autonomic control
African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance (06/12/2008)
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- Editorial
- Vol 14 Issue 3
- Publication: 2008
- Abstract: The fact that physical activity (PA), physical exercise, recreation and leisure have become household concepts in most communities throughout the world today is not an accident. It is a reaction to the serious public health problems that are afflicting most societies and communities today. It is now generally accepted (world wide) that physical exercises are a way of preventing degenerative diseases, ailments and hypokinetic problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity and overweight, diabetes and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
- Participatory action research (PAR) in monitoring and evaluation of sport-for-development programmes : sport and physical activity
- Author: Burnett, Cora
- Vol 14 Issue 3
- Publication: 2008
- Page: 225-239
- Abstract: International agencies are becoming increasingly involved in sport-for-development work, as sport is seen as pivotal in addressing socio-political, health and cultural issues in affected and / or impoverished communities earmarked for 'development'. A comparative case study of the Siyadlala Mass Participation Programme (a national sport development programme) and the Active Community Clubs' Initiative (an Australian programme) in the South African context of poverty, served to demonstrate the potential role of Participatory Action Research (PAR). Utilizing the S•DIAT (Sport Development Impact Assessment Tool) in both cases allowed for quantitative and qualitative data collection, and informed researchers about contextual issues essential for interpretation and the potential application of results. A collaborative relationship developed between researchers and research subjects, as local volunteers of the Active Community Clubs were trained as fieldworkers inherent in a Participatory Action Research Training (PART) model. Following an inductive research paradigm and offering training in monitoring and evaluation, positively influenced the sustainability and 'local penetration' of the Active Community Clubs' Programme, compared to the top-down delivery and deductive approach of the Siyadlala Mass Participation Programme. Collaboration, the establishment of success indicators and benchmarks for assessing programme-related impact in a local context, contributed to the implementation of a needs-based service delivery.
- Physiological and biomechanical responses of running with and without a stroller : sport and physical activity
- Author: Brown, G.A. Rebok, M.P. Scott, M.L. Harris III, J. Colaluca, M.K. Shaw, B.S. Shaw, I.
- Vol 14 Issue 3
- Publication: 2008
- Page: 240-249
- Abstract: Even though the three-wheeled baby strollers that are widely used during jogging (JS) have been available for almost twenty years, limited information regarding the physiological and biomechanical effects of jogging with a stroller is available. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of jogging / running with a stroller on oxygen consumption, heart rate (HR), step length and step frequency. Following testing for body composition and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), eight experienced female runners completed two supervised, randomized, self-paced 2.4 kilometre (km) running trials while pushing (JS) or not pushing (CON) a stroller on a concrete sidewalk. The time to complete the 2.4 km run was not different between JS and CON (687 ± 30 versus 660 ± 18 seconds). Mean steady state HR (173.0 ± 5.0 versus 167.0 ± 5.1 beats / min) and oxygen consumption (VO2) (40.1 ± 3.1 versus 36.1 ± 2.8 m l / kg / min) were higher (p < 0.05) in JS than CON, respectively. JS resulted in a greater (p < 0.05) number of steps taken (1969 ± 78 versus 1886 ± 74) and reduced (p < 0.05) step length (1.24 ± 0.06 versus 1.29 ± 0.06 metres) compared to CON. The use of a JS resulted in an approximate 4% increase in HR and an approximate 11% increase in VO2, perhaps due to changes in the normal running stride pattern and the application of an external load from the jogging stroller.
- A single session of brisk walking does not alter blood glucose homeostasis in overweight young men : sport and physical activity
- Author: Brown, G.A. McFarland, S.P. Ray, M.W. Bryce, M. Abbey, B.M. Shaw, I. Shaw, B.S.
- Vol 14 Issue 3
- Publication: 2008
- Page: 250-264
- Abstract: Aerobic exercise can enhance insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and collectively, blood glucose homeostasis. Moreover, many different exercise intensities and durations have been used to enhance blood glucose homeostasis. However, the minimum duration of moderate intensity exercise necessary to elicit improved blood glucose homeostasis is unknown. Six sedentary, apparently healthy, overweight (24.5 ± 1.2 percentage body fat), young males (21.7 ± 1.0 years) underwent a 75 gramme oral glucose challenge at baseline and at 24 hours after a single session of moderate exercise. The exercise intervention consisted of treadmill walking at an intensity of 50% of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) for 10, 20, 40, or 60 minutes, and each subject engaged in each duration in a randomly ordered manner separated by seven days. Areas under the curve were not different between baseline, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, or 60 minutes of exercise for glucose (324.9 ± 113.0, 428.1 ± 114.3, 327.5 ± 66.5, 982.6 ± 168.6, 345.5 ± 108.2 mmol.l-1.min-1, respectively) and insulin (56028.5 ± 15604.5, 66980.0 ± 21091.4, 65492.3 ± 15394.6, 60214.9 ± 18130.8, 65829.5 ± 11965.6 pmol.l-1.min-1, respectively). Therefore, it appears that a single session of moderate intensity aerobic exercise lasting from 10 to 60 minutes does not appear to be sufficient to elicit changes in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in sedentary, apparently healthy, overweight college-aged males.
- Health-related aspects and activity preference of the elderly in a South African setting : sport and physical activity
- Author: Mashego, Hajira T. Burnett, Cora
- Vol 14 Issue 3
- Publication: 2008
- Page: 265-281
- Abstract: An active lifestyle is severely compromised among elderly populations worldwide due to various physical, psychological, social and environmental challenges people face in the later stages of their life cycle. Factors affecting levels and modes of physical activity for the elderly were investigated in an explorative study as a pilot to refine the methodology and validate a self-designed life style questionnaire. The survey aimed at identifying habitual physical activity patterns, selected health profiles, individualized motivations and factors that impact on the needs for elderly citizens to participate in preferred physical activities within the South African context. This explorative study may inform the development of targeted programmes for elderly citizens. A purposive sample presented itself during an 'activity day' (Day of the Aged) offered by the University of Johannesburg, in which 620 senior citizens participated. Twenty researchers collected data through structured interviews from 192 participants at the event. The majority of men (n = 45, 24.4%) and women (n = 144, 75.1%) lived independently, whilst only 59 (30.6%) resided in an institution. Educational levels, the level of 'satisfactory' or 'good' health ratings and lifestyle issues should be considered for a health-enhancement programme design. Recommendations for methodological refinement are offered to enhance the comparability and in-depth statistical analysis of data.
- Key principles in primary school sport programmes : sport and physical activity
- Author: Bloemhoff, H. J.
- Vol 14 Issue 3
- Publication: 2008
- Page: 282-298
- Abstract: The urge for physical activity constitutes one of the greatest needs of life during childhood. This necessitates interventions to improve, on a continuous basis, the role, place and state of sport within the educational system. The purpose of this research was to determine and debate on the position of primary schools sport on the nine key principles identified by the American Sport Education Programme. In the contex