Theses and Dissertations (Arts, Languages and Human Movement Studies Education)

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Biokinetic rehabilitation of scoliosis subjects
(University of Pretoria, 2011-12-06) Kruger, P.E. (Pieter Ernst); upetd@up.ac.za; Grobler, Dan
Of back problems experienced in adolescence, scoliosis is the most frequent (Bradford et al, 1987; Lancard-Dusek et al, 1991). Several studies have been conducted to determine the effect of exercise on back pain. The results indicated that certain regimes are more successful than others. The purpose of this study was to determine wether a corrective exercise programme, which was intensively and aggressively applied, will have a positive effect on adolescent scoliosis subjects. The subjects were divided, randomly, into a control and rehabilitation group. The rehabilitation group followed an eight week programme comprising 24 sessions. Both groups were evaluated at session zero (0) and session twenty four (24). A t-test for homogeneity was done at day zero, between the two groups for the variables V3 to V8. The results indicated homogeneity (P>0-05). A paired t-test was done for group one; indicating that there was a meaningful difference in all the variables; except for standing height (P>0*05). For group two the test indicates a meaningful difference for degrees, standing height and lateral flexion. A t-test at day 24 indicated a meaningful difference for degrees and lateral flexion. This indicates that the group which had followed the programme had improved whilst the control group had deteriorated. AFRIKAANS : Van die rug probleme ondervind by jeugdiges,, is skoliose die mees veelvuldig (Bradford et al, 1987; Lancas-Dusek et al, 1991). Verskeie studies is reeds gedoen wat die effek van oefening op die rug evalueer. Die resultate dui aan dat van die programme meer suksesvol is as ander. Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal of 'n korrektiewe oefenings program, wat intensief en aggresief toegepas is, 'n positiewe effek op geringe ado1essent skoliose individue sal hê. Die individue was willekeurig ingedeel in 'n kontrole en 'n rehabilitasie groep. Die rehabilitasie groep het 'n agt weke program gevolg van 24 sessies. Beide groepe was tydens sessie nul en sessie 24 ge-evalueer. 'n Toets vir homogeniteit was gedoen by dag nul, tussen die twee groepe, vir die veranderlikes V3 tat V8. Die resultate was homogeen (p>0-05). 'n Gepaarde t-toets vir groep een het aangedui dat daar 'n betekenisvolle verskil vir al die verander1ikes was; behalwe staande 1engte (p>0-05). Vir groep twee was daar 'n betekenisvolle verskil in grade, staande lengte en laterale fleksie. 'n T-toets op dag 24 het 'n betekenisvolle verskil vir laterale fleksie aangedui. Dit dui aan dat die groep wat die program gevolg het verbeter het, terwyl die kontrole groep agteruit gegaan het. Copyright
The effect of the glycemic index on endurance performance
(University of Pretoria, 2007-01-03) Kruger, P.E. (Pieter Ernst); upetd@up.ac.za; Vogel, Etresia
There exist a wide variety of metabolic responses to different types of carbohydrates and their influence on metabolism during endurance training. Recent studies revealed that the physiological responses to food are far more complex than was previously appreciated. The rapid release of insulin and the decline in blood sugar levels during the first stages of endurance training are linked to the Glycemic Index of foods. Researchers cannot still make use of the old distinction between starchy and sugary food or simple and complex carbohydrates. These distinctions are based on the chemical analysis of the food, which does not totally reflect the effects of these foods on the body. The Glycemic Index is a more reliable guideline to apply in nutritional management for endurance athletes. The major object of the study was to indicate the importance of utilizing the Glycemic Index (GI) as part of the nutritional preparation for endurance events. The study investigated the advantages of ingesting a Low Glycemic Index meal prior to exercise and compared it with the ingestion of a High Glycemic Index meal. A pretest-posttest design was used. Twelve healthy, male and female cyclists participated in the study. Subjects were selected according to their level of training. The total test period consisted of 14 days, which included two different dietary interventions of 7 days each. Diet -and training analysis were done on the subjects prior to the commencement of the study. Each subject completed three exercise trials. The first exercise trial consisted of a V02max test until exhaustion. Two submaximal trials (65 - 70 % of V02max) followed and were preceded by two dietary interventions. The dietary interventions (7 days each) had the same amount of CHO, fat and protein but differed in the Glycemic Index of the pre-exercise meals. The first pre-exercise meal was a High Glycemic Index (HGI) meal. The second pre-exercise meal was a Low Glycemic Index (LGI) meal. The results of the study indicated the advantages of ingesting a Low Glycemic Index meal prior to endurance exercise. The drop in blood glucose levels significantly differed (p<0.05) with an average of 0.68 mmol/L between the two tests after 10 minutes of cycling. It took 20 minutes for the blood sugar level of the first testto reach the same level of the blood sugar level of the second test. After the ingestion of the High Glycemic Index meal in Test 1, the blood lactate levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the first 15 minutes. The total distance covered by the subjects was 22.86 km after the first dietary intervention (High glycemic Index food) and 27.43 km after the second dietary intervention (Low glycemic Index food) although it is not statistically significant due to the small sample size. The difference in the distance covered of the two tests is 4.57 km in a period of 50 minutes. Subjects indicated that they experienced more physical strain (higher RPE values) in Test 1 (High Glycemic Index food) than in Test 2 (Low Glycemic Index food) (p<0.05). The study results support the fact that Low glycemic index food may confer an advantage when eaten prior to prolonged strenuous exercise by providing a slow¬releasing source of glucose to the blood without causing extensive hypoglycemia. Proper preparation and the correct choice of the pre-exercise meal can exclude the occurrence of sudden drops in the blood sugar levels. The Glycemic Index can also be successfully applied during and after events to improve performance.
Normative isokinetic torque values for rehabilitation in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2002) Kruger, P.E. (Pieter Ernst); Lategan, Leon
The goal of effective rehabilitation should always be to restore “normal” function if possible. What is “normal” function? Although many subjective definitions may describe what is “normal”, it is the search for objective criteria of what constitutes “normality” that inspires exercise scientists worldwide! The primary aim of this study was to establish normative isokinetic torque values in young males, for rehabilitation purposes in South Africa. Four hundred and forty four (444) healthy male subjects participated in the study. A Cybex 340 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure peak torque, using a quantitative experimental design. No correction was made for the effects of gravity. The following movement patterns were included: ankle plantar/dorsiflexion, knee flexion/extension, shoulder external/internal rotation, shoulder horizontal abduction/adduction, shoulder flexion/extension, elbow flexion/extension (using two different grip positions), and forearm pronation/supination. Descriptive statistics together with percentile scaling were used to develop normative values for the movement patterns studied. Normative values were presented in relative terms and expressed as a percentage in terms of Nm torque per kg body mass (% BM). In addition to the relative isokinetic torque values, the agonist/antagonist ratios were also expressed as a percentage. The percentile scales were also included to be used by clinicians involved in talent identification programmes and the screening of elite athletes. To conclude, normative isokinetic values were developed for young South African males. To enable subjects with large variations in body weight to utilize these norms, they were expressed in relative terms (% BM) instead of absolute terms (Nm). The possible benefit of the study was that population-specific and objective normative values were established for rehabilitation purposes and for use in sport science programs.
Lifestyle, body fat distribution and insulin-related coronary heart disease risk factors in hypertensive females
(University of Pretoria, 2000) Loots, J.M.; Du Plessis, Louwrens Andries Stephanus
The full text of this thesis/dissertation is not available online. Please contact us if you need access. Read the abstract in the section 00front of this document.
A multi-variate approach to posture
(University of Pretoria, 2007-01-03) Steyn, Ben J.M. (Barend Johannes Marthinus); Loots, Maureen
What is the ideal human upright posture? Where did it come from, how did it develop, what is its significance, how is it measured? What are the cause and effect of malposture? Much has been published on the role of posture in physical as well as mental and emotional states of the individual. This study was undertaken to investigate these issues, while at the same time aiming to find the position and role of posture in the physical and psychological context of human life. The first aspect of posture investigated was its definition. What constitutes good posture is still a debated issue. The conclusion drawn was that good posture represents the state of balance in an individual at rest and during motion. Ideally this state should be achieved with all the body parts aligned on top of each other requiring minimal effort and energy expenditure. The evolutionary origin of the upright posture in man was traced in order to come to a clearer understanding of the anatomical, biomechanical and physiological mechanisms involved in posture. The positions and functions of some muscles and bones have remained, and some have changed during the development of the upright human from its quadrupedal ancestors. Maintenance of balanced posture depends mainly on the coordinated action of the stabilizing mono-articulated muscles, and their place and purpose in upright man were viewed in the light of their origins. By so doing one is able to uncover their intended use and to identify misuse of these muscles. Development throughout childhood mimics the evolutionary process. A series of postural exercises was described, which follows the childhood/evolutionary pattern, and have proven to be successful in postural rehabilitation and body¬mind integration. In order to understand the concept of the upright standing posture, control mechanisms responsible for maintaining upright posture were reviewed. These included the sensory and the neuromusculo-skeletal systems. This was duly undertaken in accordance with existing literature, it was concluded that posture is controlled in association with all human functions. Following the concept that posture affects the mind and emotions, the work and theories of prominent researchers in the body-mind and postural integration field such as Frederick Alexander, Raymond Dart, Moshe Feldenkrais, Alexander Lowen, Wilhelm Reich and Ida Rolf were reviewed and distilled. This led to evidence that treatment of the body has an effect on the mind, that structure influences function and that postural equilibrium has a beneficial influence on both mind and body. According to numerous workers malposture in man is pandemic. Ensuing literature and empirical research on total body posture, and the position of each area of the body, from the head to the feet, revealed divergent causes of this problem as well as effects of malposture, including negative self-image, psycholological problems, pain, fatigue and the inability to achieve the full human potential. Although there is no obvious cause of postural imbalance, there are many ways of preventing or rectifying the disorder. During the course of a postural rehabilitation therapy, there is a good chance of uncovering the underlying cause of the postural imbalance. This can be as deep seated as a personality disorder or as clear as the fear of an old sport injury. The incidence and extent of postural defects were investigated in two small groups of subjects with the aim to determine the range of postural deviations, and the body areas most commonly affected. All subjects studied, leaned forward with the gravity line anterior to the ankle joint. Postural defects were prevalent in all subjects. Most of the subjects were categorized as having severe postural defects or gross deformity. Postural asymmetry and kyphosis were the most common defects. The conclusions drawn from these studies were that most people, in any age group, suffer from some type of postural defect, supporting the general consensus that malposture is a pandemic condition. The effects of postural rehabilitation were also investigated. Postures improved in all the subjects over a period of twelve weeks, with a more vertical body alignment the most obvious change. Postural rehabilitation has physical and psychological consequences. This was demonstrated by improvement in posture and increased body awareness, a decrease in the tendency to become fatigued, an decrease in back and neck stiffness and improvement in mental attitudes. Postural training in general could therefore be profitable for both body and mind, and an appreciation of good posture and its resulting efficiency represents the best kind of preventative medicine. Postural training should have a place in both Education and Health.

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