Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The purpose of this study was to develop a valid test battery that could measure movement competence in rugby at U/16 level. Movement competence was adopted as the focus in this research because rugby is a sport consisting of challenges in primarily open skill situations. Competence is a level of proficiency that is higher than that of a novice, but not as high as an expert. Competence in rugby would imply that a player is reasonably successful in meeting the challenges of the dynamic situations on the field. Following a review of some different approaches to defining the abilities that seem to contribute to competence, movement competence in rugby at U/16 level was defined in terms of physical abilities, motor abilities and rugby skills. A test battery was designed to measure these variables, and then the battery was administered to the U/16 regional level group (n = 21) and the U/16 average level group (n = 108) from the same region. Anthropometry was recognised as a source of critical information in talent identification and development programmes, but because it has been well studied by other investigators, it was not included. Test validity was examined by comparing the scores between the two groups (the assumption is that the regional group should score higher on each item) and by asking the coaches to rate the tests in terms of face validity. The regional group achieved significantly better results in terms of speed, aerobic fitness, flexibility and power, in comparison with the average group. This suggests that the provincial players are more physical fit than the average high school players at U/16 level. However, the results of the motor abilities and skill items did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Although the coaches rated the test battery highly, new test items for these variables need to be considered to the next cycle in the Test of Rugby Competence.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Intellectually impaired (II) athletes are not allowed to participate at the Paralympic Games because there is no accepted classification system for these athletes. The rationale for this study was to see if there are any physical differences existing in the sprint performance of II and non-II athletes and to see if there is a way to incorporate these differences into a new (accepted) classification system. The objective of this study was to identify any physical sources for the differences between II and non-II, with regard to the acceleration phase, the first 30m of the 60m sprint race, which could then be used in conjunction with other tests in the classification of II athletes. This new classification system might then allow II athletes to participate in the Paralympic Games again. 32 II athletes (22 male and 10 females) and 14 non-II athletes (10 males and 4 females) were used in this study. The sprint performance was analysed and compared of each athlete using the DartFish ProSuite software programme. The data collected from these analysis was then compared using the unpaired t-test, looking for any significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). From this analysis, it was concluded that stride length was the reason for the poorer performance of the II group when compared to the non-II group. Further research is required before definite conclusions can be made on the possible reasons for this difference.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Sport analogies are constantly used in business settings, perhaps due to some of the surface similarities between sport teams that strive to win competitive leagues and business teams striving to be successful in a competitive environment. The similarities between the sports and business worlds are highlighted by various authors who share “winning strategies” with managers and team leaders. However, the psychology of sports performance may be very different from the psychology of the business world. The main purpose of this investigation was to determine if the principles of sport psychology are indeed applicable to the environment of the workplace. Due to the emphasis on performance output in the corporate environment, which to a large extent is similar to the challenges encountered by elite sport persons, it is proposed that sport psychology rather than clinical psychology could be utilised as a way to assist employees to cope with the demands of the workplace. It is believed that by adopting the principles of sport psychology, employees can learn how to use mental skills, not only to enhance their performance in the work place, but also to deal with daily life stressors. The main focus of the study was to develop a mental skills programme based on sport psychology principles and to determine its effectiveness in the corporate world.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The motivation for this research evolved from a study of Flow in Sport (Jackson & Csikszentmihalyi, 1999). Flow is described as a state of optimal experience that could be attained by becoming immersed in a challenging task that absorbs all the attention on the task at hand. Physical exercise was used in this study because it provides a flow-conducive environment in which challenges can easily be gauged and increased, giving essential motivational feedback. A broad spectrum of sport psychology and flow-related research was applied in the design of a comprehensive and easily accessible system of understanding what it means to experience flow. Research that relates to the use of visualisation, relaxation and the use of natural triggers are key factors used in the implementation of the programme. The concept of flow was founded in seven fundamental elements that need to be present in order to experience flow. The programme was developed during several phases of sample testing over a period of two years to refine and condense the system so it would not detract attention from the task at hand. The final seven-week programme was presented to a sample of seven participants on a one-on-one basis. A combination of quantitative (measurements of performance levels in the chosen activity taken before and after the intervention programme intervention and qualitative (participants’ comments which were written down in terms of personal experiences related to the programme after completing the programme) methods were used to assess the effectiveness of the devised programme. Ground Evaluation Theory is described by Patton (1980) as the systematic working out of hypotheses and concepts during the course of research. This was a central feature of the nature of the development of the present programme. Patton (1980) describes a meta-evaluation as an evaluation of an evaluation. This was applied over the two-year period while refining and simplifying the present intervention so as to reduce potentially distracting analysis by participants. Using a standardised protocol, participants made use of personal past optimal experiences that epitomise each of the fundamental aspects of being in flow. These experiences (or blueprints) were then associated with natural triggers formed by seven segments of the human body to subconsciously refresh and enhance access to these past optimal states. A flow-chart on which these images were drawn was designed. It was used in conjunction with relaxation and visualisation to continually re-visit, refresh and apply these states of mind to reaching new peaks. Subjects were to visualise themselves immersed in performance of their task at the level set as the goal for the end of the programme. The past blueprinted states were used to recreate an optimal mental approach during this visualised performance. The goals were broken down into achievable challenging steps of progression with the use of personal training programmes designed by a sports scientist to be effective for attaining goals which were set. The flow-programme was evaluated in terms of setting training schedules, taking measurements and setting goals before intervention and then gauging the progress of these factors after the implementation of the programme. The factors measured were: the level of flow experienced in the chosen activity; satisfaction with life; adherence to the programme; and achievement of training goals. These variables were measured by comparing results in standardised tests which have proven reliable for measuring flow and satisfaction with life. Adherence to the programme was measured relative to the amount of training that had been specified in the programme designs. The attainment of goals was also measured by the percentage of goals that had been achieved, compared with those set by each participant for the programme.The results show that the subjects benefited from the programme on the four measures. The subjects also commented that they found the programme to be a highly effective tool for grasping an understanding of the concept of flow, as well as experiencing this elusive state. It was concluded that flow could be tapped into at a volitional level by using the devised intervention.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Post-exercise recovery has become an important area in research due to the high demands placed on competitive athletes. Different recovery strategies are used by athletes during competition and training. For the competitive athlete it is important to maintain performances during competition and also to enhance performances during training. However, if the athlete fails to recovery from daily exhaustive training and competition, inadequate recovery may lead to poor performances, burn-out, sickness and even injuries. There is very little evidence available on the possible performance recovery effects of the use of water immersion during multi days of intensive endurance training. Theoretically, water immersion should aid the overall recovery process without any additional energy cost involved as with active recovery. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether water immersion (cold water vs. neutral) has any effects on the post-exercise recovery rate of competitive cyclists during 3 days of intensive endurance training and whether recovery with water immersion is more effective than active recovery. Seventeen competitive cyclists (mean ± SD age: 27.6 ± 5.94 years, weight: 78.8 ± 6.67 kg, height: 180.5 ± 4.42 cm VO2max: 49.8 ± 4.13 L.min-1.kg-1, and PPO: 352.6 ± 35.94 Watts) completed 3 days of intensive endurance cycling sessions. Cyclists were randomly assigned to either a 20 minute ice bath (IB) (n = 6, 11 ± 0.9oC), neutral bath (NB) (n = 6, 30 ± 0.6oC), or active recovery (AR) (n = 5; 81 ± 1.74% of HRLT ) which were performed directly after the training sessions on Day 1 and 2. Dependent variables such as anaerobic performance, creatine kinase concentrations (CK), c-reactive protein concentrations (CRP), blood lactate concentrations, muscle soreness (VAS) and perceived fatigue (POMS), and limb circumferences were measured prior to the training sessions at Day 1, 2 and 3. In addition, changes in exercise performances over the last 2 days were also assessed. There were significant increases over the three days in plasma [CK] (P < 0.05) and [CRP] (P < 0.001) demonstrating that muscle damage and inflammation occurred during and after the training sessions. However, there were no treatment or interaction effects observed for any of the dependent variables for any of the recovery interventions (P > 0.05). Blood [La] was significantly reduced on Day 2 for the IB group in comparison to the NB group (P < 0.05). A strong tendency was observed for [CK] when the IB and NB groups were combined (WG), indicating that AR had a strong tendency to enhance the recovery of [CK] in comparison to the WG (P = 0.05). Also, there were no significant time or interaction effects observed in % changes in performances for the last two 100km TTs between Day 2 and 3 for any of the recovery interventions (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that neither cold water, nor neutral water therapy, have more beneficial effects on post-exercise recovery rates compared to active recovery. Importantly, however, is that the cyclists’ were able to maintain their performances over the three consecutive days, indicating that water therapy per se is not detrimental to endurance performance. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Na-oefening herstel het ‘n belangrike area van navorsing geword, aangesien die eise wat aan elite atlete gestel word buitengewoon hoog is. Vir die kompeterende fietsryer is dit baie belangrik om prestasie tydens kompetitisie asook tydens inoefening te handhaaf. Inteendeel, as die atleet nie daarin slaag om effektief te herstel na daaglikse oefening en kompetisie nie, mag dit lei tot swak prestasie, uitbranding, siekte en beserings. Tot hede is daar geen baie min bewyse beskikbaar oor die potensiële voordele van waterterapie vir die herstel van atlete, veral tydens meervoudige dae van intensiewe uithouvermoë inoefening. Teoreties behoort waterterapie die algehele herstelproses bevorder sonder dat enige addisionele energiekostes betrokke is, soos in die geval van aktiewe herstel. Die doel van die ondersoek was om vas te stel of waterterapie (koud teenoor neutraal) enige effekte het op die na-oefening hersteltempo van kompeterende fietsryers tydens 3 dae van intensiewe uithouvermo oefening en om te bepaal of waterterapie meer effektief is as aktiewe herstel. Sewentien kompeterende fietsryers (gemiddeld ± SD; ouderdom: 27.6 ± 5.94 jaar, gewig: 78.8 ± 6.67 kg, lengte: 180.5 ± 4.42 cm, VO2maks: 49.8 ± 4.13 L.min-1.kg-1, en Piek krag uitset: 352.6 ± 35.94 Watts) het 3 dae van intensiewe uithouvermoë inoefeing voltooi. Die fietryers was lukraak ingedeel in ‘n 20 minute Ysbadgroep (IB) (n = 6, 11 ± 0.9oC), neutrale bad groep (NB) (n = 6, 30 ± 0.6oC) en ‘n aktiewe herstelgroep (AR) (n = 5; 81 ± 1.74% van HRLT), Herstelsessies het op Dag 1 en 2 direk na die inoefeningsessies plaasgevind. Afhanklike veranderlikes soos funksionele kapasiteit, kreatienkinase konsentrasies (CK), c-reaktiewe proteïen konsentrasies (CRP), bloedlaktaat konsentrasie ([La]), spierseerheid en persepsie van vermoeienis (STEMS), en beenomtrekke was gemeet voor die inoefeningsessies op Dag 1, 2 en 3. Veranderinge in oefeningprestasie oor die laaste 2 dae was ook geassesseer. Daar was ‘n statistiese betekenisvolle toename in plasma [CK] (P < 0.05) en [CRP] (P < 0.001) oor die drie dae, wat daarop wys dat spierskade en inflammasie wel plaasgevind het. Daar was geen behandeling of interaksie effekte waarneembaar vir enige van die intervensies nie (P > 0.05). Bloed [La] was beduidend verlaag op Dag 2 vir die IB groep in vergelyking met die NB groep (P = 0.05). Die verlaging in plasma [CK] na AR het gegrens aan statisties betekenisvolle resultate (P = 0.05) in vergelyking met die waterterapie (IB en NB gekombineer). Daar was geen statisites beduidende tyd of interaksie effekte waargeneem in die % veranderinge in oefeningprestasie vir die laaste twee 100km tydtoetse tussen Dag 2 en 3 vir enige van die herstelstrategieë nie (P < 0.05) Die resultate wys dat waterterapie nie enige voordelige effekte op die na-inoefening herstel tempo het in vergelyking met aktiewe herstel nie. Dit is egter belangrik om daarop te let dat die fietsryers in staat was om hul oefeningprestasies te handhaaf oor die drie opeenvolgende dae, wat aandui dat waterterapie nie nadelig inwerk op uithouvermoë prestasie nie.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The effect of an adapted physical activity (APA) program on the motor performance of children with autism was studied. A multiple single case studies approach was implemented. Three children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aged between three and eight years old, were chosen for the study. A baseline, pre- and post-test assessment evaluated the effect of a 20-week intervention program. Motor abilities were tested using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, and selected items from the Brockport Physical Fitness Test were used to assess physical fitness. The intervention was administered three times per week and focused on the individual motor impairments of each child. The program termed “Mighty Muscles” was continuously developed according to the child‟s specific goals and developments. Additionally, social play and overall behaviour assessments were also done. The Sherrill-University of Virginia Adapted Physical Education Social Play Behaviour Inventory assessed social play and a behavioural profile developed by the researcher assessed daily living activities and behaviours associated with autism. Due to the nature of autism, the results of each child were analysed, graphed and discussed individually. For the three children, the APA program had a positive effect in improving the motor abilities, including improvements in ball skills, manual dexterity and balance. The APA program also improved the physical fitness of the three subjects including aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility. Self-stimulatory behaviours and inappropriate behaviours (fidgeting, self-injury) decreased in all three subjects while rates of appropriate physical activity during free time increased, demonstrating the positive contribution the APA program had on behaviours associated with autism. Social play became more spontaneous and interactive for case study two and three. From this study, it is concluded that an adapted physical activity program is an essential addition in the holistic treatment of autism. This study provides further research and insight into the components of a successful APA program. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: „n Ondersoek is gedoen om die effek van „n Aangepaste Bewegingsprogram op die motoriese vermoë van drie kinders wat met outisme ge-identifiseer is, na te gaan. Die ouderdomme van die deelnemers wissel tussen drie en agt jaar. „n Gevalle-studie navorsingsontwerp is gebruik en die effek van „n 20-weeklange intervensieprogram is bepaal deur die resultate van basislyn-, voor- en na-programtoetsing te vergelyk. Motoriese vermoë is nagegaan deur gebruik te maak van die Movement Assessment Battery for Children, en liggaamlike fiksheid deur die gebruik van die Brockport Physical Fitness Test. Bykomend is waarnemings gemaak omtrent die sosiale speeltendense en algemene gedragspatrone van elke kind. Die Sherrill –University of Virginia Adapted Physical Education Social Play Behaviour Inventory en „n selfontwerpte gedragsprofiel, om alledaagse aktiwiteite en geassosieerde outistiese gedrag waar te neem, is ook benut. Die intervensiesessies is drie maal per week gedoen en het gefokus op die motoriese agterstande van elke individuele deelnemer. Soos mikpunte bereik is, is die inhoud van die Mighty Muscles program voortdurend aangepas. As gevolg van die unieke aard van outisme, is die resultate van elke kind afsonderlik ontleed, word dit afsonderlik illustreer en bespreek. Die spesifieke aangepaste bewegingsprogram het „n positiewe effek op die motoriese vermoëns van al drie deelnemers gehad. Verbetering in bal-, handvaardighede en balansvermoë was opvallend. Die aërobiese kapasiteit, spierkrag en spieruithouvermoë asook lenigheid, met ander woorde fiksheid van al drie het as gevolg van deelname aan die intervensieprogram, verbeter. Selfstimulerende en onvanpaste gedrag het afgeneem terwyl deelname aan meer gepaste, spontane vryetydaktiwiteite, duidelik waargeneem is. Al bogenoemde resultate dui op die positiewe bydrae van „n aangepaste bewegingsprogram op die gedrag van kinders wat met outisme geïdentifiseer is.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess the fascia alignment in kinetic muscle chains and to determine the relationship between these results and selected biomotor abilities in rugby players. It is suggested that restrictions in the fascia along the kinetic chains inhibit muscle function and therefore influence movement patterns, such as those required by skilled rugby players. The isometric Bunkie-test was used to assess fascia alignment in ten kinetic chains related to movement patterns. Standard functional tests were used to assess agility, speed, speed endurance, lower body explosive power and upper body muscle endurance. The relationship between fascia alignment and injury occurrence was also determined. The subjects (n = 121) were all elite-level rugby players from three rugby academies. They participated voluntarily in a once-off assessment, consisting of the Bunkie-test, an Illinois agility test, a 10m sprint test, a 40m sprint test, a repeated sprint test, a vertical jump test and a maximum pull-ups test. Subjects also completed an injury questionnaire regarding all previous and current injuries. No intervention was applied and the statistical analysis was based on this assessment. Numerous significant relationships (p < 0.05) were found between the results of the Bunkietest and results of the performance tests. Players performing better on the Bunkie-test demonstrated better biomotor abilities. Very few significant findings (p < 0.05) were found when comparing the results of the Bunkie-test to injury occurrence. The conclusion was made that restrictions in the fascia of kinetic chains, as determined by the Bunkie-test, could influence a rugby player’s ability to perform biomotor movements optimally. Whether restrictions in the fascia resulted in an increased injury occurrence could not be shown. The Bunkie-test might be a tool for coaches and rehabilitation therapists to identify weaknesses and imbalances in the kinetic chains of athletes. Addressing these problems could then lead to improvements in sport performance. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie ondersoekende studie was om die belyning van die fascia in kinetiese spierkettings te evalueer, asook om die verhouding tussen hierdie resultate en geselekteerde biomotoriese vermoëns in rugbyspelers. Daar is aanduidings dat beperkings in die fascia van enige spierketting spierfunksie kan inhibeer en dus ook die effektiwiteit van bewegingspatrone kan beïnvloed. Die isometriese Bankie-toets is gebruik om die fascia belyning in tien spierkettings te evalueer. Hierdie spierkettings is belangrik vir die uitvoer van algemene bewegingspatrone. Standaard funksionele toetse is gebruik om ratsheid, spoed, spoed-uithouvermoë, eksplosiewe krag van die onderste ledemate en spieruithouvermoë van die bolyfspiere te bepaal. Die verwantskap tussen fascia belyning en die aantal beserings in rugbyspelers is ook bepaal. Die proefpersone (n = 121) was almal elite-vlak rugbyspelers verbonde aan een van drie rugby akademies. Alle spelers het vrywillig deelgeneem aan die studie. Toetsing is eenmalig gedoen en het bestaan uit die Bankie-toets, die Illinois ratsheidstoets, ‘n 10m spoedtoets, ‘n 40m spoedtoets, ‘n herhaalde-spoed toets, ‘n vertikale sprong toets en ‘n maksimale optrektoets. Spelers het ook ‘n vraelys aangaande huidige en vorige beserings ingevul. Geen intervensie is in hierdie studie gedoen nie en die statistiese analise was dus op die bogenoemde gebaseer. Verskeie beduidende verwantskappe (p < 0.05) is gevind tussen die resultate van die Bankietoets en die resultate van die funksionele toetse. Spelers wat beter resultate in die Bankie-toets verkry het, het ook beter biomotoriese vermoëns getoon. Min beduidende resultate (p < 0.05) is gevind tussen die resultate van die Bankie-toets en die voorkoms van beserings. Die gevolgtrekking is gemaak dat beperkinge in die fascia van spierkettings, soos deur die Bankie-toets bepaal, wel ‘n rugbyspeler se vermoë om biomotoriese bewegings optimaal uit te voer kan beïnvloed. Of beperkinge in die fascia ook aanleiding gee tot ‘n toename in aantal beserings kon nie met hierdie studie vasgestel word nie. Die Bankie-toets kan moontlik ‘n instrument vir afrigters en rehabilitasie-terapeute wees. Die doel daarvan sal wees om beperkinge en wanbalanse in spierkettings van atlete te bepaal. Indien hierdie probleme aangespreek word, behoort sportprestasie te verbeter.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of sport psychology injunior tennis and to determine: • whether coaches make use of psychological interventions, • whether coaches consider psychological interventions in junior tennis to be important, • what kind of psychological interventions coaches make use of, and • what kind of problems coaches encounter while teaching psychological interventions to junior tennis players. Questionnaires were mailed off to all professional tennis coaches who are registered with Tennis South Africa. The questionnaire which the coaches voluntarily answered, was an abbreviated, revised version of the questionnaire used by Gould et al. (1999a) for their study. \ The results of this study show that coaches: • regard the teaching of psychological interventions to junior tennis players as very important. • perceived the following as the most important psychological dimensions for junior tennis players: motivation, concentration, enjoyment, self-confidence and goal setting. • find the teaching process of psychological interventions to junior tennis players difficult. • encounter practical problems in the teaching of psychological interventions to junior tennis players. Lack of time is mentioned most often. Based on these outcomes, it is concluded that sport psychology has an important role to play in junior tennis. More research is needed to develop techniques and methods to effectively teach psychological interventions to junior tennis players. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie is om die rol van sportsielkunde in junior tennis te ondersoek deur die volgende te bepaal: • of afrigters van sielkundige intervensies gebruik maak, • of afrigters dink dat sielkundige intervensies belangrik is in junior tennis, • van watter sielkundige intervensies afrigters gebruik maak, en • watter probleme afrigters ondervind gedurende die onderrig van sielkundige intervensies aan junior tennisspelers. Vraelyste is gestuur aan aIle professionele tennisafrigters wat by Tennis Suid-Afrika geregistreer is. Die vraelys wat die afrigters vrywillig beantwoord het, was 'n verkorte, hersiene weergawe van die vraelys wat deur Gould et al. (1999a) in hulle studie gebruik is. Die resultate van die studie toon dat afrigters: • die onderrig van sielkundige intervensies aan junior tennisspelers as belangrik beskou. • die volgende sielkundige dimensies in junior tennis as die belangrikste beskou: motivering, konsentrasie, genot, selfvertroue en doelwitstelling. • die onderrigproses verbonde aan sielkundige intervensies moeilik vind. • praktiese probleme ondervind met die onderrig van sielkundige intervensies aan junior tennisspelers. 'n Gebrek aan tyd is uitgesonder as die probleem wat die meeste voorkom. Gebaseer op die resuitate, is daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat sportsieikunde 'n belangrike rol te speel het in junior tennis. Verdere navorsing word benodig am tegnieke en metodes daar te stel om die sieikundige intervensies effektief aan junior tennisspelers te onderrig .

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Netball is a fast and skilful team sport in which players need to be "quickthinking", because they are required to make fast and accurate decisions in ever-changing situations. Netball is a highly tactical game. Therefore the game has to be analysed on all levels of play. During every game or training session the coach has to look for those factors that influence performance and determine success. Methods of games analysis have been improved through the development of video and computer technology, in order to help coaches gather critical data. This study will utilise games analysis as a method for gaining insight into what kinds of "critical incidents" on a netball court lead a team to either score a goal, or to allow the opponent to score against them. Four expert coaches analysed game play from three top-level international netball matches in order to identify the reasons for success/failure during game play. A computer-based games analysis system was used to identify the reasons for losing ball possession during the same games analysed by the experts. The results of computer-based games analysis was compared to the analysis provided by elite coaches in order to determine the value of the technology in providing relevant information. These identified key performance indicators were then ranked according to frequency. Additional games statistics were generated, using games analysis. This knowledge will not only contribute to an understanding of how technology can support coaching, but it will also expand our understanding of the tactics of netball and thus contribute to coaches' efforts to teach players how to make "good decisions". An important by-product of this study was the identification of the key performance indicators that influence success/failure in netball. This knowledge should help coaches determine what kinds of tactical learning situations are important to include in practice sessions. It is the coach's responsibility to develop thinking players. On court - during a game - it is the players' responsibility to read the game and make instant decisions. Also during the game - during time outs and half time- it is the coach's responsibility to give the players feedback on their decision-making and to make suggestions for improvements. Both roles require effective analysis of the game. Keywords: netball; games analysis; technology / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Netbal is 'n vinnige vaardigheidspel. Spelers moet oor die vermoe beskik om in aanhoudende veranderde situasies en spel vinnige, akkurate besluite te neem. Dit is 'n uiters taktiese spel en daarom moet dit op alle vlakke geanaliseer word. Gedurende elke oefensessie en wedstryd moet die aftigter fokus op faktore wat die sukses en prestasie van 'n speier of span kan beinvloed. Met behulp van die verbeterde rekenaar- en videotegnologie is verskillende metodes van wedstrydanalises ontwikkel - met die doel om afrigters te fasiliteer om kritiese informasie te versamel. Die doel van hierdie studie is om wedstrydanalise as 'n metode te beskryf om kritiese situasies te identifiseer wat tot gevolg het dat 'n span 'n doel wen of afstaan. Vier topvlak afrigters het drie internasionale wedstryde geanaliseer om sodoende die redes vir sukses of rnislukte pogings in die wedstryd te identifiseer. In dieselfde drie wedstryde is 'n rekenaar wedstrydanalise stelsel gebruik om die redes vir balbesit of -verlies te identifiseer. Die resultate van die rekanaar-gebaseerde spelanalises en die vier afrigters is vergelyk om die waarde van die verskil in informasie te vergelyk en te bepaal. Die kern prestasiefaktore wat deur bogenoemde geidentifiseer is, is volgens rangorde geplaas op grond van die frekwensie waarop dit voorgekom het. Hierdie inligting sal as 'n bydrae dien tot die wyse waartoe tegnologie afrigting kan ondersteun. Dit brei ook die verstaanbaarheid van taktiek in netbal uit en bevorder besluitnerning meer spesifiek. 'n Belangrike resultaat van die studie is die identifikasie van die kern prestasiefaktore. Hierdie inligting kan afrigters in verskeie taktiese leer-situasies ondersteun. Die ideaal is dat elke afrigter sy verantwoordelikheid sal besef om onafhanklike, selfdenkende spelers te ontwikkel. Op die baan is dit gevolglik die speier se eie verantwoordelikheid om die wedstryd te lees en besluite te neem. Gedurende halftyd en na die wedstryd is dit die afrigter se verantwoordelikheid om aan spelers terugvoering te gee, asook aanbevelings te maak ten opsigte van besluitneming. Beide rolle, as afrigter of speier, vereis effektiewe wedstrydanalise. Sleutelwoorde: netbal; wedstrydanalise; tegnologie / jfl201407

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Functional fitness refers to the physical capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue. More specifically, functional fitness refers to having adequate strength, flexibility, mobility and endurance to execute essential tasks efficiently and effortlessly. Being functionally fit is important for all populations, but even more so for populations at risk for loosing functional capacity such as the elderly, disabled, and those with chronic medical conditions. Down syndrome individuals form part of the intellectually disabled population and show even more marked reductions in physical and functional capacities when compared to this already functionally limited population. Most DS individuals live sedentary lives, are obese, and age prematurely. For these reasons it is important to develop their functional capacities optimally. Although standardised tests are available for youngsters with intellectual disability, this is not the case for DS individuals. This study therefore endeavoured to describe the physical and functional fitness capacity of DS adults and to determine how much individual physical attributes contribute to functional capacity. 17 items, of which the validity and reliability have been determined, were included in the test battery. This included 2 balance tests, 2 flexibility tests, 2 coordination tests, 5 muscular strength and endurance tests, 2 functional tasks and an aerobic test. A total of 371 individuals from DS centres and institutions across seven provinces in South Africa volunteered to participate in the study. The study sample was categorised according to gender and four different age groups (18-25, 26-35, 36-45, >45 years) for further analysis. DS men were taller, heavier and had a greater arm span and sitting height than DS women. The majority of the participants were either overweight or obese. DS men performed significantly better on all but three tests compared to the women. The women performed better on the sit- and- reach flexibility test and the chair stand test, however, differences were not statistically significant. Physical test items correlated significantly and strongly to functional performance in 9 items for DS men and 5 items for DS women. Importantly, balance items correlated stronger with functional performance in DS women than in DS men. This is not a new finding and suggests that separate training programs should be developed for DS men and DS women. This is the first study of its kind in South Africa and confirms the findings of previous studies that DS adults have both low physical and functional capacities. They are particularly weak in terms of basic endurance and strength, which have been shown are trainable variables in DS individuals. The study also provides valuable criterion referenced values for an adult DS population. This information will assist health professionals in tailoring appropriate training programs to address functional limitations, as well as the negative health consequences associated with ageing. This special population thus need the assistance of sport scientists, as well as the community, to integrate them into special training and activity programs to improve their quality of life. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Funksionele fiksheid verwys na die fisieke kapasiteit om alledaagse aktiwiteite op ‘n veilige en onafhanklike wyse uit te voer sonder om oormatige vermoeienis te ervaar. Meer spesifiek beteken funksionele fiksheid dat ‘n person voldoende krag, lenigheid, beweeglikheid en uithouvermoë besit om essensiële take doeltreffend en moeiteloos te voltooi. Alle populasies behoort funksioneel fiks te wees, maar dit is self meer belangrik vir populasies wat die risiko het om hul funksionele kapasiteit te verloor, soos bejaardes, persone met gestremdhede en diegene met kroniese mediese toestande. Down sindroom individue is deel van die populasie met intellektueel gestremdhede en hulle het selfs meer fisieke en funksionele beperkinge as die intellektueel gestremdes. Die meeste persone met DS het ‘n onaktiewe leefstyl, is vetsugtig en ervaar premature veroudering. Vir hierdie redes is dit uiters belangrik om hulle funksionele kapasiteit optimaal te ontwikkel. Hoewel gestandaardiseerde toetse beskikbaar is vir jong persone met intellektueel gestremdhede, is dit nie die geval met DS individue nie. Hierdie studie was ‘n poging om die fisieke en funksionele fiksheidkapasiteit van DS volwassenes te beskryf en te bepaal tot watter mate fisieke eienskappe funksionele kapasiteit bepaal. 17 items, waarvan die geldigheid en herhaalbaarheid bepaal is, is ingelsuit in die toetsbattery. Dit het die volgende ingesluit: 2 balanstoetse, 2 lenigheidstoetse, 2 koordinasietoetse. 5 spierkrag en uithouvermoë toetse, 2 funksionale take en een aërobiese toets. ‘n Totaal van 371 individue van DS sentrums en instellings in sewe provinsies in Suid Afrika het vrywillig ingestem om aan die studie deel te neem. Die steekproef is volgens geslag en ouderdom in vier kategorieë verdeel (18-25, 26-35, 36-45, >45 jaar) vir verdere analise. DS mans was langer, swaarder en het ‘n langer armlengte en sithoogte gehad as DS vroue. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers was of oorgewig of vetsugtig. DS mans het beduidend beter as die vroue gevaar in al die toetse, behalwe drie. Die vroue het beter gevaar in die sit en strek lenigheidstoets en die stoel opstaan toets, maar die verskille was nie statisties betekenisvol nie. Nege fisieke toetsitems vir mans het sterk en betekenisvol gekorreleer met funksionele kapasiteit, terwyl 5 items vir vroue betekenisvolle korrelasies gewys het. Balans items het sterker met funksionele kapasiteit in vroue as in mans gekorreleer. Hierdie is nie ‘n nuwe bevinding nie en bevestig dat verskillende oefenprogramme vir DS mans en vroue ontwikkel moet word. Hierdie is die eerste studie van sy soort in Suid Afrika en bevestig die resultate van vorige studies dat DS volwassenes beide lae fisieke en funksionele kapasiteite het. Hulle is veral swak ten opsigte van basiese uithouvermoë en spierkrag, maar beide hierdie veranderlikes kan by DS persone ingeoefen word. Hierdie studie voorsien ook waardevolle kriterium verwysingswaardes vir ‘n volasse DS populasie. Hierdie inligting kan persone in die gesondheidsberoepe help om gepaste oefenprogramme saam te stel om die funksionele beperkings en negatiewe gesondheidsgevolge wat met veroudering geassosieer word, aan te spreek. Hierdie spesiale populasie benodig dus die hulp van sportwetenskaplikes, sowel as die gemeenskap, om hulle te integreer in spesiale oefen- en aktiwiteitsprogramme om sodoende hulle kwaliteit van lewe te verbeter.