The purpose of this study was to determine why South African long-distance runners start and continue to run long distances, what perceived psychological benefits and negative effects they experience as a result of their involvement in the sport, and what thoughts and emotions are associated with the runner's high. Questionnaires were sent to 2 000 1992 Two Oceans Marathon participants and 777 responded. Results show that South African long-distance runners start running chiefly for physical fitness and health reasons, and continue for these reasons as well as psychological benefit reasons. As a result of their involvement in the sport, they experience psychological benefits such as a positive mood, positive self-image and positive mental outlook. When unable to run, these benefits are reversed. They also experience negative effects such as relationship problems because of long-distance running. Many thoughts and emotions are associated with the runner's high, but most define it as an euphoric feeling / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / M.A. (Psychology)

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Background: Running injuries are increasingly common as participation in this sport increases. Health care providers need to be better able to treat and manage these injuries and prevent their recurrence. Thus, there is a need for profiles of different population groups to enable the development of health promotion and injury prevention strategies. This research study profiled and tracked runners over seven marathons held in the eThekwini and uMgungundlovu Municipalities during the first quarter of 2014. Methods: This Durban University of Technology, Institutional Research and Ethics Committee approved retrospective Chiropractic Treatment Facility record analysis, analysed 741 recorded marathon visits. The records were based on a previously validated data collection tool (CSSA questionnaire) that allowed clinical data to be captured relating to patient demographics, anatomical site of the complaint, clinical impression, diagnosis and treatment. These fields were analysed for each visit, and then captured in SPSS version 22 with records only being excluded because they were unsigned. Descriptive and inferential statistics (McNemar’s tests) were compiled and a p-value of 0.05 was used. Results: The majority of the runners were Black males of approximately 40 years of age. A total of 95.6% of runners presented with overuse injuries, of which 73.6% and 89.3% had no history of previous injury or trauma respectively, and with 94.7% being able to continue participation. The shin and calf (21.7%), thigh (21.6%) and lumbar regions (16.1%) were most commonly affected by injuries which were predominantly muscle strains (23.2%) and SI syndrome (21.4%). These injuries were treated by manipulation (82.8%), massage (57.2%) and PNF stretching (33.6%). With runners that presented at subsequent marathons, a significant difference (McNemar’s p=0.013) in history of previous injury between the first and second marathon was found, with the runner being more likely to report a history of previous injury at their second marathon visit. Specific trends, although not significant, were found for specific subgroups (defined by age, gender, ethnicity, history of previous injury / trauma and chronicity of the diagnoses). Conclusion: The data is not dissimilar to the literature on running injuries, although specific trends in terms of sub categories were noted. These trends require further investigation through prospective, longitudinal studies. / M

Thesis (MSpor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Various types of post-exercise recovery strategies have become part of the modern athlete’s daily routine. It is a well known that inadequate recovery will prolong the time it takes for the runner’s body to adequately adapt between training sessions and competitions. Anecdotal claims have been made about compression garments as a beneficial method to assist recovery after training sessions and competitions. Until now limited scientific research has addressed the influence that compression garments have on the recovery process after sporting activities. The benefits of compression garments, as a possible recovery modality, are that it is costeffective, practical and easily obtainable. This study endeavored to investigate the possible influence that compression garments may have on middle-aged long distance runners’ recovery rate after a prolonged run. This is the first study that has focused on compression garments as a post-exercise recovery modality for experienced middle-aged long distance runners. The other unique aspect of this study is the prolonged two-hour treadmill protocol that was used to induce muscle soreness. In addressing the aims, a randomized, crossover study design was used to investigate the possible benefits that the high pressure (CCL II 23-32 mmHg (mercury millimeter)) graduated compression garments may bring about. Seven competitive male long distance runners (height: 176.0 ± 8.6 cm; body mass: 92.5 ± 11.8 kg; VO2max: 45.7 ± 5.0 mL.kg-1.min-1) between the ages of 36 to 51 years volunteered for the study. The runners had to complete a two-hour treadmill run at 70 % of their predetermined maximum aerobic capacity, followed by a monitored 72-hour recovery period. The first part of the prolonged run was a 90–minute variant gradient run, followed by a 30-minute downhill run. Each subject acted as his own control and visited the Stellenbosch University’s Sport Physiology Laboratory (South Africa) on two occasions, separated by 7 to 28 days. One test was done with a compression garment (23 to 32 mmHg) and the other without. Testing included the measurement of lower limb circumferences (ankle, calf, mid- and proximal thigh), plasma lactate, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase concentrations and the completion of subjective questionnaires on perceived muscle soreness (visual analog scale (VAS)). The lower extremities’ functional ability was determined with a time to exhaustion (TTE) step test, a vertical jump test (VJ) and modified sit-and-reach flexibility test. Preexercise measurements were taken and immediately after and during the 72 hour after the treadmill run and repeated for the second bout. The main outcomes of this study showed that the two-hour treadmill run induced delayed onset of muscle soreness, with and without the compression garment. Evidence of this was a significant rise in plasma creatine kinase (CKp) over the duration of both trials (P < 0.05). The compression garment significantly reduced swelling in the calf muscle (41.0 ± 0.2 vs. 41.5 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.002). Runners showed a lower perceived muscular pain and discomfort while performing functional knee movements at 24 and 48-hours after the two-hour run with the compression garment (1.2 ± 1.6 vs. 3.8 ± 2.4 cm and 0.9 ± 1.8 vs. 3.0 ± 2.6 cm on VAS, respectively; P < 0.05). Significant differences in perceived muscle soreness between the WCG and WOCG trials were observed at 24-hours after the run during rest (0.1 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.8 cm; P = 0.02) and with stretching (1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 cm on VAS P = 0.02). The perceived pain associated with pressure was significantly lower with the compression garment at 24 (307 %) and 48-hours (237 %) after the run (P < 0.05). Blood lactate levels were reduced during the acute phase of recovery at 10 (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9 mmol.L-1; P = 0.05) and 30 minutes (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 2.4 ± 0.4 mmol.L-1; P = 0.01) after the run, as well as plasma creatine kinase concentrations were statistically significantly lower at 24-hours (238.3 ± 81.3 vs. 413.3 ± 250.8 units.L-1; P = 0.005) after exercise with the compression garment. The two-hour treadmill run and the compression garment had no significant influence on the runners’ lower limb strength, power, endurance or flexibility (P > 0.05). Compression garments demonstrated the potential to enhance recovery after prolonged strenuous exercise in well trained middle-aged runners. In addition, runners did not experience additional fatigue from the moderate to high pressure garments. The effect of higher pressure compression garments on athletic performance and the psychological influence of the garment need further investigation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskillende tipes naoefening herstelstrategië, vorm deel van die moderne atleet se daaglikse routine. Dit is wel bekend dat onvoldoende herstel sal beteken dat die atleet se liggaam langer sal neen om aan te pas tussen inoefen sessies en kompetisies. Sekere bewerings word al gemaak omtrent die voordeligheid van kompressiesokkies tydens die herstelperiode na oefening sessies en kompetisies. Tot nou toe was daar beperkte wetenskaplike navorsing oor die invloed van kompressie sokkies of die herstel proses van sport aktiwiteite. Die voordeel van kompressie sokkies as ‘n moontlike herstelmetode, is dat dit koste-effektief, prakties en maklik verkrybaar is. Hierdie studie poog om ‘n ondersoek in te stel na die moontlike invloed wat kompressie sokkies op middeljarige lang-aftstandatlete se herstelperiode sal hê na ‘n verlengde hardloopsessie. Hierdie is die eerste studie wat konsentreer op kompressie sokkies as ‘n naoefenings hersteltegniek vir ervare middeljarige lang-afstandatlete. Die ander unieke aspek van die ondersoek is die langdurige tweeuur trapmeul protokol wat gebruik word om spierpyn te veroorsaak. Om die doel te bereik, is ’n lukrake oorkruis studie gebruik om ondersoek in te stel na die moontlike voordele van die hoë druk (CCL II 23-32 mmHg) kompressie sokkies. Hierdie sokkies toon ’n progressiewe verhooging van druk vanaf die enkle tot onder die knieskyf. Sewe mededingende langafstand atlete (lengte : 176.0 ± 8.6 cm; liggaams massa: 92.5 ± 11.8 kg; VO2maks: 45.7 ± 5.0 mL.kg-1.min-1) tussen die ouderdomme van 36 en 51 jaar, het aan die studie deel geneem. Die wedlopers moes ‘n twee-uur lange trapmeul toets voltooi, teen 70% van hul vooraf bepaalde maksimum aerobiese kapasiteit. Dit is gevolg deur ‘n gemonitorde 72-uur herstel periode. Die eerste deel van die twee-uur hardloop sessie was ‘n 90-minuut afwisselende opdraende en afdraende hardloop stel, wat gevolg is deur a 30-minuut afdraande deel. Elke deelnemer was sy eie kontrole en het op twee geleenthede die Stellenbosch Universiteit se Sport Fisiologiese Laboratorium (Suid Afrika) besoek. Die twee besoeke is tussen 7 en 28 dae geskei. Een toets is met kompressie sokkies gedoen (23 – 32 mmHg) en die ander sonder. Die toetse het die volgende behels: laer been omtrekke (enkel, kuit, middel- and bo dy), die versameling en ontleding van bloed monsters vir plasma laktaat, laktaat dehydrogenase and kreatine kinase konsentrasies en die voltooing van subjektiewe vraelyste oor die graad van spierpyn ervaaring (“visual analog scale” (VAS)). Die onderlyf funksionele vermoëns is bepaal met ’n tyd tot uitputtings traptoets, ‘n vertikale sprong toets en ‘n gewysige sit-en-strek soepelheids toets. Data is voor die oefeninge in gevorder asook direk daarna, en gedurende die 72 uur na die trapmeul draf. Die metings vir die tweede sessie is herhaal. Die hoof uitkomste van die studie het gewys dat die twee-uur trapmeulsessie het spierpyn veroorsaak, met en sonder die kompressie sokkies. Die bewys hiervan was ‘n betekensvolle toename in plasma kreatien kinase (CKp) oor die tydperk van albei oefening toetse (P<0.05). Die kompressie sokkies het die swelling in die kuitspiere verminder, in vergelyking met die toetse sonder kompressie sokkies (41.0 ± 0.2 vs. 41.5 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.002). Wedlopers met die kompressie sokkies het minder spierseerheid en ongerief aangeteken toe hulle knie beweegings gedoen het op 24 en 48-uur na die twee-ure trapmeul toets (1.2 ± 1.6 vs. 3.8 ± 2.4 cm op VAS en 0.9 ± 1.8 vs. 3.0 ± 2.6 cm op VAS, onderskeidelik; P < 0.05). Betekenisvolle verskille is waargeneem tussen die toetse met en sonder kompressie sokkies, op 24-uur na die twee-ure toets gedurende rus (0.1 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.8 cm op VAS; P = 0.02) en met strek oefeninge (1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 cm op VAS P = 0.02). Die pyn wat ervaar was met drukking, was betekenisvol minder met die kompressie sokkies op 24 (307 %) en 48-uur (237 %) na die trapmeul sessie (P < 0.05). Bloed laktaat konsentrasie in die sirkulasie was verlaag gedurende die akute fase van die herstelings periode op 10 (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9 mmol.L-1; P = 0.05) en 30 minute (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 2.4 ± 0.4 mmol.L-1; P = 0.01) na die hardloop sessie, sowel as die plasma kreatine kinase konsentrasie was statisties betekenisvol laer by 24 uur (238.3 ± 81.3 vs 413.3 ± 250.8 eenhede L-1; P = 0.005) na die hardloop sessie met die kompressie sokkies. Die twee-ure trapmeul toets en die kompressie sokkies het geen betekenisvolle invloed gehad op die wedlopers se onderlyf ledemate se plofkrag, uithouvermoë of soepelheid (P > 0.05) nie. Kompressie sokkies het gewys dat dit potensiaal het om met herstel te help na lang en harde oefening in geoefende middeljarige atlete. Nietemin is daar verdere wetenskaplike navorsing nodig om dit te bevestig. Wedlopers het nie addisionele vermoeienis van die drukking van kompressie sokkies ervaar nie. Sterker drukkende kompressie sokkies sowel as die sielkundige invloed van die sokkies benodig verdere navorsing.spierpyn ervaaring (“visual analog scale” (VAS)). Die onderlyf funksionele vermoëns is bepaal met ’n tyd tot uitputtings traptoets, ‘n vertikale sprong toets en ‘n gewysige sit-en-strek soepelheids toets. Data is voor die oefeninge in gevorder asook direk daarna, en gedurende die 72 uur na die trapmeul draf. Die metings vir die tweede sessie is herhaal. Die hoof uitkomste van die studie het gewys dat die twee-uur trapmeulsessie het spierpyn veroorsaak, met en sonder die kompressie sokkies. Die bewys hiervan was ‘n betekensvolle toename in plasma kreatien kinase (CKp) oor die tydperk van albei oefening toetse (P<0.05). Die kompressie sokkies het die swelling in die kuitspiere verminder, in vergelyking met die toetse sonder kompressie sokkies (41.0 ± 0.2 vs. 41.5 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.002). Wedlopers met die kompressie sokkies het minder spierseerheid en ongerief aangeteken toe hulle knie beweegings gedoen het op 24 en 48-uur na die twee-ure trapmeul toets (1.2 ± 1.6 vs. 3.8 ± 2.4 cm op VAS en 0.9 ± 1.8 vs. 3.0 ± 2.6 cm op VAS, onderskeidelik; P < 0.05). Betekenisvolle verskille is waargeneem tussen die toetse met en sonder kompressie sokkies, op 24-uur na die twee-ure toets gedurende rus (0.1 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.8 cm op VAS; P = 0.02) en met strek oefeninge (1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 cm op VAS P = 0.02). Die pyn wat ervaar was met drukking, was betekenisvol minder met die kompressie sokkies op 24 (307 %) en 48-uur (237 %) na die trapmeul sessie (P < 0.05). Bloed laktaat konsentrasie in die sirkulasie was verlaag gedurende die akute fase van die herstelings periode op 10 (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9 mmol.L-1; P = 0.05) en 30 minute (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 2.4 ± 0.4 mmol.L-1; P = 0.01) na die hardloop sessie, sowel as die plasma kreatine kinase konsentrasie was statisties betekenisvol laer by 24 uur (238.3 ± 81.3 vs 413.3 ± 250.8 eenhede L-1; P = 0.005) na die hardloop sessie met die kompressie sokkies. Die twee-ure trapmeul toets en die kompressie sokkies het geen betekenisvolle invloed gehad op die wedlopers se onderlyf ledemate se plofkrag, uithouvermoë of soepelheid (P > 0.05) nie. Kompressie sokkies het gewys dat dit potensiaal het om met herstel te help na lang en harde oefening in geoefende middeljarige atlete. Nietemin is daar verdere wetenskaplike navorsing nodig om dit te bevestig. Wedlopers het nie addisionele vermoeienis van die drukking van kompressie sokkies ervaar nie. Sterker drukkende kompressie sokkies sowel as die sielkundige invloed van die sokkies benodig verdere navorsing.

The Road Freight Industry accounts for 1 to 5 percent of most countries GDP (AECOM International Development, 2011). According to e-Natis there was 321 056 Trucks (Heavy load Vehicle GVM > 3500 kg) in South Africa by November 2009 (Arrive Alive, 2009). This relative big industry, according to the statistics, influences most other industries value chains. Vehicles are driven by trucks drivers, making driving trucks their living. These drivers have their own lifestyles and ways that they go about. This study focusses on the risk factors of truck drivers’ lifestyles, especially long-distance truck drivers. This mini-dissertation draws attention to the limited research done on lifestyle risk factors and occupational hazards of long-distance truck drivers in South Africa. Most of the legislation regulating road transport is old and outdated, and any existing legislation is not being enforced. The goal of the study is to draw closer attention to the impact of certain lifestyle risk factors, social behaviours and occupational stressors on the lives of long-distance truck drivers, their close families and communities. The research was based on a comprehensive literature review as well as an empirical investigation done in the Gauteng province. A total of 150 long-distance truck drivers participated in the empirical investigation, by completing anonymous questionnaires. It is the researcher’s hope that this mini-dissertation will aid the betterment of long-distance truck drivers’ lives, general health and to make South African roads safer for all road users. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The Road Freight Industry accounts for 1 to 5 percent of most countries GDP (AECOM International Development, 2011). According to e-Natis there was 321 056 Trucks (Heavy load Vehicle GVM > 3500 kg) in South Africa by November 2009 (Arrive Alive, 2009). This relative big industry, according to the statistics, influences most other industries value chains. Vehicles are driven by trucks drivers, making driving trucks their living. These drivers have their own lifestyles and ways that they go about. This study focusses on the risk factors of truck drivers’ lifestyles, especially long-distance truck drivers. This mini-dissertation draws attention to the limited research done on lifestyle risk factors and occupational hazards of long-distance truck drivers in South Africa. Most of the legislation regulating road transport is old and outdated, and any existing legislation is not being enforced. The goal of the study is to draw closer attention to the impact of certain lifestyle risk factors, social behaviours and occupational stressors on the lives of long-distance truck drivers, their close families and communities. The research was based on a comprehensive literature review as well as an empirical investigation done in the Gauteng province. A total of 150 long-distance truck drivers participated in the empirical investigation, by completing anonymous questionnaires. It is the researcher’s hope that this mini-dissertation will aid the betterment of long-distance truck drivers’ lives, general health and to make South African roads safer for all road users. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Thesis (M.Thec.:Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xiii, 110 leaves ; ill. ; 30 cm / According to Wood (1998), patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) refers to a syndrome that comprises of the following signs and symptoms: anterior knee pain, inflammation, imbalance, instability, or any combination thereof. Prevailing literature suggests that the presence of myofascial trigger points (MFTP’s) in quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle could result in a combination of the following signs and symptoms: - Retro- or peripatella pain, - Weakness of the quadriceps muscle (Chaitow and DeLany, 2002) - Loss of full lengthening (Travell and Simons, 1983:248-250) The aetiology of PFPS is poorly understood (Kannus et al. 1999). The current trend in literature suggests an extensor mechanism dysfunction as the most probable aetiology (Galantly et al., 1994; Juhn, 1999). There appears to be a clinical overlap between the two syndromes, in terms of an extensor mechanism dysfunction and of signs and symptoms. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the role of active myofascial trigger points in the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle as perpetuating, causative or concomitant factors in the alteration of VL/VM Total Work (TW) in PFPS in distance runners.

Thesis (M.Tech,: Chiropractic)- Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xiii, 62, 19 leaves :|bill. ;|c30 cm / To document the relationship between total work and myofascial trigger points in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis portion of the quadriceps femoris muscle, whilst providing baseline graphs of these muscles with the use of a Cybex 700 Isokinetic Dynanometer in long distance runners both with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: A quantitative, non-intervention clinical exploratory study. Fifty participants were divided into two groups, Group A (40 symptomatics) and Group B (10 asymptomatics). Both groups were screened for vastus lateralis and vastus medialis trigger points. Subjective data was obtained from Group A only, using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Patient Specific Functional Scale. Objective data was obtained from both groups using the algometer, Myofascial Diagnostic Scale, and the Cybex 700 Isokinetic Dynanometer. For descriptive analysis frequency tabulations, box and whisker plots were used to display distributions graphically. Comparisons of categorical and quantitative variables between independent groups were run using chi square and Mann-Whitney testing consecutively. Finally Spearman’s correlation, multivariate generalized linear modelling and repeated measures ANOVA were also used. All statistical analysis was completed at the 95% (p<0.05) level of confidence.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 25-28, 1999 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / This paper describes the design, configuration, testing, and performance of a Fiber Optic Link used to transmit the signals from a remotely located S-band telemetry system to the main facility at the Kwajalein Missile Range (KMR). This fiber optic system demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of linking RF data from multiple antennas via a single fiber and over a nearly 100-km distance. Measured data of key link parameters such as gain, bit-error-rate, crosstalk, phase and gain stability, dynamic range, and noise figure are presented.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 22-25, 2001 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / Telemetry support has been a component of the instrumentation test support structure at Kwajalein Missile Range (KMR) for nearly 40 years. From a limited initial suite of manually pointed telemetry antennas, the Range has grown to include nine tracking antennas and four fixed receiving antennas. This paper describes the current modernization program at KMR that will include nine new telemetry trackers and five fixed antennas that will be networked and controlled via fiber optic links from a newly established telemetry control center on the island of Kwajalein. These upgrades will reduce operational cost and institute efficiencies, while continuing to meet Range Users’ growing requirements.

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.