Thesis (Ph.D.)--Murdoch University, 2004. / Thesis submitted to the Division of Arts. Bibliography: leaves 379-390.

Thesis (M.S.)--Georgia Southern University, 2008. / "A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science." Under the direction of Daniel R. Czech. ETD. Electronic version approved: May 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 88-91) and appendices.

Thesis (Ph.D. )--Edith Cowan University, 2008. / Submitted to the Faculty of Computing, Health and Science. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sp.L.S.)--University of Waikato, 2008. / Title from PDF cover (viewed February 23, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-110)

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2005. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: Diane L. Gill; submitted to the School of Health and Human Performance. Includes bibliographical references (p. 98-104).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Port Elizabeth, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 217-243).

The aim of this study was to generate useful isokinetic normative data for various cervical musculature strength, range of motion and ratio variables based on different positional categories in a sample of senior elite South African rugby players. Normative data was generated for the following variables: peak torque, power generated at 0.2 of a second, active and passive range of motion, the ratio of peak torque flexion to peak torque extension (PTF/PTE), the ratio of peak torque lateral flexion left to peak torque lateral flexion right (PTL/PTR), the ratios of peak torque to body weight (PT/BW) and the ratios of peak torque to lean body mass (PT/LBM). Furthermore, the data gathered from the senior elite players was compared to similar data obtained from a sample of schoolboy rugby forwards to detect statistically significant differences (p < .05). A normative survey design was used in which 189 subjects from eight provincial unions participated in a one off evaluation session. The evaluation session comprised of various anthropometrical measurements and an isokinetic cervical musculature assessment. The normative data, displayed in Stanine tables, was generated for four positional categories: the front row (# 1-3), the second row (# 4-5), the back row (# 6-8) and the backline (# 9 -15). The second row positional category performed the best on the peak flexion torque variable (44.04 Nm). The front row positional category achieved the largest average peak extension torque (65.6 Nm). The second row positional category achieved the largest average peak lateral flexion right torque (69.42 Nm). A similar result was observed with the measurement of peak lateral flexion left torque, with the second row positional category achieving the largest average peak lateral flexion left torque (66.31 Nm). The backline positional category achieved the lowest averages on all the abovementioned peak torque variables. The front row positional category performed the best on the flexion power generated at 0.2 of a second variable (160.92 W). The front row positional category again achieved the largest extension power generated at 0.2 of a second average (237.02 W). The second row positional category achieved the largest lateral flexion right power generated at 0.2 of a second average (269.81 W). Similar results were observed with the measurement of lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second. The second row positional category achieved the largest lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second average (259.62 W). Again the backline players achieved the smallest power generated at 0.2 of a second averages for all the above-mentioned power variables. The measurement of passive (PROMFE) and active (AROMFE) range of motion for flexion to extension revealed that the second row had the largest average PROMFE (125.44°). The measurement of AROMFE revealed a similar result. The second row again had the largest average AROMFE (108.45°). The measurement of passive (PROMLF) and active (PROMFE) range of motion for lateral flexion left to right revealed smaller and different results to those found for PROMFE and AROMFE. For the variable of PROMLF the backline players had the largest average PROMLF (119.44°). Conversely, the second row had the largest average AROMLF (106.96°). The calculation of the various ratios revealed great variation between the positional categories. This can be attributed to the functional requirements the players have to adhere to, to be successful in their position. Various other statistical calculations were performed to draw the average force distance graphs for the positional categories for the peak torque variables. Furthermore the force distance graphs were assessed to determine the players’ ability to maintain 80% of peak torque. All the senior elite positional categories proved to be significantly (p < .05) older and heavier than the schoolboy forwards. The senior elite forward positional categories were also significantly (p < .05) taller than the schoolboy forward. There however proved to be no significant difference (p > .05) in stature between the backline and schoolboy forwards. All the positional categories proved to have significantly thicker (p < .05) necks, but significantly shorter (p < .05) cervical spines than the schoolboy forwards. The forward positional categories demonstrated to be significantly stronger (p < .05), on all peak torque measures, than the schoolboy forwards. The same was observed between the backline and schoolboy forwards, however no statistically significant difference (p > .05) was observed between the respective sample groups for the measure of peak lateral flexion left torque. For all the measures of power generated at 0.2 of a second, the senior forward positional categories proved to be significantly more powerful (p < .05) than the schoolboy forwards. The senior backline, although significantly more powerful (p < .05) in the flexion movement pattern, proved to be significantly less powerful (p < .05) than the schoolboy forwards in the lateral flexion right movement pattern. No statistically significant differences (p < .05) were found to exist between the senior backline and schoolboy forwards for the extension and lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second variables. All positional categories proved to have significantly smaller (p < .05) active and passive ranges of motion compared to the schoolboy forwards. Conversely, the senior elite players had significantly larger (p < .05) ratios (PTF/PTE, PTL/PTR, PT/BW and PT/LBM) than the schoolboy forwards. Literature has identified schoolboy rugby as having a much higher incidence of cervical spinal injuries than senior rugby. It can thus be inferred from the above information that the variables of peak torque and power generated at 0.2 of a second play a important role in safeguarding a player from injury on the field of play. Furthermore, calculated ratios show that senior players, especially the forwards, have undergone adaptive changes in cervical musculature strength to meet the requirements of the position they play in, thereby safeguarding themselves from cervical spinal injury. Proper cervical musculature conditioning has been cited in the literature as being an effective but neglected method of preventing cervical spinal injuries. The generation of normative data, concerning cervical musculature performance, can thus be used to prevent the occurrence of cervical injuries and re-injury of the cervical spine by providing a standard of musculature strength for safe participation in rugby, and possibly other collision type sports, and a quantified guide for successful patient rehabilitation respectively.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Objective: To determine the effect of chiropractic adjustive therapy to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints on performance indicators such as sprint times and vertical jump height in asymptomatic, moderate-to-highly-active rugby players. Any dysfunction in the spine can affect biomechanics; neurological functioning of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints, as well as the surrounding muscles, and can therefore decrease performance. Methods: The study involved 60 asymptomatic male participants who were moderate-to-highly-active individuals as determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The 60 participants were divided equally into two groups: the experimental group (n=30) received chiropractic adjustments to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints, and the control group (n=30) rested for five minutes. The study design was based on the once-off model. The objective data used in the study was obtained by the vertical jump height test and the 30-metre sprint speed test. These tests were used to test the participants‟ explosive power and speed, and were obtained before and after the intervention. The immediate effect was obtained by comparing the measurements of the performance indicators before and after the intervention. Results: The objective results showed that there were improvements in vertical jump height for both the forwards and the backs (rugby players) in the experimental group. Following the chiropractic adjustment, the forwards increased their vertical jump heights by 0.007m (0.5050m-0.4980m) and the backs by 0.017m (0.5245m-0.5075m). In the control group, the forwards jumped 0.01m (0.5071m-0.4971m) lower than before the five-minute rest, and the backs jumped 0.0053m higher (0.5396m-0.5343m). In the sprint speed test, both the forwards and the backs in both the experimental and the control groups performed better when they completed the indicators after the interventions. The forwards in the experimental group ran 0.146s (4.8050s-4.6590s) faster, while the backs ran 0.1055s (4.6040s-4.4985s) faster. In the control group, the forwards ran 0.1358s (5.0329s-4.8971s) faster, while the backs ran 0.0474s (4.6961s-4.6487s) faster. vii Conclusion: In the experimental group, the results demonstrated performance improvements in both the vertical jump height test and the sprint speed test for the forwards as well as the backs. In the control group, the backs performed better in the vertical jump height and the sprint speed test, while the forwards in the control group performed better in the vertical jump height test and worse in the sprint speed test. The improvements in the experimental group occurred for both the forwards and the backs, and were greater than for the control group. It can therefore be suggested that the improvements noted were as a result of the chiropractic adjustments having provided a biomechanical advantage.

When rugby became professional in 1995, both the game and the social and financial position of the players changed (Basson, 2003). Players started to train full-time and earned annual salaries (Goldman& Johns, 2009). Due to the transition from amateur to professional status, rugby players needed to make adequate personal financial management decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Previous research about personal financial management largely focussed on the general public, and did not focus on South African rugby players. Rugby is a professional sport where players earn money from a young age. It is expected of rugby players to make adequate personal financial decisions from as early as 19 years old. The literature review provided an overview of personal financial management and a discussion on the various components that should be included in personal financial management. A framework for this study was developed. The framework used these components as the base for the personal financial attitudes and practices and how it relates to the demographics of the respondents. Three hypotheses were also formulated based on the literature overview and framework. The objectives of this study were achieved by adopting a quantitative research methodology. A convenience sample of 132 rugby players was drawn for this study. Rugby players from NMMU Madibaz, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EP), South Western Districts Rugby Union (SWD) and Sharks Rugby Union participated in this study. The results of the empirical survey showed that respondents have positive attitudes towards the importance of budgeting, retirement planning, risk management, debt management and investment and the importance of employing a financial planner. On the other hand the personal financial management practices of the respondents in this study can be described as weak. From the results of the empirical survey it is clear that the respondents have weak practices towards the majority of the personal financial management practices. Only one of the three hypotheses was accepted namely that there is a relationship between the demographics of rugby players and their personal financial practices. There is no relationship between personal financial management attitudes and personal financial management practices of South African rugby players and that there is also no relationship between demographic variables and personal financial management attitudes of South African rugby players. This study has provided insight into the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Valuable information was obtained that could help to address the personal financial management needs of rugby players.

In the past two years, six National Football League players have died by suicide. Investigations into most of the deaths revealed that the players suffered from brain damage likely caused by repeated concussions. As is the case with many health issues, tragedy often precedes action; the suicides of these high profile football stars have catalyzed action on concussion policy and practice, as well as opened up the conversation about the overall mental health of athletes. This thesis joins the conversation around mental health and athletes, specifically Canadian varsity football players. Mental health problems and illnesses are presented as especially common, affecting about 1 in 5 Canadians. That is not to underestimate the severity of mental illnesses, which can deteriorate an individual’s quality of life, significantly impact friends and family and, in the most severe cases, also lead to death by suicide. That said, this thesis adopts a theoretical perspective that focuses on the promotion and protection of good mental health. This thesis is primarily concerned with investigating the social, political, and external factors that negatively impact how football players conceptualize mental health and mental illness, and also the recommended behaviour to seek professional help if needed. The growing body of research concerning the negative impact of mental illness stigma is compelling and leaves no doubt that stigma is a significant barrier to recovery. This thesis explores the stigma process as well as its social function in groups. Next, it investigates how the already powerful stigma around mental illness is further exacerbated by gender and more specifically, how traditional masculine ideology (i.e. men should be strong and powerful) conflicts with stereotypical beliefs about mentally ill people (i.e. weak and/or incompetent). Gender and health are further linked in terms of behaviour. In other words, rejecting health behaviours becomes a strategy some men utilize to project their masculinity, paradoxically contributing to the creation or worsening of many health problems. A health behaviour that is explored in detail is psychological help-seeking, and the psychosocial processes of help-seeking, which are also mainly regulated by masculinity. An overview of the most common mental health problems and illnesses found in male varsity athletes is provided. All of the above components are then applied to the unique context of varsity football players. The thesis draws on the literature as well as qualitative interview data that explores the experiences of 8 varsity football players at the University of Ottawa. Regarding mental health promotion, the findings show that football players may require adapted communication approaches. To that end, the thesis transitions into an early-stage health communication plan supported by the literature and the primary data. The plan proposes overall outcomes, short term/intermediate objectives, a communication strategy, and a tactical approach. Next, a web-based health resource is suggested as a primary communication vehicle and is outlined in detail. The plan then suggests potential partnerships for extending the strategic communication plan’s reach and credibility. This is followed by suggestions for evaluating both the short term/intermediate objectives as well as the strategic communication plan’s overall impact. This thesis concludes with a chapter exploring the contributions lifted from the eight qualitative interviews, as well as suggested directions for research, policy and practice.