The value of graduated compression socks as a post-exercise recovery modality in long distance runners

Thesis (PhD (Sport Sc) (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.Please refer to full text to view abstract

Eye-tracker algorithms to detect saccades during static and dynamic tasks: a structured review

Objective: Eye-tracking devices have become widely used as clinical assessment tools in a variety of applied-scientific fields to measure saccadic eye movements. With the emergence of multiple static and dynamic devices, the concurrent need for algorithm development and validation is paramount. Approach: This review assesses the prevalence of current saccade detection algorithms, their associated validation methodologies and the suitability of their application. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Scopus, IEEEXplore and ACM Digital Library databases were searched. Two independent reviewers and an adjudicator screened articles describing the detection of saccades from raw infrared/video-based eye-tracker data. Main results: Thirteen articles were screened and met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the majority of reviewed saccadic detection algorithms used simple velocity-based classifications with static eye-tracking systems. Studies demonstrated validity but are limited by the static nature of testing. Heterogeneity in system design, proprietary and bespoke algorithmic methods used, processing strategies, and outcome reporting is evident. Significance: This paper suggests the use of a more standardised methodology to facilitate experimental validity and improve comparison of results across studies

Modifying scoring system at South African University rugby level changes game dynamics

Success in rugby is measured by winning the game and in order to do so, teams need to score more points than the opposing team. The primary aim of this study was to investigate and compare the scoring profile of the 2011 and 2012 tournaments and to determine if modifying the scoring system at South African University rugby level changes the game dynamics. Sixty-two Varsity Cup matches were recorded and analysed during the 2011 and 2012 season using Dartfish software® package. In 2011 the home teams scored 773 points compared to the 816 points obtained by away teams, whereas in 2012 the opposite were found with home teams scoring 999 points, compared to 775 points for the away teams. The most points were accumulated during the 2nd half of the match during both seasons. Having a scoring profile will provide coaches with information on which mode of scoring their team relies on to win matches. The law changes led to more tries being scored, however, the question remains whether rugby at university level improved as a spectacle.Keywords: Mode of scoring; University tournaments; Home and away teams; Points scoring syste

Review on reported concussion, identification and management in extreme sports

Background. As participation in extreme sports continues to grow internationally, the number of concussions sustained during these activities is predicted to increase. Due to the lack of organizational frameworks, governing rules, or regulated competitive structures, the incidence of concussion and its management specific to extreme sports athletes remains difficult to determine. Methods. Relevant papers were screened from PubMed using a combination of terms related to extreme sports and concussion. After considering existing literature, papers that did not fit the authors’ agreed-upon definition of extreme sports were excluded. Results. Eleven manuscripts met inclusion criteria. Of the eleven, only five studies reported on more than one extreme sport while the other six were sport-specific. Three were review papers that used sport-specific data to generalize about extreme sports. Conclusions. The results of our review indicate that the current literature available for concussion in extreme sports varies highly in study design and type of sports investigated. Due to the lack of knowledge regarding concussions in extreme sports, there needs to be an emphasis to better document and record concussion incidence in extreme sports, as well as the need to develop specific return-to-play guidelines for healthcare professionals treating extreme sports athletes