Masters Degrees (Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine)

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An analysis of the skills and tactics of wheelchair rugby
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Adams, Warren Grant; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine what skills and tactics distinguish local level competition from top level competition in wheelchair rugby, through the use of games analysis. Eighteen games were filmed and analysed at three different levels of competition (local club level, regional level and international level). A five-level category set was developed to generate statistics related to successful and unsuccessful performance .. Results revealed that games play at local club and regional level in South Africa were dominated by turnovers and poor ball handling skills. Wheelchair mobility also was a factor in unsuccessful play. Basic tactical play, especially on defense, was also a major cause for concern at these levels. The difference between the South African national team and three other top international teams was not the distribution of reasons for success, but rather the frequency of success rate. South Africa was successful only 45% of the time in their performance of skills while international teams were successful 77% of the time. lt was evident in this study that the standard of play in the local club and regional level in South Africa reflects on their international performance. Ball possession is frequently lost to poor passing and poor wheelchair mobility. Turnovers are more often the result of poor passing by the opponents, rather than good defense. Successful goal inbounds and side inbounds plays are too often the result of poor defense rather than good offensive play. This study demonstrates that games analysis can be a helpful tool in determining the reasons for success and lack of success during wheelchair rugby.
The assessment of motor competence in rugby
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005-12) Van Dyk, A. P.; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
The purpose of this study was to develop a valid test battery that could measure movement competence in rugby at U/16 level. Movement competence was adopted as the focus in this research because rugby is a sport consisting of challenges in primarily open skill situations. Competence is a level of proficiency that is higher than that of a novice, but not as high as an expert. Competence in rugby would imply that a player is reasonably successful in meeting the challenges of the dynamic situations on the field. Following a review of some different approaches to defining the abilities that seem to contribute to competence, movement competence in rugby at U/16 level was defined in terms of physical abilities, motor abilities and rugby skills. A test battery was designed to measure these variables, and then the battery was administered to the U/16 regional level group (n = 21) and the U/16 average level group (n = 108) from the same region. Anthropometry was recognised as a source of critical information in talent identification and development programmes, but because it has been well studied by other investigators, it was not included. Test validity was examined by comparing the scores between the two groups (the assumption is that the regional group should score higher on each item) and by asking the coaches to rate the tests in terms of face validity. The regional group achieved significantly better results in terms of speed, aerobic fitness, flexibility and power, in comparison with the average group. This suggests that the provincial players are more physical fit than the average high school players at U/16 level. However, the results of the motor abilities and skill items did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Although the coaches rated the test battery highly, new test items for these variables need to be considered to the next cycle in the Test of Rugby Competence.
The development of talent identification protocols for disability sport
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-03) Augustyn, Naomi J.; Rossouw, C. C.; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
Talent identification has been defined as the process by which children are measured on a number of physical and performance variables that are perceived to be a requisite for success within a given sport (Abbott & Collins, 2002:158). One important element in talent identification testing is the capacity to interpret scores. This requires the development of relevant norms for the populations groups who will be involved. The purpose of this study was to generate norms for the interpretation of scores earned by children with disabilities on a basic talent identification screening test battery. The study was focused only on children with intellectual impairments, children with hearing impairments and children with visual impairments. The Talent Search test battery as prescribed by DISSA (Disability Sport South Africa, 2002) found in their screening manual for basic sporting ability of persons with disabilities was used to assess subjects on performance variables. This included body height, sitting height, arm span, body mass, eye-hand coordination, sound localization and eye- hand coordination (for the those with VI), upper body power, leg power, agility, running speed and aerobic fitness (cardiovascular endurance). The group of 140 subjects included 49 children with intellectual impairments (N=27 males and N=22 females), 58 children with hearing impairments (N=35 males and N=23 females) and 33 children with a visual impairment of which 11 (N=7 males and N=4 females) needed to run with a guide and 22 (N=17 males and N=5 females) where independent runners. The descriptive data was processed to produce percentile tables. One problem area was found with testing the eye-hand coordination of children with intellectual impairment, where more than 50% of the children were not able to obtain a score at all. It was also found that some children with hearing impairments had slow running times for the agility run test item, which led to the conclusion that vestibular etiology must be identified prior to the interpretation of test scores.
The effect of a metronome-based coordination training programme on the fundamental gross motor skills of children with motor development delays
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Scott, Jessie Lynne; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effect of a coordination-training programme on selected fundamental motor skills of children (ages 9 to 12) who were identified as having motor development delays. The group of participants identified included seven boys and one girl. The study followed an A-B-A reversal design. The intervention was a rhythm-based training programme. The dependent variables were the motor abilities of bilateral coordination, balance and upper-limb coordination, assessed using the BOT-2. The results of an ANOVA for dependent groups indicated a significant improvement in bilateral coordination and no change in balance. The improvement in upper-limb coordination was attributed to a familiarisation or learning effect on the test. A descriptive analysis of each child’s results revealed high variability in the effect of participation in the programme. The results of this study supported the conclusion that a rhythm-based coordination-training programme may help children with coordination problems improve their bilateral coordination, which will have a positive impact on the performance on many fundamental gross motor skills.
The effect of a perceptual-motor training programme on the coincident anticipation timing and batting performance of club cricket players
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Van Velden, Grant David; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a perceptual-motor training programme on the coincident anticipation timing and batting performance of university club cricket players. The intervention programme focused on developing players‟ visual attention and concentration. Vickers‟ (2007) Three-Step Decision Training Model was used to structure the training sessions. The study followed a repeated measures experimental design with three groups (experimental, placebo, and control) formed by volunteers from a university club cricket team. The independent variable was a four-week training programme. The dependent variables were coincident anticipation timing and performance on a cricket batting test. Subjects were pre- and post-tested with retention tests occurring after a set period of “no training” following the post-tests. Differences between groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA by Ranks Tests. Differences within each group were compared using multiple Mann-Whitney U-Tests. No significant improvements were observed in the experimental group‟s coincident anticipation timing and batting performance. Although neither coincident anticipation timing nor batting performance significantly improved, further research into the use of Vickers‟ (2007) Model to enhance sport performance is recommended.
The effects of a movement competence programme on the functional capacity, self-perception and resilience of older adult women
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-12) Louw, Emma; Bock-Jonathon, Bronwyn; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Global aging is occurring at an unprecedented rate. South Africa has the highest proportion of older adults in Southern Africa, with nearly 7% of the population over the age of 60 years in 1997. However, although people are living longer, statistics show that they are not necessarily living healthier. The majority of women who outlive men have to deal with more chronic diseases as well as a poorer functional status than the latter. The purpose of the present study was to implement a movement competence programme suited to the needs of South African older adult women; requiring inexpensive apparatus and that can be performed in any environment. A time-series design was used which included follow up testing 9 months after the cessation of the movement competence programme. The intervention group consisted out of 21 (76.14±5.44 years) older adult women, who were randomly selected from a retirement village. The movement competence programme was broad based in nature and was performed in two one hourly sessions a week for 12 weeks. After pre-tests of functional capacity, selfperception and resilience, the older adult women were tested using the Physical Self-Perception Profile (Fox & Corbin, 1989) and the Resilience Scale (Connor & Davidson, 2003) respectively. Significant improvements (p<0.05) were observed in the Berg Balance Scale, 8-Foot Up-and-Go and the Physical Self-Perception’s results of the older adult women. No significant (p>0.05) difference was noted in the Barthel Index and Resilience Scale after the 12-week movement competence programme. Follow up testing indicated a significant improvement in the resilience of the older adult women who continued to exercise, compared to those that chose a sedentary lifestyle after the movement competence programme.
The effects of a perceptual-motor development program on children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005-12) Walters, Yolinda; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a perceptual-motor development programme for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), as identified on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC). A pre- and post-test design was employed in the study and data were reported as case studies. The programme included a cognitive approach to perceptual-motor activities, with special attention to visual perception. The intervention programme was implemented over six consecutive weeks, with two 45-minute sessions each week. The motor proficiency of nine of the 12 children who participated in this study improved to the point where they were no longer classified as having DCD. The reasons for this improvement could be attributed to the regular practise provided by the perceptual-motor activities that were the content of the program and to the method of presentation, i.e. the cognitive strategies that were child-centred, which could have helped develop self-confidence in the children. These results are in agreement with the research of Schoemaker and Kalverboer (1994) that many children with DCD may learn to overcome or cope with their movement problems. The three children who performed most poorly on the M-ABC pre-test did not improve over the course of the intervention programme. A thorough examination of their perceptual-motor system could provide more information about the various factors that may contribute to their movement problems. It is also possible that the programme simply was not long enough for these children (they did not get enough practise) and/or they were not able to respond to the child-centred cognitive approach in such a short period of time.
The effects of a sensory motor development programme on selected variables of school readiness
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-12) De Haan, Ann I; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether a sensory motor development programme could have an effect on some of the underlying physical and perceptual abilities that support school readiness. The control group consisted of 23 children and the two intervention groups of 79 children in total. All of the children were enrolled in a pre-primary school programme in a local community. They were all six years old by the end of the intervention. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) was used to assess the children on their manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, static balance and dynamic balance. The intervention programme consisted of two phases of 10 weeks each, during which the sensory motor development activities were presented to the two intervention groups. Results of the investigation revealed there were significant improvements for some of the children on selected variables that underlie school readiness. It can be concluded that participation in a sensory motor development programme can make a significant contribution to school readiness for many children.
The effects of a water activities programme on the motor proficiency of children with developmental coordination disorder
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1997) Braun, Carolyn Renate; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of biomedical Sciences.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: To reach adulthood, children need to grow and develop, one of the most important aspects is the development of adequate motor coordination. When difficulties are experienced and this development does not take place it gives rise to many problems. Not only motor difficulties, but also other social, emotional, behavioural and educational problems. The child experiences difficulties with his class work and life on the playground and during physical education lessons can also become very traumatic. If the problem can be identified in the early stages of the child's' education and the appropriate steps are taken to initiate remedial work, the potential to improve or even overcome the disability is there, but first the problems need to be recognized for what they are.
The effects of participation in rhythmic sport on the self-esteem of adolescent girls from a disadvantaged community
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998) Alexander, Leonieke Franziska; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Department of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of participation in a rhythmic sport programme on the self-esteem of adolescent girls. Paterson's (1997) 10 self-esteem enhancing instructional strategies were used to implement the programme. The content of the programme was designed by the author to provide adolescent girls from a disadvantaged community the opportunity to learn basic rhythmic activities and dance skills. Harter's (1985) Self-perception Profile for Children was used to measure the global self-esteem and perceived movement competence of a control group (n=15) and an experimental group (n=13) of girls between ages 13 - 16 A 22- week rhythmic sport programme was conducted twice each week for the girls in the experimental group. Following the comparison between pre- and post-test data, it was concluded that participation in the intervention had a positive but not statistically significant affect on the girls' global self-esteem and the perceived movement competence. All of Paterson's (1997) instructional strategies were perceived by the paricipants to have been used by their coach. The teaching strategies of individualising instruction and setting optimal challenges were the most effective strategies in terms of their influence on increasing girls self-esteem.
The influence of competition and cooperation on children's movement competence and self-esteem
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-12) Wakelin, Justin; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two different approaches to presenting content during a sport module in physical education on the movement competence and self-esteem of children ages 11 - 12. One approach consisted of competitive activities and the other approach consisted of cooperative activities and cooperative learning. The following measurement criteria were selected to assess movement competence: response time, coincident timing, eye-hand coordination (throwing and catching) and eye-hand coordination (striking). Harter’s (1982) Perceived Competence Scale for Children was used to measure children’s perceptions their competence in terms of cognitive, social and physical competence and general self-esteem. Pre-tests were administered to a competitive activities group (n=14), a cooperative activities group (n=14) and a control group (n=25). Following a10-week intervention programme, the competitive group achieved significant improvements in response time and eye-hand coordination (striking). The cooperative group improved significantly in their response time. There were no significant improvements in the control group. None of the groups demonstrated significant changes in perceptions of cognitive, social or physical competence or on general self-esteem. This study concluded that participation in cooperative activities as well as competitive activities can help children develop their movement competence. Approaches to the development of positive self-perceptions and self-esteem still require further research. Neither the nature of competitive activities nor cooperative activities seemed sufficient to produce changes.
The influence of proprioceptive training on the functional balance of older adults
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2002-12) Gertenbach, Hanlie Jacoba; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Proprioception is generally defined as the sense of position and movement of the limbs. The sense arises through activity in sensory neurons located in skin, muscles and joint tissues. Joint proprioception provides the neurological feedback needed for the control of muscle actions, and serves as protection against excessive strain on passive joints. The rationale for this study was that if proprioception improves, functional balance will improve. Improvements in functional balance will contribute to improvements in functional skills. An improvement in functional skills can decrease dependence on others, which in turn w\could increase quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a proprioceptive training programme, using only low technology apparatus, on the proprioception and functional balance of older adults. Twenty-five older adults (M = 73.1 years) were assigned to either a control (n = 10) or intervention group (n = 15). The Berg Balance Scale was used for assessment of the functional balance of the participants, while the Harrison’s Recovery Test was used to assess proprioception. The intervention group was placed on an eight-week proprioceptive training programme consisting of three, twenty-minute sessions a week. Using paired and unpaired t-tests for the statistical analysis, significant improvements were observed in the intervention group for both proprioception and functional balance (p<0.05). It was concluded that the proprioception and functional balance of older adults could be significantly improved with a proprioceptive programme using only low technology apparatus.
Innovative strategies to improve posture in golf
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-12) Olivier, Mario; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Posture is generally defined as the position of the limbs and the body as a whole, whether in static or dynamic situations. Although there may be postures that are common to a variety of sports, posture is considered to be sport-specific. Optimal posture in golf provides a good base from which a golfer can apply maximum effort to the golf ball with the least amount of energy. Optimal posture is also regarded as a factor that can reduce the incidence of injury. A recognition of the importance of posture in golf led to the general question that initiated this study: If posture improves, will golf performance improve? The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a golfspecific postural training programme, on selected postural variables and on 5- iron hitting distance, accuracy and ball flight. Eighteen novice female golfers were randomly assigned to either a control (n=9) or an intervention group (n=9). Video analysis was used to assess the postural variables of static balance and postural consistency, while the one-minute lying lift, one-minute walkout and overhead medicine ball throw were used to assess the postural variables related to core stability. The Modified Benson Golf Test was used to assess the golf skill of the participants, as measured by 5-iron distance, accuracy and ball flight. The experimental group was placed on a six-week programme consisting of two, sixty-minute sessions a week. Using a repeated measures ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), significant improvements in core stability and 5-iron distance and accuracy were achieved (p
An instrument to assess the fitness of field athletes with physical disabilities
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Ferreira, Suzanne; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of a series of physical fitness tests for athletes with disabilities competing in sitting throwing events in athletics. All athletes competing in sitting throwing events during the South African National Championships April, 2001, were asked to take part in the research study. A total of 74 athletes in the classes F33, F34, F52, F53, F54, F55, F56, F57 and F58 took part in the research study. All the athletes completed the tests selected for their specific class. Their tests results and their performance in the events at the South African National Championships were correlated to determine the validity of the physical fitness tests. Results of the study revealed the following: ol' Certain physical fitness components are more important than others for achieving good results in the sitting throwing events. ol' Upper body power is the best predictor of performance in all the events and classes. ol' Technique is as important a factor in good performance as is fitness. ol' South African athletes' technique needs improvement. It can be concluded from this study that physical fitness, in particular upper body strength and power, plays a major role in performance of athletes with disabilities competing in sitting throwing events. Many of the athletes are currently top performers rely more on their physical fitness than on good technique to achieve success. If these athletes can combine physical fitness with good technique, much better performances will achieved and the world will need to take even more note of South Africa's athletes with disabilities.
Methods of coaching to improve decision making in rugby
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Allen, Trevor; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
The purpose of this study was to describe the different methods used by coaches to improve decision making in ruby. The study included three coaches from the Western Cape area. Two of the three coaches worked with U/20A league teams and the third coach worked in the Super A league. Eight coaching sessions were video taped and analysed to identify the coaching method used when presenting skill development activities. The verbal behaviour each coach was also recorded. Five rugby games involving each of the teams were also analysed to determine which team had the highest success rates in key categories. The results showed that Coach 1 integrated decision making with skill practice primarily through the method of verbal feedback during sessions where he used a direct teaching style. His comments to players during technical skill instruction were focussed on linking their skill performance to its tactical use in a game. The other two coaches followed the expected pattern of using indirect teaching styles to teach players how to apply tactics. It was concluded that different coaches may use different teaching styles to improve players’ decision making. The belief that the direct style of coaching focuses on technical learning at the expense of tactical understanding may be false. Much more research needs to be completed on coaching methods before specific recommendations can be made to coaches about optimal approaches to balancing the demand for good tactical decision making and sound technical skill performance.
Motor competence and goal setting in rugby
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-12) Smit, Hendre; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
The study explored the potential of rugby as a developmental experience, not only in terms of the motor skills that lead to competence in rugby, but also in terms of learning more about the life-skill of goal setting. A 10 session pre-season programme entitled “More than Rugby” was designed and implemented in order to determine whether combining skill instruction with activities specifically designed to increase an understanding of goal setting had an impact on either the development of rugby competence or understanding about goal setting and perceptions of its use. A repeated measures experimental design was followed, with two groups of high school rugby players from similar sporting backgrounds involved: An experimental group who received pre-season rugby training as well as an intervention programme dealing with goal setting, and a control group who received only the pre-season rugby training, but no special goal setting activities. Both groups were pre tested and post tested on their rugby competence (through an individual rugby skill test circuit) and their understanding of goal setting The self reported use of goal setting perceptions, the relationship between goals and performance and the effects of goals on players was measured by means of a questionnaire (adapted GSI). The results revealed a significant improvement in the quality of rugby skills of the experimental group, but no significant improvement was found in the quality of the rugby skills of the control group. Both groups showed improvement in the speed at which rugby skills were performed, but in neither case was the improvement significant. The understanding of goal setting and the knowledge of setting goals did not improve significantly for either group. It can be concluded that the inclusion of life skills content and activities, such as goal setting in rugby development programmes will not detract from skill development outcomes. Although it can be noted that the greater improvement in skill levels was achieved by the group who received goal setting, more research is recommended to explain the positive link between life skills development and sport skills development.
Perceptual-motor development for children who show signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Rathbone, Ingha; Bressan, E. S.; Perold, M.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The influence of a six-week perceptual-motor and attentional skills programme, combined with teaching strategies, on the motor proficiency and attentional abilities of children diagnosed with ADHD was investigated. The five case study individuals (ranging for Grade 1- 7) took part in a six-week Purposeful Play Programme. Baseline, pre-test and post-test scores were obtained from the Bruininks- Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Test (ADHDT). All five case study individuals showed a significant improvement on their motor proficiency during retention tests as well as improvements on some of the behavioural soft signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
Performance Analysis of penalty area entrances of a South African men's professional football team
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Engelbrecht, Warren Peter; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to analyse the penalty area entrances of a team competing in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa. Ten home matches of the team were analysed making use of a category set designed for the study. The main areas of analysis included the point of final action before the ball entered the penalty area, the part of the penalty area at which the entrance occurred, the method of entrance, the number of completed passes within the area, and the outcome of the entrance as well as the reason for the outcome. The results revealed that the team entered the penalty area on average 59.4 times per match and scored a goal on every 37.4 penalty area entrances. The ball being taken away by the opponents was the outcome that occurred most frequently within the penalty area (42.1% of all entries), and was largely due to interceptions by the defending team (20.7%). The next most commonly occurring event was the ball being given away by the attacking team (22.4% of all entries) and was largely as a result of the poor passing (20%). The results revealed that in order for the team to improve their ability to convert their attacking opportunities into goals, improvement of technical execution in particular passing and shooting within the critical areas of the field must be established. The results have implications for the use of performance analysis for professional teams as support for the coaching process.
A programme to improve gross motor and selected visual perception skills of children who show signs of developmental coordination disorder
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Markgraaff, Christine; Bressan, E. S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of participation in a small group-based perceptual-motor training programme on the gross motor and visual-motor integration skills of children who show signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Two physical education teachers selected 22 children for assessment as potential participants for this study. The Movement ABC (M-ABC) was then administered to this group and the eight children who scored the lowest were invited to volunteer for this study. These children all volunteered and then completed the assessment of their visual-motor integration skills as measured by the Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP-2). The study followed an evaluative case study design in which changes in the gross motor and visual-motor integration skills of each participant were reported and interpreted individually. The six-week intervention programme was focused on developing the perceptual-motor link between throwing, catching and balancing skills with challenges to visual skills development, especially eye-hand coordination. A comparison of pre-test, post-test and retention test scores in the M-ABC revealed that the programme had a positive effect on six of the children. The results for the seventh child were inconsistent on each test occasion, leading to the conclusion that he may have a co-morbid disorder related to attention. Improvements in static balance were noted and some children also experienced improvements in their ball skills (aiming and coincident timing) which brings the researcher to the conclusion that the programme was effective for gross motor development. DTVP-2 results showed improvements in eye-hand coordination in five of the seven children. According to the VMI quotient score, only one child improved, one deteriorated and the rest showed no change which brings the researcher to the conclusion that the intervention programme was not effective for visual-motor integration.
The relationship between children's physical fitness and their development of locomotor co-ordination
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Goedhals, Stephanie Catherine; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in a movement programme (FITKIDZ) designed by the author produced statistically significant improvements in the physical fitness and locomotor co-ordination of four and five year old children. The study also examined the relationship between post-intervention levels of physical fitness and locomotor co-ordination. The subjects (N = 19), who all attended pre-primary school, were tested on physical fitness components and their execution of locomotor co-ordination using both quantitative and qualitative evaluation processes. The subjects were selected from a pre-primary school that volunteered to participate in the study. Due to the structure of the school and pressure from the parents, it was not possible to have a control group. The subjects underwent an eight-week movement programme (FITKIDZ), after which they were retested. Results showed a statistically significant improvement in abdominal strength, Body Mass Index (BMI) and flexibility (Sit-and-reach scores and trunk lifts). Qualitative results also showed a statistically significant improvement in the children's performance oflocomotor skills. Correlation matrices between the physical fitness components and locomotor skills indicated that the strongest straight-line relationship existed between strength and locomotor co-ordination. The other relationships between the physical fitness components and locomotor co-ordination were not significant. It was concluded that the performance of locomotor skills improved, as did numerous components of physical fitness of the subjects over the duration of the designed movement programme. However, it was noted that this improvement may be partially due to normal maturation of the subject group and that the results from this study would be better supported ifit were possible to include a control group.

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine) by browse.metadata.advisor "Bressan, E. S."

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