurance but even a smaller role in RM strength. The relationship between RM functions and the speed endurance test varied between the land – and water –based groups, but certain RM function can play a moderate role in the performance in this speed endurance test. All the groups experienced fatigue after the speed endurance test, but the degree was more in the control group followed by the land –based athletes compared to the water –based athletes. This indicates that stronger RM function can lead to less RM fatigue. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om die respiratoriese spier funksies van span sporte te bestudeer en is gedoen deur na die verband tussen respiratoriese spier funksies en antropometrie, die verband tussen respiratoriese spier funksies en oefen prestasie en die mate van respiratoriese spier uitputting na oefening te kyk. ‘n Totaal van 62 subjekte is getoets. Die groep het bestaan uit 14 netbal (ouderdom: 20.9 ± SD 2.0 jaar; lengte: 172.5 ± SD 6.1cm en gewig: 66.6 ± SD 7.8 kg); 15 rugbyspelers (ouderdom: 21.7 ± SD 2.2 jaar; lengte: 183.1 ± SD 7.3cm en gewig: 92.5 ± SD 13.2 kg); 12 mans swemmers (ouderdom: 18.9 ± SD 2.5 jaar; length: 183.3 ± SD 6.5cm and gewig: 77.2 ± SD 8.6 kg); 8 dames swemmers (ouderdom: 17.8 ± SD 1.6 jaar; lengte: 168.3 ± SD 5.4cm and gewig: 63.9 ± SD 9.8 kg); 7 mans kontrole subjekte (ouderdom: 21.4 ± SD 1.5 jaar; lengte: 179.7 ± SD 5.0cm and gewig: 80.8 ± SD 10.8 kg) and 6 dames kontrole subjekte (age: 21.5 ± SD 1.5 years; height: 166.9 ± SD 6.5cm and weight: 60.2 ± SD 6.7 kg). Toetsing het die volgende ingesluit: Antropometriese meetings, long funksies en respiratoriese spier funksies (basislyn maksimale inspirasie drukking (MID), maksimale ekspirasie drukking (MED), maksimale willekeuring ventilasie (MWV)). ‘n Spoed uithouvermoë toets op land is deur die netbal –, rugbyspelers en die kontrole subjekte en ‘n uitgevoer en ‘n spoed uithouvermoë toets in die water is deur die swemmers uitgevoer. Beide hierdie toetse is gevolg deur ‘n tweede en derde maksimale inspirasie drukking 60 en 120 sekondes na die toets. Geen korrelasies is gevind tussen antropometrie en respiratoriese spier sterkte vir beide mans en dames. In die geval van mans, het lengte, gewig, bolyf lengte, bi- akromiale breedte en die omtrek van die middel 17% uitgemaak van die variansie in MIP (P = 0.34). Die variasie van MEP is uitgemaak deur 15.6% van lengte, gewig, bolyf lengte, biakromiale lengte en die omtrek van die middel (P = 0.41). Vir dames het gewig, bolyf length, arm reikwydte, bi –akromiale breedte en bors omtrek ’n 28.4% rol gespeel in die variansie van MIP (P = 0.17), maar die variasie in MEP is voorspel met 22% deur bolyf length, arm length, arm reikwydte, liggaams massa indeks en bors omtrek (P = 0.32). Respiratoriese spier uithouvermoê het ‘n korrelasie getoon met sekere antropometriese veranderlikes en ‘n statisties beduidende vergelyking vir mans MWV: -312.51 + (2.83 x Arm reikwydte) – (0.38 x Som van 8 velvoue) waar arm reikwydte en som van ag velvoue was verantwoordelik vir 47.3% van die variansie in MWV. Die dames se MWV het ook ‘n statisties beduidende vergelyking getoon: MWV = -106.7 + (1.5 x gewig) + (1.0 x Arm reikwydte) – (0.2 x Som van 8 velvoue) waar gewig, arm reikwydte en die som van ag velvoue verantwoordelik was vir 45% van die variansie in MWV. Slegs MID en MED het statisties beduidende korrelasies ( onderskeidelik r = 0.63, P < 0.01 and r = 0.66, P < 0.02 ) getoon met die spoed uithouvermoë toets op land. Geen korrelasie is tussen MWV en die geforseerde vitale kapasiteit toetse gevind al was die verband statistiese beduidend. Beide MID en MED het ’n korrelasie met die spoed uithouvermoë toets in die water getoon (r = -0.55, P < 0.02 vir beide). Die geforseerde vitale kapasiteit toets het ook ’n korrelasie met die spoed uithouvermoë toets, tog was dit nie statisties beduidend nie (r = -0.51, P < 0.44). MWV het geen korrelasie getoon met die spoed uithouvermoë toets op land. Sestig sekondes na die spoed uithouvermoë toets is ’n 14.39 % respiratoriese spier uitputting in die land gebaseerde groep (netbal – en rugby spelers), 9.04% respiratoriese spier uitputting in die water gebaseerde groep (swemmers) en ’n 41.02% respiratoriese spier uitputting in die kontrole groep gevind. Na 120 sekondes was die respiratoriese spiere van die land gebaseerde groep steeds 8.43% uitgeput in vergelyking met die 3.54% van die water gebaseerde groep en die 24.64% van die kontrole groep. Dus speel antropometrie ‘n matige rol in respiratories spier uithouvermoë en selfs ‘n kleiner rol in respiratoriese spier sterkte. Die verband tussen respiratoriese spier funksies en die spoed uithouvermoë toets het gevarieer tussen die land – en die water gebaseerde groepe, maar respiratoriese spier funksies kan ‘n matige rol speel in die voorspelling van die prestasie in die spoed uithouvermoë toets. Die kontrole groep het meer respiratoriese spier uitputting ervaar na die spoed uithouvermoë toets, dus beteken dit dat geoefende en ongeoefend persone respiratoriese spier uitputting sal ervaar.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / Talent identification has been defined as the process by which children are measured on a number of physical and performance variables that are perceived to be a requisite for success within a given sport (Abbott & Collins, 2002:158). One important element in talent identification testing is the capacity to interpret scores. This requires the development of relevant norms for the populations groups who will be involved. The purpose of this study was to generate norms for the interpretation of scores earned by children with disabilities on a basic talent identification screening test battery. The study was focused only on children with intellectual impairments, children with hearing impairments and children with visual impairments. The Talent Search test battery as prescribed by DISSA (Disability Sport South Africa, 2002) found in their screening manual for basic sporting ability of persons with disabilities was used to assess subjects on performance variables. This included body height, sitting height, arm span, body mass, eye-hand coordination, sound localization and eye- hand coordination (for the those with VI), upper body power, leg power, agility, running speed and aerobic fitness (cardiovascular endurance). The group of 140 subjects included 49 children with intellectual impairments (N=27 males and N=22 females), 58 children with hearing impairments (N=35 males and N=23 females) and 33 children with a visual impairment of which 11 (N=7 males and N=4 females) needed to run with a guide and 22 (N=17 males and N=5 females) where independent runners. The descriptive data was processed to produce percentile tables. One problem area was found with testing the eye-hand coordination of children with intellectual impairment, where more than 50% of the children were not able to obtain a score at all. It was also found that some children with hearing impairments had slow running times for the agility run test item, which led to the conclusion that vestibular etiology must be identified prior to the interpretation of test scores.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a customised training programme on the physical components of first league netball players. The key physical variables that affect netball performance were identified as aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, power, muscle strength, flexibility, speed, agility, and muscle endurance. The fitness tests and norms used in this study were mainly based on the Australian protocol, “Physiological Tests for the Assessment of Netball Players”. Two netball clubs in the Boland participated in this study. These two teams played in the same netball league, but they were not matched in any other way. The experimental group (n=14) followed the customised training programme, while the control group (n=16) followed their normal training sessions. After baseline testing, the experimental group completed 23 training sessions in which specific aspects of netball fitness were addressed. After 16 weeks, both groups repeated all the tests. Through statistical analysis, the effect of the training programme was determined, and the differences between the experimental and control groups were quantified. Results of the study revealed the following: 1. The experimental group was statistically significantly better in all the fitness tests during baseline testing, compared to the control group. 2. Power improved significantly through this customised training programme. 3. Although only a few variables changed significantly after the training programme, the experimental group did perform better in most fitness tests after the programme. This study shows that a customised training programme has the potential to improve certain aspects of a netball player’s fitness. The programme should, however, be longer and more sport-specific to produce the desired results. Top netball players should rely on not only their netball skills to be successful, but should also develop their physical capacities optimally.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2007. / The study explored the potential of rugby as a developmental experience, not only in terms of the motor skills that lead to competence in rugby, but also in terms of learning more about the life-skill of goal setting. A 10 session pre-season programme entitled “More than Rugby” was designed and implemented in order to determine whether combining skill instruction with activities specifically designed to increase an understanding of goal setting had an impact on either the development of rugby competence or understanding about goal setting and perceptions of its use. A repeated measures experimental design was followed, with two groups of high school rugby players from similar sporting backgrounds involved: An experimental group who received pre-season rugby training as well as an intervention programme dealing with goal setting, and a control group who received only the pre-season rugby training, but no special goal setting activities. Both groups were pre tested and post tested on their rugby competence (through an individual rugby skill test circuit) and their understanding of goal setting The self reported use of goal setting perceptions, the relationship between goals and performance and the effects of goals on players was measured by means of a questionnaire (adapted GSI). The results revealed a significant improvement in the quality of rugby skills of the experimental group, but no significant improvement was found in the quality of the rugby skills of the control group. Both groups showed improvement in the speed at which rugby skills were performed, but in neither case was the improvement significant. The understanding of goal setting and the knowledge of setting goals did not improve significantly for either group. It can be concluded that the inclusion of life skills content and activities, such as goal setting in rugby development programmes will not detract from skill development outcomes. Although it can be noted that the greater improvement in skill levels was achieved by the group who received goal setting, more research is recommended to explain the positive link between life skills development and sport skills development.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effect of a coordination-training programme on selected fundamental motor skills of children (ages 9 to 12) who were identified as having motor development delays. The group of participants identified included seven boys and one girl. The study followed an A-B-A reversal design. The intervention was a rhythm-based training programme. The dependent variables were the motor abilities of bilateral coordination, balance and upper-limb coordination, assessed using the BOT-2. The results of an ANOVA for dependent groups indicated a significant improvement in bilateral coordination and no change in balance. The improvement in upper-limb coordination was attributed to a familiarisation or learning effect on the test. A descriptive analysis of each child’s results revealed high variability in the effect of participation in the programme. The results of this study supported the conclusion that a rhythm-based coordination-training programme may help children with coordination problems improve their bilateral coordination, which will have a positive impact on the performance on many fundamental gross motor skills. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het die effek van ‘n koördinasie-inoefeningsprogram op die geselekteerde fundementele motoriese vaardighede van kinders (9-12 jaar) ondersoek wat geïdentifiseer is met vertraagde motoriese ontwikkeling. Die geïdentifiseerde groep deelnemers sluit sewe seuns en een dogter in. Die studie het ‘n A-B-A omgekeerde ontwerp gevolg. Die intervensie was ‘n ritmies-gebaseerde inoefeningsprogram. Die afhanklike veranderlikes was die motoriese vaardighede van bilaterale koördinasie, balans en boonste ledematekoördinasie wat geassesser is deur middel van BOT-2. Die resultate van ‘n ANOVA vir afhanklike groepe dui ‘n beduidende verbetering aan in bilaterale koördinasie en geen verandering in balans nie. Die verbetering in boonste ledemate-koördinasie kan toegeskryf word aan vertroudheid met of leereffek van die toets. ‘n Beskrywende analise van elke kind se resultate het ‘n hoë veranderlikheid aan die lig gebring op die effek van deelname in die program. Die resultate van hierdie studie ondersteun die gevolgtrekking dat ‘n ritmies-gebaseerde koördinasie-inoefeningsprogram kinders met koördinasieprobleme kan help om hulle bilaterale koördinasie te verbeter wat ‘n positiewe impak sal hê op prestasie tydens verskeie fundamentele groot motoriese vaardighede.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in mean VMRT between top-level men and women participating in selected ball sports compared to either a normative sample or to a non-athlete sample. VMRT was measured using a new 40-light protocol on the Sport Vision Trainer (SVT). The SVT is a board consisting 80 circular lights controlled by a computer program. The SVT is designed to test visual-motor response time in participants. Data from top-level ball sport players were collected for both men (rugby and cricket) and women (netball and hockey). No significant differences in VMRT were found between the rugby players (n=24) and either the normal sample (n=81) or the non-athlete men (n=24). No significant difference in VMRT were found between the cricket players (n=10) and the non-athlete men. However, the cricket players were found to have significantly slower VMRT than the normal sample of men (n=81). No significant differences in VMRT were found between the netball players (n=19), the hockey players (n=14) and either the normal sample of women (n=84) or the non-athlete women (n=26). The conclusions drawn from this study support the position that VMRT may not be a key performance indicator in top-level ball sport performance and that the expert advantage may be located in other variables, such as anticipation and visual search. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om the ondesoek of daar verkille was in die gemiddelde visuele-motoriese reaksie tyd (VMRT) tussen top-vlak bal sport atlete en òf „n normale steekproef òf „n steekproef van nie-atlete. VMRT was gemeet met „ nuwe 40-lig protokol op die Sport Vision Trainer. Inligting van die top-vlak bal sport atlete was ingesamel vir beide mans (rugby en krieket) en dames (netabl en hokkkie) Geen statisties beduidende verskille was gevind vir VMRT tussen die rugby spelers (n=24) en beide van die normale (n=81) of nie-atleet mans steekproef (n=24). Geen statisties beduidende verskille was gevind tussen die krieket spelers (n=10) en die nie-atleet mans nie. Alhoewel die krieket spelers het „n statistie beduidende stadiger VMRT as die normale steekproef mans gehad (n=81). Geen beduidende verskille in VMRT was gevind tussen die netbal spelers (n=19), die hokkie spelers (n=14) en beide van die normale steekproef dames (n=84) of die nie-atletiese dames nie (n=26). Die gevolgtrekking wat gemaak kan word uit die studie ondersteun die standpunt dat VMRT nie „n sleutel prestasie voorspeller in top-vlak bal sportsport prestasie is nie en dat die topvlak speler voordeel deur ander visuele veranderlikes soos antispiasie en “visual search” ondersoek kan word.

Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Stress and recovery plays an important role in the performance of semi-professional rugby players. Physiological and psychological markers have been established as reliable indicators of the recovery-stress state in athletes. Monitoring changes in the recovery-stress state enables the coaching staff to adapt training sessions to enhance performance. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in stress and recovery states among U-20 rugby union players during a training year. Relationships regarding monitoring variables and differences in stress and recovery between playing positions were examined. 55 Players between the ages of 18 and 20 were monitored for 27 weeks, over a training year. The training year was divided into 5 training phases: Developing phase (week 1 – 7), Transitional phase (week 8 - 11), Early Competition phase (week 12 - 17), Performance phase (week 18 – 24), and High Performance phase (week 25 - 27). Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for sessions were reported on a daily basis. The Heart-rate Interval Monitoring System (HIMS) test was run every week. The Stellenbosch Mood Scale (STEMS) and Self-Report questionnaires were completed on a weekly basis, and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (RESTQ-76-Sport) was completed once a month. Backline players physically recovered better and faster than the forwards throughout the training year, while the forwards exhibited better psychological coping methods. The backline players had significant higher scores for the Depression (p = 0.03), Anger (p = 0.009), and Confusion (p = 0.01) scales of the STEMS. The Total Mood Disturbance scores were also significantly higher (p = 0.03) for the backline players than the forwards during the Performance phase. The backline players experienced increased stress and decreased feelings of well-being during the competitive phases when compared to the forwards. The backline players had better physical recovery than the forwards after the high intensity and high volume Developing phase. Correlations were evident between the HIMS test and the RESTQ-76-Sport questionnaire. Additional correlations were found between training load, as well as training monotony and training strain, and scales of the RESTQ-76-Sport and STEMS questionnaires. Lack of psychological skills-training might also have resulted in the players not knowing how to properly handle stressful situations and how to regulate their stress and recovery states. The lack of an educational system regarding recovery strategies, and the reinforcement thereof, especially during the Developing phases might play a role in the later increased fatigue and injury rates among the players. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Stres en herstel speel 'n groot rol in die prestasie van semi-professionele rugby spelers. Fisiologiese en sielkundige merkers is vasgestel as betroubare aanwysers ten opsigte van die stress-herstel toestand van atlete. Die monitoring van veranderinge in hierdie toestand kan die afrigtings-personeel help om die oefensessies aan te pas om optimale prestasie te verseker. Die doel van hierdie navorsingstudie was om veranderinge in stres en herstel toestande in O/20 rugby unie spelers, oor 'n oefenjaar, te moniteer. Verhoudinge in monitering veranderlikes en moontlike verskille in die stress en herstel toestand tussen die voorspelers en agterspelers is ondersoek. 55 Spelers tussen die ouderdomme van 18 en 20 is vir 27 weke, oor 'n oefenjaar, gemonitor. Die oefenjaar was onderverdeel in vyf oefenfases nl. die Ontwikkelingsfase (week 1 – 7), die Oorskakelingsfase (week 8 – 11), die Vroeë Kompetisiefase (week 12 – 17), die Prestasiefase (week 18 – 25), en laastens die Hoë Prestasiefase (week 25 – 27). Spelers het daagliks hul “Rate of Perceived Exertion‟s” aangedui vir elke oefensessie. Die “Heart-rate Interval System” toets (HIMS) was een keer 'n week gehardloop. Die “Stellenbosch Mood States” (STEMS) en Selfrapporteringsvraelyste was op 'n weeklikse basis ingevul en die “Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport” (RESTQ-76-Sport) was een keer 'n maand ingevul. Agterspelers het deur die jaar fisies beter en vinniger as die voorspeler herstel, terwyl die voorspelers beter sielkundige beheer getoon het. Die agterlyn se tellings vir die Depressie (p = 0.03), Woede (p = 0.009), en Vervanging (p = 0.01) skale van die STEMS was betekenisvol hoër as die telling van die voorspelers. Die Totale Gemoedsversteuringstellings was ook betekenisvol hoër vir die agterlyn as die voorspelers tydens die Prestasiefase (p = 0.03). Die agterspelers het toenemende stres tydens die kompetitisie fases ervaar, sowel as 'n afname in die gevoel van Welsyn. Die agterlyn het beter fisiese herstel na die hoë intensiteit en hoë volume Ontwikkelingsfase as die voorspelers getoon. Korrelasies is gevind tussen die HIMS en die RESTQ-76-Sport. Verdere korrelasies is ook tussen “training load”, sowel as “training monotony” en “training strain”, en sekere skale van die RESTQ-76-Sport en STEMS vraelyste gevind. Die tekort aan sielkundige tegniek-ontwikkeling kon bydrae tot die spelers se verwardheid rondom die hantering van stresvolle situasies en hoe om hul stres en herstel toestande te reguleer. Die afwesigheid van „n opvoedkundige sisteem rondom herstel strategieë, en die toepassing daarvan, veral tydens die Ontwikkelingsfases, mag moontlik 'n rol speel in latere toenames in vermoeienis en getal beserings onder die spelers.

Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Many children experience developmental problems without being aware thereof. In a school setting these developmental delays mostly remain unnoticed and are scarcely remediated sufficiently, if at all. Children with developmental deficits often experience movement difficulties and are labelled as clumsy, sloppy or having two left feet. The development of, and proficiency in specific motor skills have been found to play a critical role in the participation of physical activity in children, as well as the maintenance of health and well-being later in life, when entering adulthood. There are, however, countless other factors that affect the optimal development of motor skills and physical activity participation. One such factor is ascribed to instances where children experience problems associated with their environment or the circumstances in which they grow up. Poor socio-economic circumstances and a culturally poor environment, lacking sufficient developmental opportunities, may hinder a child‟s motor skills development and skill learning to such an extent that they cannot reach their full developmental potential. Research suggests that the school environment can provide ample opportunity for the development of motor skills and that all schools should consider implementing motor skills development programmes during the Physical Education (PE) time slots. The mastery of motor skills may influence and benefit the participation in various school sports and may also enhance the ability of children to learn and master new and more complex movement skills within and outside the classroom environment. Thus, due to the fact that children spend a great part of their day at school and in the classroom setting, teachers, especially those facilitating PE, have the opportunity to play a vital role in the acquisition and mastery of important motor skills and subsequently affect the physical activity and developmental future of children. The purpose of this study was to design and implement a motor skills development programme to improve the balance and bilateral coordination of children between the ages of 10 and 12 years in the Stellenbosch region. Two existing classes, from a previously disadvantaged school, were recruited and randomly selected as an experimental (n=35) and control group (n=32). The children completed the Short Form as well as all the Long Form activities for the balance and bilateral coordination subtests of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2). This was done to provide an overview of the overall motor proficiency and more specifically the level of balance and bilateral coordination. A 12-week motor skills development programme, with a specific focus on balance and bilateral coordination, was designed and implemented by the researcher. The effect of this programme was determined by statistically analysing and comparing the pre- and post-test results with the use of Statistica 2010. The main findings of this study indicated that the intervention programme had a positive, although not statistically significant, effect on the overall motor proficiency and balance and significantly improved bilateral coordination. This study suggests that some of the children, between the ages of 10 and 12, from a previously disadvantaged school in the Stellenbosch region and with access to an established school PE programme, experienced movement difficulties. Consequently, there is great room for improvement and motor skill development in these children. This study can, therefore, be a stepping stone into future research regarding further motor skills research in primary school children, the implementation of expanded motor skills intervention programmes and to improve all the motor skills as opposed to selected motor skills as in this study. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Ontwikkelingsprobleme word, sonder dat ʼn mens daarvan bewus is, deur vele kinders ervaar. In die skool-omgewing bly hierdie ontwikkelingsagterstande meestal ongesiens en word min kinders, indien enige, voldoende geremedieer. Kinders met ontwikkelingsagterstande ervaar gereeld bewegingsprobleme en word as lomp, slordig of as iemand met twee linkervoete beskryf. Daar word beweer dat die ontwikkeling van, en vaardigheid in, spesifieke motoriese vaardighede van kinders ʼn kritieke rol in hul deelname aan fisieke aktiwiteit, asook die onderhoud van gesondheid en welstand tydens volwassenheid, speel. Daar is egter talle ander faktore wat die optimale motoriese ontwikkeling en fisieke aktiwiteit deelname van kinders kan beïnvloed. ʼn Voorbeeld van so ʼn faktor word toegeskryf aan gevalle waar kinders probleme, wat met hulle omgewing of die omstandighede waarin hul grootword geassosieer word, ervaar. Swak sosio-ekonomiese omstandighede en ʼn kultureel-arme omgewing, wat tekort skiet aan voldoende ontwikkelingsgeleenthede, mag die motoriese ontwikkeling en die aanleer van nuwe vaardighede tot so ʼn mate inhibeer dat kinders nie in staat is om hulle volle ontwikkelingspotensiaal te bereik nie. Navorsing dui daarop dat die skoolomgewing vele geleenthede vir die ontwikkeling van motoriese vaardighede kan bied en dat daar onderneem moet word om motoriese vaardigheid-ontwikkelingsprogramme tydens Liggaamlike Opvoeding (LO) periodes te implementeer. Die bemeestering van motoriese vaardighede mag die deelname aan verskeie skoolsporte beïnvloed en bevoordeel, asook die vermoë om nuwe en meer komplekse bewegingsvaardighede binne en buite die klasomgewing aan te leer en te bemeester, bevorder. Dus, aangesien kinders ʼn groot gedeelte van hul dag by die skool en in ʼn klasomgewing deurbring, het onderwysers, veral die wat LO fasiliteer, die geleentheid om ʼn noodsaaklike rol in die aanleer en bemeestering van belangrike motoriese vaardighede, en vervolgens fisieke aktiwiteit, asook die toekomstige ontwikkeling van kinders te beïnvloed. Die doel van hierdie studie was om ʼn motoriese vaardigheid-ontwikkelingsprogram, wat balans en bilaterale koördinasie bevorder, vir 10 tot 12-jarige kinders in die Stellenbosch omgewing te ontwerp en implementeer. Twee bestaande klasse vanuit ʼn voorheenbenadeelde skool was gewerf en lukraak verkies as ʼn eksperimentele- (n=35) en kontrolegroep (n=32). Kinders het die kort vorm- asook al die lang vorm-aktiwiteite vir balans en bilaterale koördinasie sub-toetse van die Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) voltooi. Hierdie toetse is afgelê om ʼn oorsig van die algehele motoriese vaardigheidsvlak, en meer spesifiek die vlak van balans en bilaterale koördinasie, te bepaal. ʼn 12-week motoriese vaardigheid-ontwikkelingsprogram, met ʼn spesifieke fokus op balans en bilaterale koördinasie, is deur die navorser ontwerp en geïmplementeer. Die effek van hierdie program is bepaal deur die pre- en post-toets resultate met behulp van Statistica 2010 statisties te analiseer en vergelyk. Die primêre bevindinge van hierdie studie dui daarop dat die intervensieprogram ʼn positiewe, alhoewel nie statisties beduidende, effek op die bevordering van algehele motoriese vaardigheidsvlak en balans, asook ʼn statisties beduidende effek op bilaterale koördinasie gehad het. Hierdie studie dui daarop dat kinders, tussen die ouderdomme van 10 en 12, vanuit ʼn voorheenbenadeelde skool in die Stellenbosch omgewing en wat toegang tot ʼn gevestigde LO program het, steeds bewegingsprobleme ervaar. Dus, is daar groot ruimte vir die verbetering en ontwikkeling van motoriese vaardighede by hierdie kinders. Hierdie studie kan dus as ʼn beginpunt vir toekomstige navorsing in verdere motoriese vaardigheids-navorsing van laerskool kinders, die implementering van uitgebreide motoriese intervensieprogramme, asook die bevordering van alle motoriese vaardighede in vergelyking met geselekteerde motoriese vaardighede soos in die huidige studie dien.

Thesis (MScSportSc)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is a relative lack of information in sport psychology research literature about the role of psychological dimensions in team sport – especially in soccer (Reilly et al., 2000). It is consequently not surprising that research on applied strategies in soccer has concentrated mainly on technical, tactical and physiological aspects. This defies anecdotal evidence and literature reports alluding to the importance of psychological and team factors in achieving sport excellence. This study examined the role of mental toughness, psychological skills and team cohesion in soccer performance. It also considered differences between individuals from different playing positions regarding these modalities. A total of 263 male soccer players aged between 17 and 32 years from 16 South African tertiary institutions participated in the study. A cross-sectional study design was used to determine the players’ mental toughness, psychological skills and team cohesion by means of the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ); the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28); and the Group Environmental Questionnaire (GEQ). The final log standings at the 2012 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Soccer Championship were used as an indication of team performance. The results yielded differences between successful and less successful teams with regard to age, previous tournament experience, and the time players had been part of their respective teams. There were no significant differences between the teams for any of the mental toughness and psychological skills scores. However, group cohesion did play a role in team performance. The more successful teams scored better than their less successful counterparts in the following subscales of the GEQ: Individual attraction to group-social and individual attraction to group-task. However, the less successful teams scored better than their more successful counterparts regarding group integration-task, and group integration-social. Practical significant differences of moderate magnitude were observed for five of the 96 player positional comparisons. Midfielders scored higher than the defenders and forwards on the control subscale of the SMTQ. The forwards recorded higher scores than midfielders with regard to the GEQ subscale of group integration-task, whereas goalkeepers yielded higher scores than midfielders on the group integration-task subscale. There was a difference between the scores on the constancy subscale of the SMTQ where the defenders outscored the midfielders. No positional differences were recorded for any of the psychological skills. The overall results revealed that at the developmental level of the study sample, team cohesion and other moderating variables might be the key to enhanced performance of soccer teams. In addition, the results supported the general assumption that a relationship exists between playing positions in team sports and various psychological variables. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is ’n relatiewe gebrek aan navorsingsliteratuur in sportsielkunde oor die rol van sielkundige dimensies in spansoorte – veral in sokker (Reilly et al., 2000). Dit is gevolglik logies dat navorsing oor toegepaste strategieë in sokker hoofsaaklik fokus op tegniese, taktiese en fisiologiese aspekte. Dit druis in teen anekdotiese getuienis en opvattings wat dui op die belangrikheid van sielkundige en spanfaktore in die bereiking van sportuitnemendheid. Hierdie studie ondersoek die rol van geestelike taaiheid, sielkundige vaardighede en spankohesie in sokkerprestasie. Dit bestudeer ook die verskille tussen individue van verskillende speelposisies met betrekking tot hierdie modaliteite. ’n Totaal van 263 manlike sokkerspelers tussen die ouderdom van 17 en 32 jaar, van 16 Suid-Afrikaanse tersiêre inrigtings, het aan hierdie ondersoek deelgeneem. ’n Dwarsdeursnitstudie-ontwerp is gebruik om spelers se geestelike taaiheid, sielkundige vaardighede en spankohesie te bepaal deur middel van die Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ); die Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28); en die Group Environmental Questionnaire (GEQ). Die finale posisies van spanne op die punteleer na afloop van die 2012 Universiteit Sport Suid-Afrika (USSA) sokkertoernooi is gebruik as aanduiding van hul prestasie. Die resultate het verskille opgelewer tussen suksesvolle-en minder-suksesvolle spanne met betrekking tot ouderdom, vorige toernooi-ervaring, en die tydperk wat spelers lede van hul onderskeie spanne was. Daar was geen beduidende tellingverskille tussen spanne rakende enige van die geestelike taaiheid en sielkundige vaardighede nie. Groepkohesie het egter ’n rol in spanprestasie gespeel. Die meer-suksesvolle spanne het beter gevaar as die minder-suksesvolle spanne in die volgende subskale van die GEQ: Individuele aantreklikheid van die groep-sosiaal; Individuele aantreklikheid van die groep-taak. Die minder-suksevolle spanne het egter beter gevaar as die meer-suksesvolle spanne met betrekking tot: Groepintegrasie-taak, en Groepintegrasie-sosiaal. Prakties beduidende verskille is waargeneem vir vyf van die 96 speelposisie-vergelykings. Middelveldspelers het hoër tellings behaal as verdedigers en voorspelers op die beheer-subskaal van die SMTQ. Voorspelers het beter tellings aangeteken as middelveldspelers op die GEQ subskaal groepintegrasie-taak; terwyl doelwagters hoër tellings as middelveldspelers op die subskaal groepintegrasie-taak aangeteken het. Daar was ’n verskil in die konstantheid-subskaal van die SMTQ waar verdedigers beter as middelveldspelers gevaar het. Daar was geen beduidende verskille tussen speelposisies rakend enige van die sielkundige vaardighede nie. Die oorkoepelende bevindinge dui daarop dat op die ontwikkelingsvlak van die studiesteekproef, spankohesie, en ander prestasiedimensies moontlik die sleutel bevat vir verhoogde prestasie-uitkomste van sokkerspanne. Verder ondersteun die resultate die algemene aanname dat daar ’n verband bestaan tussen speelposisies in spansportsoorte en verskeie sielkundige veranderlikes.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is a lack of research in the sport of field hockey, specifically where monitoring of fatigue and recovery is concerned. The primary aim of the study was thus to monitor the accumulative fatigue and recovery state of elite field hockey players during the different phases of a competitive season. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the changes in heart rate recovery of elite hockey players; to determine the changes in perceptual fatigue; to determine the relationship between players’ perceptions of recovery and stress; and to determine the relationship between the objective and subjective measures of recovery and fatigue over different phases during a competitive season. Elite female hockey players (n = 15) from Stellenbosch University were monitored over 23 weeks. This group comprised of players from the first team (Maties) and second team (VICS) of the club. The following tests were administered: the Heart rate Interval Monitoring System (HIMS) test with the use of SUUNTO heart rate monitors and SUUNTO Team Manager, the Perceptual Fatigue questionnaire (on a weekly basis), and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport 76) (during each phase of their normal competition cycle). There were a number of significant findings (p<0.05) relating to the aim and objectives of the study. One of the main findings was that there were significant differences between the phases with regard to the measured variables. Players experienced significantly more Fatigue, Lack of Energy and Pressure during the first Competition phase. With regard to the HIMS, players performed the best during the second Competition phase, following the university holidays. Even though not all the differences were statistically significant, collectively the results indicate that these monitoring tools can be used for teams. An added advantage with all three monitoring tools is that each person can be used as their own baseline. In a team setting it gives the coach and support team the opportunity to individualise training programmes and recovery methods. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is ‘n tekort aan navorsing in hokkie, en spesifiek in die monitering van vermoeienis en herstel by spelers. Die hoofdoel van die studie was dus om akkumulerende vermoeienis en die hersteltoestand van elite hokkiespelers gedurende verskillende fases van die kompetisie seisoen te monitor. Die spesifieke doelwitte van die studie was om die verandering in hartspoed herstel van die hoë vlak spelers te bepaal; om veranderinge in perseptuele vermoeienis te bepaal; om die verwantskap tussen die spelers se persepsies van herstel en stress te bepaal; om die verwantskap tussen die objektiewe en subjektiewe van herstel en vermoeienis oor die verskillende fases tydens die kompetisie seisoen te bepaal. Elite vroue hokkie spelers (n = 15) van Stellenbosch was oor 23 weke gemonitor. Hierdie groep het uit spelers van die eerste span (Maties) en die tweede span (VICS) van die klub bestaan. Die volgende toetse was uitgevoer: Die Hartspoed Interval Monitering Sisteem (HIMS) toets met behulp van die SUUNTO hartspoed monitors en die SUUNTO span administrasie sisteem; en die Perseptuele Vermoeienis vraelys was op ‘n weeklikse basis voltooi, terwyl die Herstel Stres vraelys vir Sportmense (RESTQ-Sport 76) gedurende elke fase van hul oefensiklus voltooi is. Daar was ‘n aantal betekenisvolle bevindings (p<0.05) wat verband hou met die doel en doelwitte van die studie. Een van die hoof bevindings was dat daar betekenisvolle verskille tussen die fases was met betrekking tot die veranderlikes. Spelers het beduidend meer Vermoeienis, Gebrek aan Energie en Druk gedurende die eerste Kompetisie fase ervaar. Met betrekking tot die HIMS het spelers die beste presteer gedurende die tweede Kompetisie fase, na afloop van ‘n rus periode gedurende die universiteitsvakansie. Hoewel al die verskille nie statisties beduidend was nie, is daar aangedui dat die moniterings instrumente geskik is vir gebruik by spanne. ‘n Verdere voordeel by al drie moniterings instrumente is dat elke persoon as sy eie basislyn kan dien. In ‘n spanopset bied dit aan die afrigter en ondersteuningspan die geleentheid om oefening en herstelmetodes te individualiseer.