Respiratory patterns and cytokine profiles among recreational athletes and a sedentary group.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: An increasing trend in sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity has contributed to a higher incidence of obesity, a major health concern. Despite the fact that a sedentary lifestyle poses a considerable health risk and contributes to the prevalence of various diseases, sedentary populations are reluctant to modify health behaviours. An array of behaviour adaption models attest to the importance of knowledge and awareness cues regarding the positive physiological effects of exercise when addressing behaviour modification. Within this context, the cross-sectional study intends to describe the physiological effects of three recreational sport disciplines and one sedentary group on respiratory patterns and cytokine profiles within a South African cohort as a means to create knowledge and awareness cues for a sedentary population. Methods: The sample for the study comprising four sub-groups (swim-20, soccer-20, volleyball-20, sedentary-20) included 80 participants. Standardized anthropometric techniques were used to complete height (metres), weight (kilograms) and BMI measurements. The spirometry measurements were performed in accordance with the American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommendations using a MIR SPIROLAB II spirometer. The cytokine measurements were completed using the Beckman Coulter Access Immuno-Assay South African Manufacturer Kit as per the commercial laboratory recommendation. Data was analysed with IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27 (Chicago IL, USA). Results and Discussion: The respiratory patterns in the swim, soccer and volleyball sport groups were significantly different (p<0.01). All the recreational sport groups had significantly increased lung parameters compared to the sedentary group (p<0.01). The cytokine expression for the swim, soccer, volleyball and sedentary groups were significantly different (p<0.01). Conclusion: The findings of the study support the use of recreational swimming as a means to reduce obesity caused by sedentary lifestyles which has been identified as a global problem. Swimming is also beneficial for improving respiratory patterns over and above the soccer and volleyball group which is beneficial for the management of restrictive lung conditions. The cytokine expression differed in the recreational sport groups. Recreational swimming, soccer and volleyball support low levels of systemic inflammation but studies with larger samples are required to corroborate the findings, in terms of the influence of cytokine levels on spirometry values

Fatores que distinguem os karatecas com melhor desempenho competitivo : uma revisão da literatura

O Karate será modalidade convidada nos Jogos Olímpicos, em Tóquio 2020, e existe a expetativa, por parte da Federação Mundial de Karate, de poder ser integrada como desporto oficial das Olimpíadas. O objetivo central desta Tese foi fazer uma revisão sistemática dos estudos publicados, que permitam identificar os fatores que distinguem os Karatecas com melhor desempenho competitivo; como objetivo complementar procurou-se fornecer dados de referência relativos à performance dos Atletas de Elite, em áreas como a força máxima, a potência muscular e a velocidade. Foi seguido o método de revisão sistemática sugerido por Harris et al. (2013). Os resultados revelaram que existem fatores distintivos entre Atletas de Elite e Não-Elite, e entre vencedores e vencidos no nível de Elite. Entre Atletas de Elite e Não-Elite, os fatores distintivos são os seguintes: somatótipo maioritariamente ecto-mesomórfico; maiores níveis de capacidade aeróbia; menor concentração de lactato no sangue; maiores níveis de força máxima e potência muscular; estratégias coordenativas mais eficientes na realização do Mawashi-geri; melhor controlo do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico; maior capacidade de gerar e controlar imagens mentais visuais e motoras; maior sucesso na tomada de decisão no Kumite; uma estratégia de combate mais ofensiva. Entre Atletas de Elite vencedores e vencidos, no Kumite, destacam-se a capacidade de antecipação das ações do oponente, uma maior iniciativa atacante e uma maior capacidade psicológica para fazer face ao combate.Karate is an invited Sport in the Olympic Games that will be organized in Tokyo 2020, and the World Karate Federation expects that Karate becomes an Official Olympic Sport. The central objective of the present Thesis was to make a systematic review of the published studies, that allow identifying the distinctive factors of the Karatecas with the best competitive performance; as an additional objective we worked to provide reference values related to Elite Athletes’ performance, in areas like maximal strength, muscle power, and velocity. It was followed the systematic review ’s method proposed by Harris et al. (2013). The results reported significant differences between Elite and Non-Elite Athletes, and among the Elite level (winners and losers). Between Elite and Non-Elite Athletes, the discriminating factors are: a predominantly ecto-mesomorphic somatotype; greater aerobic capacity; less blood lactate after work; higher levels of maximal strength and muscle power; more efficient coordinative strategies in Mawashigeri’s performance; better control in static and dynamic balance; better control in visual and kinesthetic mental images; greater skills in decision-making, during Kumite; a more offensive fighting strategy. Between winning and losing Elite Athletes, in Kumite, the most distinctive factors are anticipation skills of the opponent’s actions, a greater attacking initiative and better coping strategies in Kumite

Anthropometric profile and physical performance of youth players and challenges in the Ethiopian football talent identification program.

Doctoral Degrees (Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences). University of KwaZulu-Natal. Westville, 2018.The purpose of this study was to investigate the existing challenges that hinder the implementation of the talent identification program. Understand and develop basic standards to recruit talented young players based on their anthropometric and physical quality also the purpose of this study. Other purpose of the study was formulated and implement effective strategies for the coaching program. The study employed a cross-sectional study design. A homogenous group of 240 male Ethiopian football players (Age 15.6 ± 1.8 years) from 12 teams participated in this study. Sixty-one football coaches and 61 sport administrators also participated. Anthropometric assessment, speed, power, agility, endurance and flexibility tests were conducted. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis techniques. The mean and the standard deviation of results across an anthropometric profile for all players are as follows: body mass weight was 55.47kg (6.14), standing height was 1.7m (0.06), body mass index was 19.12kg/m2 (1.99), sub-scapular skinfold was 6.88mm (1.37), triceps skinfold was 5.95mm (1.51), BF(Body Fat) % was 15.53% (2.91) and LBM(Lean Body Mass) was 46.82kg (5.11). Significant weight and height differences (p≤0.05) were found between club and academy players, but not in BMI, % BF and Lean Body Mass (LBM). club players had significantly greater body mass than EFF and academy players (p≤0.05). For standing height, club and EFF players were significantly taller than players in the academy teams (p≤0.05). The mean and the standard deviation of overall fitness values for all players were as follows: 10m speed was 2.15sec (0.19), 20m speed was 3.51sec (0.29), 40m speed was 5.16sec (0.31), sit and reach flexibility was 12.94cm (7.86), vertical jump power test was 42.93cm (6.58), Illinois agility test was 17.45cm (0.83) and V̇O2 max 49.74ml/kg/min (5.42). Mean values per setting from club, academy and EFF, respectively were: 10m speed 2.08sec, 2.26s and 2.14sec (p≤0.0001); 20m speed 3.4sec, 3.7sec and 3.49sec (p≤0.0001); 40m speed 5.87sec, 5.9sec, 6.07sec (p≤0.0001). Flexibility was 11.96cm, 11.31cm and 14.96cm (p≤0.05). Club’s youth players were taller, heavier, faster and more flexible than academy and Ethiopian football federation players. Significant differences were found in age groups: 10m speed between U-14 and U-15 (p≤0.01) and U-14 and U-17 (p≤0.05), In 20m speed between U-14 group and U-16 (p≤0.01) and U-14 and U-17 (p≤0.01). Significant iv differences were also found in 40m speed between U-14 and U-15 (p≤0.05). Older age players were faster than younger ones. Anthropometrical profiles and physical performance tests may assist to identify the talented players in the country. Significant differences found per climatic altitudes and geographical locations were as follows: high altitude players’ significantly greater body mass than low altitude players (p≤0.05). Low altitude players significantly better BMI than high altitude players (p≤0.0001). For LBM, high altitude players significantly greater results than low and moderate altitude players (p≤0.005). The moderate altitude group of players performed better results than the low and high-altitudes group of players. Eastern and northern players were significantly heavier than southern and western players. Compared to southern players, Eastern and northern players were significantly taller than southern and western players. Although players from eastern, performed better in the 10m speed test than western players. Regarding the 20m speed test, eastern players performed better results than the rest three altitudes groups. A correlation matrix comparing anthropometry and physical performance indicated that: BMI was negatively related with 10m sprint (r = 0.134), 40m sprint (r = 0.232), vertical jump (r = 0.108) and agility (r = 0.123). Height was negatively related to performance in the 20m sprint (r = 0.141), 40m sprint (r = 0.201) and agility (r = 0.255). Quantitative questionnaire data related to the practice of talent identification programs in Ethiopia showed that: Most of the players (62%) have information and knowledge about a talent identification program. Most players (74%) have also experienced or passed through a talent identification program. The same was true of most players (74%) being of the opinion that they were exposed to a proper training program. Player’s knowledge and experiences; with respect to rest, water, materials and playing fields; family and coach support and test batteries found statistically significant differences (p≤0.0001) between club, academy and Ethiopian football federation settings. For the questionnaires about knowledge and experiences of coaches in the talent identification program, no statistically significant differences were found among club, academy or Ethiopian football federation settings, whereas significant differences were found with respect to experiences on upgrading of coaching knowledge related to talent v identification, in academy and Ethiopian football federation (p≤0.05) TIP (Talent Identification Program) settings. For the questionnaires related to problems and solutions of talent identification program, statistically significant differences in opinion were found among club, academy and Ethiopian football federation settings, but opinions about incorporation of talent identification programs in training courses were not significantly different. In terms of setting up programs to evaluate the level of performances of the players, not all settings were in the affirmative. For the implementation or application of talent identification programs, statistically significant differences in opinion were found across club, academy and Ethiopian football federation (p≤0.0001) settings. However, no differences were found fin terms of using a manual to identify player’s talent. For the questions about availability of materials and equipment for the TIP (Talent Identification Program) statistically significant differences in opinion were found among coaches in clubs and the Ethiopian football federation, while only those in the Ethiopian football federation TIP felt that testing materials are appropriate. For all questionnaires about administrators’ knowledge and experiences of talent identification, statistically significant differences were found in all groups. Questions on knowledge about TIP and facilitating refreshment courses for the coaches on talent identification were not statistically difference. For the questions about problems and solutions for the talent identification program, opinions varied statistically whereas opinions regarding their team’s conducting talent identification program and motivation of the players were similar. For the questionnaires about implementation responsibility of talent identification programs, statistically significant differences were found among the club, academy and Ethiopian football federation settings. For the questionnaires about manpower and materials for the talent identification program, statistically significant opinions were found among all the club, academy and Ethiopian football federation TID settings. For open-ended questions, all responses were investigated by using the detective qualitative data computer software package (NVIVO). The themes identified focussed on problems, solutions and suggestions for the operation of the Ethiopian football talent identification program. Under the three themes, focus nodes were identified as being the vi system, knowledge and experience, hard-work, training, monitoring and support, manpower, while facilities and equipment were also mentioned. The football talent identification program in Ethiopia is not an optimally functioning system. The improvement of the system is the first essential element for the talent identification program. This research has shown the need for a new systematic structure to be established for the talent identification program. Scarcity of knowledge and experience, also affects the talent identification program. Education and training were offered as keys to a solution

Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Kinanthropology

The 11th International Conference on Kinantropology was held on the Nov 29 – Dec 1, 2017 in Brno and was organized by the Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University and the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb. This year was divided into several themes: sports medicine, sport and social science, sport training, healthy lifestyle and healthy ageing, sports management, analysis of human movement. Part of the conference was also a symposium Atletika and Ortoreha that gathered specialists in physiotherapy