Drugs: cures or curse?
- McCarthy, T J (Terence John)
- Authors: McCarthy, T J (Terence John)
- Subjects: Drugs , Pharmacy , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21887 , vital:29798
- Description: With Pharmacy established in our midst at UPE it seems fitting to speak about drugs, since the name pharmacy is derived from pharmakon, the Greek word for drug. The derivation of apteker from the English word apothecary and the German Apotheker is also relevant. Interestingly the Greek root for apothecary means storekeeper, so perhaps things have not changed much in the last few centuries. However, the use of drugs precedes the Greeks, English or Germans by many centuries, and both the Chinese (over 2000 years BC) and the Babylonians (over 4000 years BC) had drug lists or pharmacopoeias. In fact the Babylonians also had a strict medical code and I recall reading that "if the surgeons's knife should slip, the surgeon's hand will be cut off" which seems far better than the modern idea of trying to sue the surgeon after the event, but must have seriously hampered the recruitment of surgeons in those days.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: McCarthy, T J (Terence John)
- Subjects: Drugs , Pharmacy , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21887 , vital:29798
- Description: With Pharmacy established in our midst at UPE it seems fitting to speak about drugs, since the name pharmacy is derived from pharmakon, the Greek word for drug. The derivation of apteker from the English word apothecary and the German Apotheker is also relevant. Interestingly the Greek root for apothecary means storekeeper, so perhaps things have not changed much in the last few centuries. However, the use of drugs precedes the Greeks, English or Germans by many centuries, and both the Chinese (over 2000 years BC) and the Babylonians (over 4000 years BC) had drug lists or pharmacopoeias. In fact the Babylonians also had a strict medical code and I recall reading that "if the surgeons's knife should slip, the surgeon's hand will be cut off" which seems far better than the modern idea of trying to sue the surgeon after the event, but must have seriously hampered the recruitment of surgeons in those days.
- Full Text: false
Early maladaptive schemas among re-offenders in Gqeberha 102
- Authors: Mantshiyose, Asisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Recidivism -- Gqeberha
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58904 , vital:60246
- Description: high crime rate in South Africa showed an increase in 2018 with recidivism being the highest contributing factor. The increase in recidivism rates is a result of many factors, including the ineffectiveness of rehabilitation programmes. In an attempt to combat the increase in recidivism, its causes have been examined from a number of perspectives, especially social factors. However, very few studies have focussed on psychological factors when studying crime in South Africa. International studies have found personality factors to be a contributing factor towards recidivism. Concordantly, international studies have also established a correlation between early maladaptive schemas, a core component of personality, and crime. This study aimed to explore early maladaptive schemas among reoffenders in Gqeberha, South Africa. The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of EMS in a sample of repeat offenders from the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) in Gqeberha. The study used a quantitative methodology and a sample size of 14 participants was utilised. Convenience sampling was utilised to identify reoffenders. The data was collected by administering a short demographical questionnaire and the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ). Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlations were utilised to analyse the data. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mantshiyose, Asisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Recidivism -- Gqeberha
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58904 , vital:60246
- Description: high crime rate in South Africa showed an increase in 2018 with recidivism being the highest contributing factor. The increase in recidivism rates is a result of many factors, including the ineffectiveness of rehabilitation programmes. In an attempt to combat the increase in recidivism, its causes have been examined from a number of perspectives, especially social factors. However, very few studies have focussed on psychological factors when studying crime in South Africa. International studies have found personality factors to be a contributing factor towards recidivism. Concordantly, international studies have also established a correlation between early maladaptive schemas, a core component of personality, and crime. This study aimed to explore early maladaptive schemas among reoffenders in Gqeberha, South Africa. The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of EMS in a sample of repeat offenders from the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) in Gqeberha. The study used a quantitative methodology and a sample size of 14 participants was utilised. Convenience sampling was utilised to identify reoffenders. The data was collected by administering a short demographical questionnaire and the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ). Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlations were utilised to analyse the data. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Eating disorders, body image and weight control life orientation teachers' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
- Authors: Hardie, Alison
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9844 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/394 , Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: The apparent increase in the incidence of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa worldwide has resulted in a surge of interest in effective treatment, prevention programmes and health promotion. Health promotion and the primary prevention of eating and body image problems among young people, and in particular adolescents, is emerging as one of the most desirable achievements in contemporary health and nutrition education. Eating disorders usually have their origin during the teenage years, and as such, high schools provide useful sites for the implementation of prevention programmes. Educators can play an important role in the prevention of eating disorders and act as socialization agents who either reinforce or buffer the dominant societal discourses that shape young women’s views of themselves. There are calls, however, for caution in the design and implementation of school-based eating disorder curricula as school educators may inadvertently do more harm than good. It has also been suggested that female educators, as other women, are likely to possess a degree of normative discontent with their body shape and size, and that this dissatisfaction and negative beliefs about food may be unknowingly transferred to the learners within their care. The current study used an exploratory, descriptive research design to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to eating disorders, body image and weight control of a group of Life Orientation educators. A biographical questionnaire, a questionnaire designed for the purposes of the current research and two standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, namely the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), were administered to 50 female Life Orientation educators in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of participants and descriptive statistics were used to explore and describe the data. The results of the current research study indicated a lack of knowledge in those Life Orientation educators assessed regarding eating disorders and healthy diet. The results also indicated inaccurate knowledge amongst those educators assessed regarding effective and safe teaching practices of eating disorder pathology. The results of the two standardised questionnaires reflected an internalisation of the dominant societal ideals regarding weight and body shape, with 18% of the sample xi demonstrating attitudes and behaviours that could be indicative of eating disorder pathology of either clinical or subclinical proportions. Suggestions were made regarding future research and the need for further training of Life Orientation educators. Finally, the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hardie, Alison
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9844 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/394 , Eating disorders in adolescence -- South Africa , Life skills -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: The apparent increase in the incidence of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa worldwide has resulted in a surge of interest in effective treatment, prevention programmes and health promotion. Health promotion and the primary prevention of eating and body image problems among young people, and in particular adolescents, is emerging as one of the most desirable achievements in contemporary health and nutrition education. Eating disorders usually have their origin during the teenage years, and as such, high schools provide useful sites for the implementation of prevention programmes. Educators can play an important role in the prevention of eating disorders and act as socialization agents who either reinforce or buffer the dominant societal discourses that shape young women’s views of themselves. There are calls, however, for caution in the design and implementation of school-based eating disorder curricula as school educators may inadvertently do more harm than good. It has also been suggested that female educators, as other women, are likely to possess a degree of normative discontent with their body shape and size, and that this dissatisfaction and negative beliefs about food may be unknowingly transferred to the learners within their care. The current study used an exploratory, descriptive research design to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to eating disorders, body image and weight control of a group of Life Orientation educators. A biographical questionnaire, a questionnaire designed for the purposes of the current research and two standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaires, namely the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), were administered to 50 female Life Orientation educators in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of participants and descriptive statistics were used to explore and describe the data. The results of the current research study indicated a lack of knowledge in those Life Orientation educators assessed regarding eating disorders and healthy diet. The results also indicated inaccurate knowledge amongst those educators assessed regarding effective and safe teaching practices of eating disorder pathology. The results of the two standardised questionnaires reflected an internalisation of the dominant societal ideals regarding weight and body shape, with 18% of the sample xi demonstrating attitudes and behaviours that could be indicative of eating disorder pathology of either clinical or subclinical proportions. Suggestions were made regarding future research and the need for further training of Life Orientation educators. Finally, the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Educational interventions for primary caregivers related to infection prevention and control in stroke patients in a rural setting of Mutasa district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chikanya, Violet Kestha
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Educational interventions -- Zimbabwe , Cross infection -- Prevention -- Zimbabwe , Primary caregivers
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60133 , vital:63146
- Description: Infection prevention and control offer safe and effective practices for patients and healthcare workers in any setting, including the home environment. Understanding and applying principles are based on knowledge and training of caregivers. The incidence of stroke has increased significantly in some sub-Saharan countries. Most patients with stroke are admitted into hospital during the acute phase of care, and are then discharged for further care and management at home. Recovery at home after a stroke takes a long time under the care of primary caregivers with either little or no health care training, exposing these patients to a variety of risky infections. Education on infection prevention and control is therefore encouraged to guide primary caregivers in caring for these patients. The study objectives sought to explore and describe knowledge and practices of primary caregivers, and information given by village health workers to primary caregivers to prevent and control chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients in a rural setting in Mutasa district, Zimbabwe. The study also sought to develop and validate educational interventions for primary caregivers to prevent and control chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients. A quantitative research paradigm was used in the study. Multistage random sampling was used to select 20 wards and 200 villages. Using a margin of error of 5% and 95% confidence, the sample consisted of 200 primary caregivers and 200 village health workers. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase One comprised data collection from primary caregivers and village health workers regarding prevention and control of chest, skin, and urinary tract infections. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire for primary caregivers and a self-administered questionnaire for village health workers. The research instruments collected data on socio-demographics, knowledge, practices and infection prevention and control information given by village health workers to primary caregivers. The Visual Basic for Applications package was used for data analysis. x The study results revealed that a significant number of primary caregivers had low knowledge levels in terms of stroke and infections that frequently occur in home-based stroke patients. About a third of primary caregivers did not know the standard infection prevention and control measures to prevent infections, and a substantial proportion of the primary caregivers did not practise the recommended measures to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients. It was found that village health workers provided limited health education on stroke, its complications, and measures to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections to primary caregivers. In Phase Two, educational interventions in the form of a job aid comprising worksheets for primary caregivers to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients in a rural setting were developed. In Phase Three, the draft job aid was reviewed by an eight-member expert panel. Feedback from the reviewers was used to develop the final job aid for enhancing the knowledge and practices of primary caregivers in terms of infection prevention and control in home-based stroke patients. Throughout the study, the researcher adhered to ethical considerations, namely respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. The quality of data collected was ensured by applying the principles of validity and reliability in the development stage of the questionnaire and by conducting a pilot study. Rigorous evaluation of the developed job aid is required to establish its validity. It is recommended that the job aid be included in nurse training and continuing education programs. The trainings should be cascaded to the village health workers and primary caregivers of other bed-ridden patients. The job aid will also reach more caregivers if translated to other local languages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Chikanya, Violet Kestha
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Educational interventions -- Zimbabwe , Cross infection -- Prevention -- Zimbabwe , Primary caregivers
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60133 , vital:63146
- Description: Infection prevention and control offer safe and effective practices for patients and healthcare workers in any setting, including the home environment. Understanding and applying principles are based on knowledge and training of caregivers. The incidence of stroke has increased significantly in some sub-Saharan countries. Most patients with stroke are admitted into hospital during the acute phase of care, and are then discharged for further care and management at home. Recovery at home after a stroke takes a long time under the care of primary caregivers with either little or no health care training, exposing these patients to a variety of risky infections. Education on infection prevention and control is therefore encouraged to guide primary caregivers in caring for these patients. The study objectives sought to explore and describe knowledge and practices of primary caregivers, and information given by village health workers to primary caregivers to prevent and control chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients in a rural setting in Mutasa district, Zimbabwe. The study also sought to develop and validate educational interventions for primary caregivers to prevent and control chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients. A quantitative research paradigm was used in the study. Multistage random sampling was used to select 20 wards and 200 villages. Using a margin of error of 5% and 95% confidence, the sample consisted of 200 primary caregivers and 200 village health workers. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase One comprised data collection from primary caregivers and village health workers regarding prevention and control of chest, skin, and urinary tract infections. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire for primary caregivers and a self-administered questionnaire for village health workers. The research instruments collected data on socio-demographics, knowledge, practices and infection prevention and control information given by village health workers to primary caregivers. The Visual Basic for Applications package was used for data analysis. x The study results revealed that a significant number of primary caregivers had low knowledge levels in terms of stroke and infections that frequently occur in home-based stroke patients. About a third of primary caregivers did not know the standard infection prevention and control measures to prevent infections, and a substantial proportion of the primary caregivers did not practise the recommended measures to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients. It was found that village health workers provided limited health education on stroke, its complications, and measures to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections to primary caregivers. In Phase Two, educational interventions in the form of a job aid comprising worksheets for primary caregivers to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients in a rural setting were developed. In Phase Three, the draft job aid was reviewed by an eight-member expert panel. Feedback from the reviewers was used to develop the final job aid for enhancing the knowledge and practices of primary caregivers in terms of infection prevention and control in home-based stroke patients. Throughout the study, the researcher adhered to ethical considerations, namely respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. The quality of data collected was ensured by applying the principles of validity and reliability in the development stage of the questionnaire and by conducting a pilot study. Rigorous evaluation of the developed job aid is required to establish its validity. It is recommended that the job aid be included in nurse training and continuing education programs. The trainings should be cascaded to the village health workers and primary caregivers of other bed-ridden patients. The job aid will also reach more caregivers if translated to other local languages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Educators perceptions of implementing guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions in the Department of Educations Port Elizabeth District
- Authors: Heynes, Arnelle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009319 , Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Description: The development and implementation of policy guidelines remains a contentious issue. Over the past few years, difficulty still exists in implementing the Department of Education (DoE) 1999, National Education Policy Act, 1996 (No. 27 of 1996): National Policy on HIV/AIDS for learners and educators in public schools, and students and educators in further education and training institutions [here after referred to as DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999)], while at the same time trying to transform the entire education system. This research explored the perceptions of educators in the Port Elizabeth District regarding the implementation of DoE HIV/AIDS (1999) policy guidelines. A secondary objective was to provide a reflection of how the implementation of guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions within the schools of the Port Elizabeth District either conformed to or deviated from the guidelines outlined in the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999). The study was executed within the paradigm of qualitative research and employed an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The researcher conducted a pilot study to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit research participants, consisting of 12 educators from 10 schools in the Port Elizabeth District where HIV/AIDS interventions were being implemented. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviewing and analysed using Tesch’s (1990) in De Vos, Strydom, Fouché & Delport (2005:340-341) framework for analysis of qualitative data. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Three themes emerged from the results of the in-depth semi-structured interviews: (1) Educators’ views on the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) guidelines and its implementation (2) Gaps or shortcomings in implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) and (3) Educator suggestions’ to inform implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) in schools. The results from the study indicate that there is inconsistency in the policy implementation approach employed by DoE district level representatives and there is a need for knowledge and capacity development at district and school level. The value of the study is outlined as well as recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Heynes, Arnelle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009319 , Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Description: The development and implementation of policy guidelines remains a contentious issue. Over the past few years, difficulty still exists in implementing the Department of Education (DoE) 1999, National Education Policy Act, 1996 (No. 27 of 1996): National Policy on HIV/AIDS for learners and educators in public schools, and students and educators in further education and training institutions [here after referred to as DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999)], while at the same time trying to transform the entire education system. This research explored the perceptions of educators in the Port Elizabeth District regarding the implementation of DoE HIV/AIDS (1999) policy guidelines. A secondary objective was to provide a reflection of how the implementation of guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions within the schools of the Port Elizabeth District either conformed to or deviated from the guidelines outlined in the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999). The study was executed within the paradigm of qualitative research and employed an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The researcher conducted a pilot study to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit research participants, consisting of 12 educators from 10 schools in the Port Elizabeth District where HIV/AIDS interventions were being implemented. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviewing and analysed using Tesch’s (1990) in De Vos, Strydom, Fouché & Delport (2005:340-341) framework for analysis of qualitative data. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Three themes emerged from the results of the in-depth semi-structured interviews: (1) Educators’ views on the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) guidelines and its implementation (2) Gaps or shortcomings in implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) and (3) Educator suggestions’ to inform implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) in schools. The results from the study indicate that there is inconsistency in the policy implementation approach employed by DoE district level representatives and there is a need for knowledge and capacity development at district and school level. The value of the study is outlined as well as recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Effect of a physical activity intervention on the physical fitness of primary schoolchildren in disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Joubert, Nandi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physical fitness -- Research , Physical fitness for children Exercise for children Health behavior in children Child development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39962 , vital:35602
- Description: Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and schools are ideal settings for promoting activity and wellness. Only half of South African children meet global activity recommendations and overweightness and obesity remain a growing challenge. Disadvantaged communities are at even greater risk, as environmental- and socioeconomic challenges further influence children’s health and activity levels. This study investigated the effect of a physical activity intervention on the following health-related physical fitness parameters of primary schoolchildren: cardiorespiratory fitness, upper- and lower body strength, lower body flexibility, and body composition. More specifically the objectives were to describe and compare the intervention and control groups, at baseline, mid- and post intervene. A cluster randomised controlled trial determined the effect of the intervention. Testing was phased in three cross sectional surveys, baseline, mid and post-intervention. The study sample consisted of 157 children, aged 8-12 years, from two primary schools in the township of Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. The physical activity intervention consisted of two intervention periods, each 10-weeks in duration, and included physical education lessons, move-to-music dance classes, in-class physical activity breaks, and physical activity ‘homework’. Furthermore, a low-cost physical activity-friendly school environment was created with play structures, painted games, and the upgrade of sporting facilities and equipment. The intervention was shown to have significant positive effects on the number of laps ran (p < 0.05), indicating cardiorespiratory fitness, and handgrip strength (p < 0.001), an indicator of upper body musculature strength. No significant effects were found for lower body musculature strength (p > 0.05), lower body flexibility (p > 0.05) or body mass index (p > 0.05). Schoolchildren’s level of health-related physical fitness should be regularly assessed, and effective interventions should be implemented and monitored to ensure that children meet recommended activity and fitness standards. Physical education in South African schools is currently compromised, with children having low levels of in-school activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour. The majority of physical activity and health-related physical fitness measures are poor, with even lower scores for girls and children from lower socioeconomic areas. Interventions are thus essential and should focus on extended durations and higher activity intensities in order to achieve health enhancing benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Joubert, Nandi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physical fitness -- Research , Physical fitness for children Exercise for children Health behavior in children Child development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39962 , vital:35602
- Description: Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and schools are ideal settings for promoting activity and wellness. Only half of South African children meet global activity recommendations and overweightness and obesity remain a growing challenge. Disadvantaged communities are at even greater risk, as environmental- and socioeconomic challenges further influence children’s health and activity levels. This study investigated the effect of a physical activity intervention on the following health-related physical fitness parameters of primary schoolchildren: cardiorespiratory fitness, upper- and lower body strength, lower body flexibility, and body composition. More specifically the objectives were to describe and compare the intervention and control groups, at baseline, mid- and post intervene. A cluster randomised controlled trial determined the effect of the intervention. Testing was phased in three cross sectional surveys, baseline, mid and post-intervention. The study sample consisted of 157 children, aged 8-12 years, from two primary schools in the township of Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. The physical activity intervention consisted of two intervention periods, each 10-weeks in duration, and included physical education lessons, move-to-music dance classes, in-class physical activity breaks, and physical activity ‘homework’. Furthermore, a low-cost physical activity-friendly school environment was created with play structures, painted games, and the upgrade of sporting facilities and equipment. The intervention was shown to have significant positive effects on the number of laps ran (p < 0.05), indicating cardiorespiratory fitness, and handgrip strength (p < 0.001), an indicator of upper body musculature strength. No significant effects were found for lower body musculature strength (p > 0.05), lower body flexibility (p > 0.05) or body mass index (p > 0.05). Schoolchildren’s level of health-related physical fitness should be regularly assessed, and effective interventions should be implemented and monitored to ensure that children meet recommended activity and fitness standards. Physical education in South African schools is currently compromised, with children having low levels of in-school activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour. The majority of physical activity and health-related physical fitness measures are poor, with even lower scores for girls and children from lower socioeconomic areas. Interventions are thus essential and should focus on extended durations and higher activity intensities in order to achieve health enhancing benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of a South African medicinal plant on antiretroviral drug induced abnormalities in rats
- Authors: Van Gend, Tania Anli
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Rats as laboratory animals , Rats -- Metabolism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10121 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1080 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Rats as laboratory animals , Rats -- Metabolism
- Description: The worldwide AIDS epidemic is known to have had a profoundly negative social, economic and personal impact and has taken a heavy toll on existing health care systems, particularly in developing countries. South Africa is experiencing an HIV epidemic with enormous social and economic consequences. Lopinavir/ritonavir antiretroviral treatment has been accredited with having a significantly positive effect and is a key advance in controlling HIV morbidity and mortality. An indigenous South African medicinal plant, Sutherlandia frutescens, known for its anti-diabetic properties and immune-boosting effects, is used for treating HIV positive patients suffering from opportunistic infections. Despite the use of the medicinal plant extract as homeotherapeutic medication, there is little evidence of toxicity testing that identifies its potential for interaction with antiretroviral drugs. However, scientific data relating to the mechanism through which Sutherlandia frutescens acts on the immune system has not been comprehensively documented. The aim of this study was to investigate lopinavir/ritonavir induced metabolic abnormalities in rats and whether the introduction of a plant extract of Sutherlandia frutescens would counteract the side effects of ARV medication. The results indicated that the rodents did not become insulin resistant, however, biochemical analysis indicated that extended ARV drug treatment would have caused insulin resistance. Significant morphological changes were found in the livers, kidneys and pancreases of rats exposed to the lopinavir/ritonavir. Rats exposed to the Sutherlandia frutescens plant extract showed improved histopathology with minimal abnormalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Van Gend, Tania Anli
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Rats as laboratory animals , Rats -- Metabolism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10121 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1080 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Rats as laboratory animals , Rats -- Metabolism
- Description: The worldwide AIDS epidemic is known to have had a profoundly negative social, economic and personal impact and has taken a heavy toll on existing health care systems, particularly in developing countries. South Africa is experiencing an HIV epidemic with enormous social and economic consequences. Lopinavir/ritonavir antiretroviral treatment has been accredited with having a significantly positive effect and is a key advance in controlling HIV morbidity and mortality. An indigenous South African medicinal plant, Sutherlandia frutescens, known for its anti-diabetic properties and immune-boosting effects, is used for treating HIV positive patients suffering from opportunistic infections. Despite the use of the medicinal plant extract as homeotherapeutic medication, there is little evidence of toxicity testing that identifies its potential for interaction with antiretroviral drugs. However, scientific data relating to the mechanism through which Sutherlandia frutescens acts on the immune system has not been comprehensively documented. The aim of this study was to investigate lopinavir/ritonavir induced metabolic abnormalities in rats and whether the introduction of a plant extract of Sutherlandia frutescens would counteract the side effects of ARV medication. The results indicated that the rodents did not become insulin resistant, however, biochemical analysis indicated that extended ARV drug treatment would have caused insulin resistance. Significant morphological changes were found in the livers, kidneys and pancreases of rats exposed to the lopinavir/ritonavir. Rats exposed to the Sutherlandia frutescens plant extract showed improved histopathology with minimal abnormalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Effect of a web-based visual skills training programme on the visual performance of rugby players
- van Rensburg, Justine Jansen
- Authors: van Rensburg, Justine Jansen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rugby football -- South Africa -- Physiological aspects , Physical education and training Performance Sports -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42273 , vital:36641
- Description: With ever increasing important expectations being placed on professional sportsmen and women and, with the main emphasis on winning at all costs, the role of how vision can contribute to sports performance has been under the spotlight in the last few decades. While sport vision programmes can potentially play a vital role in improving sports performance, the efficacy of visual skills training on performance, however, has not been convincingly demonstrated and therefore is still debatable. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a web-based visual skills training programme on the visual skills performance of NMU Varsity Cup rugby players. The specific visual skills included accommodation, saccadic eye movement, reaction time and peripheral awareness. The study was quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A total number of 23 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. Optometric assessments, on the advice of an optometrist, were conducted to ensure “normal” vision among the participants included in the study. A systematic procedure was employed based on the pre-test to allocate the 23 participants to either a control group (CG) (n=8), an experimental group one (EG1) (n=9) and an experimental group two (EG2) (n=6). The two experimental groups underwent four weeks of visual skills training with the EG1 receiving the web-based visual skills training and EG2 receiving the dynamic visual skills training. The tests used consisted of the Hart Near Far Rock Chart, a Saccadic eye movement chart, simple reaction time and choice reaction time as well as the Batak Pro (Accumulator test). Pre- and post-test scores showed some differences but no statistically significant (p<0.05) differences were found between the three groups for any of the tests conducted. Overall the experimental groups produced larger (non-significant) either pre- to post-test mean differences or post-test results than the control group for six of the seven tests implemented. The findings of this study using a web-based visual skills training programme presented no statistically significant improvements nor better results than the dynamic visual skill training programme in respect of visual skill performance of NMU Varsity rugby players.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: van Rensburg, Justine Jansen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rugby football -- South Africa -- Physiological aspects , Physical education and training Performance Sports -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42273 , vital:36641
- Description: With ever increasing important expectations being placed on professional sportsmen and women and, with the main emphasis on winning at all costs, the role of how vision can contribute to sports performance has been under the spotlight in the last few decades. While sport vision programmes can potentially play a vital role in improving sports performance, the efficacy of visual skills training on performance, however, has not been convincingly demonstrated and therefore is still debatable. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a web-based visual skills training programme on the visual skills performance of NMU Varsity Cup rugby players. The specific visual skills included accommodation, saccadic eye movement, reaction time and peripheral awareness. The study was quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A total number of 23 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. Optometric assessments, on the advice of an optometrist, were conducted to ensure “normal” vision among the participants included in the study. A systematic procedure was employed based on the pre-test to allocate the 23 participants to either a control group (CG) (n=8), an experimental group one (EG1) (n=9) and an experimental group two (EG2) (n=6). The two experimental groups underwent four weeks of visual skills training with the EG1 receiving the web-based visual skills training and EG2 receiving the dynamic visual skills training. The tests used consisted of the Hart Near Far Rock Chart, a Saccadic eye movement chart, simple reaction time and choice reaction time as well as the Batak Pro (Accumulator test). Pre- and post-test scores showed some differences but no statistically significant (p<0.05) differences were found between the three groups for any of the tests conducted. Overall the experimental groups produced larger (non-significant) either pre- to post-test mean differences or post-test results than the control group for six of the seven tests implemented. The findings of this study using a web-based visual skills training programme presented no statistically significant improvements nor better results than the dynamic visual skill training programme in respect of visual skill performance of NMU Varsity rugby players.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of exposure charts on reject rate of extremity radiographs
- Authors: Kalondo, Luzanne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Exposure , Radiography, Medical -- Image quality , Radiography, Medical -- South Africa , Diagnostic imaging -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10076 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1168 , Radiography, Medical -- Exposure , Radiography, Medical -- Image quality , Radiography, Medical -- South Africa , Diagnostic imaging -- South Africa
- Description: This study discusses reject film analyses (RFAs) before and after the implementation of a quality improvement intervention. RFAs were undertaken to investigate the effect of the introduction and use of exposure charts (ECs) on department and student reject rates of extremity radiographs. Methods: A quantitative comparative pre and post-treatment research design was used. Data was collected from the x-ray departments of two training hospitals in Windhoek, Namibia over a five month period. A retrospective RFA was conducted to determine the department and student reject rates for both departments before intervention. Emphasis was placed on exposure related reject films. ECs were compiled and introduced at Katutura State Hospital (venue B) by the researcher. The students were instructed to use these charts. At Windhoek Central Hospital (venue A) no ECs were used. A prospective RFA was conducted to establish department and student reject rates at both hospitals after the intervention at venue B. Results: During the retrospective phase the department reject rate for venue A was 21 percent while the student reject rate was 23 percent. At venue B 24 percent and 26 percent were scored respectively. Students at venue A produced rejected radiographs due to overexposure (49 percent) and underexposure (23 percent), whilst 37 percent was recorded for both causes at venue B. At venue A, 35 percent of films were rejected due to incorrect mAs selection, at venue B the figure was 42 percent. Undiagnostic radiographs due to inaccurate kV selection comprised 62 percent for venue A and 59 percent for venue B. During the prospective phase the department reject rate for venue A was 20 percent and that of the students was 19 percent. For venue B 12 percent and 11 percent were scored respectively. At venue A radiographs rejected due to over and underexposure were 43 percent and 33 percent respectively while those at venue B were 33 percent and 34 percent. Incorrect mAs selection caused 33 percent of discarded films at venue A and 38 percent at venue B. The figures for inaccurate kV selection were 68 percent and 62 percent for venues A and B. Conclusions: The introduction and use of ECs lowered the student reject rate at venue B in the prospective phase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Kalondo, Luzanne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Exposure , Radiography, Medical -- Image quality , Radiography, Medical -- South Africa , Diagnostic imaging -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10076 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1168 , Radiography, Medical -- Exposure , Radiography, Medical -- Image quality , Radiography, Medical -- South Africa , Diagnostic imaging -- South Africa
- Description: This study discusses reject film analyses (RFAs) before and after the implementation of a quality improvement intervention. RFAs were undertaken to investigate the effect of the introduction and use of exposure charts (ECs) on department and student reject rates of extremity radiographs. Methods: A quantitative comparative pre and post-treatment research design was used. Data was collected from the x-ray departments of two training hospitals in Windhoek, Namibia over a five month period. A retrospective RFA was conducted to determine the department and student reject rates for both departments before intervention. Emphasis was placed on exposure related reject films. ECs were compiled and introduced at Katutura State Hospital (venue B) by the researcher. The students were instructed to use these charts. At Windhoek Central Hospital (venue A) no ECs were used. A prospective RFA was conducted to establish department and student reject rates at both hospitals after the intervention at venue B. Results: During the retrospective phase the department reject rate for venue A was 21 percent while the student reject rate was 23 percent. At venue B 24 percent and 26 percent were scored respectively. Students at venue A produced rejected radiographs due to overexposure (49 percent) and underexposure (23 percent), whilst 37 percent was recorded for both causes at venue B. At venue A, 35 percent of films were rejected due to incorrect mAs selection, at venue B the figure was 42 percent. Undiagnostic radiographs due to inaccurate kV selection comprised 62 percent for venue A and 59 percent for venue B. During the prospective phase the department reject rate for venue A was 20 percent and that of the students was 19 percent. For venue B 12 percent and 11 percent were scored respectively. At venue A radiographs rejected due to over and underexposure were 43 percent and 33 percent respectively while those at venue B were 33 percent and 34 percent. Incorrect mAs selection caused 33 percent of discarded films at venue A and 38 percent at venue B. The figures for inaccurate kV selection were 68 percent and 62 percent for venues A and B. Conclusions: The introduction and use of ECs lowered the student reject rate at venue B in the prospective phase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Effect of femininity on sexual health decision making of young females
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Female students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23705 , vital:30603
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Female students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23705 , vital:30603
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effect of femininity on sexual health decision making of young females
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa , Women -- Identity , Adolescents -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30298 , vital:30928
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa , Women -- Identity , Adolescents -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30298 , vital:30928
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effect of school-based interventions on attention and academic performance of primary schoolchildren from lower socioeconomic communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Adams, Larissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Exercise -- Physiological aspects Physical education for children Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42085 , vital:36624
- Description: Health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA) have been widely established. Regular PA is not only associated with improved physical and psychological well-being, but also with improved brain function and cognition, thereby enhancing academic performance (AP). Despite these benefits, decreasing levels of PA and increasing levels of overweight and obesity exist world-wide, making childhood physical inactivity a global concern. Research suggests children who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity attain substantially higher academic grades. Schools provide ideal settings for PA promotion due to the substantial amount of time children spend at school. However, in many countries, including South Africa (SA), Physical Education (PE) programmes have been reduced and replaced with other subjects to increase AP. Furthermore, a scarcity of water, limited accessibility to improved sanitation and lack of personal hygiene at home and in school substantially contributes to the burden of preventable childhood diseases. These hygiene-related illnesses augment the cycle of poverty and disease through its detrimental effect on children’s school attendance, academic performance and productivity. Studies also show that obesity, poor nutrition and food insufficiency affect children’s school achievement. Hence, the school environment plays an essential role in improving children’s health, since many teaching opportunities about important health and nutrition practices are provided. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the attention and AP of primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth. Overall, 857 schoolchildren (n = 434 boys and n = 423 girls, aged 8 – 13 years) participated in the study. A 10-week cluster randomised controlled trial using four experimental and four control schools was conducted. Setting-specific interventions incorporated PA, health and hygiene education and nutrition components. The d2 Test of Attention measured selective visual attention and concentration with outcome measures of the percentage of errors, total performance and concentration performance. End of year school results were used to assess AP. Post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences between the inter-school comparisons revealed mixed results for the attention and AP measurements, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn regarding the assessed variables. Intervention group comparisons at post-intervention indicated that the PA intervention group achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < .05 and d > 0.8) for AP, when compared with the non-PA intervention group. No significant differences were found for AP in relation to intervention group comparisons for the health and hygiene education and nutrition intervention groups. Similarly, the intervention group comparisons revealed no significant differences regarding attention for post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences. Findings suggest that a school-based PA intervention can positively affect children’s AP. The current study emphasises the necessity of PA and reinforces the importance of PE in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that PE regains its rightful place and be actively taught within the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Adams, Larissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Exercise -- Physiological aspects Physical education for children Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42085 , vital:36624
- Description: Health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA) have been widely established. Regular PA is not only associated with improved physical and psychological well-being, but also with improved brain function and cognition, thereby enhancing academic performance (AP). Despite these benefits, decreasing levels of PA and increasing levels of overweight and obesity exist world-wide, making childhood physical inactivity a global concern. Research suggests children who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity attain substantially higher academic grades. Schools provide ideal settings for PA promotion due to the substantial amount of time children spend at school. However, in many countries, including South Africa (SA), Physical Education (PE) programmes have been reduced and replaced with other subjects to increase AP. Furthermore, a scarcity of water, limited accessibility to improved sanitation and lack of personal hygiene at home and in school substantially contributes to the burden of preventable childhood diseases. These hygiene-related illnesses augment the cycle of poverty and disease through its detrimental effect on children’s school attendance, academic performance and productivity. Studies also show that obesity, poor nutrition and food insufficiency affect children’s school achievement. Hence, the school environment plays an essential role in improving children’s health, since many teaching opportunities about important health and nutrition practices are provided. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the attention and AP of primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth. Overall, 857 schoolchildren (n = 434 boys and n = 423 girls, aged 8 – 13 years) participated in the study. A 10-week cluster randomised controlled trial using four experimental and four control schools was conducted. Setting-specific interventions incorporated PA, health and hygiene education and nutrition components. The d2 Test of Attention measured selective visual attention and concentration with outcome measures of the percentage of errors, total performance and concentration performance. End of year school results were used to assess AP. Post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences between the inter-school comparisons revealed mixed results for the attention and AP measurements, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn regarding the assessed variables. Intervention group comparisons at post-intervention indicated that the PA intervention group achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < .05 and d > 0.8) for AP, when compared with the non-PA intervention group. No significant differences were found for AP in relation to intervention group comparisons for the health and hygiene education and nutrition intervention groups. Similarly, the intervention group comparisons revealed no significant differences regarding attention for post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences. Findings suggest that a school-based PA intervention can positively affect children’s AP. The current study emphasises the necessity of PA and reinforces the importance of PE in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that PE regains its rightful place and be actively taught within the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effectiveness of the basic antenatal care package in primary health care clinics
- Authors: Snyman, J S
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/728 , Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Description: Pregnancy challenges the health care system in a unique way in that it involves at least two individuals – the woman and the fetus. The death rates of both pregnant women (maternal mortality) and newborns (perinatal mortality) are often used to indicate the quality of care the health system is providing. In terms of maternal and perinatal outcomes South Africa scores poorly compared to other upper-middle income countries (Penn-Kekana & Blaauw, 2002:14). The high stillbirth rate compared to the neonatal death rate reflects poor quality of antenatal care. Maternal and perinatal mortality is recognised as a problem and as a priority for action in the Millennium Development Goals (Thieren & Beusenberg, 2005:11). The Saving Mothers (Pattinson, 2002: 37-135) and Saving Babies (Pattinson, 2004:4-35) reports describe the causes and avoidable factors of these deaths with recommendations on how to improve care. The quality of care during the antenatal period may impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the outcome of the pregnancy, in particular on the still birth rate. In primary health care services there are many factors which may impact on and influence the quality of antenatal care. For example with the implementation of the comprehensive primary health care services package (Department of Health, 2001a:21-35) changes at clinic level resulted in a large number of primary health care professional nurses having to provide antenatal care, who previously may only have worked with one aspect of the primary health care package such as minor ailments or childcare. Because skills of midwifery or antenatal care, had not been practiced by some of these professional nurses, perhaps since completion of basic training, their level of competence has declined, and they have not been exposed to new developments in the field of midwifery. The practice of primary health care nurses is also influenced by the impact of diseases not specifically related to pregnancy like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The principles of quality antenatal care are known (Chalmers et al. 2001:203) but despite the knowledge about these principles the maternal and perinatal mortality remains high. The Basic Antenatal Care quality improvement package is designed to assist clinical management and decision making in antenatal care. The implementation of the BANC package may influence the quality of antenatal care positively, which in turn may impact on the outcome of pregnancy for the mother and her baby. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Basic antenatal care (BANC) package to improve the quality of antenatal care at primary health care clinics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Snyman, J S
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/728 , Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Description: Pregnancy challenges the health care system in a unique way in that it involves at least two individuals – the woman and the fetus. The death rates of both pregnant women (maternal mortality) and newborns (perinatal mortality) are often used to indicate the quality of care the health system is providing. In terms of maternal and perinatal outcomes South Africa scores poorly compared to other upper-middle income countries (Penn-Kekana & Blaauw, 2002:14). The high stillbirth rate compared to the neonatal death rate reflects poor quality of antenatal care. Maternal and perinatal mortality is recognised as a problem and as a priority for action in the Millennium Development Goals (Thieren & Beusenberg, 2005:11). The Saving Mothers (Pattinson, 2002: 37-135) and Saving Babies (Pattinson, 2004:4-35) reports describe the causes and avoidable factors of these deaths with recommendations on how to improve care. The quality of care during the antenatal period may impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the outcome of the pregnancy, in particular on the still birth rate. In primary health care services there are many factors which may impact on and influence the quality of antenatal care. For example with the implementation of the comprehensive primary health care services package (Department of Health, 2001a:21-35) changes at clinic level resulted in a large number of primary health care professional nurses having to provide antenatal care, who previously may only have worked with one aspect of the primary health care package such as minor ailments or childcare. Because skills of midwifery or antenatal care, had not been practiced by some of these professional nurses, perhaps since completion of basic training, their level of competence has declined, and they have not been exposed to new developments in the field of midwifery. The practice of primary health care nurses is also influenced by the impact of diseases not specifically related to pregnancy like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The principles of quality antenatal care are known (Chalmers et al. 2001:203) but despite the knowledge about these principles the maternal and perinatal mortality remains high. The Basic Antenatal Care quality improvement package is designed to assist clinical management and decision making in antenatal care. The implementation of the BANC package may influence the quality of antenatal care positively, which in turn may impact on the outcome of pregnancy for the mother and her baby. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Basic antenatal care (BANC) package to improve the quality of antenatal care at primary health care clinics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Effects of a gymnasium-based resistance training programme on selected physical fitness components in sub-elite martial artists
- Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Authors: Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Martial arts , Training , Physical fitness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020822
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore, describe and compare the impact of a 12-week intervention on selected physical fitness variables in sub-elite martial artists. The experimental group (expG) participated in a combination of alternating dojo and gymnasium-based resistance training, each bi-weekly, with the comparison group (comG) exclusively undergoing four conventional dojo training sessions weekly. The variables measured included; anthropometric measures (height, body mass and percentage body fat); functional core muscular endurance; hamstring flexibility; upper body muscular strength and endurance; lower body muscle strength; and static balance. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with pre - and post - test assessments after a 12 week intervention period. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed from existing dojo’s in Port Elizabeth, with a randomised allocation of participants into two groups. The gymnasium-based training programme was designed according to the national conditioning and strength association (NCSA) principles of resistance training. The identified variables were tested at a 95% level of probability (p < 0.05). Similar trends in performance improvement were evident for both the expG and compG in of the majority of the selected physical fitness variables. One-way, two-sample and independent t-tests analysis found no statistical significant intra- group or inter-group differences in any of the selected dependant variables for both groups. Thus, the supplemental resistance training programme was not superior to that of the conventional dojo training programme in improving aforementioned variables. Despite the lack of statistical significance, these results indicate that a structured and supervised resistance training programme in a gymnasium may serve as an alternative method of intervention for improving physical fitness in sub-elite mixed martial artists. The resistance training programme should be specifically adapted according to the individual practitioner’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as to the type of martial art being practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Martial arts , Training , Physical fitness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020822
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore, describe and compare the impact of a 12-week intervention on selected physical fitness variables in sub-elite martial artists. The experimental group (expG) participated in a combination of alternating dojo and gymnasium-based resistance training, each bi-weekly, with the comparison group (comG) exclusively undergoing four conventional dojo training sessions weekly. The variables measured included; anthropometric measures (height, body mass and percentage body fat); functional core muscular endurance; hamstring flexibility; upper body muscular strength and endurance; lower body muscle strength; and static balance. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with pre - and post - test assessments after a 12 week intervention period. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed from existing dojo’s in Port Elizabeth, with a randomised allocation of participants into two groups. The gymnasium-based training programme was designed according to the national conditioning and strength association (NCSA) principles of resistance training. The identified variables were tested at a 95% level of probability (p < 0.05). Similar trends in performance improvement were evident for both the expG and compG in of the majority of the selected physical fitness variables. One-way, two-sample and independent t-tests analysis found no statistical significant intra- group or inter-group differences in any of the selected dependant variables for both groups. Thus, the supplemental resistance training programme was not superior to that of the conventional dojo training programme in improving aforementioned variables. Despite the lack of statistical significance, these results indicate that a structured and supervised resistance training programme in a gymnasium may serve as an alternative method of intervention for improving physical fitness in sub-elite mixed martial artists. The resistance training programme should be specifically adapted according to the individual practitioner’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as to the type of martial art being practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Effects of an educational intervention related to clinical simulation terminology on the knowledge of nurse educators at a public college
- Authors: Booysen, Cindy Lynn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nursing -- Simulation methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36423 , vital:33940
- Description: Nurse educators must be prepared and feel comfortable using clinical simulation as a strategy in order for it to be successful as a teaching and learning approach. In terms of an educational intervention, orientation and training pertaining to simulation terminology for nurse educators can improve their capacity and strengthen the clinical simulation experience. The researcher observed a lack of knowledge regarding the terminology of clinical simulation among nurse educators at a public nursing college and this study therefore aimed to determine the effects of an educational intervention related to clinical simulation terminology on the knowledge of nurse educators at a public nursing college. The researcher conducted a small-scale intervention study utilizing a positivist, quantitative paradigm with a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test design. The researcher purposively selected the five main campuses at a public nursing college in South Africa. The five main campuses were purposively selected into control (two main campuses; campus A, campus B) and experimental group (three main campuses; campus C, campus D and campus E). Convenience sampling was used by including all nurse educators of each campus. A self-administered pre-test questionnaire was developed and used in Phase one in order to explore and describe the knowledge of nurse educators with regard to the terminology applied in clinical simulation. A total of 125 nurse educators were included (experimental group n=65; control group n=60). Phase two involved the development, review and implementation of an educational intervention based on the standards of best practice: standard 1: terminology, developed by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). Methods for the educational intervention included a PowerPoint presentation and pamphlets administered to the purposively selected experimental group (three campuses; campus C, campus D and campus E). The educational intervention was implemented per campus. The control group did not receive any educational intervention (two campuses; campus A and campus B). Phase three comprised a self-administered post-test that was developed to evaluate the effects of the educational intervention pertaining to the nurse educators’ knowledge of the terminology applied in clinical simulation and was completed by the nurse educators who participated in Phase one of the study. A total of 70 participants completed Phase three of the study, (n=31 from the control group and n=39 from the experimental group). The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and Chisquare testing), with the assistance of a statistician. A pilot study was conducted to prove the reliability of the pre-and post-test questionnaires and the educational intervention and a review by the statistician as well as the supervisors and five experts in the field of clinical simulation for the pre-test post-test questionnaires and educational intervention was done prior to its implementation. The pre-test was completed by (n=81) participants and the post-test by (n=70). The majority age category for participants was 50 years and older (n=32, 40%). Almost one third of the participants had less than 5 years’ experience as nurse educators (n=25, 31%). A statistically significant difference was found for pre-knowledge by age relationship (pvalue= ,036). The pre- and post-difference by age (p-value=.035) as well as work experience (p-value= .017) was also found to be significant (p-value= ,035). The older age groups (40-49 years of age) benefited more from the study as their knowledge on clinical simulation terminology significantly increased (Cohen’s d= 0,77 and 0,76- medium score) as well as those that were more inexperienced (1-4 years of working experience) (Cohen’s d= 1,10- large). The majority of participants did not receive any training in simulation-based education (n=69, 85%). The participants who received simulation-based education training versus the participants who did not receive any training showed a statistically significant variance for the pre-knowledge scores (pvalue= ,001) (Cohen’s d= 1,06- large). The mean score for the knowledge section (section B) of the questionnaire was 59,72 and the mean score for the pre-test-posttest difference was 12,64. The findings of the t-test had a small significant value for the pre-test and a medium significant value for the post-test. A significant medium Cohen’s d value was evident after correlating the difference between the knowledge scores for the pre- and post-test questionnaires. The 15 minutes educational intervention thus had a medium effect (pre-post difference of the knowledge scores: p-value=<.0005, with a Cohen’s d score of 0.67-medium significance) on the knowledge findings of nurse educators. However, as gaps in knowledge were evident among nurse educators in this study, further recommendations for practice, education and research were provided. Ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity as well as permission to conduct the study were taken into consideration through all phases of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Booysen, Cindy Lynn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nursing -- Simulation methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36423 , vital:33940
- Description: Nurse educators must be prepared and feel comfortable using clinical simulation as a strategy in order for it to be successful as a teaching and learning approach. In terms of an educational intervention, orientation and training pertaining to simulation terminology for nurse educators can improve their capacity and strengthen the clinical simulation experience. The researcher observed a lack of knowledge regarding the terminology of clinical simulation among nurse educators at a public nursing college and this study therefore aimed to determine the effects of an educational intervention related to clinical simulation terminology on the knowledge of nurse educators at a public nursing college. The researcher conducted a small-scale intervention study utilizing a positivist, quantitative paradigm with a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test design. The researcher purposively selected the five main campuses at a public nursing college in South Africa. The five main campuses were purposively selected into control (two main campuses; campus A, campus B) and experimental group (three main campuses; campus C, campus D and campus E). Convenience sampling was used by including all nurse educators of each campus. A self-administered pre-test questionnaire was developed and used in Phase one in order to explore and describe the knowledge of nurse educators with regard to the terminology applied in clinical simulation. A total of 125 nurse educators were included (experimental group n=65; control group n=60). Phase two involved the development, review and implementation of an educational intervention based on the standards of best practice: standard 1: terminology, developed by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). Methods for the educational intervention included a PowerPoint presentation and pamphlets administered to the purposively selected experimental group (three campuses; campus C, campus D and campus E). The educational intervention was implemented per campus. The control group did not receive any educational intervention (two campuses; campus A and campus B). Phase three comprised a self-administered post-test that was developed to evaluate the effects of the educational intervention pertaining to the nurse educators’ knowledge of the terminology applied in clinical simulation and was completed by the nurse educators who participated in Phase one of the study. A total of 70 participants completed Phase three of the study, (n=31 from the control group and n=39 from the experimental group). The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and Chisquare testing), with the assistance of a statistician. A pilot study was conducted to prove the reliability of the pre-and post-test questionnaires and the educational intervention and a review by the statistician as well as the supervisors and five experts in the field of clinical simulation for the pre-test post-test questionnaires and educational intervention was done prior to its implementation. The pre-test was completed by (n=81) participants and the post-test by (n=70). The majority age category for participants was 50 years and older (n=32, 40%). Almost one third of the participants had less than 5 years’ experience as nurse educators (n=25, 31%). A statistically significant difference was found for pre-knowledge by age relationship (pvalue= ,036). The pre- and post-difference by age (p-value=.035) as well as work experience (p-value= .017) was also found to be significant (p-value= ,035). The older age groups (40-49 years of age) benefited more from the study as their knowledge on clinical simulation terminology significantly increased (Cohen’s d= 0,77 and 0,76- medium score) as well as those that were more inexperienced (1-4 years of working experience) (Cohen’s d= 1,10- large). The majority of participants did not receive any training in simulation-based education (n=69, 85%). The participants who received simulation-based education training versus the participants who did not receive any training showed a statistically significant variance for the pre-knowledge scores (pvalue= ,001) (Cohen’s d= 1,06- large). The mean score for the knowledge section (section B) of the questionnaire was 59,72 and the mean score for the pre-test-posttest difference was 12,64. The findings of the t-test had a small significant value for the pre-test and a medium significant value for the post-test. A significant medium Cohen’s d value was evident after correlating the difference between the knowledge scores for the pre- and post-test questionnaires. The 15 minutes educational intervention thus had a medium effect (pre-post difference of the knowledge scores: p-value=<.0005, with a Cohen’s d score of 0.67-medium significance) on the knowledge findings of nurse educators. However, as gaps in knowledge were evident among nurse educators in this study, further recommendations for practice, education and research were provided. Ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity as well as permission to conduct the study were taken into consideration through all phases of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effects of an integrated movement programme on motor proficiency, visual motor integration and scholastic achievement in grade one learners of quintile five primary schools in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Lister, Cassandra
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Perceptual-motor learning , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Self-perception in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22442 , vital:29970
- Description: Globally, the association between physical fitness, motor proficiency and scholastic achievement has been well researched. However, information concerning the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes in children from various socio-economic disparities, is less well studied. A lack of studies exists on the relationship between perceptual-motor development and scholastic performance in literacy and numeracy in children from low-middle income countries such as in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the need exists for educational movement programme implementation in developing countries based on studies of good methodological design, to allow early prevention, identification and rectification of apparent motor deficits in young children. Purpose (Aim): To investigate effects of an integrated movement programme in the classroom setting on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement of grade one learners between the ages of six- to nine-years-old in quintile five primary schools in Port Elizabeth. A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate the selected dependent variables at baseline assessment on 45 grade one learners from an experimental-and control group in quintile five schools in Port Elizabeth. There were two intervention periods that consisted of a pre-existing classroom-based integrated movement programme (NeuroNet) administered by an internationally accredited teacher to the experimental group. Each intervention period coincided with school terms three and four in 2017 and were a minimum of four weeks long. Pre-test and post-test assessments for all three dependent variables were done at the beginning and end of each term respectively. The learners participated in the integrated movement programme five days per week for 20-minute duration in the classroom. The main two standardised, reliable and valid test batteries used to measure motor proficiency and visual-motor integration were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Brief Form (BOT-2 Brief Form) and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration Full Form sixth edition (Beery VMI). The Beery VMI contained two sub-tests the Beery VMI Visual Perception Test (VMI-VP), and the Beery VMI Motor Coordination Test (VMI-MC), which measured the participants’ visual perception and motor coordination. Scholastic achievement was measured using four domains of the participants’ school reports: numeracy, reading, writing and total scholastic achievement scores. Purposive sampling was used to obtain participants from quintile five primary schools whose principals voluntarily provided consent to undertake the study. Data was collected by trained research assistants and the sole researcher. The Statistica for Windows (StatSoft Incorporated; 2014) software package was used for data analysis. Descriptive data analysis included the means (M) and standard deviations (SD) as measures of central tendency and distribution. Independent t-tests determined between-group differences and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. The magnitude (effect size) of pre-post-intervention differences for both groups was calculated for all variables as Cohen’s d statistic. Subsequent interpretation categories were d<0.20 (insignificant effect), 0.20≤d<0.50 (small effect), 0.50≤d<0.80 (medium effect) and d≥0.80 (large effect) (Gravetter & Wallnau, 2009). The experimental group had statistically significant (p<0.05) higher initial mean values for motor proficiency, visual perception, the reading, writing and total scholastic achievement domains. Motor proficiency showed a mean increase of 10.62±13.97 (24% improvement) in the experimental group compared to a mean increase of 9.63±13.26 (8% improvement) in the control group. A significant final mean between-group difference in motor proficiency was found post-intervention (Diff=16.70, t(43)=3.70, p=0.001; Cohen’s d=1.11: large effect size). Visual-motor integration showed a mean decrease of 5.38±14.34 in the experimental group and a decrease of 8.88±15.39 in the control group. No apparent between-group significant difference occurred for visual-motor integration. Visual perception scores indicated a mean increase of 11.82±18.81 in the experimental group and a mean increase of 15.71±30.03 in the control group. A statistically significant mean between-group difference in visual perception post-intervention was seen (Diff=26.40, t(43) =3.95, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.18: large effect size). Motor coordination showed a mean increase of 20.00±18.45 in the experimental group and decrease of 1.50±23.74 in the control group over the intervention period (Diff=21.50, t(43)=3.36, p=0.002; Cohen’s d=1.00: large effect size). There was a significant between-group mean motor coordination difference post intervention (Diff=19.59, t(43)=2.96, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.88: large effect size). The experimental group showed significantly higher mean reading scores pre- 5.67±0.80 and post-intervention 5.43±0.93 compared to the control group pre- 4.13±0.74 and post-intervention 4.63±0.88. Significant between-group differences in reading scores pre- (Diff=1.54, t(43)=6.73, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.01: large effect size) and post-intervention (Diff=0.80, t(43)=2.99, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.89: large effect size) were also evident. The experimental group also showed significantly higher mean writing scores pre- 5.62±0.74 and post-intervention 5.05±0.86 compared to the control group pre- 3.83±0.96 and post-intervention 4.21±1.28. A significant between-group difference in writing scores pre- intervention (Diff=1.79, t(43)=6.90, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.06: large effect size) was evident. Total scholastic achievement scores showed an initial significant difference between the experimental- and control group (Diff=1.26, t(43)=6.42, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.92: large effect size). Positive practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual-motor integration and reading |r|=0.350; visual perception and writing |r|=0.336; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.318; visual-motor integration and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.330 in the experimental group. In the control group negative practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual perception and reading |r|=-0.304, whereas positive practical significance was found between visual perception and writing |r|=0.319; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.340; motor coordination and numeracy |r|=0.378; and motor coordination and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.378 at (p<0.05). The integrated movement programme had significantly positive effects on motor proficiency, visual perception and motor coordination. Motor proficiency had no significant correlation to scholastic achievement domains post-intervention, whereas visual-motor integration significantly correlated to reading and total scholastic achievement; visual perception correlated significantly to writing and negatively to reading; and motor coordination correlated significantly to writing, numeracy and total scholastic achievement. Future longitudinal research incorporating a larger range and scope is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lister, Cassandra
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Perceptual-motor learning , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Self-perception in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22442 , vital:29970
- Description: Globally, the association between physical fitness, motor proficiency and scholastic achievement has been well researched. However, information concerning the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes in children from various socio-economic disparities, is less well studied. A lack of studies exists on the relationship between perceptual-motor development and scholastic performance in literacy and numeracy in children from low-middle income countries such as in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the need exists for educational movement programme implementation in developing countries based on studies of good methodological design, to allow early prevention, identification and rectification of apparent motor deficits in young children. Purpose (Aim): To investigate effects of an integrated movement programme in the classroom setting on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement of grade one learners between the ages of six- to nine-years-old in quintile five primary schools in Port Elizabeth. A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate the selected dependent variables at baseline assessment on 45 grade one learners from an experimental-and control group in quintile five schools in Port Elizabeth. There were two intervention periods that consisted of a pre-existing classroom-based integrated movement programme (NeuroNet) administered by an internationally accredited teacher to the experimental group. Each intervention period coincided with school terms three and four in 2017 and were a minimum of four weeks long. Pre-test and post-test assessments for all three dependent variables were done at the beginning and end of each term respectively. The learners participated in the integrated movement programme five days per week for 20-minute duration in the classroom. The main two standardised, reliable and valid test batteries used to measure motor proficiency and visual-motor integration were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Brief Form (BOT-2 Brief Form) and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration Full Form sixth edition (Beery VMI). The Beery VMI contained two sub-tests the Beery VMI Visual Perception Test (VMI-VP), and the Beery VMI Motor Coordination Test (VMI-MC), which measured the participants’ visual perception and motor coordination. Scholastic achievement was measured using four domains of the participants’ school reports: numeracy, reading, writing and total scholastic achievement scores. Purposive sampling was used to obtain participants from quintile five primary schools whose principals voluntarily provided consent to undertake the study. Data was collected by trained research assistants and the sole researcher. The Statistica for Windows (StatSoft Incorporated; 2014) software package was used for data analysis. Descriptive data analysis included the means (M) and standard deviations (SD) as measures of central tendency and distribution. Independent t-tests determined between-group differences and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. The magnitude (effect size) of pre-post-intervention differences for both groups was calculated for all variables as Cohen’s d statistic. Subsequent interpretation categories were d<0.20 (insignificant effect), 0.20≤d<0.50 (small effect), 0.50≤d<0.80 (medium effect) and d≥0.80 (large effect) (Gravetter & Wallnau, 2009). The experimental group had statistically significant (p<0.05) higher initial mean values for motor proficiency, visual perception, the reading, writing and total scholastic achievement domains. Motor proficiency showed a mean increase of 10.62±13.97 (24% improvement) in the experimental group compared to a mean increase of 9.63±13.26 (8% improvement) in the control group. A significant final mean between-group difference in motor proficiency was found post-intervention (Diff=16.70, t(43)=3.70, p=0.001; Cohen’s d=1.11: large effect size). Visual-motor integration showed a mean decrease of 5.38±14.34 in the experimental group and a decrease of 8.88±15.39 in the control group. No apparent between-group significant difference occurred for visual-motor integration. Visual perception scores indicated a mean increase of 11.82±18.81 in the experimental group and a mean increase of 15.71±30.03 in the control group. A statistically significant mean between-group difference in visual perception post-intervention was seen (Diff=26.40, t(43) =3.95, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.18: large effect size). Motor coordination showed a mean increase of 20.00±18.45 in the experimental group and decrease of 1.50±23.74 in the control group over the intervention period (Diff=21.50, t(43)=3.36, p=0.002; Cohen’s d=1.00: large effect size). There was a significant between-group mean motor coordination difference post intervention (Diff=19.59, t(43)=2.96, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.88: large effect size). The experimental group showed significantly higher mean reading scores pre- 5.67±0.80 and post-intervention 5.43±0.93 compared to the control group pre- 4.13±0.74 and post-intervention 4.63±0.88. Significant between-group differences in reading scores pre- (Diff=1.54, t(43)=6.73, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.01: large effect size) and post-intervention (Diff=0.80, t(43)=2.99, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.89: large effect size) were also evident. The experimental group also showed significantly higher mean writing scores pre- 5.62±0.74 and post-intervention 5.05±0.86 compared to the control group pre- 3.83±0.96 and post-intervention 4.21±1.28. A significant between-group difference in writing scores pre- intervention (Diff=1.79, t(43)=6.90, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.06: large effect size) was evident. Total scholastic achievement scores showed an initial significant difference between the experimental- and control group (Diff=1.26, t(43)=6.42, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.92: large effect size). Positive practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual-motor integration and reading |r|=0.350; visual perception and writing |r|=0.336; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.318; visual-motor integration and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.330 in the experimental group. In the control group negative practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual perception and reading |r|=-0.304, whereas positive practical significance was found between visual perception and writing |r|=0.319; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.340; motor coordination and numeracy |r|=0.378; and motor coordination and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.378 at (p<0.05). The integrated movement programme had significantly positive effects on motor proficiency, visual perception and motor coordination. Motor proficiency had no significant correlation to scholastic achievement domains post-intervention, whereas visual-motor integration significantly correlated to reading and total scholastic achievement; visual perception correlated significantly to writing and negatively to reading; and motor coordination correlated significantly to writing, numeracy and total scholastic achievement. Future longitudinal research incorporating a larger range and scope is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effects of elastic-band tension training on strength, speed, agility and vertical jump height in university soccer players
- Authors: Katushabe, Edgar
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Basics of elastic resistance training , Elastic resistance training for stability, strength, and power , Isometric exercise , Soccer -- Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30638 , vital:31001
- Description: Soccer is regarded as one of the most popular sports in the world, and involves explosive physical actions such as kicking, jumping, rapid changes of direction and sprinting. These attributes would suggest that strength, power, and agility may play an important role in soccer performance. Elastic band resistance training serves to increase strength, power, speed, balance, coordination and agility However, there is little published research available on the use and effectiveness of elastic-band resistance training as a tool for improvement in muscular strength and power of soccer players. Purpose: To determine the effect of elastic-band resistance training on strength, speed, agility and vertical jump height of university soccer players. The present study used a pre-test post-test experimental study design. The participants comprised of 15 Eastern Cape male soccer players, currently affiliated with the Nelson Mandela University soccer teams. Participants were randomly allocated into one of two groups: a conventional resistance training group, and an elastic band tension resistance training group. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure an even distribution of the performance levels and training experience between the participants. Analysis implemented used Microsoft Excel® and the latest version of Statistica for the purpose of descriptive and inferential statistics. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination were used to identify statistical correlations between variables of interest. Inferential statistics were applied using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and in the case of significant findings, the Scheffé post-hoc test was utilized for comparisons. Independent t-tests indicated significant between-group differences. The alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: The main findings were that elastic band resistance training would appear to be a superior method to conventional resistance training given that: This method was able to produce greater results in improving maximal vertical jump when compared to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1,25)=9.1135, p=0.00577), produced faster 40m iv sprint times in comparison to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=4.534, p=0.043), and produced significant improvements in one repetition maximum performance in the squat (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=5.454, p=0.028). Based on the results of this study, it would appear that both the elastic band resistance training and free weight resistance training were effective in increasing performance in both the one repetition maximum deadlift and agility tests, with no significant difference between the two methods (ANCOVA, F(1, 25) =0.328, p=0.572), ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=3.597, p=0.069 respectively). Elastic band resistance training may be an effective alternative training methodology to improve performance variables in university soccer players. However, further research may be needed to clearly define the role of combined elastic band resistance training in the periodization of soccer training in a competitive season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Katushabe, Edgar
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Basics of elastic resistance training , Elastic resistance training for stability, strength, and power , Isometric exercise , Soccer -- Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30638 , vital:31001
- Description: Soccer is regarded as one of the most popular sports in the world, and involves explosive physical actions such as kicking, jumping, rapid changes of direction and sprinting. These attributes would suggest that strength, power, and agility may play an important role in soccer performance. Elastic band resistance training serves to increase strength, power, speed, balance, coordination and agility However, there is little published research available on the use and effectiveness of elastic-band resistance training as a tool for improvement in muscular strength and power of soccer players. Purpose: To determine the effect of elastic-band resistance training on strength, speed, agility and vertical jump height of university soccer players. The present study used a pre-test post-test experimental study design. The participants comprised of 15 Eastern Cape male soccer players, currently affiliated with the Nelson Mandela University soccer teams. Participants were randomly allocated into one of two groups: a conventional resistance training group, and an elastic band tension resistance training group. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure an even distribution of the performance levels and training experience between the participants. Analysis implemented used Microsoft Excel® and the latest version of Statistica for the purpose of descriptive and inferential statistics. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination were used to identify statistical correlations between variables of interest. Inferential statistics were applied using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and in the case of significant findings, the Scheffé post-hoc test was utilized for comparisons. Independent t-tests indicated significant between-group differences. The alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: The main findings were that elastic band resistance training would appear to be a superior method to conventional resistance training given that: This method was able to produce greater results in improving maximal vertical jump when compared to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1,25)=9.1135, p=0.00577), produced faster 40m iv sprint times in comparison to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=4.534, p=0.043), and produced significant improvements in one repetition maximum performance in the squat (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=5.454, p=0.028). Based on the results of this study, it would appear that both the elastic band resistance training and free weight resistance training were effective in increasing performance in both the one repetition maximum deadlift and agility tests, with no significant difference between the two methods (ANCOVA, F(1, 25) =0.328, p=0.572), ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=3.597, p=0.069 respectively). Elastic band resistance training may be an effective alternative training methodology to improve performance variables in university soccer players. However, further research may be needed to clearly define the role of combined elastic band resistance training in the periodization of soccer training in a competitive season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
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
Effects of hydrotherapy group exercises on selected health-related fitness variables in older women with Type II diabetes mellitus
- Authors: Witthuhn, Amori Cathy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1543 , Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a twelve-week hydrotherapy group exercise programme on selected health-related fitness variables in older women with type II diabetes mellitus. This study included the testing of blood glucose levels, blood anthropometrical profile, body mass, height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, grip strength, upper body and lower body muscular strength and endurance as well as aerobic endurance. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for this study utilising a quasiexperimental research design. A comparison group pre-test and post-test experimental design was employed at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Biokinetics and Sports Science Unit. Approximately 16 senior female participants took part in the study. Participants were identified through convenience sampling and snowball sampling, of which, all the participants were clinically diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus and had completed the study. The hydrotherapy participants (experimental group), took part in water-based (hydrotherapy) exercises three times a week for a period of twelve weeks. The hydrotherapy exercises began with a light half-hour workout per session and were progressively increased in intensity, duration, and number of the exercises performed. The participants not participating in the hydrotherapy exercises (control group) were instructed to remain sedentary throughout the duration of the intervention period. The dependant variables were gathered as raw data and analysed using descriptive statistics to form the means, standard deviations, medians, minimum and maximum values. Post hoc analysis was performed to determine whether differences existed between the experimental group and control group. Cohen’s D test was used to determine pre- and post-test differences for both groups to determine practical significance. An analysis of the results revealed significant improvements in some of the selected health and physical fitness parameters such as, upper body and lower body flexibility, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, as well as aerobic endurance. iii The aim and objectives of the study in exploring the effect of hydrotherapy as an intervention strategy to promote health and physical fitness in persons with type II diabetes mellitus were supported by the data collected in the pre-test and post-test analyses of the variables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Witthuhn, Amori Cathy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1543 , Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a twelve-week hydrotherapy group exercise programme on selected health-related fitness variables in older women with type II diabetes mellitus. This study included the testing of blood glucose levels, blood anthropometrical profile, body mass, height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, grip strength, upper body and lower body muscular strength and endurance as well as aerobic endurance. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for this study utilising a quasiexperimental research design. A comparison group pre-test and post-test experimental design was employed at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Biokinetics and Sports Science Unit. Approximately 16 senior female participants took part in the study. Participants were identified through convenience sampling and snowball sampling, of which, all the participants were clinically diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus and had completed the study. The hydrotherapy participants (experimental group), took part in water-based (hydrotherapy) exercises three times a week for a period of twelve weeks. The hydrotherapy exercises began with a light half-hour workout per session and were progressively increased in intensity, duration, and number of the exercises performed. The participants not participating in the hydrotherapy exercises (control group) were instructed to remain sedentary throughout the duration of the intervention period. The dependant variables were gathered as raw data and analysed using descriptive statistics to form the means, standard deviations, medians, minimum and maximum values. Post hoc analysis was performed to determine whether differences existed between the experimental group and control group. Cohen’s D test was used to determine pre- and post-test differences for both groups to determine practical significance. An analysis of the results revealed significant improvements in some of the selected health and physical fitness parameters such as, upper body and lower body flexibility, upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, as well as aerobic endurance. iii The aim and objectives of the study in exploring the effect of hydrotherapy as an intervention strategy to promote health and physical fitness in persons with type II diabetes mellitus were supported by the data collected in the pre-test and post-test analyses of the variables.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Emotional intelligence and locus of control of adult breast cancer patients receiving treatment
- Authors: Swartz, Esti
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer -- Patients -- Psychological aspects , Breast -- Cancer -- Patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015686
- Description: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer of women in South Africa, with one in twenty-seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. By building on human strengths, ways can be found to cope effectively with adversity. This will contribute to psychological well-being and result in living constructive and meaningful lives. Emotional intelligence and locus of control are two constructs which, according to previous research, may be associated with psychological wellbeing. Limited research has been conducted on these constructs in populations facing adversity. Adaptation to breast cancer treatment is considered to be an extremely difficult process. The research aimed to explore and describe emotional intelligence and locus of control within an adult breast cancer population. A sample of 67 breast cancer patients receiving treatment was approached to complete a biographical questionnaire and two pencil-and-paper questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were be used to analyze the data. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and locus of control which shows that patients with higher levels of emotional intelligence possess more internal locus of control orientations, while patients with lower emotional intelligence possess more external locus of control orientations. The population presented with above average emotional intelligence and an internal locus of control orientation. The study can be regarded as the first step in opening a field of research which could contribute to more effective coping and the overall psychological well-being of individuals facing adversity in South Africa. Furthermore, the findings of the study contributed to understanding the role of emotional intelligence and locus of control in these populations and encouraged further research and the development and implementation of programmes that promote skills development in these areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Swartz, Esti
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer -- Patients -- Psychological aspects , Breast -- Cancer -- Patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015686
- Description: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer of women in South Africa, with one in twenty-seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. By building on human strengths, ways can be found to cope effectively with adversity. This will contribute to psychological well-being and result in living constructive and meaningful lives. Emotional intelligence and locus of control are two constructs which, according to previous research, may be associated with psychological wellbeing. Limited research has been conducted on these constructs in populations facing adversity. Adaptation to breast cancer treatment is considered to be an extremely difficult process. The research aimed to explore and describe emotional intelligence and locus of control within an adult breast cancer population. A sample of 67 breast cancer patients receiving treatment was approached to complete a biographical questionnaire and two pencil-and-paper questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were be used to analyze the data. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and locus of control which shows that patients with higher levels of emotional intelligence possess more internal locus of control orientations, while patients with lower emotional intelligence possess more external locus of control orientations. The population presented with above average emotional intelligence and an internal locus of control orientation. The study can be regarded as the first step in opening a field of research which could contribute to more effective coping and the overall psychological well-being of individuals facing adversity in South Africa. Furthermore, the findings of the study contributed to understanding the role of emotional intelligence and locus of control in these populations and encouraged further research and the development and implementation of programmes that promote skills development in these areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010