Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flywheel resistance training on functional neuromuscular performance in physically active youth.   Method Forty-four healthy and physically active youth between 12-14 years of age (n=19 boys & n=25 girls) volunteered to participate and were randomized into three different groups of flywheel resistance training (FRT) (n=15, body mass = 42,9 ± 8,6 kg, time to Peak Height Velocity (PHV) = - 0,8 ± 1,6), traditional strength training (TST) (n=15, body mass = 44,7 ± 10,3 kg, time to PHV = - 0,8 ± 1,5) and a control group (CON) (n=14, body mass = 43,8 ± 9,0 kg, time to PHV- 0,8 ± 1,5. Squat jump (SQ), Countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-m acceleration, 20-m speed and 30-sprint was assessed pre- and post-intervention. All training groups performed 12 resistance training sessions over a 6-week intervention. The FRT-group performed bilateral flywheel resistance squats with 4 sets of 6 repetitions with 0,025 to 0,05 kgm2 and the TST-group performed bilateral barbell squats with 4 sets of 6 repetitions at a predicted 80 %1RM, while the control group only performed their regular sports training.   Results Repeated measures two way-ANOVA, 3 x 2 (training group x time), showed no significant mean effects between groups after the intervention. A significant increase occurred in the control group for SQ; 2,4 ± 2,5 (cm) p ≤ 0,008 and CMJ; 2,2 ± 3,1 (cm) p ≤ 0,037. Both training groups increased significantly in body mass from pre- to post-tests by 2,0 ± 2,7 kg for the flywheel training group and 1,3 ± 0,9 kg in the traditional strength training group (p ≤ 0,05).   Conclusions This study indicates that flywheel training can be used as a resistance training method for youth athletes without inducing training related injuries. Flywheel resistance training resulted in a small but non-significant increase from pre to post test in squat jump and 10-m sprint. Future studies on flywheel resistance training for youth needs to investigate the implementation of longer training periods, additional training sessions, more experienced youth in resistance training and faster movement speed.

The involvement of youth in the sport of weightlifting and the use of weightlifting methods as part of training for youth sport performance appears to be increasing. Weightlifting for children and adolescents has been criticized in some circles and is a controversial aspect of resistance training for young people. Although injuries can occur during weightlifting and related activities, the incidence and rate of injury appear to be relatively low and severe injury is uncommon. A number of performance, physical, and physiological variables, such as body composition, strength, and power, are improved by weightlifting training in children, adolescents, and young athletes. Manipulating program variables, when appropriate, can have a substantial and profound influence on the psychological, physiological, physical, and performance aspects of weightlifters. An understanding of the sport, scientific training principles, and musculoskeletal growth development is necessary to properly construct a reasonable and appropriate training program. A scientific background aids in providing an evidenced basis and sound rationale in selecting appropriate methods and directing adaptations toward more specific goals and enables the coach to make choices about training and competition that might not otherwise be possible. If weightlifting training and competition are age group appropriate and are properly supervised, the sport can be substantially safe and efficacious.

This dissertation investigates the brand identities of the South African Broadcasting Corporation television channels SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 during the first decade of the 2000s (from 2000 to 2009). The study explores the manifestation and dissemination of dominant political ideologies and myths by the SABC television channels and their respective brand identities. It is argued that SABC television channels are structured and organised according to specific brand ideologies that match dominant political ideologies prevalent in South Africa. This is evident from the manner in which these channels have been organised, defined and redefined over the past years, and also from the self-promotional visual imagery shown by the television channels. The visual brand identities of each channel create the elements that make up each channel’s visual vocabulary, and each visual vocabulary in turn contributes to notions of “South Africanness” and definitions of South African identity. The study also explores the main concepts of ideology theory as a critical discursive practice to assist in a better understanding of the power relations in the SABC and its channel brands in particular. Some developments and changes in the SABC brand identities and the organisation of its television channels are studied from a historical perspective and correlated with ideology theory. In order to do this, the study also draws from semiotic theory. The author notes the semiotic quality of a brand and argues that the process of branding, the process of semiosis and the process of the dissemination of political ideologies bear structural resemblance. Basic definitions and key concepts of branding and corporate identity contribute to an enhanced understanding of the visual brand identities of the SABC television channels. An exploration of the elements specific to television channel branding helps to determine the signs, codes and meanings in SABC television channel branding. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Visual Arts / unrestricted