Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Physiological aspects of Football'

Playing professional football is a high risk occupation. Injury rates among professional footballers are higher than those commonly found in other industries. Several Scandinavian studies have begun to document the long-term physical health problems, such as osteoarthritis (OA), that can beset ex-professional footballers. However, the experiences of ex-professional footballers playing and living in the United Kingdom (UK) have not received similar academic attention. Furthermore, no studies have investigated the impact that OA has on the quality of life of former players anywhere in the world. This thesis aimed to rectify a widespread and serious health problem among a cohort that has largely been neglected to date. In Phase I, 284 ex-professional footballers responded to a postal survey which aimed to establish the prevalence of injury and OA. In Phase II, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with ex-professional footballers from Phase I who had developed OA. The aim was to gain an in-depth understanding of how the condition impacted on their lives and how they coped. In Phase II, 101 ex-professional footballers, who were not involved in Phases I and II, responded to a cross-sectional postal survey, which investigated the relationships between pain, pain coping and psychological distress within the context of a stress and coping model. Career injury and surgery were common among respondents in Phase I and nearly half (49%) had subsequently developed OA in at least one joint. Pain was the most common problem for all respondents irrespective of OA diagnosis. Lack of mobility and work disability were other problems reported by respondents. Interviewees in Phase II described how they were encouraged to 'play hurt' during their career and to accept, minimise or ignore the threat of pain, injury and OA. It was some of these attributes which enabled respondents to 'live hurt' in the presence of chronic pain and disability in later life. In Phase II it was shown that psychological distress was not a serious problem for many respondents. However, several coping strategies (denial, emotional venting and upward comparison) were positively associated with pain and psychological distress, particularly for those participants in greater pain. Although OA and chronic pain are prevalent among ex-professional footballers in the UK, its impact upon psychological distress was not as great as reported in some other studies of persons which chronic disease and pain. Increased psychological distress was linked to greater pain and the use of several coping strategies (e.g. denial, emotional venting and upward comparison). However, given the cross-sectional design, it remains to be clarified whether coping predicts psychological distress or whether an increase in psychological distress precipitates more coping. Suggestions are proposed for a psychosocial intervention which would have an impact on pain coping and psychological distress among ex-professional footballers.

To enhance understanding of recovery and preparation in rugby union, the aim of this thesis was to examine the impact of competition on key parameters and investigate factors which may influence the recovery process from competition and training. The findings of study one demonstrate that movement patterns and thus the physiological demands of match-play vary considerably between different positional groups. Additionally, study two demonstrates that the movement characteristics which determine the extent of muscle damage post-match are position specific, and that movement characteristics may be used to prospectively tailor individual recovery and manage subsequent training. Recovery patterns may also be influenced by factors not associated with match-play such as sleep, which has important physiological and psychological restorative effects. The findings of study three suggest that sleep patterns may vary considerably within a squad with many players presenting evidence of sleep disruption, particularly post-match which may be detrimental to recovery. Recovery following exercise may also be modulated by the application of post-exercise recovery strategies such as cold water immersion. However, study four demonstrates that cold water immersion may impede adaptation to strength training in rugby union players. When no recovery intervention was administered during a five week pre-season period, isometric mid-thigh pull peak force and relative peak force significantly increased by 5.4 +/- 4.7 and 5.8 +/- 5.4% respectively. However when individuals were immersed in cold water post-training there were no significant changes in strength during the training period. These findings may have great implications for strength training, particularly during periods of physical development. The findings of the thesis have furthered understanding of the characteristics of performance and identified several factors which influence recovery from training and competition. This in turn may be used to inform best practice procedures in attempt to 'optimise' preparation and recovery in rugby union.

Background: Clothing and protective gear worn during intermittent exercise has shown to increase physiological and perceptual responses, and negatively impact performance capacities, due to increased heat strain, suggested to hasten the onset of fatigue. However, the mechanisms of fatigue experienced in rugby remain unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was establish whether clothing and protective gear worn during a simulated rugby protocol impacts players‘ biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses. Methods: 15 registered university and school first XV rugby players with a mean (± SD) age of 20.9 years (± 1.9) volunteered to participate in the study. Testing was performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with temperatures having to be within the range of 16º C-22º C. The mean (± SD) ambient temperature was 17.6º C (± 1.6) for the control condition and 17.3º C (1.5) for the experimental condition. The mean (± SD) relative humidity was 65.2 % (± 9.5) for the control condition and 66.3 % (± 10.0) for the experimental condition. Player‘s performed two protocols of 80-minutes; a control condition (minimal clothing and protective gear) and an experimental condition (full clothing and protective gear). Physiological, perceptual and performance responses were measured at set intervals during the protocol, while biophysical responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol during a 3-minute EMG treadmill protocol. Results: Muscle activity significantly (p< 0.05) increased with increasing running speeds. There were no significant (p> 0.05) differences for muscle activity between conditions, except for the semitendinosus muscle, which was significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the control condition while running at high speeds. Players‘ heart rates, core temperatures and perceptual responses were significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition. Performance responses were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during the experimental condition. Conclusion: The main driver of physiological and perceptual responses was the exercise itself. However, the additional clothing and protective gear exacerbated the responses, particularly towards the end stages of the protocol. This negatively impacted players‘ performance. Muscle activity appeared to be unaffected by increased body temperatures. However, core temperatures never reached critically high levels during either condition.

Prolonged and intense exercise is known to modulate and suppress certain aspects of the immunoendocrine system. Such effects are thought to be largely mediated by the release of stress hormones and regulatory cytokines which originate from a variety of stress related paradigms in sport. These include acute physical exertion, chronic and repetitive exercise as well as other psychological and psychosocial aspects of training and competing in an elite environment. It may be of particular interest to study the effects of regular competition and training on immunoendocrine markers in rugby union players. At the professional level, rugby is an intense and physically demanding game where a significant amount of tissue trauma occurs as a result of the many game collisions. The aims of the studies outlined in this thesis were to determine the effects of acute, repeated and chronic exercise exposure on immunoendocrine markers and illness incidence in professional rugby union. Additional case studies were also undertaken to supplement main study findings. The first part of the thesis documented the effects of acute and repeated exercise on immunoendocrine markers in a cohort of international rugby union players. Data in study 1 showed that large disturbances in immunoendocine and hormone levels occur in players (n = 10) following game play. The magnitude of this response appeared dependent on game physicality (number of rucks/mauls, tackles) and the number of collisions players received during match play. Findings also showed suppression in host immunity, and in particular, innate immune function (neutrophil degranulation) which was not resolved 38 h (-29%) into the recovery period. In study 2, bloods were taken from players (n = 8) across a 21-day international rugby series. Data revealed that players entered the international camp with residual muscle damage (creatine kinase; CK) and inflammation (hs-CRP) following previous club involvement in European cup rugby. Further increases in stress related markers (cortisol, IL-6, CK, CRP) were not evident throughout the players time at the international training base. Conversely, a progressive increase in anabolic-catabolic balance (T/C ratio) was observed across time. In comparison to values on camp-entry (day 1), increases in T/C ratio were evident on day-5 (9.8%), day-7 (13%), day-19 (35%) and day-21 (45%) (P < 0.05). This data is suggestive of improved physiological recovery and was commensurate with team fitness goals (reduced volume + maintenance of training intensity) for that time. Findings suggest that monitoring of player club activities and training load preceding international duty is pertinent if they are required to represent their country inside 7 days. The second part of the thesis evaluated the stress induced effects of chronic rugby exposure in professional club players. Questionnaire data analysed from study 3 showed that players (n = 65) perceived current season length as being ‘too long’ (55%), ‘poorly structured’ (56%) and that game demands are increasing with time (52%). Furthermore, the majority of players (80%) felt that time ‘away’ from rugby was not sufficiently long enough and were in favour of a mid-season break (2 wks in duration). Investigation into the effects of chronic exercise on illness incidence, immunological and psychological state was carried out in a squad of club players (n = 30) over a competitive season (n = 48 wks) in studies 4-6. Findings revealed that specific periods in a rugby season resulted in disturbances to hormonal and immune status. These periods occurred following breaks in club game fixtures [November international and Six-nations period: February/early March], times of increased training intensity and increased ratio of conditioning/rugby activity. Peaks in number of upper respiratory illnesses (URIs) and disturbances in psychometric variables also occurred during these time periods. In 23% of all URIs, players reported that the presence of the illness either reduced activity (14.4%) or felt the need to go to bed (8.6%). Positional differences in variables were also observed. A higher incidence of URIs (3.4 vs 4.3) and lower concentrations of resting immune markers [salivary lysozyme: s-Lys (-31%); immunoglobulin A: s-IgA (-27%)] was observed in ‘backs’ (vs forwards) over the season. Higher mid-season cortisol levels was also observed in backs (P < 0.05) while conversely, greater concentrations of plasma CK and CRP were found in forwards throughout the season. These findings indicate positional specific differences in response to exercise load and point to the role of group specific recovery at certain times during the season. Data from study 6 showed that the number of training related complaints decreased across the season, findings which closely resembled corresponding decreases in plasma CRP values. This data is suggestive of a ‘repeated-bout’ effect or ‘contact adaptation’ in rugby union. Finally, comparison of methods used in the recording of illness data revealed that players were more honest when disclosing the existence of banal infections to a web-based training diary and under-reported infections to medical staff.

This investigation examined the heart rate responses and movement characteristics of experienced footbag net players during singles play. Footbag net is a net/court sport similar to volleyball, but it is played with a footbag (e.g., Hacky-SackTM) using only the feet. In singles footbag net, players are allowed either one or two kicks to propel the footbag over the net. Subjects were 15 males and 1 female, ranging in age from 18- 60 years, with a mean age of 33.6 years. Subjects played two games of singles footbag net using two different scoring systems: "sideout" scoring and "rally" scoring. Mean heart rates were 149.4 bpm for games played under the sideout scoring system and 148.7 bpm for games played under the rally scoring system. Sideout games were 1.2 minutes (~11%) longer than rally games. The mean heart rate responses to competitive play using sideout scoring and rally scoring were not significantly different (p>0.05). For play under both scoring systems, the average exercise intensity--expressed as a percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate (MHRest)--was 80-81% MHRest. Accelerometer counts accumulated during play were similar for both scoring systems. It is recommended that additional research be conducted to evaluate the extent to which accelerometry may contribute to physiological and metabolic measurements of footbag net competition.

Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated the optimal training load required for peak-power production in two types of exercises, namely an Olympic-type and a ballistic exercise. The hang clean and the squat jump were selected to represent these two types of exercise. It was ascertained whether a change in strength levels and training status will have an effect on the optimal loads for peak-power production of rugby players. In addition, the influence that different playing positions have on power production was also investigated. Fifty-nine under-21 male rugby players (Mean Age 19.3yrs; SD ± 0.7yr) from two rugby academies, performed a maximal-strength test in the hang clean and squat, followed by a power test in the hang clean and squat jump with loads ranging from 30 to 90% of maximal strength (1RM). Testing was conducted in the pre-season phase and repeated during the inseason phase. Peak power for the hang clean was achieved at 90% 1RM in the pre-season and at 80% 1RM during the in-season. Peak power for the squat jump was achieved at 90% 1RM in the pre-season. However, this location of the optimal loading was not significantly higher than that of the other loadings (60, 70 and 80% 1RM). During the in-season, peak power for the squat jump was reached at 90% 1RM. Here again, the optimal-loading location was not significantly higher than that of the other loadings (50, 60, 70 and 80% 1RM). It was concluded that the optimal load for power production is 90% 1RM for the hang clean and 60-90% for the squat jump. It was found that an improvement in strength levels of the subjects affected both peak-power production and the optimal load in both exercises. During the in-season peak power in the hang clean was reached at 80% 1RM, and at 50% 1RM for the squat jump. There were no significant differences in the performances of subjects from different playing positions (forwards versus backline players). In the hang clean, peak-power production seems to be reliant on increased strength and results in peak-power output at high loads. The squat jump, on the other hand, is more reliant on velocity due to its ballistic nature and is possibly better suited to developing power at lighter loadings. Because it produces peak power at a lower percentage load than the hang clean, the squat jump could be more effective in power development for players who are inexperienced in power training. Long-term exercise periodisation in power training can therefore be employed progressively from simpler exercises (e.g., squat jump) using only the legs, to more complex exercises (e.g., Olympic-lifting) that involve the whole body. This study confirmed that the specific requirements of different sport codes should be considered meticulously before selecting and prescribing exercises and loads for power-training programmes.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hooffokus van hierdie studie was op die optimale oefenlading wat vereis word vir die produsering van piek-profkrag tydens die uitvoering van twee tipes oefening, naamlik ’n Olimpiese- en ’n ballistiese oefening. Die hang clean en die squat jump is geselekteer om bogenoemde twee tipes oefening te verteenwoordig. Daar is bepaal of ’n verbetering van die krag-vlakke en oefenstatus van rugbyspelers ’n invloed het op die optimale ladings vir piek-plofkrag ontwikkeling. Verder is die moontlike rol van verskillende speelposisies ondersoek. Nege-en-vyftig onder-21 mans-rugbyspelers (M-ouderdom 19.3jr; SD ± 0.7jr) vanuit twee rugbyakademies het ’n maksimale-krag toets in die hang clean en squat uitgevoer. Dit is opgevolg deur ’n plofkrag-toets in die hang clean en squat jump met ladings wat gewissel het van tussen 30 en 90% van maksimale werkverrigting (1RM). Toetsing het plaasgevind in die voor-seisoen fase en is herhaal tydens die daaropvolgende speelseisoen. Piek-plofkrag vir die hang clean is bereik tydens ’n oefenlading van 90% 1RM in die voor-seisoen en by 80% 1RM later in die speelseisoen. Piek-plofkrag vir die squat jump is behaal by 90% 1RM in die voor-seisoen fase. Hierdie optimale lading-lokasie was egter nie beduidend hoër as by die ander ladings van 60, 70 en 80% 1RM nie. Tydens die speelseisoen is piek-plofkrag bereik in die squat jump by 90% 1RM. Die optimale lading-lokasie was weereens nie beduidend hoër as by die ander ladings van 50, 60, 70 en 80% 1RM nie. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat die optimale oefenlading vir die ontwikkeling van piek-plofkrag vir die hang clean 90% 1RM is, en 60% vir die squat jump. Daar is ook gevind dat ’n verbetering in kragvlakke van die toetslinge, beide piek-plofkrag-produksie en die optimale oefenbelading in albei oefeninge beïnvloed. Tydens die speelseisoen is piek-plofkrag behaal in die hang clean by 80% 1RM, en by 50% 1RM in die squat jump. Geen beduidende verskille in werkverrigting is gevind tussen toetslinge uit verskillende speelposisies (voorspelers versus agterlyn-spelers) nie. Dit blyk dat in die hang clean, die produksie van plofkrag beïnvloed word deur ’n verbetering in krag en dat dit tot hoër optimale ladings vir piek-plofkrag produksie lei. Die squat jump, in teenstelling, is meer afhanklik van snelheid en is moontlik beter geskik vir die produsering van plofkrag teen ligter oefenladings. Omdat die squat jump piek-plofkrag genereer teen laer ladings as die hang clean, kan dit meer effektief wees vir spelers met gebrekkige ervaring in krag-oefening. Lang-termyn oefen-periodisering in plofkrag-oefening kan gevolglik progressief aangewend word vanaf eenvoudiger oefeninge (bv. squat jump), waar slegs die bene gebruik word, tot meer komplekse oefeninge (bv. Olimpiese-gewigoptel) waar die hele liggaam betrek word. Hierdie studie bevestig dat die spesifieke vereistes van verskillende sportkodes deeglik oorweeg moet word alvorens oefeninge en ladings geselekteer en voorgeskryf word vir plofkrag-programme.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The human body has developed an integrated antioxidant defence system to protect against free radical damage. Acute exercise may result in the increased generation of free radicals, including reactive oxygen species, and this may overwhelm antioxidant defence systems resulting in oxidative stress. However, it has been shown that individuals who undergo regular exercise training may have improved antioxidant capacity when compared to sedentary controls. Results from research regarding the association between antioxidant capacity and exercise training are however not conclusive and further investigation is required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the total plasma antioxidant status and selected plasma indicators of antioxidant status and the MnSOD Ala-9Val (-28C®T) polymorphism in trained male athletes (rugby players) and sedentary male students while controlling for dietary intake of the major antioxidants using a validated dietary assessment method. In order to address the potential confounding effect of dietary antioxidant intake on antioxidant status in the main study, a FFQ that measures vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoid and flavonoid intake was developed. The reproducibility was assessed by the repeat administration of the FFQ (n = 38), while the va lidity was assessed using a 28-day closeended dietary record and repeated plasma vitamin C values (n = 18). Several statistical tests were conducted to compare the values obtained from the FFQ with values obtained from the various reference methods. While results from Bland-Altman plots suggested that the reproducibility and validity of FFQ was not completely satisfactory, similar mean values, moderate to strong correlation coefficients, and a high percentage of individuals classified correctly according to quartiles of intake indicated satisfactory reproducibility and validity of the FFQ in assessing antioxidant intake. Furthermore, moderate to strong validity coefficients obtained from the method of triads also indicated satisfactory validity for the FFQ. The main study involved a cross-sectional study that compared plasma vitamin C and carotenoid levels as well as total plasma antioxidant status in trained rugby players (n = 76) and sedentary male subjects (n = 39) with different MnSOD genotypes, while controlling for dietary antioxidant intake. Rugby players had significantly higher plasma vitamin C and carotenoid levels compared to sedentary students, which indicated more satisfactory plasma antioxidant status. This was also reflected in the tendency for total plasma antioxidant status (ORAC assay) to be higher in rugby players than sedentary students. MnSOD genotype did not influence plasma vitamin C and carotenoid levels or plasma total antioxidant status, with or without control for dietary antioxidant intake. Dietary vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoid an flavonoid intake (from foods + supplements) was similar for rugby players and sedentary students and was adequate for both groups. Thus the association between antioxidant status and MnSOD genotype in rugby players and sedentary students seemed not to be influenced by dietary antioxidant intake. In conclusion therefore, rugby players undergoing regular exercise training had a more satisfactory antioxidant status compared to sedentary students. Based on this conclusion, the widespread use of antioxidant supplements by athletes is questioned.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die menslike liggaam beskik oor ‘n geintegreerde antioksidantmeganisme om dit teen vryradikaalskade te beskerm. Akute oefening kan bydra tot ‘n verhoogde produksie van vry radikale, insluitend reaktiewe suurstofspesies, wat kan veroorsaak dat die antioksidantbeskermingsmeganisme oorlaai word, wat dan kan aanleiding gee tot die ontstaan van oksidatiewe stress. Dit is aangetoon dat persone wat gereeld oefening doen verbeterde antioksidantkapasiteit toon in vergelyking met persone wat geen oefening doen nie. Die resultate van navorsingstudies wat die verband tussen antioksidantkapasiteit en oefening ondersoek is egter teenstrydig en verdere navorsing op hierdie gebied is essensieël om uitsluitsel te kry oor kontensieuse vraagstukke. Die doel van hierdie studie was dus om ondersoek in te stel na die verband tussen plasma antioksidant status, die MnSOD Ala-9Val (-28C T) polimorfisme en geselekteerde plasma antioksidantmerkers in geoefende manlike atlete (rugby spelers) en ‘n onaktiewe manlike kontrolegroep terwyl gekontroleer word vir die dieetinname van die vernaamste antioksidante. Om vir die potensiële invloed van dieetantioksidantinname op die antioksidantstatus van proefpersone in die hoofstudie te kontroleer, is ‘n voedsel frekwensievraelys wat vitamien C-, vitamien E-, karotenoïed- en flavinoïedinname meet, ontwikkel. Die herhaalbaarheid (betroubaarheid) van die vraelys is getoets deur herhaalde voltooiing daarvan deur ‘n toetsgroep (n=38), terwyl die geldighied getoets is deur gebruik te maak van ‘n 28-dag geslote dieetrekord en herhaalde plasma vitamien C bepalings as verwysingswaardes (n=18). Verskeie statistiese toetse is uitgevoer om die frekwensievraelys waardes met die verskillende verwysingswaardes te vergelyk. Alhoewel die Bland -Altman grafieke nie dui op bevredigende herhaalbaarheid en geldigheid van die voedselfrekwensie vraelys nie, dui gelyke gemiddelde waardes, matig tot sterk en betekenisvolle korrelasiekoeffisiënte en ‘n hoë persentasie individue korrek geklassifiseer volgens kwartiele van inname, wel op bevredigende herhaalbaarheid en geldigheid. Matige tot sterk geldigheidskoeffisiënte is ook verkry met die toepassing van “The method of Triads”, wat verdere steun bied vir bevredigende geldigheid. In die hoofstudie is plasma vitamien C, karotenoïedvlakke en totale plasma antioksidantstatus in manlike rugby spelers (n=76) vergelyk met dié van onaktiewe manlike kontroles (n=39). Vergelykings tussen MnSOD genotipes binne die aktiwiteitsgroepe is ook getref. Al genoemde analises is gekontroleer vir dieet antioksidantinname. Resultate dui daarop dat die plasma vitamien C en karotenoïedvlakke van rugby spelers betekenisvol hoër was as dié van die kontrolegroep, wat dui op ‘n meer bevredigende antioksidantstatus. Hierdie resultaat is ook weerspieël in die feit dat totale plasma antioksidantstatus (ORAC) in die rugby spelers oog geneig was om hoër te wees as dié van die kontrole groep. Dit het ook geblyk dat MnSOD genotipe nie ‘n effek gehad het op plasma vitamien C-, karotenoïed- of totale antioksidantstatus nie, met of sonder kontrole vir dieet antioksidantinname. Die dieet vitamien C-, vitamien E-, karotenoïed- en flavinoïedinname (vanaf voedsel en supplemente) was dieselfde vir rugby spelers en kontrole en was toereikend vir beide groepe. Dit blyk dus dat dat die verband tussen antioksidantstatus en MnSOD genotipe in die twee groepe nie beinvloed is deur antioksidantinname nie. Ten slotte kan die gevolgtrekking gemaak word dat manlike rugby spelers ‘n meer bevredigende antioksidant status het as onaktiwe manlike kontroles. Op grond van hierdie gevolgtrekking word die algemene gebruik van antioksidant supplemente deur atlete bevraagteken.

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Groin injuries are among the top six injuries in contact sports and may lead to career ending chronic pain. Research on the role of knee kinematics in developing chronic groin pain in sport is scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in knee kinematics during a single-leg drop-landing in sports participants with chronic groin pain compared to asymptomatic controls. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted. Twenty active sports’ participants were recruited from soccer and rugby clubs situated around the Cape Peninsula area, Western Cape, South Africa. The three-dimensional (3D) knee kinematics of ten cases with chronic groin pain and ten asymptomatic controls was analysed. Knee kinematics was analysed in the FNB-3D Vicon Laboratory at Stellenbosch University, using an eight camera Vicon system. A positive adductor squeeze test was used as a diagnostic test to include cases with chronic groin pain. Each participant performed six single-leg drop landings. The main outcome measure was 3D knee kinematics at initial foot contact and at the lowest vertical position of the drop landing. The following sub-groups were analysed: seven unilateral groin pain cases compared to their seven matched controls; three bilateral groin pain cases where their most painful leg and least painful leg were compared to their matched controls, respectively. Descriptive statistical techniques were used for all outcome measures; means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated, followed by a Student’s t-test to determine significant differences between the cases and controls. For all outcomes with p-values equal to or below 0.05, the effect size was calculated using the Cohen’s D. Results: The findings of this study indicated a significant difference (p=0.0001) between cases with unilateral groin pain having less knee internal rotation compared to the controls at the lowest vertical position of the drop landing in the transverse plane. Significantly less internal rotation (p<0.0001), was also noted in the cases with bilateral groin pain (in the most painful leg and the less painful leg), although this was noted at foot contact. Cases with bilateral groin pain also had significantly (p<0.001) more knee varus (adduction) during the landing phase. Conclusion: Differences in knee kinematics between sports participants with chronic groin pain and asymptomatic controls were found. These findings imply that the knee joint should be included during assessment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering with chronic groin pain. Due to the cross-sectional study design of the current study, it cannot be stated for certain whether the knee kinematics noted in the groin pain group are causative or as a result of groin pain. Future prospective studies are thus recommended; these studies should focus on the effect of contralateral knee kinematics on the hip adductors and may include exploration of the muscular components during a single-leg drop landing.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Lies beserings is een van die top ses beserings in kontak sport en kan lei tot chroniese lies pyn en selfs die be-eindigging van ‘n sportloopbaan. Navorsing oor die rol van knie kinematika in die ontwikkeling van chroniese liesbeserings in sport is skaars. Doelwit: Die doel van hierdie studie was om te bepaal of daar verskille in die knie kinematika is tydens 'n enkel been val landing in sport deelnemers met chroniese lies pyn in vergelyking met gesonde kontroles. Metode: 'n Beskrywende studie was uitgevoer. Twintig aktiewe sport deelnemers is gewerf van rugby en sokker sportklubs geleë rondom die Kaapse Skiereiland, Wes-Kaap, Suid-Afrika. Die 3D knie kinematika van tien gevalle met chroniese lies pyn en tien asimptomatiese bypassende kontroles is ontleed. Knie kinematika was ontleed in die FNB-3D Vicon Laboratorium by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, met behulp van 'n agt-kamera Vicon stelsel. 'n Positiewe Adduktor druk toets was gebruik as 'n diagnostiese toets om gevalle met chroniese lies pyn in te sluit. Om die knie kinematika te analiseer, het elke deelnemer ses enkel been val landings uitgevoer . Die belangrikste uitkomsmeting was 3D knie kinematika by die aanvanklike voet kontak en by die laagste vertikale posisie van die enkel-been val landing. Die volgende sub-groepe was ontleed: sewe unilaterale lies pyn gevalle in vergelyking met hul sewe bypassende kontroles; drie bilaterale lies pyn gevalle waar hul mees pynlike been, sowel as minder pynlike been onderskeidelik vergelyk was met hul bypassende kontroles. Beskrywende statistiese tegnieke was gebruik vir alle uitkoms maatreëls; gemiddeldes en standaardafwykings (SA) was bereken, gevolg deur 'n Studente’s t-toets om beduidende verskille tussen die gevalle en kontroles te bepaal. Vir al die uitkomste met p-waardes gelyk of onder 0.05, is die effekgrootte bereken deur die Cohen’s D. Resultate: Die bevindings van hierdie studie dui op 'n beduidende verskil (p=0,0001) tussen gevalle met unilaterale lies pyn met minder interne knie rotasie in vergelyking met die kontroles by die laagste vertikale posisie van die val landing in die dwars vlak. Aansienlik minder interne rotasie (p<0,0001), is ook opgemerk in gevalle met bilaterale lies pyn (in die mees pynlike been en die minder pynlik been), alhoewel tydens voet kontak. Gevalle met bilaterale lies pyn het ook betekenisvol (p <0.001) meer knie varus (adduksie) tydens die landingsfase gehad. Gevolgtrekking: Verskille bestaan in die knie kinematika tussen sport deelnemers met chroniese liesbesering pyn en gesonde kontroles. Hierdie bevindinge impliseer dat die knie behoort ingesluit te word tydens die assessering en rehabilitasie van individue met chroniese lies pyn. As gevolg van die deursnee-studie ontwerp van hierdie studie, kan dit nie bevestig word of die knie kinematika die oorsaak van die chroniese pyn is nie. Toekomstige voornemende studies word dus aanbeveel, hierdie studies moet fokus op die effek van die kinematika van die kontralaterale knie op die heup adduktore en kan moontlik die ondersoek van die spier kinetika tydens hierdie aktiwiteit insluit.

Reduction of referees' physical performance in the second half of the game has been observed in previous research on football referees. There is very little research addressing Futsal referees. The aim of the present thesis was to investigate physiological, physical and cognitive performance of Futsal and football referees in field and laboratory studies. The 1st experimental study (Chapter 4) analysed the activity profile and physiological demands of 18 Futsal referees and referee decision-making performance at different stages of the match (e.g. 1st vs 2nd half). In addition, it explored relationships between physical fitness/performance on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) fitness tests, activity profile and decision-making performance. The main findings were that total distance and average heart rate were higher in the first compared to second half but lactate and session RPE were similar. The proportion of correct decisions decreased in the second half (1st half, 91.1 ± 14.9% correct vs 2nd half, 73.3 ± 17.4%, p = 0.002). No correlations were evident between FIFA fitness tests and activity profile but the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test - Level 2 (Yo-Yo IET-2) performance and total distance (clock time) were correlated (r = 0.720, p = 0.019). Further motion analysis studies are needed to collect data for referees and players during the same matches. The present study also suggests that the traditional FIFA fitness test (and 1000 m run) were poor for assessing Futsal referee-specific fitness, and tests that involve intermittent and/or direction changes, such as the Yo-Yo test or Assistant Referee Intermittent Endurance Test (ARIET), may be more appropriate, although further research is needed on the ARIET in this context. The 2nd experimental study (Chapter 5) examined whether undertaking a 10-min Psychomotor Vigilance test (PVT) before a match would influence referees' cognitive performance, especially decision-making (DM) to determine the suitability of using it in field-based studies involving real matches. The results showed that the PVT did not affect referees' decision-making or cognitive performance. Hence, the 10- min PVT can be safely used with referees before real competition/in the field. The 3rd experimental study (Chapter 6) assessed referees' performance on the PVT before and after competitive Futsal matches. The findings showed that, despite changes in BRUMS parameters indicative of a fatigue profile, psychomotor performance was improved after a single match (PVT mean reaction time 248.3 ± 26.2 ms pre- vs 239.7 ± 22.4 ms post-match, p = 0.023). It is possible that a more strenuous overall demand would cause different effects, however, the post-match improvement observed here could be used to inform warm-up practices (e.g. optimal duration and intensity) geared towards optimising cognitive performance of referees during matches. The 4th experimental study (Chapter 7) examined the effect of mental fatigue on referees' physiological responses and cognitive performance during a lab-based intermittent protocol. The main findings were that mental fatigue had a significant negative effect on referees' cognitive performance as assessed by a referee-specific decision-making task (correct decisions, 76.7 ± 7.2% at the beginning of exercise vs 64.6 ± 7.8% at the end, p < 0.001), which did not occur in the control trial. PVT performance was also significantly reduced to a greater extend in the mental fatigue, compared to control, condition. This may have implications for optimising referees' preparation and cognitive performance in real matches, which should be explored further. Overall this thesis has demonstrated that referee performance decreases in the second half in both Futsal and football referees. Further, it provides evidence that this is influenced by mental fatigue. Further investigations on referees' performance and related factors are warranted, along with interventions directed towards improving performance (cognitive and physical) via reducing mental fatigue.

The purpose of this study was to assess the energy demands of a 2,000 meter race simulation (RS) for national level oarswomen; as evaluated on a rowing ergometer (RE). A Progressive Intensity Test (P.I.T.) was also performed on the RE to further evaluate the RS. Six national level oarswomen (X values: age= 24.5 yrs., ht= 179 cm, wt= 75 kg), all current national team candidates (1988), participated in this investigation. A 6 1/2 minute tape recorded water race was used to execute a 2,000 meter RS on a Dr. Gjessing Ergorow ergometer. The tape recording was an actual race tape that was respliced to last exactly 6 1/2 minutes. Metabolic and respiratory exchange variables were continuously monitored by an open circuit method, utilizing a Beckman Metabolic Measurement Cart interfaced on-line with a Hewlitt Packard 3052A data acquisition system. The energy demands were calculated from metabolic variables, total oxygen cost and the analysis of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (recovery V0₂).Results indicated a mean V0₂max. of 3.85 1.min⁻¹ , mean net V0₂ of 24.48 1 and a mean recovery V0₂ of 4.92 1. This represented the aerobic cost of the event at approximately 80% or 4/5ths of the total energy cost while the anaerobic contribution was approximately 20% of l/5th of the total energy cost. During the RS, V0₂ values rapidly increased to 90% of mean V0₂max. (3.85 l.min⁻¹) in the first two minutes. Mean max. VE (BTPS) RS value was 122.4 1.min⁻¹. VE plateaued after two minutes and remained around 90% of P.I.T. mean max. VE for the final 4 1/2 minutes. Mean max. excess C0₂ for RS was 19.81 ml.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹. The average maximal heart rate, as recorded in the RS was 192.8 bpm. The results of this study indicate the high aerobic demands and tremendous exercise intensity involved in the 2,000 meter RS.
Education, Faculty of
Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of
Graduate

Sprint cross-country skiing is a physiologically and technically complex discipline, performed as a time-trial qualification race and three subsequent knock-out heats. The racing time in a single heat is 2-4 min and is comparable to other middle-distance sports. However, sprint skiing is performed in varied terrain at constantly changing intensities using multiple techniques involving the arms and the legs to various degrees. The overall objectives of the current thesis were to examine physiological and biomechanical aspects associated with sprint skiing performance in the skating technique in elite skiers: 1) while treadmill roller skiing in the laboratory (studies I-IV), 2) during sprint competitions on snow (studies IV-V) and 3) for relationships between laboratory characteristics and performance on snow (studies IV-V). Studies I-III are comparative studies in which physiological characteristics, mechanical efficiency and gross kinematics during treadmill roller skiing were compared between male world-class and national level sprint skiers (studies I-II), and between men and women matched for performance level (study III). Study I showed that maximal aerobic capacity, gross efficiency and high speed capacity differentiated world-class from national level sprint skiers. The study also indicated that low and moderate intensity endurance training and maximal speed training is important in attaining an international level in sprint skiing. Study II demonstrated that world-class sprint skiers had a higher gross efficiency than national level skiers. A general linear relationship between work rate and metabolic rate existed, indicating that gross efficiency at moderate and high work rates provides useful information about crosscountry skiers in standardized conditions during treadmill roller skiing. Furthermore, worldclass skiers used longer cycle lengths and lower cycle rates at a given speed and generated higher maximal speeds. In study III, men showed a 17% higher peak treadmill speed at a short and long incremental test compared to women. These gender differences were slightly greater than findings in comparable endurance sports. The majority of gender differences in performance could be explained by higher maximal oxygen uptakes and lower fat percentages in men. Men and women showed similar gross efficiency. However, women showed higher fractional utilization of maximal oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold. In studies IV-V, elite male skiers were analyzed for speeds, work rates, technique choices and gross kinematics during two sprint time-trial competitions on snow. Furthermore, the skiers were tested for physiological and kinematical characteristics in the laboratory. Study IV analyzed the time-trial of an international sprint competition. The results showed that performance on uphill and flat terrain strongly determined sprint time-trial performance, and that performance in the last half of the race differentiated most between skiers. Estimated work rates on an uphill section of the race were approximately 60% higher than the capacities which the skiers are able to cover aerobically. Peak oxygen uptake, gross efficiency, peak treadmill speed and peak cycle length were strongly related to sprint time-trial performance, particularly to the uphill and flat sections during the last part of the race. Study V analyzed a simulated sprint race by using a high end differential global navigation satellite system with simultaneous tracking of both GPS and GLONASS satellites. This provided an opportunity for more detailed analysis of cross-country skiing. Skiers encompassed a large speed range (2.9–12.9 m·s-1) and multiple transitions between skiing techniques (range: 21–34 transitions). The results demonstrated that performance in the uphill sections had the strongest correlation to sprint performance, and that the faster skiers used the G3 technique to a greater extent than the slower skiers. Thus, this provides new knowledge on physiological and biomechanical aspects of sprint skating performance, particularly that both the maximal aerobic and peak speed capacities differed between world-class and national level sprint skiers. Furthermore, gross efficiency, while treadmill roller skiing provides relevant information strongly related to sprint performance level. Better skiers also employ longer cycle lengths at the same absolute speeds and at individual peak speeds. The gender differences in performance were slightly larger than expected; however, most of these differences could be explained by a higher maximal oxygen uptake and a lower fat percentage in men. Furthermore, the variations in speeds, work rates and techniques and, especially, speed in uphill and flat terrain are important to the skiers’ total time-trial performance. Better sprint performance is related to more application of the G3 technique and to longer cycle lengths within this technique. Faster skiers showed higher peak oxygen uptake, gross efficiency and high speed capacity. These capacities were specifically correlated to the ability to maintain high speed on uphill and flat terrain throughout a sprint race.
Sprintlangrenn er ein fysiologisk og biomekanisk kompleks disiplin som blir utført som ein prolog og tre etterfølgjande utslagsløp. Konkurransetidene i kvart enkelt heat er 2-4 min og kan samanliknast med andre mellomdistanseidrettar. Sprintlangrenn blir imidlertid gjennomført i kupert terreng og med varierande arbeidsintensitet og innslag av ulike teknikkar som involverer underkropp og overkropp i ulik grad. Den overordna målsetjinga med denne avhandlinga var å undersøke fysiologiske og biomekaniske aspekt som er assosiert med prestasjonen i sprint skøyting hos elite langrennsløparar: 1) på rulleskitredemølle i laboratoriet (studia I-IV), 2) i sprintkonkurransar på snø (studia IV-V), og 3) for samanhengar mellom laboratorium-karakteristikkar og sprintprestasjonen på snø (studia IV-V). Studia I-III undersøker forskjellar i fysiologiske karakteristikkar, mekanisk effektivitet og kinematikk mellom mannlege verdsklasse og nasjonal klasse sprintlangrennsløparar (studia III) og mellom mannlege og kvinnelege sprintlangrennsløparar på tilsvarande prestasjonsnivå (studie III). Studie I viser at maksimal aerob kapasitet, mekanisk effektivitet og hurtigheit skil verdsklasse frå nasjonal klasse sprintlangrennsløparar. Studiet indikerer også at låg- og moderat-intensiv uthaldstrening og maksimal hurtigheitstrening er viktig for å nå internasjonalt nivå i sprintlangrenn. Studie II viser at verdsklasse sprintlangrennsløparar har betre mekanisk effektivitet enn løparar på nasjonalt nivå. Studiet viser ein generell lineær samanheng mellom arbeidsratar og energiforbruk og indikerer at målingar av mekanisk effektivitet gir nyttig og valid informasjon om langrennsløparar som blir samanlikna under standardiserte vilkår på rulleskitredemøller. Studiet demonstrerer også at verdsklasse løparane har lengre sykluslengder og lågare syklusfrekvens på ei gitt fart. Studie III viser at menn oppnår 17 % høgre fart enn kvinner både på ein kort og ein lang prestasjonstest med trinnvis aukande fart på rulleskitredemølla. Resultata indikerer at prestasjonsforskjellane mellom kjønna hovudsakleg kan forklarast av høgare maksimalt oksygenopptak og lågare feittprosent hos menn, og at forskjellane er noko større enn det litteraturen viser i andre tilsvarande uthaldsidrettar. Kvinner og menn har lik effektivitet, mens kvinner har høgare prosentvis utnytting av maksimalt oksygenopptak ved anaerob terskel. I studia IV-V vart fart, arbeidsratar, teknikkval og kinematikk undervegs i sprintkonkurransar undersøkt. Vidare blei samanhengar mellom fysiologiske og kinematiske karakteristikkar i laboratoriet og sprintprestasjonen på snø undersøkt. I studie IV vart prologen i ein internasjonal sprintkonkurranse analysert. Resultata viser at prestasjonen i motbakke og i flatt terreng er sterke forklaringsvariablar for den totale prologprestasjonen. Studiet indikerer også at prestasjonen i siste halvdelen av løypa skil løparane mest. Estimerte arbeidsratar i motbakke indikerer eit totalt arbeid omlag 60% høgare enn det løparane klarer å dekke med aerob energi. Maksimalt oksygenopptak, mekaniske effektivitet, fartskapasitet og sykluslengde var sterkt relatert til sprintprestasjonen, og spesielt til farta i flatt terreng og motbakkar i siste halvdelen av løpet. I studie V vart ein simulert sprintprolog analysert ved bruk av ein høgteknologisk differensial GPS, med svært høg samplingsfrekvens og nøyaktigheit, som hadde samtidig mottak av GPS- og GLONASS-satellittar. Løparane gjennomførte sprintkonkurransen i variert terreng, noko som førte til eit spenn i hastigheiter frå 2.9 til 12.9 m·s-1 og som inkluderte 21–34 teknikkendringar. Motbakkeprestasjonen var høgast korrelert til total prestasjon, og betre skiløparar brukte dobbeldansteknikken i større grad, samanlikna med mindre gode løparar. Samanfatta så bidreg denne avhandlinga med ny kunnskap om fysiologiske og biomekaniske aspekt av sprintlangrenn i skøyting. Det viser at både maksimal aerob kapasitet og fartskapasitet skil verdsklasse frå nasjonal klasse sprintlangrennsløparar. Det er også vist at målingar av mekanisk effektivitet på rulleskitredemølle gir valid informasjon og er sterkt relatert til prestasjonsnivået til løparane. Dei beste løparane bruker lengre sykluslengder både på same submaksimale fart og på si høgste individuelle fart. Forskjellane mellom mannlege og kvinnelege sprintløparar i prestasjon er noko større enn forventa. Det meste av desse kjønnsforskjellane kan forklarast av at menn har høgare maksimalt oksygenopptak og lågare feittprosent. Undervegs i sprintprologar viser løparane store variasjonar i fart, arbeidsratar og vekslar stadig mellom ulike teknikkar. Spesielt er farta i motbakkar og flatt terreng mot slutten av løpa betydningsfull for prologprestasjonen. Betre prologprestasjon er linka til meir bruk av dobbeldansteknikken og lengre sykluslengder innan denne teknikken. Betre utøvarar har også høgare maksimalt oksygenopptak, effektivitet og fartskapasiet, noko som vart relatert til evna til å oppretthalde høg fart i motbakkar og flatt terreng gjennom eit sprintløp.

The effect of the key physiological parameters on the production of solvents in the acetone-butanol fermentation using the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum was examined in this work.
The theoretical solvent yield was calculated based on expressing stoichiometric relationships between the substrate and the products of the process. The maximum theoretical yield under the acceptable process conditions was established ranging from 38.6% to 39.9%.
A linear correlation was established between the production of solvents and gases which varied with the mixing rate of the fermentation system.
Elevated hydrogen partial pressure affected the metabolism of C. acetobutylicum resulting in increased butanol and ethanol yields (based on glucose) by an average of 18% and 13%, respectively.
A mathematical model for the batch acetone-butanol fermentation was formulated using original experimental data for the microbial growth, sugar consumption and metabolite biosynthesis. This model was used for computer process simulations. Parametric sensitivity analysis indicated the importance of the key process parameters.
A method of systems analysis was applied in analysing pronounced physiological differences in the performance of one of the C. acetobutylicum culture strains. The cellular transport mechanism for substrate (glucose), solvents and acids through the cell membrane was established to depend on its permeability and the number of sugar transport "sites". Experimental results obtained from the study of the uptake of 3-0-methyl glucose (0.7mM) by the "normal culture" and the "retarded culture" confirmed the theoretical predictions of a slower transpost in the "retarded culture". The theoretical predictions were further confirmed by additional experimental results.
A mathematical "Physiological State Model" was developed which includes the culture physiological parameters as well as the internal and the external culture conditions. Using this mathematical model the standard and the substandard acetone-butanol fermentations could be simulated.
These results demonstrate the application of the method of systems analysis in elucidation of the role played by the key culture physiological parameters in the fermentation process.

Obesity continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality and worldwide prevalence rates continue to rise. The cornerstone for treating obesity remains diet and lifestyle, with the ultimate goal being normalising those parameters that are associated with ill health, for example hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Because obesity predominantly develops due to a mismatch between energy intake and utilisation, this thesis looked at the effects of dietary interventions upon Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and substrate oxidation. In addition, the impact of popular dietary interventions upon body composition and insulin resistance was examined. When phenotypic characteristics were investigated before and after weight loss by using hypocaloric diets, which differed in fat and carbohydrate content, Fat-Free Mass (FFM) and Fat Mass (FM), were strong predictors of REE before and after the intervention and weight loss rather than the specific dietary intervention, significantly predicted post intervention REE. Fasting fat oxidation was found to be lower in obese subjects and they had a lower postprandial response to a high fat challenge. This implied that a diet high in fat is more likely to promote a positive energy balance an ultimate weight gain. The final study compared 4 popular dietary interventions. Each was equally effective at achieving clinically significant weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity. Although none was significantly more superior, there was a trend supporting three of the diets (Atkins’, Weight Watchers and Rosemary Conley) above the other (Slim-Fast) and it was the pattern of weight loss, i.e. mainly loss of FM, which proved beneficial with regards to improving insulin sensitivity. In summary, this thesis confirms that REE is mainly predicted by FFM and FM and that there is diminished fat oxidation on obese subjects. What this thesis also adds to previous research that it if a specific diet can improve the pattern of weight loss, this can be clinically beneficial.

The intake of water and electrolytes is inseparable from feeding by natural or artificial means and careful attention to salt and water balance is a vital component of perioperative care and of nutritional support. Nutritional support with water and sodium restriction in post-intensive care patients with oedema, dilutional hypoalbuminaemia and fluid excess of 10 L, cleared oedema over 7-10 days, with a 1 g/L rise in serum albumin for every kg loss in weight. Return of gastrointestinal function was also observed. Accordingly, 20 patients, undergoing colonic surgery, were randomised to receive standard (>3 L water and 154 mmol sodium/day) or restricted postoperative fluids (<2 L water and 77 mmol sodium/day). Solid (72.5 vs 175 min) and liquid phase (73.5 vs 110 min) gastric emptying times were significantly longer in the standard group on the 4th postoperative day and associated with a three day longer hospital stay. In volunteers receiving 2 L of 0.9% saline and 5% dextrose infusions, on separate occasions over one hour, haematocrit and serum albumin concentration fell, mainly due to dilution. While dextrose was rapidly excreted, two-thirds of the saline was retained after 6 h. Following 1 L infusions, plasma renin and angiotensin concentrations decreased more after saline than dextrose (P<0.04). Responses of aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide and vasopressin were not significantly different. Comparing 2 L infusions of saline and Hartmann's solution, volunteers excreted more water (median 1000 vs 450 mL) and sodium (122 vs 73 mmol) after Hartmann's. Hyperchloraemia and reduced bicarbonate were noted after saline alone. Whereas fluctuations in water balance are dealt with efficiently through osmoreceptors and vasopressin, and sodium deficiency by volume receptors and the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, the mechanism for dealing with sodium and chloride excess appears relatively inefficient. Natriuretic peptide responds to volume expansion rather than sodium gain.

1. The septal structure of C. cinereus and N. crassa was examined via fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The septa of these organisms were shown to contain two plates of chitin, not one, as had been previously believed.2. The effect of the fluorochrome Calcofluor White on chitin synthesis in vivo and in vitro was investigated. Growth of C. cinereus in media seeded with the dye caused abnormal deposition of chitin at points of growth i.e. tips, septa, hook cells and clamps. However, high concentrations of the dye were required to have an effect on the chitin content and growth rate of the mycelium. X-ray crystallography showed that chitin synthesized in the presence of the fluorochrome was less crystalline than chitin synthesized when the dye was absent. It would appear, therefore, that Calcofluor binds to nascent chitin inhibiting its crystallization into microfibrils. It was concluded that chitin synthesis is a two-step process involving polymerization and subsequent crystallization.3. A range of fungi and growth forms were probed for the presence of actin using the actin-specific fluorochrome rhodamine phalloidin. Only U. phaseoli germlings and C. albicans yeast cells appeared to contain the protein. It is suggested that the failure to visualize actin in the other organisms examined is linked to their cell wall structure which prevented penetration of the rhodamine phalloidin to sites of actin localization.4. In the light of these results, mechanisms of hyphal growth are discussed and a model for the polarity of apical extension is presented.

The french professional sports are sports clubs which have a turnover of more than 2. 5 mf and which distribute yearly more than 2. 5 mf as salaries. They have to adopt one of the three structures provided for them by law : "association a obligations reforcees", "societe a objet sportif", "societe d'economie mixte sportive". These structures are closely studied in this thesis, as well as the financial state of the french professional groups. It is shown that these groups are reals firms, and that economic activities law is applied to them. It is also demonstrated that these groups have a commercial activity and have to be pointed out as beeing part of the trading world (wich means that commercial law has to be applied to them, even if they are associations). This doctoral thesis explains that associative structure is not able to frame firms like professional sports groups. Moreover, it is shown that it is not the place of limited companies to frame a general interest's activity. Beyond the professional sports groups' example, a new artificial person, halfway between joint stock company and association, is proposed to frame firms that have an economic activity and a social purpose : the group of social use ("groupement d'utilite sociale". )

Thirty outpatients being treated at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center Department of Behavioral Health Psychology were randomly assigned to either a relaxation/imagery training class (R/I), a short-term psychotherapy group (P/G) or a no treatment control group. Subjects had psychological, physiological and immunological data taken before and after treatment. Results indicated that support for the hypothesis that relaxation/imagery training improves the psychological, physiological, and immunological functioning of participants was found.

The aim of these experiments was to investigate learning and memory extensively in two nonverbal domains (olfactory and visual), and to determine similarities and differences in the function of the neural substrates that subserve these modalities. Two complementary methodological approaches were taken: (1) examination of learning and retention in patients with resection from left (LR) or right (RR) temporal lobe, and (2) study of brain function via Positron Emission Tomography (PET) of healthy subjects during memory processing.
Two parallel recognition tests were developed (one olfactory, one visual) that examined memory at three stages: following a single exposure to test stimuli, after four exposures, and following a 24hr delay interval. In the olfactory patient study, LR and RR groups performed significantly worse than the healthy control subjects, with no difference between the patient groups; thus suggesting a lack of hemispheric superiority for this task. The PET study of healthy individuals supported the bilateral participation of piriform cortex during olfactory recognition. The results from these two studies, along with findings from animal work, suggest that the piriform cortices may play a role in odor memory processing, not simply in perception.
On the face memory task, LR and RR patients showed different results. Only RR patients were impaired, while LR patients did not perform differently from controls. This unique face learning paradigm was sensitive to right temporal lobe damage, and correctly classified patients by side of resection with a sensitivity rate of 82% and specificity rate of 79%, suggesting its possible utility as a clinical tool. PET face memory findings indicated greater participation of fusiform regions during long-term recognition, and greater right prefrontal activity during short-term recognition, when these conditions are directly compared to each other.
Finally, PET was used to study the same healthy subjects performing parallel odor and face working-memory tasks, focusing on regions previously shown to be important for working memory. Results revealed similar regions of activation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the two modalities. This indicates an overlap in the brain regions that process olfactory and visual information when the same cognitive manipulations are being carried out online.

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a premovement silent period (PSP), and an involuntary small amplitude countermovement (CM) on the maximal height of the squat jump (SJ). Fifteen elite male volleyball players (20.6 ± 1.6 yrs) and thirteen untrained males (20.2 ± 1.7 yrs) performed ten maximal effort SJs from identical starting positions. The electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris was measured in conjunction with the vertical ground reaction force, and the vertical displacement measured by a cable-extension transducer. The presence of a PSP or small amplitude CM did not increase maximal SJ height significantly (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that in the SJ, facilitation effects of the PSP and small amplitude CM are minimal. This is important to past and future studies utilizing the SJ, as it is often difficult for individuals to perform SJs with no detectable CM.
School of Physical Education

Plasma choline levels have been reported to be significantly reduced in athletes at the endof prolonged, exhaustive exercise (marathon running), and this may affect the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction (16). The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the influence of two levels of choline (from soy lecithin) ingestion on plasma choline levels and exercise performance. Ten endurance-trained male cyclists exercised on an electrically resisted ergometer for 105 minutes at a load equal to 70% V02 max, followed by an all-out, self-paced 15 minute performance ride on an isokinetic cycle. Three randomly ordered trials were performed four hours after the feedings of (A) 0.0 g, (B) 1.1 g, or (C) 1.8 g choline. Dietary intake of choline was controlled. Before and after the trials, blood samples were drawn and analyzed for serum choline (umol/liter) using an HPLC method. Feedings of 1.1 g and 1.8 g of choline significantly (p < 0.05) elevated serum choline values compared to control (A = 34.16 [± 0.63], B 38.17 [+ 0.96], and C = 42.32 [+ 0.59]).Post-exercise serum choline values, however, were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from pre-exercise levels. In addition, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in performance between placebo, 1.1 g, and 1.8 choline trials (2.11 x 105, 2.07 x 105, 2.07 x 105 Newton-meters, respectively). This study indicates a dose response to choline ingestion, with no effect on performance.
School of Physical Education

This study investigated the influence of human morphology upon selected physiological, biomechanical and psychological responses to horizontal locomotion. In so doing, it was possible to evaluate the effectiveness with which morphology-normalised speeds of walking and running reduced the between-subject variability that is inherent in human locomotor responses. Twenty caucasian males were divided into two groups on the basis of stature - ten subjects in each of a "short" category (<170cm) and a "tall" category (>185cm). All subjects were habituated to treadmill locomotion prior to exposure to three walking treatments (0.83, 1.39 and 1.94m.s⁻¹) and three running treatments (2.50, 3.06 and 3.61m.s⁻¹). During each of these five-minute locomotor conditions, energetic (V02), kinematic (cadence and stride length) and psychophysical (central and local RPE) data were captured. From these data, lines of best fit were calculated for each subject, allowing for a prediction of the abovementioned locomotor variables from known absolute rates of progression. Using suitable regression equations, subject responses to morphology-normalised speeds of walking and running were effectively extrapolated. When the rate of progression was expressed in absolute terms (m.s⁻¹), significant differences (P <0.05) were found between the stature-related groups with respect to both energetic and kinematic locomotor responses. Such differences were successfully eliminated when use was made of locomotor speeds relativised on the basis of morphology. This study concludes that the use of appropriately prescribed morphology-normalised rates of progression are effective in reducing the variability in locomotor responses between subjects differing significantly in stature.

The objective of the present study was to establish effective combinations of marching speed and backpack load in order to meet specific military requirements. Thirty infantrymen from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) comprised the sample and experimental procedures were conducted in a laboratory setting using a Cybex Trotter treadmill. Sixteen conditions were set up which included combinations of four speeds (3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 km.h⁻¹) and four backpack loads (20, 35, 50, and 65kg). Each subject was required to complete 8 of the sixteen conditions, each consisting of a six-minute treadmill march. Physiological data (heart rate, ventilation and metabolic responses), kinematic gait responses (step-rate and stride length) and perceptions of exertion (“Central” and “Local” RPE) were collected during the third and sixth minutes of the treadmill march and areas of body discomfort were identified post-march. Responses revealed five distinct categories of exertional strain. Three marches constituted “nominal” (below 40% VO₂max) and three “excessive” strain (above 75% VO₂ max). These represent combinations of extreme military demands and are highly unlikely to be utilised by the military. Three “tolerable” levels of required effort were recommended and these 10 combinations were further divided into three sub-categories. The “moderate” stress marches were identified as “ideal” for prolonged marches and had statistically similar responses of working heart rates (range of 118 bt.min⁻¹ to 127 bt.min⁻¹), energy expenditure (26 kJ.min⁻¹ and 27 kJ.min⁻¹) and ratings of perceived exertion (“Central” ratings of 10 and 11). Thus, marching at 5.5 km.h⁻¹with 20kg, 4.5 km.h⁻¹ with 35kg or 3.5 km.h⁻¹ with 50kg all require a similar energy cost. Four “heavy” category marches were identified for possible use when the duration of the march is reduced. During these marches responses were statistically similar with heart rates ranging from 127 bt.min⁻¹ to 137 bt.min⁻¹, energy expenditure from 32 kJ.min⁻¹ to 37 kJ.min⁻¹ and “Central” ratings of perceived exertion were 12 and 13. When short, high intensity marches are necessary, then combinations from the “very heavy” category may be utilised but with caution. During these marches, soldiers were taxed between 65% and 75% of VO2 max. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that the interplay between speed and load needs to be adjusted when determining “ideal” combinations for specific military demands. Essentially, if speed is of the essence then load must be reduced, and if heavy loads need to be transported then speed must be reduced.

[Conclusions] l) The two forms of human locomotion, walking and running, are distinctly different and in evaluating these gait patterns consideration must be given to this fact. 2) The impression created by the energy cost curves, that there is a single locomotor interface for both walking and running is a false one . There are two distinctly different locomotor interfaces, the walk-to-run interface and the run-to-walk interface. The former appears to correspond with the "metabolic intersection point" and therefore has some metabolic significance. The latter appears to be merely an "overshoot" of the walk-to-run interface and presently has no apparent metabolic significance. 3) Because the walk-to-run interface speed corresponds with the intersection point of the energy cost curves, physiological responses to walking and running at this speed do not differ significantly. However, cadence and stride length patterns for these two locomotor patterns are distinctly different at this point. 4) The identification of single physiological or kinematic factors during perceptions of exertion in any given situation is an extremely difficult if not impossible task. Perceived exertion should therefore be considered a multi-factorial concept and should be evaluated as such. 5) The use of relative speed as a technique for reducing inter-subject variability in physiological and kinematic factors is worthless unless diverse ranges in morphological linearity are a characteristic of one's subject pool

Research objective. Investigation of consistent patterns of the induction of flax morphogenesis process, assessment of genetic and physiological aspects of this process and optimization methodologies. Proposition: 1. MOrphogenesis capacity of flax isolated explants depends on a genotype only, but on a composition of a medium and the cultivar type (fibre flax or linseed)also. 2. Cells of different organs of the same genotype have different morphogenic capacity. 3. Combining hormonal ratio with the affect on explats by exogenic factors enables targeted control of the morphogenesis process in vitro.
Darbo tikslas - ištirti linų morfogenezės proceso indukcijos dėsningumus, įvertinti šio proceso genetinius ir fiziologinius aspektus bei optimizuoti regeneravimo metodikas. Ginamieji disertacijos teiginiai: 1. Linų izoliuotų eksplantų morfogeninė galia priklauso ne tik nuo genotipo, maitinamosios terpės sudėties, bet ir nuo veislės tipo (pluoštiniai ar sėmeniniai). 2.To paties genotipo skirtingų organų ląstelės turi skirtingą morfogeninę galią. 3.Derinant hormoninį balansą su eksplantų paveikimu egzogeniniais veiksniais galima kryptingai valdyti morfogenezės procesą in vitro.

Diese Habilitationsschrift konzentriert sich auf die Evolution osteologischer Korrelate, anhand derer Rückschlüsse auf die Struktur der Haut sowie die Art der Atmung und der Nahrungsaufnahme früher Tetrapoden gezogen werden können. Die äußere Skulptur der Hautknochen früher Tetrapoden trug zur Konsolidierung der darüber liegenden Dermis bei; dies und die zahlreichen Hautverknöcherungen deuten darauf hin, dass Hautatmung im Gegensatz zu heutigen Lissamphibien keinen wesentlichen Teil des Gasaustausches ausmachen konnte. Es wird die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass eine weitere Funktion der Knochenskulptur in der Pufferung von CO2-induzierter Azidose bestand, wenn sich die Tiere an Land aufhielten. Mehrere Gruppen früher Tetrapoden entwickelten unabhängig voneinander Osteoderme im Rumpf, die unter anderem die Wirbelsäule bei der Fortbewegung an Land unterstützen konnten oder als Kalzium-Reservoir dienten. Die Veränderungen in der Morphologie, Histologie und Anordnung der Dermalschuppen während des Fisch-Tetrapoden-Überganges erfolgte etwa simultan zur Entwicklung der Tetrapodenextremität und ermöglichte eine größere Flexibilität des Körpers und der Beine. Der Bau des Kiemenskeletts ihrer Fischvorfahren wurde bei einer unerwartet großen Anzahl früher Tetrapoden beibehalten. Dies zeigt, dass viele frühe Tetrapoden sowohl der Stamm- als auch der Kronengruppe als Adulte über innere Kiemen atmeten, während ihre Larven äußere Kiemen besaßen. Das Kiemenskelett und die Rekonstruktion assoziierter Muskeln zeigen, dass viele aquatische frühe Tetrapoden ihre Nahrung durch akinetisches Saugschnappen erbeuteten. Trotz spärlicher Fossilüberlieferung gibt es Hinweise darauf, dass die ersten an Land fressenden Tetrapoden noch keine bewegliche Zunge besaßen. Ein ontogenetischer Umbau des larvalen, kiementragenden Kiemenskelets in einen zungenstützenden Apparat kann bei frühen Tetrapoden nur in Ausnahmefällen belegt werden.
This habilitation thesis focuses on the evolution of skeletal correlates from which the integumentary structure and the mode of breathing and feeding in early tetrapods can be inferred. Sculpture on the external surface of dermal bones contributed to the consolidation of a dense integument; this and numerous dermal ossifications render substantial cutaneous respiration as in extant lissamphibians unlikely. It is hypothesised that a further function of dermal bone sculpture was to buffer CO2-induced acidosis while the animals were on land. Numerous early tetrapods independently developed osteoderms in the trunk that may have served among other things for support of the vertebral column in terrestrial locomotion or as a physiological calcium reservoir. The alterations in morphology, histology and arrangement of dermal scales during the fish-to-tetrapod transition occurred at roughly the same time when digits appeared and enabled greater flexibility of body and limbs. The structure of the hyobranchium of their fish-like ancestors was retained in an unexpected large number of early tetrapods, showing that many early tetrapods of both the stem- and crown-group breathed via the associated internal gills as adults, and via external gills as larvae. The hyobranchial apparatus and reconstruction of the associated musculature indicate that many aquatic early tetrapods fed by akinetic suction feeding. There is evidence that the earliest terrestrial tetrapods captured prey on land by jaw prehension rather than by tongue based feeding. Ontogenetic remodelling into a tongue supporting adult hyobranchium in early tetrapods can only be demonstrated in exceptional cases.

My work has involved the investigation of physical and physiological issues related to submarine escape and rescue, including animal experiments using goats, human experiments,engineering and equipment based trials and also the development of a number of mathematical models for the prediction of equipment performance and physiological aspects of decompression. In addition to my published papers I have authored or made substantial contribution to over sixty reports funded by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UKMoD). Experiments in which I made significant contribution in terms of original conception, design, data acquisition and analysis have provided evidence for the efficacy of surface oxygen as a treatment for decompression illness following submarine tower escape and demonstrated that breathing raised partial pressures of carbon dioxide in a distressed submarine then switching to diving quality air in the escape tower is not likely to prevent successful escape. The submitted work demonstrates an advance in our knowledge of the risks of decompression illness and a substantially improved level of confidence in the predictions of mathematical models of decompression illness for submarine tower escape. These are the first semiempirical probabilistic models of decompression illness to combine animal and human decompression illness data using body mass as a scaling factor. Provision of more detailed information on risks of decompression illness and likely outcomes has allowed me to argue for a change in escape policy which has been accepted by the UK Royal Navy (RN). My suggestions for optimising tower escape are to be tested on board UK submarines in the future, prior to possible adoption by the RN. The iso-risk curves I developed for probability of decompression illness and predicted probability of survival following submarine escape have been included as advice in the latest update to ATP-57, the NATO submarine search and rescue manual.

The pattern of production, development and survival of component tillers of spring barley (Hordeum distichum) cv. Triumph was investigated. Tiller appearance followed a well-defined pattern, with the emergence of the main shoot followed by that of primary tillers and by higher order tillers. The earliest emerged tillers survived the longest and contributed the largest percentage to grain yield; many of the higher order tillers died prematurely with those surviving contributing little to the grain yield of the whole plant. Tiller death and suppression of tiller production were coincident with the reproductive phase of main shoot development; some late tillering after anthesis was observed. The nutritional and hormonal control of tillering was investigated by applying a range of nutrient and plant growth regulator treatments. Pre-tillering applications of the growth retardant, Terpal, rapidly diminished the growth of the main shoot stem, leaves and roots whilst displaying a promotory effect on tillering. Terpal increased the production and early outgrowth of higher order tillers enabling a greater proportion of these to survive and produce ears; this did not result in any overall increase in yield as mean ear size was reduced. Another growth retardant, Cerone, and the auxin-antagonist, TIBA, similarly promoted tillering. The control of apical dominance systems in uniculm and tillering varieties of barley and wheat were compared. Tiller buds were revealed in the leaf axils of young uniculm plants and in barley it was impossible to initiate their outgrowth whereas several treatments, notably Terpal, Cerone and TIBA promoted tiller production in the uniculm wheat plants. These results are discussed with respect to competition for assimilates/nutrients and the roles of endogenous ethylene, auxin, gibberellins and cytokinins. The possibility of using growth regulators to modify tillering on a commercial scale is discussed and the prospect of seed treatment as a useful method of growth regulator application is also considered.

京都大学
新制・課程博士
博士(工学)
甲第23219号
工博第4863号
京都大学大学院工学研究科分子工学専攻
(主査)教授 田中 庸裕, 教授 近藤 輝幸, 准教授 菅瀬 謙治, 教授 佐藤 啓文
学位規則第4条第1項該当
Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)
Kyoto University
DGAM

Relationships of negative psychological conditions with general status of cell-mediated and humoral immune systems were investigated. A unique approach was utilized in that indexes representing multiple aspects of each branch of the immune system were employed to better indicate general immunological status. Differences in emotion-immune interactions between males and females were demonstrated. Results indicated a positive relationship between Trait Anger and Cell-Mediated Immunological Index. Particular criticisms of previous psychoneuroimmunological research were met by addressing sex differences and differences in various conditions of anger and depression, as well as through assessment of cumulative effects of negative emotions on immune system status. Directions for future research in eddressing similar issues are suggested. In general, results provide support for validity of mindbody interactionism and imply the need for revision of standard medical and psychological treatment.

The purpose of this study was to determine if mild heat stress induced by wearing a wet suit while swimming in relatively warm water (25.4 ± 0.1°C) increases the risk of heat injury during the subsequent cycling and running stages. Specificlly, during an Olympic distance triathlon in a hot and humid environment (32°C & 65% RH). Five male triathletes randomly completed two simulated triathlons (Swim=30 min; Bike=40 km; Run=10 km) in the laboratory using a swimming flume, cycle ergometer, and running treadmill. In both trials, all conditions were identical, except for the swimming portion in which a full length, sleeveless neoprene wet suit was worn during one trial (WS) and a competitive brief swimming suit during the other (SS). The swim portion consisted of a 30 min standardized swim in which oxygen consumption (V02) was replicated, regardless of WS or SS. During the cycling and running stages, however, the subjects were asked to complete the distances as fast as possible. Core Temperature (T) was not significantly different between the SS and WS trials at any time point during the triathlon. However, mean skin temperature (TSk) and mean body temperature (Tb) were higher (p<0.05) in the WS at 15 (TSk=+4.1°C, Tb=+1.5°C) and 30 min (TSk=+4°C, Tb=+1.6°C) of the swim. These TSk and Tb differences were eliminated by 15 min of the cycling stage and remained similar (p>0.05) through the end of the triathlon. Moreover, there were no differences (p>0.05) in V02, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), or thermal sensation (TS) between the WS and SS. Additionally, no significant differences were found in cycling (SS=1:14:46 ± 2:48 vs. WS=1:14:37 ± 2:54 min), running (SS=55:40 ± 1:49 vs. WS=57:20 ± 4:00 min) or total triathlon times (SS=2:40:26 ± 1:58 vs. WS=2:41:57 ± 1:37 min). Therefore, the primary finding was that wearing a wet suit during the swimming stage of an Olympic distance triathlon in 25.4°C water does not adversely affect the thermal responses or the triathlete's ability to perform on the subsequent cycling and running stages.
School of Physical Education

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of swimming distance and rest interval on the intensity of swimming (relative to VO2 max) and the contributions of the three energy systems (aerobic, anaerobic, and alactic) during these interval sets. Nine male college swimmers performed fourteen different interval training sets. Distances were 25, 50, 100, or 200 yards with rest intervals of 10 seconds, 1, and 3 minutes. During these sets only the distance to be swum and the rest interval for the set was given. No qualitative information from the coach was provided. These interval sets were performed by the swimmers with the influence from timers being kept minimal. Oxygen cost during the swim was determined from the velocity of the swim based on a linear regression for swimming velocity and oxygen uptake for each swimmer. The same interval sets were completed with pace controled where venous blood samples were obtained 1, 3, 5, and 7 minutes after the completion of each training set. 81ood samples were analyzed for lactate accumulation, blood pH, p0.,, pCO2, and hemoglobin. From these values bicarbonate, base excess, and blood oxygen saturation were calculated using equations developed by Siggard-Anderson. The results of this study do indicate that there is a predictable relationship between swimming distance and rest interval on swimming intensity (relative to VO., max). There was a curvilinear L relationship between swimming intensity (relative to VO max) and rest interval for 50, 100, and 200 yard interval sets. The correlation at these distances were r-0.96, 0.93, and 0.94 respectively. There was a linear relationship between intensity and the distance swum for the 10 second, 1, and 3 minute rest intervals. The correlation for these rest intervals were r= 0.99, 0.99, and 1.00 respectively. There was an increase in the relative contribution of aerobic energy as the distance of the swim increased for all three rest intervals. At a given swiming distance there was a greater contribution of non-aerobic energy as the rest interval increased. Contrary to continuous swimming, greater swimming velocity does not directly correspond to greater contributions of anaerobic energy during intermittent swimming. The distance and rest interval during intermittent training greatly effect the relative contributions of the three energy systems. The intensity of the swim and the relative contributions of each energy system should be considered when planning specific training regimens.

This thesis investigates the hypothesis that emotions play an influential role in cognition. Interference between facial emotional expression processing and selected tasks is measured using a variety of experimental methods. Prior to the main experimental chapters, the collection and assessment (Chapter 2, Exp. 1) of stimulus materials is described. Experiments 2-11 then concentrate on the likelihood of interference with other types of information from the face. Findings using a Garner design suggest that, although identity processing may be independent of expression variation, expression processing may be influenced by variation in identity (Exps. 2-4). Continued use of this design with sex (Exps. 6-7) and gaze direction (Exps. 9-10) information appears to support the (mutual) independence of these facial dimensions from expression. This is, however, in contrast to studies that indicate the modification of masculinity judgements by expression (Exp. 5), and the interaction of gaze direction and expression when participants rate how interesting they find a face (Exp. 8). Further to this, a search task (Exp. 11) shows that slower responses to an angry (cf. happy) face looking at us, may be due to the presence of an aversive mouth. Experiments 12-15 test for interference in the field of time perception: complex interactions between expression and encoder and decoder sex are indicated. Finally, Experiments 16-17 find that exposure to a sequence in which the majority of faces are angry depresses probability learning, and that prior exposure to varying quantities of angry and happy faces affects our later memory for them. Overall, there is evidence that exposure to emotional expressions may affect other (selected)c ognitive processesd ependingu pon which expressionsa re used and which experimental methods are chosen. It is suggested that future investigations would benefit from techniques that describe the temporal profile of an emotional response.

The present study sought to determine the influence of environmental conditions and protective clothing on physiological, perceptual and performance responses during batting activity. The investigation examined mean skin temperature, average heart rate, estimated sweat rate, rating of perceived exertion, thermal sensation rating, average sprint time and pre-post choice reaction time. Twenty-five cricketers (18-22 yr, 73.1 ± 9.6 kg, 1768 ± 75 mm, 12.6 ± 3.1% body fat, 1.89 ± 0.16 m2) performed a work-bout consisting of a seven-Over batting period, during which time they faced deliveries from a bowling machine and performed two shuttle runs every third ball to total four sprints per Over. Trials were carried out under High-stress (23.8 ± 2.2 °C) and Low-stress (13.3 ± 1.9 °C) environmental conditions (WBGT). Within each environmental condition subjects performed the test wearing full protective batting gear and no protective gear. Thus, four specific conditions were examined; high full-gear (HFG), high no-gear (HNG), low full-gear (LFG) and low no-gear (LNG). Two-way ANOVAs were calculated to determine whether there were differences between environmental conditions and whether differences existed between the clothing conditions. One-way ANOVAs were utilised to compute differences between the four specific conditions combining clothing and environment. High environmental stress and wearing protective clothing caused batsmen to experience significant physiological strain. The environment was the greatest stressor, with the protective gear exacerbating these effects. However, when padding covered skin areas directly, this was the primary skin temperature stressor, particularly later in the activity. For skin temperature and heart rate, the strain was the most pronounced at the end of the trials. Perceptual responses indicated that the protective gear had no influence on effort sense, thermal sensation or thermal comfort. However, environmental conditions had an effect, and High-stress conditions resulted in significantly higher perceptions of effort, elevated sensations of heat and greater thermal discomfort. Effort was perceived to be greatest towards the end of the trial. There were mixed findings for performance factors. In general sprint performance was not hindered by environmental stress, but protective clothing caused a reduction in several sprint times. Choice reaction times were for the most part unaffected by either environment or clothing and few differences were observed between pre and post times. It is contended that intense short duration batting activity, likely encountered during one-day participation, imposes a stress on batsmen. The stress is greater when conditions are warmer and protective padding is worn, although it is not sufficient to impede choice reaction time. However, protective gear did have a deleterious effect on sprint performance.

This project examines the relationship between football, the media and the constitution and reconstitution of cultural identities within Glasgow and Liverpool. It explores the extent to which a range of contemporary religious, political and national identities can be understood by focusing on the role that football and the support for particular clubs, play in their formation. Throughout, there is a concern with the relationship between supporters, the clubs, the media and identity-formation. There is also a realisation of the importance of placing this material within an histo rical framework, which emphasises how political, economic and social changes have all shaped the specific relationships in each city. This is achieved through the use of a number of case studies. The geographical areas used for the studies are the west of Scotland and the north-west of England, with specific attention focused on the cities of Glasgow and Liverpool and the football supporters within these cities. There has long been a strong connection between football and a range of social identities in these two cities. This study examines the theoretical debates regarding issues of the formation of identity in contemporary society, and argues for the need to have contextually grounded studies informing these broader theoretical discussions. This project, focusing on religious, political and cultural expressions of collective identity, emphasises the continual need to be wary of unproblematically allocating a central role to the media in any process of identity-formation. It suggests that in the cities of Glasgow and Liverpool today a range of more socially and historically grounded factors are crucial in understanding the configurations of collective expression which football support provides for many in these cities.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate a human being's basic responses to being touched by another human being in a nonreactive context and the effects of an illogical rationale on system disorganization. Two hypothesis were put forth: 1 - that persons in similar circumstances who are not touched, and 2 - that persons who are touched for a reason that makes sense will display less psychological and physiological variability than persons who are touched for a reason that makes less sense or, perhaps, is even considered "illofical." Forehead touch was chose. Positive and negative affect scales were utilized to measure psychological reactivity while skin temperature and heart rate were employed to measure psychological reactivity. These hypotheses were not supported in the present study since the expected group by phase interactions were not obtained. Instead, main effects for phase were found, especially for heart rate scores. Many concerns about the nature of the sample and the manipulation itself are discussed.

The brain areas required for latent learning in the rat are not currently understood. Previous tasks used to assess latent learning, defined as the acquisition of neutral information that does not immediately influence behavior, have shared characteristics that prevented their use to determine the neurobiology of latent learning. This thesis describes a new task called the Latent Cue Preference (LCP) task, derived from the Conditioned Cue Preference (CCP) task that has been successfully used to determine the brain areas required for conditioning in the rat and other animals. In the LCP task, water deprived rats alternately drink a salt solution in one distinctive compartment of a CCP box apparatus and water in the other compartment over 8 days (training trials). They are then given a choice between the two compartments with no solutions present (preference test). The results of the behavioral experiments showed that this training results in two parallel forms of learning: (1) latent learning of an association between salt and salt-paired compartment cues, and (2) conditioning to water-paired compartment cues. Latent learning itself involved two components: (1) the latent association between salt and salt-paired cues, and (2) motivational information about salt deprivation used to retrieve the latent association, and used to compete with the conditioning to water-paired cues. In addition, the findings showed that latent learning and conditioning involve different neural circuits. Latent learning required an intact cortical-to-hippocampus circuit via the entorhinal cortex, while conditioning required an intact subcortical-to-hippocampus circuit via the fimbria-fornix. The acquisition and storage of the latent association depended on an intact entorhinal cortex/dorsal hippocampus circuit, while the use of motivational information to retrieve the association recruited the ventral hippocampus. Conditioning, on the other hand, required an intact fimbria-fornix, lateral amygdala, and hippocampus. These findings provide new knowledge to the field of learning and memory research, and allowed an update of the current Multiple Memory Systems model.