Effects of high-intensity speed training on the speed reserve of university middle-distance and field sport athletes
- Authors: Thomas, Emma Jayne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Athletes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46346 , vital:39599
- Description: Context: Despite the multiple differences between athletic events and sports, they all share the sporadic bouts of moderate to extreme intensities and all require some contribution from an integrated bioenergetic system to allow for optimal performance. Although D’ is often considered as an ‘anaerobic work capacity’, such a definition is over-simplistic and its precise composition is nebulous, especially given the mixed findings of the experimental evidence. Clearly, further research is needed to provide a more complete understanding of the D’ parameter, as well as the speed reserve(range of speeds exceeding critical speed) especially within high-intensity exercise. Purpose (Aim): The aim of this study is to determine whether a short term high-intensity speed training intervention within the severe intensity domain effects speed reserve in athletic and non-athletic individuals considered moderately trained.Methods: A quantitative research design was used. Participantscompletedbaseline testing (pre-test), after which they were assigned into two groups. Both groups received a HIIT training program, with group 1 (G140%) receiving a program based on intensity prescription (work bouts performed at 140% of CS)and group 2 (G90-s) receiving a program based on time intervals (work bouts performed for 90-s). HIIT sessions were performed twice-weekly for a total of 6-weeks. A post-test assessment was then conducted by both groups to determine whether any changes have accrued in any of the physiological variables in question. Participants of the study met a specific criterion(18 –30 years of age, residing in Nelson Mandela Bay, and met the minimum fitness requirements). Results: No significant between-group differences were evident prior to and following cessation of the HIIT intervention. Findings that can be highlighted holistically include improvements in CS(G140%: M = 0.62 m.s-1; G90-s: M = 0.46 m.s-1)and 𝑉̇𝑂2𝑚𝑎𝑥 (G140%: +3.81 ml.kg-1.min-1; G90-s: +5.19 ml.kg-1.min-1)and a decrease in fatigue index (G140%: M = -6.75%; G90-s: M = -4.38%) and D’(G140%: M = -56.34 m; G90-s: M = -18.36 m).Normative data were generated for athletic and non-athletic participants using the standard nine (Stanine) categorization to facilitate interpretation and recommendations of key parameters for coaches and clinicians. Moreover, a deterministic model was also generated which revealed novel interactions and the strength of the relationship between variables-potentially opening new and innovative areas of future research. Conclusions: The interval durations and speeds utilised in the present study were insufficient to stimulate an increase in D’. To elicit an increase of D’, one would have to decrease the duration of the intervals performed(i.e. < 90-sec), while increasing speed at which the intervals performed at some speed greater than 140% of CS, but below MSS. Further research is needed to understand the physiological underpinning of the D’ parameter both in isolation and in conjunction with CS. It is clear that D’ is influenced by parameters such as MSS, 𝜏d and FI%; therefore, these sub-parameters should be explored further as potentiators for moderating the D’ parameter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Thomas, Emma Jayne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Athletes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46346 , vital:39599
- Description: Context: Despite the multiple differences between athletic events and sports, they all share the sporadic bouts of moderate to extreme intensities and all require some contribution from an integrated bioenergetic system to allow for optimal performance. Although D’ is often considered as an ‘anaerobic work capacity’, such a definition is over-simplistic and its precise composition is nebulous, especially given the mixed findings of the experimental evidence. Clearly, further research is needed to provide a more complete understanding of the D’ parameter, as well as the speed reserve(range of speeds exceeding critical speed) especially within high-intensity exercise. Purpose (Aim): The aim of this study is to determine whether a short term high-intensity speed training intervention within the severe intensity domain effects speed reserve in athletic and non-athletic individuals considered moderately trained.Methods: A quantitative research design was used. Participantscompletedbaseline testing (pre-test), after which they were assigned into two groups. Both groups received a HIIT training program, with group 1 (G140%) receiving a program based on intensity prescription (work bouts performed at 140% of CS)and group 2 (G90-s) receiving a program based on time intervals (work bouts performed for 90-s). HIIT sessions were performed twice-weekly for a total of 6-weeks. A post-test assessment was then conducted by both groups to determine whether any changes have accrued in any of the physiological variables in question. Participants of the study met a specific criterion(18 –30 years of age, residing in Nelson Mandela Bay, and met the minimum fitness requirements). Results: No significant between-group differences were evident prior to and following cessation of the HIIT intervention. Findings that can be highlighted holistically include improvements in CS(G140%: M = 0.62 m.s-1; G90-s: M = 0.46 m.s-1)and 𝑉̇𝑂2𝑚𝑎𝑥 (G140%: +3.81 ml.kg-1.min-1; G90-s: +5.19 ml.kg-1.min-1)and a decrease in fatigue index (G140%: M = -6.75%; G90-s: M = -4.38%) and D’(G140%: M = -56.34 m; G90-s: M = -18.36 m).Normative data were generated for athletic and non-athletic participants using the standard nine (Stanine) categorization to facilitate interpretation and recommendations of key parameters for coaches and clinicians. Moreover, a deterministic model was also generated which revealed novel interactions and the strength of the relationship between variables-potentially opening new and innovative areas of future research. Conclusions: The interval durations and speeds utilised in the present study were insufficient to stimulate an increase in D’. To elicit an increase of D’, one would have to decrease the duration of the intervals performed(i.e. < 90-sec), while increasing speed at which the intervals performed at some speed greater than 140% of CS, but below MSS. Further research is needed to understand the physiological underpinning of the D’ parameter both in isolation and in conjunction with CS. It is clear that D’ is influenced by parameters such as MSS, 𝜏d and FI%; therefore, these sub-parameters should be explored further as potentiators for moderating the D’ parameter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Improving attendance at an automotive manufacturing company in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Arnolds, Allan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020324
- Description: Attendance in the workplace is becoming a growing challenge for companies or organisations in general. Non-attendance has become a world-wide or international problem. According to Banks, Patel and Moola (2012) it is a common problem in all types of industries, minor or large, private or government. South African organisations are losing estimated billions of rand in cost annually due to poor attendance. These costs are having a negative effect on organisations’ revenue, effectiveness, health and safety. A satisfactory level of employee attendance at work is necessary to allow departments within organisations to achieve their objectives and targets. Research suggests many factors which influence employee attendance and these are investigated, analysed and discussed within this study. The aim of the study was to attempt to improve attendance at an automotive manufacturing company by investigating the influences of certain elements, namely motivation, leadership (supportive), job satisfaction and rewards. The literature study was done to investigate the relationship between these factors and elements and attendance. Through research the realisation of the importance of controlling absenteeism has become very imminent. The literature review has shown that these factors are related to attendance, some of them influencing the tendency to attend work positively and others having a negative influence causing employees to be absent from work. The study also investigates some of the common possible reasons and motives for non-attendance. The empirical part of the study was to determine the perception of workers with regard to attendance. A convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents and the size of the sample consisted of 198 respondents. A researched and well-designed questionnaire was used to gather the data. The information was analysed with the latest statistics software package. Independent tests and analysis of various techniques were used to determine the statistical significant differences in the relationship between attendance and the elements with regard to employee perception. These perceptions were grouped in biographical categories, namely race, age, shop, service length, marital status, gender, income and the number of days absent in the last three years. Through the study statistically no actual significant difference was found among these groups. The key findings within this study show that there are no significant relationships between the dependent variable (attendance) and the independent variables, (motivation, leadership, job satisfaction and rewards). This relation is highlighted by the statistical data which is discussed and analysed individually for this study The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations based on these findings are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Arnolds, Allan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020324
- Description: Attendance in the workplace is becoming a growing challenge for companies or organisations in general. Non-attendance has become a world-wide or international problem. According to Banks, Patel and Moola (2012) it is a common problem in all types of industries, minor or large, private or government. South African organisations are losing estimated billions of rand in cost annually due to poor attendance. These costs are having a negative effect on organisations’ revenue, effectiveness, health and safety. A satisfactory level of employee attendance at work is necessary to allow departments within organisations to achieve their objectives and targets. Research suggests many factors which influence employee attendance and these are investigated, analysed and discussed within this study. The aim of the study was to attempt to improve attendance at an automotive manufacturing company by investigating the influences of certain elements, namely motivation, leadership (supportive), job satisfaction and rewards. The literature study was done to investigate the relationship between these factors and elements and attendance. Through research the realisation of the importance of controlling absenteeism has become very imminent. The literature review has shown that these factors are related to attendance, some of them influencing the tendency to attend work positively and others having a negative influence causing employees to be absent from work. The study also investigates some of the common possible reasons and motives for non-attendance. The empirical part of the study was to determine the perception of workers with regard to attendance. A convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents and the size of the sample consisted of 198 respondents. A researched and well-designed questionnaire was used to gather the data. The information was analysed with the latest statistics software package. Independent tests and analysis of various techniques were used to determine the statistical significant differences in the relationship between attendance and the elements with regard to employee perception. These perceptions were grouped in biographical categories, namely race, age, shop, service length, marital status, gender, income and the number of days absent in the last three years. Through the study statistically no actual significant difference was found among these groups. The key findings within this study show that there are no significant relationships between the dependent variable (attendance) and the independent variables, (motivation, leadership, job satisfaction and rewards). This relation is highlighted by the statistical data which is discussed and analysed individually for this study The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations based on these findings are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Unlocking the development of built environment professionals through infrastructure investment in South Africa
- Authors: Mputa, Nobutyani Sinethemba
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Construction workers -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Job security -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020049
- Description: spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mputa, Nobutyani Sinethemba
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Construction workers -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Job security -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020049
- Description: spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
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