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1
Smith, Derek George. "The level of moral decision making amongst university residence rugby players." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/53656.
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Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The current study was an investigation into the moral development amongst rugby players in residence at the University of Stellenbosch. An adapted version of the Ethic of Care Interview was applied on thirty participants, 15 rugby players and 15 non-rugby players. Results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test and indicated that there was no significant difference in moral reasoning between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference (p
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Mellalieu, Stephen D. "Identification and enhancement of pre-performance mental states in male rugby union players." Thesis, University of Gloucestershire, 2000. http://eprints.glos.ac.uk/5694/.
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The purpose of this thesis was concerned with the identification of the nature and content of the pre performance affective experience of the rugby union performer, and the subsequent measurement of the efficacy of a psychological intervention strategy to enhance the precompetitive mental state. Study 1 of the thesis conducted a preliminary investigation into the overall experience of sports performers' precompetitive affect (i.e., negative/positive) and the relationship with symptoms associated with competitive anxiety through the employment of trait self-report measures. The findings highlighted the importance of maintaining favourable perceptions of anxiety in the experience of positive affect. In order to describe the nature of this positive affective state, a sport specific self-report scale was designed and validated in Study 2 within a population of competitive athletes. Study 3 used the scale to examine the content of the pre performance affective experience and the relationship with interpretations of symptoms associated with competitive anxiety. The findings identified the existence of competitive anxiety symptoms. In order to derive a comprehensive understanding of the precompetitive experience a qualitative perspective was employed in Study 4. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 international, male, rugby union players. Appropriate pre performance mental states were identified with symptoms associated with mental, physical, and technical readiness. Inappropriate pre performance mental states were symptomatic of a lack of mental, physical and technical readiness and negative experiences associated with competitive anxiety symptoms. The study also established the influence of significant others upon an individual's mental preparation for competition within the context of the team sport. A final purpose of Study 4 was to describe the psychological strategies employed by performers to achieve appropriate pre performance mental states. The study identified the employment of task-specific imagery in order to facilitate appropriate pre performance mental states. Utilising these findings, the final study of the thesis adopted a single-case design to investigate the efficacy of a task-specific imagery strategy in enhancing appropriate mental readiness for performance in 4 sub-elite rugby union players. The findings demonstrated enhancement in pre performance mental readiness across all participants. Specifically, increases in the level of mental preparation and self-confidence were identified, whilst a lower level of competitive anxiety symptoms were reported. The overall findings of the thesis have facilitated a greater understanding of the affective experiences and psychological strategies of competitive athletes prior to performing. Practical recommendations are proposed in order to facilitate the enhancement and achievement of ideal precompetitive mental states in sports performers. These outline the importance of employing structured task-specific imagery to facilitate appropriate activation states and the need to establish structured mental 'warm up' periods in the preparation for competition.
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Beilinsohn, Taryn. "Cumulative mild head injury in rugby: a comparison of cognitive deficit and postconcussive symptomatology between schoolboy rugby players and non-contact sport controls." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002440.
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This study investigates the cumulative effects of concussive and subconcussive mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of schoolboy rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and a self-report postconcussive questionnaire were administered to top level schoolboy rugby players (n=47), and a non-contact sport control group of top level schoolboy hockey players (n=34). Group comparisons of the percentage of individuals with cognitive deficit were carried out between i) the schoolboy rugby and the schoolboy hockey players, ii) the rugby forward and the rugby backline players; iii) the rugby forward and the schoolboy hockey players and, iv) the rugby backline and the schoolboy hockey players. Results on the neuropsychological test battery did not provide any substantial evidence of a higher level of neuropsychological impairment in the rugby players relative to the control group, or in the rugby forward players relative to the rugby backline players. Results obtained on the postconcussive symptom questionnaire provided tentative indications that the rugby players do report a greater frequency of postconcussive symptomatology. The symptoms most frequently reported were being easily angered, memory problems, clumsy speech and sleep difficulties. It was hypothesized that the absence of cognitive impairment in the schoolboy rugby players compared with that noted for professional players was due to their younger age, relatively high IQ and education level and a less intensive level of physical participation in the sport, and hence less accumulated exposure to the game, thereby decreasing their exposure to mild head injuries. From a theoretical perspective, these pre-existing conditions were considered to act as protective factors against reductions in brain reserve capacity and concomitant susceptibility to the onset of neuropsychological dysfunction.
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Boulind, Melissa. ""Feeling foggy?": an investigation into the self-reported post-concussive symptoms in rugby union players at university level." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002447.
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A study was conducted on the self-reported symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in Rugby Union at the pre- and post-season stages. A full sample of 30 rugby players at Rhodes University was compared to 27 non-contact sport controls. A reduced sample of 20 rugby players and 9 control participants provided improved control for education and IQ and was compared. Measures included the WAIS-III Vocabulary and Picture Completion Sub-tests to estimate IQ level, the symptom checklist on a widely used computer-based program (ImPACT), and a paper and pencil self-report 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire. Independent and Dependent T-Test comparisons were conducted on the full and reduced samples. The symptoms reported by the rugby group appeared to be more pronounced on both the ImPACT Symptom Scale and the 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire when compared to the control group at both the pre-and post-season stages. It was concluded that the rugby players demonstrated evidence to support the hypothesis of having sustained more previous concussions and reporting more symptoms at the pre-season stage when compared to comtrol participants. No prevalent changes for either the rugby or control groups were seen in dependent comparisons from pre-to post-season.
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Border, Michael Anthony. "Heads and tales: the effect of mild head injuries of rugby players: cognitive deficit and postconcussive symptoms." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002446.
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This study investigated the cumulative effect of mild head injuries on rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered and subjects completed a self-report postconcussive symptom questionnaire. Data were collected for the two rugby groups, Springbok rugby players (n = 26) and Under 21 rugby players (n = 19), and for the control group, national hockey players (n = 21). Group comparisons of the percentage of individuals with deficit or self-reported symptomatology were made between: (i) the contact sport groups and the control group; (ii) the forwards and the backs within each rugby group and the rugby forwards and the control group; and (iii) the Springbok and Under 21 rugby players. Broadly speaking, comparative results on the neuropsychological tests and the self-reported postconcussive symptoms clearly distinguished between contact sport players and non-contact sport players and indicated the presence of diffuse brain damage in the contact sport players. There was also clear evidence of positional variation within the rugby groups, with the forwards (more full contact positions) most susceptible to impairment. Neuropsychological test results revealed deficit in information processing speed, attention and concentration, mental flexibility, visual memory and verbal new learning. The most significant neuropsychiatric complaints were reported in the areas of memory, social contact, sensitivity to noise, lowered frustration tolerance, anxiety and worry, and depression. The most sensitive neuropsychological test used in the present study was the Digit Symbol Substitution test. This test clearly distinguished contact sport players from non-contact sport players, and forwards from backs.
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Uys, Stefanie M. "The impact of an intervention programme on the decision making speed and accuracy, declarative knowledge, and selected visual skills of U/20 rugby players /." Link to the online version, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1302.
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Baker, Daniel. "A series of studies on professional rugby league players." Connect to thesis, 2007. http://portal.ecu.edu.au/adt-public/adt-ECU2007.0043.html.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Edith Cowan University, 2007."Including: 1. Testing and the relationship of upper body muscular strength, power, speed and strength-endurance to playing position and status in professional rugby league players; 2. Acute training methods that affect the development of upper body muscular power; and 3. Chronic adaptations - the nature, scope and methodology of long-term adaptations in upper body strength and power."--T.p. Submitted to the Faculty of Computing, Health and Science. Includes bibliographical references.
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Koch, Wilhelm. "Preparing for life after rugby." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21537.
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The inception of rugby as a workforce in 1995 created a range of new issues surrounding sport as a vocation. With professional rugby often wearing the glamorous coat of fame and fortune, young athletes sacrifice education and learning additional life-skills in pursuit of well-paid contracts and glitzy lifestyles unaware of the realities rugby as a profession holds. One such reality is the relatively short lifespan of a professional rugby career and the fact that transition to a whole new career is firstly inevitable and secondly a very challenging process. Traditional retirement has been associated with the end of a long working career, making comprehensive lifestyle- and financial planning part of the preparation process. This process helps the retiree anticipate and understand the expected demands of life beyond a working career. In rugby however, the retirement experience of a player can be extremely difficult to cope with, especially if the player is not adequately prepared or has not planned for such an event. This leaves players vulnerable for the imminent new phase of life and often leads to physiological - and other challenges players are not able to withstand in a world outside sport (Price, 2007). The aim of this study is to identify the different aspects that influence a professional rugby player’s retirement – and transition experience into a new profession. The researcher believes that an increased understanding of how current and retired professional rugby players perceive/experienced the retirement process would assist current players to better plan and prepare for this phase of life. This ultimately would reduce the anxiety and uncertainty for life after rugby. If players are more relaxed and stress-free about their future, more focus could also be placed on the here-and-now, leading to greater performance on the current field of play. The views of both current and retired professional rugby players were captured through questionnaires distributed all around South Africa. The researcher utilised a mixed mode paradigm of both positivistic and interpretive research methods. This approach enabled him to best compare the views of the two groups and test the developed theories and hypothesis. Ultimately, the research revealed that the presence of the following variables will have a positive influence on a player’s retirement and transition experience: A) Leadership, advice and planning for retirement B) Tertiary education and additional work skills C) Popularity amongst fans and other influential people D) Sufficient wealth and E) A self-selected retirement. With these findings the researcher will develop some specific guidelines for current professional rugby players to help them firstly better prepare for their life beyond sport and secondly successfully switch to a new career. A few valuable recommendations were also made to other stakeholders to better assist and support players in their preparation and transition process.
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Loveday, Thomas. "Effective coaching in cricket, rugby league and rugby union a qualitative investigation involving professional coaches and players from Australia /." Connect to full text, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5739.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2009.Title from title screen (viewed 10 Dec. 2009). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print form.
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Gamble, Paul. "Specificity in the physical preparation of elite rugby union football players." Thesis, Brunel University, 2005. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5366.
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The present thesis explored various applications of training specificity with regard to elite-level rugby union football players of various ages. A novel approach to metabolic conditioning employing skill-based conditioning games was investigated with elite-level senior professional players, during the course of a preseason training period. Training responses were assessed using a submaximal intermittent shuttle test performed at weekly intervals. Significant differences post-training (p<0.01) were observed for %HRmax reached during the final test stage and recovery of HR from the end of the final stage to the end of the final 1-minute rest period. The second study examined effectiveness of a circuit format for strength training in elite senior professional players during a preseason training period. Following the circuit based strength training, deadlift and bench pull I-RM strength scores were significantly improved both in comparison to pre-tests (p<0.01) and end season scores (p<0.01). Bench press scores were also significantly improved following the training period (p<0.01), and post-test bench press scores were improved relative to end season scores, albeit to a lesser extent (p<0.05). An Olympic lift training intervention was undertaken with Junior academy-level rugby union players. The effect of the application of these lifts on mean power output measured using test apparatus that simulated the ruck clean movement featured in rugby union football was examined. The considerably greater increases of the training group on this measure (28% vs 8%) were reflected in greater statistical significance (p<0.01) relative to the improvement for the control group (p<0.05). A significant interaction effect also indicated the training groups responded significantly differently on the test measure following training. A weighted ballistic push up training mode, incorporating a prototype shoulder harness, was investigated in a group of junior academy-level rugby football players. The training group recorded significant improvements in work output measured using a concentric-only push test (p<0.05), whereas countermovement push-up test scores approached significance (P=0.063). The final study employed an overweight ball complex training intervention. Following training the elite academy professional players who served as subjects showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in right-handed and left-handed mean and peak pass velocities.
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Marnewick, Michel. "Can a cross training program improve rugby skills in adolescent male rugby players?" Click here to access this resource online, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10292/732.
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The purpose of this study was to find whether cross training could improve male adolescent rugby skills. Three major sports (soccer, basketball and wrestling) were selected to form the base of the cross training intervention program. Pre- and post-tests were performed with the entire rugby squad (24 participants) prior to and at the conclusion of the intervention program. After pre-testing, the participants were grouped into either the intervention (12) or the control group (12). Supervised cross training sessions were performed twice a week for 10 weeks as well as traditional rugby training twice a week for 10 weeks with the intervention group. The control group performed supervised conventional rugby training twice a week for 10 weeks. All participants (24) played in a rugby match once a week during the 10 week period of the study.
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Olivier, Pierre Emile. "A comparative normative survey of the isokinetic neck strength of senior elite South African rugby players and schoolboy rugby forwards." Thesis, University of Port Elizabeth, 2003. http://www.oregonpdf.org.
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Ancer, Ruth Lauren. "Cumulative mild head injury in rugby: cognitive test profiles of professional rugby and cricket players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002434.
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This study investigates the effects of cumulative concussive and subconcussive mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of professional rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to 26 professional rugby players and a noncontact sport control group of 21 professional cricket players. The test performances of the rugby players were compared to those of the cricket players. Within the rugby group, forward and backline players were compared. An analysis of mean score differences between the rugby and cricket group failed to support the presence of brain damage effects in the rugby group. However, there was significantly increased variability of scores for the rugby players compared with the cricket players on tests particularly sensitive to cognitive deficit associated with mild head injury. This invalidates the null indications of average effects, indicating that a notable proportion of rugby players’ performances were falling off relative to the rest of the rugby players on tests vulnerable to the cognitive effects of diffuse brain damage. Mean score comparisons within the rugby group indicated that it was the subgroup of forward players, in particular, whose test performances revealed deficits suggestive of cerebral damage. Specifically, deficits were found in working memory, visuoperceptual tracking, verbal memory and visual memory, a pattern of deficits commensurate with cumulative mild head injury. The theoretical perspectives of Satz’s (1997) Brain Reserve Capacity Theory and Jordan’s (1997) ‘Shuttle’ model of variability are drawn upon in order to elucidate research findings and suggestions for future research are provided.
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Du, Plessis Daniel Jacobus. "Comparative characteristics of elite New Zealand and South African u/16 rugby-players with reference to game-specific skills, physical abilities and anthropometric data." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-04302008-085932.
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Booysen, Conrad. "Designing a protocol and comparative norms for the indentification and selection of talent among elite age-group rugby players in South Africa." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-10292008-174722.
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Cannon, Michael-John. "The impact of clothing and protective gear on biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses of rugby players during a simulated rugby protocol." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005202.
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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.
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Smit, Hendré. "Motor competence and goal setting in rugby /." Link to the online version, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019/712.
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Reid, Iain Robert. "Tackling mild head injury in rugby: a comparison of the cognitive profiles of professional rugby and cricket players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002552.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cumulative mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of professional rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to 26 professional rugby players and to a comparison group of 21 professional cricket players. The group test results of the rugby, cricket, rugby forwards and rugby backline players were each compared with established normative data. Generally, the comparison of the rugby and cricket mean scores relative to the normative data did not reveal significant differences on tests known to be sensitive to the effects of mild head injury. However, the comparison of variability for each of the rugby and cricket playing groups relative to variability for the normative data, revealed a pattern of increased variability among the rugby players. This implies a bimodal distribution in which a significant number of rugby players were performing poorly across these tests whereas a significant proportion were not. This variability effect was accounted for by further mean score comparisons which revealed that, as a group, it was the forward players whose performances were disproportionately poor on tests sensitive to the effects of mild head injury. The implications of these results are developed theoretically within the context of brain reserve capacity theory and suggestions for future research are provided.
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Gaston, Lindsey Eugene. "The Rugby Players Association's Benevolent Fund : a sociological study of the development of a social integration discourse in rugby football." Thesis, Durham University, 2014. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/10759/.
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This thesis examines how player welfare and post-athletic retirement preparation is discussed by both professional rugby union athletes who play in the English Premiership and the Board of Trustees of the Rugby Players’ Association’s (RPA) Benevolent Fund, the non-profit division of the trade union which represents the employment and welfare interests of professional rugby union players in England. A career in professional sports is one that is uncertain and unpredictable (Roderick 2006a; McGillivray et al. 2005). A consequence of rugby union transitioning into a professional format on 26 August 1995 was that rugby union became a stand-alone career. Along with the transition in employment structure, the athlete became bigger, faster and stronger (Olds 2001; Norton and Olds 2000). This resulted in an increase of injury severity (Kaplan et al. 2008; Brooks and Kemp 2008; Bathgate et al. 2002; Garraway et al. 2000). In an effort to address the growing concern of injury severity and injury induced retirement, the RPA created the Benevolent Fund in 2001. The Foundation was given the remit to provide assistance to professional rugby union players during times of injury or illness, which included programmes that assisted with medical treatment, rehabilitation, counselling and direct financial assistance. To specifically address the growing numbers of players being forced to retire due to injury, the RPA commenced its ‘Life After Rugby’ programme, which provides educational opportunities that helps athletes to acquire alternative careers. The data gathered in this research shows, with the assistance of Levitas’s discourse models (2005, 2004, 1996a, 1996b, 1989), that there is a mixed level of involvement amongst rugby players in retirement preparation. It also underscores that players’ understanding of their risk of becoming ‘socially excluded’ – a prevailing concern of the RPA’s Benevolent Fund – is varied. The data shows that players who have spent more time as professional athletes are more likely to mirror the language used by the RPA to describe their policy objectives than those who have just recently started their professional sporting career. Early career rugby players are aware of the risk of injury, but they tend to ignore the possibility that it could happen to them personally. This research highlights the RPA’s successes with senior players but identifies the need for the RPA to modify their approach so as to encourage earlier adoption of the ‘Life After Rugby’ scheme by players just starting their career in professional sport.
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Acker, Enrico. "The personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11363.
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When rugby became professional in 1995, both the game and the social and financial position of the players changed (Basson, 2003). Players started to train full-time and earned annual salaries (Goldman& Johns, 2009). Due to the transition from amateur to professional status, rugby players needed to make adequate personal financial management decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Previous research about personal financial management largely focussed on the general public, and did not focus on South African rugby players. Rugby is a professional sport where players earn money from a young age. It is expected of rugby players to make adequate personal financial decisions from as early as 19 years old. The literature review provided an overview of personal financial management and a discussion on the various components that should be included in personal financial management. A framework for this study was developed. The framework used these components as the base for the personal financial attitudes and practices and how it relates to the demographics of the respondents. Three hypotheses were also formulated based on the literature overview and framework. The objectives of this study were achieved by adopting a quantitative research methodology. A convenience sample of 132 rugby players was drawn for this study. Rugby players from NMMU Madibaz, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EP), South Western Districts Rugby Union (SWD) and Sharks Rugby Union participated in this study. The results of the empirical survey showed that respondents have positive attitudes towards the importance of budgeting, retirement planning, risk management, debt management and investment and the importance of employing a financial planner. On the other hand the personal financial management practices of the respondents in this study can be described as weak. From the results of the empirical survey it is clear that the respondents have weak practices towards the majority of the personal financial management practices. Only one of the three hypotheses was accepted namely that there is a relationship between the demographics of rugby players and their personal financial practices. There is no relationship between personal financial management attitudes and personal financial management practices of South African rugby players and that there is also no relationship between demographic variables and personal financial management attitudes of South African rugby players. This study has provided insight into the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Valuable information was obtained that could help to address the personal financial management needs of rugby players.
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Retief, Francois. "The effect of a plyometric training programme on selected physical capacities of rugby players." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/16420.
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Thesis (MSportwet)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a six-week plyometric training programme on the explosive power, speed and agility as well as certain physiological characteristics and the physical fitness of rugby players. Thirty subjects, that include the first and second rugby teams of the Paul Roos Gymnasium participated in the study. After a thorough evaluation of their medical history, their health status was confirmed as being “apparently healthy” and fit for participation in the project. The subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group followed a specially designed plyometric training programme in addition to their conventional rugby training, while the control group persisted with the conventional rugby training for the season. Body fat percentage was measured and specific girth measurements were taken to assess physiological changes. Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated by means of the threeminute step test and muscle endurance by means of the push-up and sit-up tests in order to assess the physical fitness of the subjects. The explosive power, speed and agility of the subjects were assessed by means of the agility test [T-drill], ten-meter speed test, Sargent vertical jump test, depth jump test, standing triple jump and the medicine ball chest pass. All measurements and tests were taken before and after the six-week intervention programme of plyometric training. With regards to physiological changes the results showed that the plyometric training programme had a positive effect on the experimental group. The body fat percentage of the experimental group showed a significant decrease and the circumference of their thighs, calves, arms and waist increased. Their chest circumferences did, however, not increase, which might be due to the fact that the plyometric exercises were more specifically aimed at the lower body muscle groups. The results pertaining to physical fitness were mixed. There was a significant improvement (p<0,01) in the cardiovascular fitness of the experimental group while that of the control group stayed relatively constant (p=1,0). With regards to muscle endurance, the control group fared significantly better in the push-up test than the experimental group, while the experimental group fared significantly better in the sit-up test than the control group. The six-week plyometric intervention programme had a statistically significant effect on the performance of the experimental group as compared to the control group, when biomotor skills were assessed. It was concluded that the addition of the specific plyometric exercises to a conventional rugby-training programme would improve the speed, explosive power and agility of rugby players significantly. Beneficial anthropometric changes as well as improved cardiovascular fitness would be additional benefits of a plyometric training programme. The findings of this research suggest that the value of plyometric exercises to motor skills, specific physiological characteristics and physical fitness should not be underestimated and that the trainers and coaches should be informed in this regard. To establish the positive effects of plyometrics as a functional cross training regime for rugby players, more comprehensive research is, however, recommended.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die navorsing was om die effek van ‘n ses-weeklange pliometriese oefenprogram op die eksplosiewe krag, spoed, ratsheid asook sekere fisiologiese karaktereienskappe en die fisieke fiksheid van rugbyspelers te ondersoek. Dertig spelers, wat lede van die eerste en tweede rugbyspan van Paul Roos Gimnasium hoërskool ingesluit het, het aan die studie deelgeneem. Na deeglike evaluering van hulle mediese geskiedenis, is hulle gesondheidsvlakke goedgekeur vir deelname in die studie. Die spelers is in twee groepe verdeel. Die eksperimentele groep het ‘n spesiale pliometriese oefenprogram gevolg, saam met die konvensionele rugby-oefensessies. Die kontrole groep het slegs aan die konvensionele rugby-oefensessies vir die seisoen deelgeneem. Persentasie liggaamsvet en spesifieke omtrekmates is genoteer om die fisiologiese veranderinge te evalueer. Kardiovaskulêre fiksheid is deur middel van ‘n drie-minute opstaptoets geëvalueer en spieruithouvermoë deur middel van opstoot-en opsittoetse om sodoende die speler se fisieke fiksheid te evalueer. Die ratsheid, spoed en eksplosiewe krag van die spelers is deur die ratsheidstoets (T-drill), tien-meter spoedtoets, Sargent vertikale sprongtoets, diepte sprongtoets, staande driesprong en die medisynebal-gooitoets bepaal. Al die bogenoemde toetse en assessering is voor en na die ses-weke intervensie program van pliometriese oefening gedoen. Met betrekking tot die fisiologiese veranderinge, dui die resultate aan dat die pliometriese oefenprogram ‘n positiewe effek op die eksperimentele groep gehad het. Die eksperimentele groep se persentasie liggaamsvet het beduidend verlaag en daar was ‘n neiging tot toename in omtrekmates van die bobeen, kuite, arms en middel. Die borsomtrekmate het egter nie vergroot nie, en kan toegeskryf word aan die feit dat die pliometriese oefenprogram op die ontwikkeling van die spiere in die onderlyf gefokus het. Die resultate ten opsigte van die fisieke fiksheid was eenders vir die twee groepe. Daar was ‘n neiging tot verbetering in die kardiovaskulêre fiksheid van die eksperimentele groep, terwyl die kontrole groep konstant gebly het. Met betrekking tot spieruithouvermoë het die kontrole groep in die opstoottoets verbeter in vergelyking met die eksperimentele groep. Die eksperimentele groep het egter weer verbeter (p<0,01) in die opsittoets, terwyl die kontrole groep konstant (p=1,0) gebly het. Die eksperimentele groep het statisties betekenisvol in die biomotoriese vaardigheidtoetse verbeter na die ses-weeklange pliometriese oefenprogram. Die kontrole groep het geen verbetering getoon nie. Die gevolgtrekking is dat ‘n kombinasie van ‘n pliometriese oefenprogram en konvensionele rugby-oefening kan lei tot die verbetering van spoed, eksplosiewe krag en ratsheid van spelers. Positiewe antropometriese veranderinge sal addisionele voordele van die pliometriese oefenprogram wees. Die bevinding van die navorsing is dat die waarde van pliometriese oefening vir biomotoriese vaardighede, spesifieke fisiologiese eienskappe en fisieke fiksheid nie onderskat moet word nie en dat afrigters in hierdie opsig ingelig word. Om die positiewe effek van pliometrie as ‘n funksionele alternatiewe oefenmetode vir rugbyspelers te bewys, word meer intense navorsing oor die effek van die spesifieke oefenmetode aanbeveel.
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Nel, Trudine. "Monitoring stress and recovery among u/20 rugby union players over a training season." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/71758.
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Thesis (M Sport Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Stress and recovery plays an important role in the performance of semi-professional rugby players. Physiological and psychological markers have been established as reliable indicators of the recovery-stress state in athletes. Monitoring changes in the recovery-stress state enables the coaching staff to adapt training sessions to enhance performance. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in stress and recovery states among U-20 rugby union players during a training year. Relationships regarding monitoring variables and differences in stress and recovery between playing positions were examined. 55 Players between the ages of 18 and 20 were monitored for 27 weeks, over a training year. The training year was divided into 5 training phases: Developing phase (week 1 – 7), Transitional phase (week 8 - 11), Early Competition phase (week 12 - 17), Performance phase (week 18 – 24), and High Performance phase (week 25 - 27). Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for sessions were reported on a daily basis. The Heart-rate Interval Monitoring System (HIMS) test was run every week. The Stellenbosch Mood Scale (STEMS) and Self-Report questionnaires were completed on a weekly basis, and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (RESTQ-76-Sport) was completed once a month. Backline players physically recovered better and faster than the forwards throughout the training year, while the forwards exhibited better psychological coping methods. The backline players had significant higher scores for the Depression (p = 0.03), Anger (p = 0.009), and Confusion (p = 0.01) scales of the STEMS. The Total Mood Disturbance scores were also significantly higher (p = 0.03) for the backline players than the forwards during the Performance phase. The backline players experienced increased stress and decreased feelings of well-being during the competitive phases when compared to the forwards. The backline players had better physical recovery than the forwards after the high intensity and high volume Developing phase. Correlations were evident between the HIMS test and the RESTQ-76-Sport questionnaire. Additional correlations were found between training load, as well as training monotony and training strain, and scales of the RESTQ-76-Sport and STEMS questionnaires. Lack of psychological skills-training might also have resulted in the players not knowing how to properly handle stressful situations and how to regulate their stress and recovery states. The lack of an educational system regarding recovery strategies, and the reinforcement thereof, especially during the Developing phases might play a role in the later increased fatigue and injury rates among the players.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Stres en herstel speel 'n groot rol in die prestasie van semi-professionele rugby spelers. Fisiologiese en sielkundige merkers is vasgestel as betroubare aanwysers ten opsigte van die stress-herstel toestand van atlete. Die monitoring van veranderinge in hierdie toestand kan die afrigtings-personeel help om die oefensessies aan te pas om optimale prestasie te verseker. Die doel van hierdie navorsingstudie was om veranderinge in stres en herstel toestande in O/20 rugby unie spelers, oor 'n oefenjaar, te moniteer. Verhoudinge in monitering veranderlikes en moontlike verskille in die stress en herstel toestand tussen die voorspelers en agterspelers is ondersoek. 55 Spelers tussen die ouderdomme van 18 en 20 is vir 27 weke, oor 'n oefenjaar, gemonitor. Die oefenjaar was onderverdeel in vyf oefenfases nl. die Ontwikkelingsfase (week 1 – 7), die Oorskakelingsfase (week 8 – 11), die Vroeë Kompetisiefase (week 12 – 17), die Prestasiefase (week 18 – 25), en laastens die Hoë Prestasiefase (week 25 – 27). Spelers het daagliks hul “Rate of Perceived Exertion‟s” aangedui vir elke oefensessie. Die “Heart-rate Interval System” toets (HIMS) was een keer 'n week gehardloop. Die “Stellenbosch Mood States” (STEMS) en Selfrapporteringsvraelyste was op 'n weeklikse basis ingevul en die “Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport” (RESTQ-76-Sport) was een keer 'n maand ingevul. Agterspelers het deur die jaar fisies beter en vinniger as die voorspeler herstel, terwyl die voorspelers beter sielkundige beheer getoon het. Die agterlyn se tellings vir die Depressie (p = 0.03), Woede (p = 0.009), en Vervanging (p = 0.01) skale van die STEMS was betekenisvol hoër as die telling van die voorspelers. Die Totale Gemoedsversteuringstellings was ook betekenisvol hoër vir die agterlyn as die voorspelers tydens die Prestasiefase (p = 0.03). Die agterspelers het toenemende stres tydens die kompetitisie fases ervaar, sowel as 'n afname in die gevoel van Welsyn. Die agterlyn het beter fisiese herstel na die hoë intensiteit en hoë volume Ontwikkelingsfase as die voorspelers getoon. Korrelasies is gevind tussen die HIMS en die RESTQ-76-Sport. Verdere korrelasies is ook tussen “training load”, sowel as “training monotony” en “training strain”, en sekere skale van die RESTQ-76-Sport en STEMS vraelyste gevind. Die tekort aan sielkundige tegniek-ontwikkeling kon bydrae tot die spelers se verwardheid rondom die hantering van stresvolle situasies en hoe om hul stres en herstel toestande te reguleer. Die afwesigheid van „n opvoedkundige sisteem rondom herstel strategieë, en die toepassing daarvan, veral tydens die Ontwikkelingsfases, mag moontlik 'n rol speel in latere toenames in vermoeienis en getal beserings onder die spelers.
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Raffan, Ryan Phillip. "Gaze behaviour patterns of under 19 level Rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8372.
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The aim of this study was to describe and compare the gaze behaviour patterns of expert and near expert under 19 level rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play. Gaze characteristics such as the areas of interest visited, the number of fixations, the duration of each fixation, the starting and last fixations; and the order of fixations adopted were used to achieve the aim of the study. In addition, biographical data, including sporting and vision history, were collected. Data of the two groups were described and compared with statistically and practically significant differences been highlighted. Inferential statistics were used and the following significant levels set: p<.05 for t-tests and Chi-sq'ared - tests while Cohen's d (absolute value) ≥0.20 and Cramér‟s V ≥0.10 were used to determine the practical significance for statistically significant results, respectively. An exploratory and quasi-experimental design was used, in which 81 participants (16 – 19 years of age) were sampled for differences between experts' and near experts' visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour patterns when anticipating the direction of deceptive running skills in rugby union, however, only 68 participants had eye tracker data analyzed due to the strict calibration criteria. The expert players correctly anticipated significantly (t-stat = -3.16, p = .002, d = 0.71) more than the near expert players on average (75.76% compared to 66.46%), and therefore, were less susceptible to deceptive running skills. The near expert players were, however, more aware of their fixation location than expert players. Both expert and near expert players fixated considerably more on the knees and hips than any other area of interest, however expert players had fewer, but longer fixations than near expert players per run with 4.29 ± 1.89 fixations (χ2 = 3.90, p = .048, V = 0.24) of 0.420 ± 0.140 seconds (χ2 = 3.97, p = .046, V = 0.24) compared to 5.34 ± 2.39 fixations of 0.350 ± 0.150 seconds. Both the expert and near expert groups fixated more on the lower body than the upper body on average, however, the near expert players fixated significantly more off the body for all correct runs than the expert players (t-stat = 2.17, p = .034, d = 0.53). The expert players start fixating more on the knees at the start of each trial, whereas the near expert players start fixating more on the knees and hips, and considerably off-target. The expert players fixate significantly more on the knees (t-stat = -2.56, p = .013, d = 0.63) at the end of each trial than the near expert players on average, whereas the near expert players fixate more on the hips. The orders of fixation did not yield any discernable patterns between expert and near expert players for correctly anticipated runs. Experts exhibit superior visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour control, presumably using the top-down approach, to successfully anticipate an opponent's intended direction. This information could help coaches teach perceptual tackling skills to enhance motor learning and performance.
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Szabo, Miller Ashley Jenette. "Perceived Risk for Concussions in College Football Players." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1374014349.
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Viljoen, Erna. "The legal implications of rugby injuries." Thesis, University of Port Elizabeth, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/332.
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Sports law in South Africa is a field requiring exciting and intensive research. With so many sporting codes changing their status to professional sport, intensive research on the legal implications pertaining to each professional sporting code has also become necessary. Professional rugby in South Africa has grown into a multimillion rand industry. It is an industry whose role players need specialized legal advice on a multitude of issues. This dissertation addresses the legal issues arising out of the situation where a professional player is injured, during practice or a game, due to the intentional or negligent action of another. The medico-legal aspects of rugby, relating to causation and proof of injuries are an indispensable element of proving liability where rugby injuries are concerned. These aspects are crucial in assessing the criminal and delictual liability of players, coaches, referees, team physicians and even the union concerned. The problem of rugby violence, causing injury, is addressed by both the criminal law and the law of delict with the issue of consent being central to this discussion. Furthermore, the labour law implications can be far-reaching for both the player and the employer union due to the unique features of sport as an industry. All role players in professional rugby will have to cooperate with the legal community to ensure that a practical body of law is established in order to make rugby a safer sport for all concerned and to protect the professional player from unnecessary, incapacitating injury.
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Clark, Susan Beverley. "Neurocognitive and symptom profiles of concussed and nonconcussed provincial rugby players over one season." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002459.
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Neurocognitive and symptom profiles of concussed and nonconcussed adult provincial rugby union players were investigated over one rugby season, including early season (baseline), intermittent postconcussion, and end of season testing. In a non-equivalent quasi-experimental design, nonconcussed (n = 54) and concussed (n = 17) rugby groups were compared with demographically equivalent noncontact sport controls (n = 37, and n = 17, respectively). Measures included the ImPACT cognitive and symptom composites, and the WMS-III Visual Reproduction and Verbal Paired Associates subtests. The independent and dependent comparative analyses in respect of both nonconcussed and concussed groups, provided cross-validation of poorer acute and/or chronic neuropsychological outcomes for the rugby groups on the ImPACT Reaction Time, Visual Motor Speed, Impulse Control and Symptom composites, and the WMS-III Verbal Paired Associates. The finding of significantly poorer scores on Verbal Paired Associates up to 24 days post concussion for the rugby players versus controls, was longer than the 7 – 10 day recovery period frequently cited in the literature. The overall implication of the study is that even in a group with high cognitive reserve such as these provincial level athletes, there may be prolonged acute recovery, as well as permanent deleterious neuropsychological consequences of cumulative concussive injury in association with a sport such as rugby. Accordingly, the move towards careful individualised postconcussion monitoring of neurocognitive functioning is endorsed, including early identification of any significant permanent reductions in cognitive reserve. Sensitivity of the ImPACT test might be enhanced via inclusion of a verbal associate learning task.
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Giai-Coletti, Cristina. "Rugby : more than just a game : a study of the cumulative effects of mild head injuries on high school rugby players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007809.
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The present study comprises part of an ongoing research study investigating the effects 0 f cumulative mild head injuries 0 n Rugby Union p layers. The aim 0 f t he study was to ascertain whether there are neuropsychological effects of cumulative mild head injuries sustained during the rugby-playing careers of senior schoolboy rugby players. Participants were top-level rugby players from high schools in Grahamstown and Cape Town (n = 79) and non-contact sport controls of top-level field hockey players from the same schools (n = 58). Group mean comparisons across a battery of neuropsychological tests were carried out between the Total Rugby versus the Total Field Hockey group, and the Rugby Forwards versus the Rugby Backs group. Comparisons between Total Rugby versus Total Field Hockey revealed impaired performance by the rugby players on two tests of visuoperceptual tracking, namely Digit Symbol Substitution and Trail Making Test (Part A). For Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs, there were no consistent differences to support the expectation that forwards would perform worse than backs. Forwards performed more poorly than backs on WMS Associate Learning Subtest - Hard (Delayed Recall), whereas backs performed more poorly than forwards on Digits Backwards. This suggests that some individuals in the cohort were starting to exhibit verbal memory deficit, albeit not clearly in association with forward positional play. Overall, results of the present study provide tentative support for the hypothesis that school level rugby players are more susceptible to the effects of cumulative concussive and sub-concussive head injuries than are non-contact sport controls.KMBT_363
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Horsman, Mark. "Concussion in contact sport: investigating the neurocognitive profile of Afrikaans adolescent rugby players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002503.
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A number of computerised tests have been especially developed to facilitate the medical management of the sports-related concussion. Probably the most widely used of these programmes is the ImPACT test that was developed in the USA and that is registered with the HPCSA for use in the South African context. A recent Afrikaans version of the test served as the basis of the present study with the following objectives: (i) to collect Afrikaans ImPACT normative data on a cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players with Model C education for comparison with existing South African English first language adolescent rugby players with Private/Model C schooling, and (ii) to investigate the pre-versus postseason ImPACT neurocognitive test profiles of this cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players versus equivalent noncontact sports controls. The results for Part 1 of the study generally demonstrate poorer performance in respect of the Afrikaans cohort, which is understood to be the result of poorer quality of education. The results for Part 2 demonstrated failure of the rugby group to benefit from practice on the ImPACT Visual Motor Speed composite score to the same extent as the control group. It is argued that this apparent cognitive vulnerability in the rugby group is due to lowered cognitive reserve capacity in association with long term exposure to concussive and sub-concussive injury.
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Smith, Ian Patrick. ""Is rugby bad for your intellect": the effect of repetitive mild head injuries on the cognitive functioning of university level rugby players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002567.
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The study sought to determine whether there is evidence for the presence of residual (chronic) deleterious effects on cognition due to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in top team university level rugby players, using ImPACT 3.0, Trail Making Test (TMT) and Digit Span. The initial sample of 48 participants was divided into groups; Rugby (n = 30) and Controls (n = 18), Rugby Forwards (n = 14) and Rugby Backs (n = 16). A reduced sample (N = 31) comprised of Rugby (n = 20) and Controls (n = 11), Rugby Forwards (n = 9) and Rugby Backs (n = 11). Comparative subgroups were equivalent for estimated IQ but not for age and educational level in the full sample; in the reduced sample there was equivalence for all three variables of age, education and estimated IQ. All cognitive test measures were subjected to independent t-test analyses between groups at the pre- and post-season, and dependent t-test analyses for Rugby and Controls at pre- versus post-season. Overall, the results implicated the presence of deleterious effects of concussive events on Rugby players in the areas of speed of information processing, working memory and impulse control. Significant practice effects were found on the TMT and Digit Span for controls, but not on ImPACT 3.0, supporting the use of this computer-based programme in the sports management context.
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Laureano, Cynthia Marisa da Silva. "Coping and psychological well-being of university rugby players / C.M.D. Laureano." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/3685.
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University rugby players often pursue academic and semi-professional sporting careers simultaneously which is demanding, stressful and highly competitive. This situation gives rise to individual needs and how they cope with these needs will have an impact on their overall well-being. The needs and coping mechanisms of the senior first and second team rugby players of the North-West University PUK Rugby Institute (NWU-PRT) were determined by means of a focus-group interview, essays and individual interviews. The focus-group interview was conducted with seven senior university rugby players and the essays were completed by 28 senior university rugby players. The individual interviews were conducted with the coach of the senior first team and the sport psychology consultant of the u/19 team. The results identified themes regarding time-management, motivation, injuries, character, coping, and goal-setting. A programme (founded on the experiential learning theory) which focuses on these themes and aimed at facilitating coping and well-being of university rugby players, was developed. The Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) consists of six sessions of one hour duration conducted over two consecutive weeks. The themes of the sessions are; Motivation, Goal-Setting, Time-Management, Coping with Injuries, Emotion-Focused Coping and Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning.
A two group (experimental and control) pre-test and post-test design was used and the sample group was drawn from 41 rugby players from the u/19 A training squad of the NWU-PRI. The experimental (n=20) and control (n=21) groups both underwent pre- and post-testing, whereas the ELP was only presented to the experimental group. Post-testing took place one month after the ELP was presented. The battery of tests used to determine
the effectiveness of the ELP were, the Affectometer (Kammann & Flett, 1983), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (Chesney, Folkman & Chambers, 1996), Proactive Attitude Scale (Schwarzer, 1997), Fortitude Questionnaire (Pretorius, 1998) and Cognitive Appraisal Questionnaire (Botha & Wissing, 2005). The results obtained proved the ELP to be effective in facilitating coping and well-being in university rugby players.
The experimental group's coping abilities showed great improvement in dealing with life difficulties. They are able to make better use of coping strategies lik, problem-focused coping (d=0.73), the ability to stop unpleasant emotions and thoughts (d=0.73) and to seek out social support from family and friends (d=1.07). They also showed marked improvements in the evaluation (appraisal) of good and/or bad events (d=0.63) and their ability to move towards action (proactive attitude) (d-0.73). The extent of positive emotions (d-0.75) they experienced increased, whereas the extent of negative emotions (d=-0.55) experienced decreased. It can be concluded that the experimental group's sense of well-being was enhanced. The control group showed no improvements in their coping ability or well-being. The improvements in the experimental group's results can, thus, be attributed to the effectiveness of the ELP.
A limitation of this study is that these results cannot be generalised to provincial or national rugby players at all levels of competition or to other team sports. The ELP should be presented to small groups for it to be effective. This may limit the number of participants in accordance with the time presenters and participants have available and the number of presenters trained in presenting the ELP. It is recommended that the effectiveness of the ELP should be evaluated at provincial and national level and that the ELP should also be adapted to and evaluated in other team sports. It can be concluded that the ELP programme is ideal for first year university rugby players who may find the transition from high school academics and rugby, to university studies and semi-professional rugby stressful, as it may assist them in coping with personal and sport related stressors and can facilitate their sense of well-being.Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.
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De, Villiers Nico. "Optimal training load for the hang clean and squat jump in u-21 rugby players." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/17976.
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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.
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Smit, Hendre. "Motor competence and goal setting in rugby." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/3109.
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Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2007.The study explored the potential of rugby as a developmental experience, not only in terms of the motor skills that lead to competence in rugby, but also in terms of learning more about the life-skill of goal setting. A 10 session pre-season programme entitled “More than Rugby” was designed and implemented in order to determine whether combining skill instruction with activities specifically designed to increase an understanding of goal setting had an impact on either the development of rugby competence or understanding about goal setting and perceptions of its use. A repeated measures experimental design was followed, with two groups of high school rugby players from similar sporting backgrounds involved: An experimental group who received pre-season rugby training as well as an intervention programme dealing with goal setting, and a control group who received only the pre-season rugby training, but no special goal setting activities. Both groups were pre tested and post tested on their rugby competence (through an individual rugby skill test circuit) and their understanding of goal setting The self reported use of goal setting perceptions, the relationship between goals and performance and the effects of goals on players was measured by means of a questionnaire (adapted GSI). The results revealed a significant improvement in the quality of rugby skills of the experimental group, but no significant improvement was found in the quality of the rugby skills of the control group. Both groups showed improvement in the speed at which rugby skills were performed, but in neither case was the improvement significant. The understanding of goal setting and the knowledge of setting goals did not improve significantly for either group. It can be concluded that the inclusion of life skills content and activities, such as goal setting in rugby development programmes will not detract from skill development outcomes. Although it can be noted that the greater improvement in skill levels was achieved by the group who received goal setting, more research is recommended to explain the positive link between life skills development and sport skills development.
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Carson, Fraser. "The psychology of anterior cruciate ligament injury rehabilitation amongst professional rugby union players." Thesis, University of Hull, 2012. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:8442.
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[From the introduction:] Within professional contact sports, injury has been reported frequently by athletes as causing stress (Anshel, 2001; Noblet & Gifford, 2002). Particularly within rugby union where injury has been reported as one of the top four stressors experienced by elite adolescent players (Nicholls & Polman, 2007), and the most frequent stressor by adult professional players (Nicholls Holt, Polman, & Bloomfield, 2006). A variety of coping strategies are utilized to manage these stressors, with the effectiveness varying per player (Nicholls et al., 2006). Although to date no research has found a causal relationship between injury as a source of stress and the actual incidence of injury such research suggest that injury can significantly increase the stress experienced by athletes. This is supported by the findings that following serious sports injury, elite athletes have reported this to be a stressful experience (Gould, Udry, Bridges, & Beck, 1997a) which is manifested by concerns related to career, physical rehabilitation, social interactions, further injury, and return to prior performance levels (Gould et al., 1997; Tracey, 2003).
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Söderlund, Ellinor. "In a football bubble: Cultural transition narratives of Swedish elite football players." Thesis, Högskolan i Halmstad, Akademin för hälsa och välfärd, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-38196.
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The purpose of the study was to investigate cultural transition experience in elite football. More specifically, to explore three Swedish football players experience of their first transition abroad when relocating to play professional football in Europe. A narrative inquiry approach was used, with help of the cultural transition model (Ryba, Stambulova, & Ronkainen, 2016) a semi-structured interview guide was created. The cultural transition model was also used as a lens for analyzing the data. The participants were non-randomly sampled and recruited with help from the Swedish Football Federation. Four players responded positively and initiated the interview, three was fully conducted while one dropped out. The data were analyzed with holistic-content and categorical-content analysis to show three unique pathways but also common themes of their cultural transitions. The first result showed the uniqueness of the players pathways; preparing for the worst and saved by the football bubble, taking responsibility and a key role as a foreign player to gain respect in the team, and a big step for personal development: from homesickness to being hungry for more. Secondly, the result showed that the participant shared experience in the cultural transition process which are presented in 12 themes (e.g. Pre-transition phase: satisfaction in Swedish club before leaving, Acute cultural adaptation phase: adjustment in football as first priority in host culture, and Sociocultural adaptation: perceived ability and efficacy to adjust to new cultural settings). In conclusion, adaptation in football was prioritized during the first period of relocation, that means that they fully invested to show that they were good. However, after this first phase, having a meaningful life besides football became one of the most important things to feel satisfied. Although there are still questions unanswered regarding cultural transition in elite football, implications to Swedish Football Federation were given in further working with professional players who go abroad.
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Muscat, Adele. "Action research : preparing Maltese football players for migratory based transitions." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2017. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/7141/.
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The thesis outlines a collaborative research project that was undertaken between the Malta Football Association (MFA), the Malta National Sports School (NSS) and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Drawing on transition frameworks, models and contemporary literature (Schlossberg, 1981; Stambulova 2003; Wylleman & Lavalle, 2004; Morris, Tod & Oliver, 2015; Morris, Tod & Eubank, 2016; Richardson, Littlewood & Gilbourne, 2005; Richardson, Littlewood, Nesti & Benstead, 2012), the research adopted an action research methodology to examine the psycho-social and cultural challenges that young Maltese football players and parents experienced within migratory based transitions. The author adopted the role of practitioner-researcher to understand, plan and support a range of key stakeholders during the transition process. Specifically, Study One (Reconnaissance Phase) examined the challenges experienced by Maltese footballers that had migrated to European professional football. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 male Maltese players who had experienced migration to a foreign club. Results evidenced that players experienced homesickness and lacked psycho-social knowledge and skills for an effective transition. Players also experienced culturally based challenges. The findings are framed around a unique and deeply embedded Maltese cultural identity. Study Two (Reconnaissance Phase) utilised a focus group methodology with parents of players from the Maltese Football Association (MFA) Academy, parents of young players that had previously experienced migration, head coaches from top Maltese nurseries, and coaches from the National Sports School (NSS) and MFA. Findings of Study One were disseminated to facilitate reflection, discussion and to identify issues that required consideration in order to better prepare young players for future migratory based transition. Study Three (Action Planning) used focus groups to disseminate the findings of Study One and Two with the Headmaster of the NSS, and parent representatives of the school. A number of change strategies were developed to improve the school’s programme of preparation for students who may migrate to foreign clubs. A separate action meeting was conducted with the Technical Director of the MFA to discuss and highlight change strategies to improve the MFA’s programme of preparation for young footballers seeking a career abroad in professional football. The Implementation and Monitoring phases focused on applying the action strategies agreed. These were; (i) to experience migration and independent living, (ii) psycho-social and cultural support and development of young players, and (iii) parental education. Regular evaluation of change strategy activities evidenced positive change and also continued to enhance the efficacy of the strategies being implemented. Young players who have migrated overseas over the past year and who had engaged in a programme of preparation prior to migration have coped well with the challenges they have so far faced.
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Brown, Lisa Gill. "Effect of repeated eccentric demands placed on the lower limb musculature during simulated Rugby Union play." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005192.
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Epidemiological studies consistently report that muscular strains are a primary injury type in rugby union with the majority of the strains occurring to the quadricep and hamstring musculature. Recently it has been suggested that poor eccentric muscular strength is a precursor to hamstring and quadriceps strains during intermittent sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration. Despite the high incidence of these muscle injuries in Rugby Union there has been little research into the possible mechanisms involved. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated Rugby Union laboratory protocol and further, to identify changes in muscle recruitment patterns and muscle strength over time by comparing this protocol to a continuous, constant load protocol covering the same distance. The experimental condition (EXP) required university level players to perform 80 minutes of simulated rugby union play in a laboratory setting (on a walkway of 22m) which was compared to that of a control condition (CON) which involved subjects covering the same distance, at a constant speed of 4.2km.h-1 on a treadmill. Physiological, biophysical and perceptual responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol. Heart rate was significantly (p<0.01) greater as a result of EXP in comparison to the CON. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis was significantly (p<0.01) greater during the CON protocol. The EXP condition elicited higher iEMG activity in the hamstring musculature at all time intervals. In addition the iEMG of the semitendinosus decreased significantly (p<0.01) as a result of the EXP protocol. Peak eccentric knee extensors (EXT) (-13.19%) and flexors (FLEX) (-12.81%) torque decreased significantly during the experimental protocol. After passive half-time (236.67 + 56.27Nm (EXT) and 173.89 + 33.3NM (FLEX)) and at the end of the protocol (220.39 + 55.16Nm and 162.89 + 30.66Nm) reduced relative to pre protocol (253.89 + 54.54Nm and 186.83 + 33.3Nm). Peak eccentric knee extensors did not change during the control protocol. „Central‟ and ‟Local” Rating of Perceived Exertion values were significantly (P<0.01) greater during the EXP protocol with an increased incidence of hamstring discomfort and perceived pain (5 out of 10). The EXP protocol resulted in significantly (p<0.01) increased incidence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In conclusion, a stop-start laboratory protocol elicited increased heart rate, negatively impacted on muscle activity of the hamstrings, decreased eccentric strength in the lower limb musculature, resulted in increased ratings of „Central‟ and „Local‟ exertion and increased pain perception and increased incidence of DOMS. Thus, a stop-start rugby specific laboratory protocol has a negative impact on performance. Due to the specificity of the protocol being designed to match the demands of competitive match play it is expected that these changes in heart rate, muscle activity and strength, particularly eccentric strength, will impact negativity on performance during rugby match play and increase the likelihood of injury
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Reinke, Derek R. "Predictors of Satisfaction with Sport Leadership in Small-College Football Players." DigitalCommons@USU, 2001. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6159.
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This study investigated eight possible predictors of satisfaction levels in smallcollege football players. The sample (N = 442) included eight nonscholarship football programs from the NCAA Division III or NAIA classifications. Measures included Zhang's Revised Version of Chelladurai's Leadership Scale for Sport, and a seven-item subscale of the Scale of Athlete Satisfaction.
The six subscales of the Revised Leadership Scale for Sport each yielded a significant linear relationship with the satisfaction outcome measure: social support (I= .696), situational consideration (I= .665), positive feedback (r = .654), teaching and instruction (I= .627), democratic behaviors (I = .501), and autocratic behaviors (I= -.372). Minimal correlations were found between satisfaction and the two other predictors evaluated: each team's win/loss percentage (I= .164) and each player's estimated amount of playing time (r = .121). With the large sample size, these two modest correlations were also statistically significant. However, as neither accounted for more than 2% of the total variance in satisfaction levels, they are not likely to have practical significance.
The predictors were also evaluated via stepwise multiple regression analysis to assess which combination(s) would account for more of the overall variance. Unfortunately, a mild case of multicollinearity made it difficult to attribute relative importance to the predictors. For example, the situational consideration subscale recorded especially high correlations with several of the other Revised Leadership Scale for Sport subscales. Overall, results indicate that specific coaching behaviors are more associated with player satisfaction in small-college players than are reported in previous samples of other types of athletes. As such, coaches are encouraged to provide support for players in off-the-field endeavors, offer positive feedback on performance goals, and combine knowledge of the sport with the ability to make adjustments in strategies and coaching behaviors.
A comparison of the current sample of nonscholarship, small-college football players and a sample of full-scholarship (NCAA Division I-AA) football players revealed several interesting differences. In the current sample, the correlations between social support and satisfaction, and democratic behavior and satisfaction, were substantially higher. Additionally, a much stronger negative relationship existed between autocratic coaching behaviors and satisfaction among small-college players.
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Finkelstein, Melissa. "The scrum-down on brain damage effects of cumulative mild head injury in rugby: a comparison of group mean scores between national rugby players and non-contact sport controls." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002485.
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The present study comprises the second phase of a larger and ongoing research study investigating the brain damage effects of cumulative mild head injury in rugby. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cumulative mild head injury sustained in the game of rugby would cause brain injury as evidenced by impaired performance on sensitive neuropsychological tests. Participants were Springbok professional rugby players (n = 26), Under 21 rugby players (n = 19), and a non-contact sport control of national hockey players (n = 21). Comparisons of performance were carried out across a spectrum of neuropsychological tests for the three rugby groups (Total Rugby, Springbok Rugby, and Under 21 Rugby) versus the performance of the non-contact sport control group (Hockey Control), as well as comparisons of performance f9r the subgroups of Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. Comparisons revealed a consistent pattern of poorer performance across all rugby groups relative to the performance of the controls on tests highly sensitive to the effects of diffuse brain damage. Within rugby group comparisons (Forwards versus Backs) showed significantly poorer performance for Total Rugby Forwards and Springbok Rugby Forwards relative to the performance of the respective Total Rugby Backs and Springbok Rugby Backs on sensitive, as well as on somewhat less sensitive, neuropsychological tests. The performance of Under 21 Rugby Forwards relative to Under 21 Rugby Backs demonstrated similar trends. Brain reserve capacity theory was used as a conceptual basis for discussing the implications of these findings.
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Van, der Merwe Johann. "Effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation for 3 weeks on testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone in young rugby players." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/3464.
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Thesis (MPhil (Physiological Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.Background. Creatine monohydrate is widely used for its purported ergogenic and anabolic properties. The mechanism by which creatine supplementation enhances muscle growth is not understood. This study was undertaken to determine whether creatine monohydrate supplementation increases the conversion rate of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. An increase in dihydrotestosterone could partly explain the beneficial effect of creatine monohydrate on muscle hypertrophy. Methods. Subcommittee C of the research committee of the University of Stellenbosch approved the study. Project number 2001/ C045. The study was designed as a double blind crossover with subjects (n = 20) in each leg of the study. Group 1 (n = 10) taking creatine monohydrate and group 2 (n = 10) glucose during the first leg of the study. In accordance with crossover study design the groups were reversed in the second leg of the study. Gelatin capsules were filled with 5g of either creatine monohydrate or 5g of glucose. Subjects taking creatine monohydrate also took 25g of glucose to improve absorption of creatine. Subjects took creatine monohydrate 25g plus 25g of glucose (ten capsules in all) or glucose ten capsules per day for seven days in the loading phase. In the maintenance phase they took 5g of creatine monohydrate plus 25g of glucose (six capsules in all) per day or six capsules of glucose, for 14 days. The groups were reversed after a six-week washout period and the dosages repeated as per crossover study design. Blood samples were taken on day zero of the study as baseline measurements, repeated on day 7, (after the loading phase), and again on day 21, (after the maintenance phase). These were again repeated in the second leg of the study as per crossover design. Serum was separated within one hour of collection and stored at minus 70 oC. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations were determined using a radio-immunoassay kit by an accredited university laboratory. The percentage conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone was calculated. The results were statistically analyzed: A paired t - tests at the beginning of each leg of the study and repeated measure analysis of variance, for the pooled data for each condition over the whole study. Results. The difference in blood levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone on both days 0, were not statistically significant. This made the pooling of the data possible. The difference in the percentage conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone over the study period between the creatine monohydrate condition and the glucose condition, was however significant (p < 0.0001). In this small study highly significant statistical results were obtained. The answer to how creatine taken as a supplement exerts its effect may lie in the increased rate of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Conclusion. With the known greater androgenic effect of dihydrotestosterone as opposed to testosterone, the increase in testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone could explain how creatine supplementation exerts its anabolic effect in susceptible individuals. A larger study should be done to confirm these results and answer the questions arising from the findings.
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Plaatjie, Mzwandile Ronald. "A comparison of coping strategies of ethnically diverse football players." Thesis, Link to the online version, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019/1163.
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Zoccola, Diana. "Neurocognitive effects of head and body collisions on club level rugby union players." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016397.
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The objective of the study was to investigate the cumulative neurocognitive effects of repetitive concussive and subconcussive events in club level Rugby Union (hereafter rugby) during the course of one rugby season, in a combined group and individualized case-based approach. Amateur adult club level rugby players (n = 20) were compared with a non-contact control group (n = 22) of equivalent age, years of education and estimated IQ (p = > .05, in all instances), although the two groups were clearly differentiated on the basis of a history of reported concussions (p = < .05). Video analyses documented the tackling maneuvers observed amongst the players during all matches across the rugby season revealing a sobering average of more than a thousand tackles per player, excluding any contact practice sessions. Five rugby players (n = 5) who were observed to have a head jarring event were also isolated for individualized postconcussive follow-up analysis of their neurocognitive profiles. Measures included the ImPACT Verbal and Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time composites and the Purdue Pegboard. Independent and dependent statistical analyses were employed to compare the rugby versus control group neurocognitive test profiles at and between the three test intervals. Correlational analyses explored the association between concussion, tackling and neurocognitive test outcomes. Descriptive comparisons of individual neurocognitive test scores with normative data were employed for the case analyses. Taken together, the results implicated vulnerability amongst club rugby players on the motor and speeded tasks, with less robust indications on the memory tasks. While limited in terms of its small sample size, it is considered that the outcome of the study was rendered more robust by virtue of being methodologically multifaceted with heuristic implications for future research studies in the area. The novel inclusion of tackling data as well as fine-tuned case analyses, were of particular relevance in that regard. The results add to a growing body of literature that implicates deleterious neurocognitive effects in participants of a sport such as rugby due to repetitive head jarring incidents that are intrinsic to the game.
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Fabricius, David Leslie. "Comparision of aquatic- and land-based plyometric training on power, speed and agility in adolescent rugby union players." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/17811.
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Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of an aquatic- and landbased plyometric programme upon selected, sport-specific performance variables in adolescent male, rugby union players. A group of 52 rugby players (age: 16.3 ± 0.8 years, height: 176 ± 6.9 cm and body mass: 76.1 ± 11.9 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: aquatic group (n=18), land group (n=17), and a control group (n=17). Prior to and after the sevenweeks of training, the power, agility and speed of participants were assessed by means of Fitrodyne repeated countermovement jumps, the Sergeant vertical jump, the Illinois agility test, a standing broad jump, and a 10- and 40- metre sprint. All three groups maintained their summer extra-curricular sport commitments during the intervention period. When the three groups were analysed, no significant differences were found between the groups with regard to all tested performance variables. With regard to withingroup changes, the aquatic group improved significantly (p<0.05) in the Illinois agility test, performed to the right. The land group showed significant (p<0.05) improvements in peak concentric power during Fitrodyne repeated countermovement jumps. All groups reflected highly significant (p<0.01) improvements in the Sergeant vertical jump. None of the groups displayed any improvements in sprint speed. The control was the only group to improve significantly in the standing broad jump (p<0.05). Land-based plyometric training might be a functionally superior training modality for athletes, although aquatic plyometrics could also offer an effective training modality for performance enhancement in power-based sports such as rugby union football. Aquatic-based plyometrics should not completely replace land-based plyometrics, as it might not adequately develop the specific neuromuscular patterns or functional needs of explosive sports.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die effektiwiteit van ‘n water- en landgebaseerde pliometriese program met mekaar te vergelyk in terme van geselekteerde, sportspesifieke uitvoeringsveranderlikes in manlike adolessente rugbyspelers. ‘n Groep van 52 rugbyspelers (ouderdom: 16.3 ± 0.8 jaar, lengte: 176 ± 6.9 cm en liggaamsmassa: 76.1 ± 11.9 kg) is lukraak in een van drie groepe ingedeel: watergroep (n=18), landgroep (n=17), en ‘n kontrolegroep (n=17). Voor en na die sewe-weke oefenprogram, is spelers se plofkrag, ratsheid en spoed getoets deur middel van Fitrodyne herhaalde spronge, Sergeant vertikale sprong, Illinois ratsheidstoets, staande verspring, en ‘n 10- en 40-m spoedtoets. Al drie groepe het vir die duur van die intervensieperiode met hulle somersport aangegaan. Na analise van die drie groepe se data, is daar geen statisties betekenisvolle verskille tussen die groepe ten opsigte van die prestasieveranderlikes gevind nie. Die waterpliometriese groep se prestasie in die Illinois ratsheidstoets na regs het statisties beduidend (p<0.05) verbeter. Die landgroep het betekenisvolle (p<0.05) verbetering in die piek konsentriese plofkrag met die Fitrodyne herhaalde spronge getoon. Aldrie groepe het betekenisvolle (p<0.01) verbetering getoon in die Sergeant vertikale sprong. Geen groep se spoed het verbeter nie. Slegs die kontrolegroep se staande verspring het statisties betekenisvol verbeter. Land-gebaseerde pliometriese oefening kan moontlik, vanuit ‘n funksionele oogpunt, ‘n beter oefenmodaliteit vir atlete wees. Watergebaseerde pliometriese oefening kan egter ook ‘n oefenmodaliteit vir sport wat plofkrag vereis, soos rugby, wees. Watergebaseerde pliometriese oefening behoort nie land-gebaseerde pliometriese oefening te vervang nie, omdat dit moontlik nie aan die spesifieke neuromuskulêre patrone en funksionele behoeftes van eksplosiewe sport voldoen nie.
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O'Carroll, Valerie Jane. "The provision of social support to injured high school football players: The role of the head coach." Scholarly Commons, 1992. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2954.
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Coaches of high school athletes are one potentially important source of athletes' social support. This leads to the possibility that at least some coaches provide little social support to their players and thus could contribute to players' injury rates. I examined the social support high school football coaches provide their players in a specific circumstance where coach social support might be considered forthcoming, the circumstance of injured players. I sent a 21-item, 9-point Likert scale questionnaire to 2,000 California, Texas, Ohio, and Florida high school football coaches, asking about the amount of social support they provided to their injured players. A total of 668 questionnaires were returned. The social support items were reasonably homogeneous (coefficient alpha .84). Mean levels of self-reported coach social support ranged from 3.1 (almost no social support provided) to 9.0 (strong social support, provided consistently), with a mean of 6.9 (median=7.0) and a S.D. of 1.0. I then examined the relationship between the social support reported to be provided and coach-reported numbers of minor and major player injuries in a typical season. Both relationships were low and negative, but significant (r = -.14 in both cases,p is less than .0005), indicating a weak tendency for the players of low social support coaches to experience more injuries than those of high social support coaches. The results overall suggest that (a) coach social support of athletes is indeed quite low in some cases, and (b) coach social support may be an important element in determining the injury rates of high school athletes.
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Kruger, Pieter. "Psychological skills, state anxiety and coping of South African rugby players : a cognitive perspective / Pieter Kruger." Thesis, North-West University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/947.
Full textAbstract:
Objectives: The main objective of the research in this thesis was to investigate the
psychological skills, state anxiety and coping of senior rugby players in South Africa.
Methodology: The first manuscript (Chapter 2) was a literature review that investigated
whether the coping model suggested by Moos and Shaefer (1993) could be applied to
investigate the interaction between various psychological factors involved in the coping
process, within a sports context. The model was evaluated by examining the relevant
factors, including the environmental system, personal factors, life crises and transitions,
cognitive appraisals and coping responses, as well as the general health and well-being of
individuals.
The manuscripts presented in Chapters 3, 4 and 5 made use of a cross-sectional design to
assess the constructs central to the stated aims of the study. The participants in this
research project were from the following teams during the 2003 and 2004 seasons: South
African Super 12 teams (Stormers, Bulls, Cats and Sharks); South African provincial
teams (Free State Cheetahs, Gauteng Lions, North-West Leopards and the Falcons);
South African club rugby teams (North-West University 1st team, Tswane University of
Technology 1st team, Kimberley Combined Forces and the Leopards amateur club team).
The players were psychometrically evaluated in the week leading up to an important
game (usually 2-3 days before the game). The number of players included in this study
was 139 Super 12 rugby players, 106 provincial rugby players and 95 club rugby players,
resulting in a cumulative total of 340 senior rugby players. The Athletic Coping Skills
Inventory-28 (ACSI-28) was used to evaluate the players' psychological skills
(manuscripts 2, 3 and 4). The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) was used
to ascertain the state anxiety of the rugby players (manuscript 3) and a biographical
questionnaire (compiled by the researcher) was used to gather demographical and
biographical information of the players (manuscript 4).
Results and conclusions of the individual manuscripts:
- Manuscript 1 concluded that there were substantial literature findings that supported and
explained the influence of the different psychological factors that form part of the Moos
and Shaefer (1993) coping model regarding the coping abilities of athletes. It appeared that
this model could potentially be applied in a sports context to clarify the factors influencing
the coping process of athletes.
- The results in manuscript 2 reported significant differences between the psychological
skills of the Super 12 and club rugby players on four of the seven ACSI-28 subscales. No
differences, however, could be found between Super 12 and provincial rugby players.
The research further concluded that no statistically or practically significant differences
in psychological skills could be found between forwards and backline rugby players or
between the different positional groupings (props, hookers, locks, loose forwards, inside
backs and outside backs) in senior South African rugby.
- Manuscript 3 concluded that senior South African rugby players with high levels of
psychological skills experienced lower levels of state anxiety, and that they interpreted
the state anxiety that they experienced as more facilitative to their performance. This
might suggest that rugby players with high levels of psychological skills could generally
cope better with the challenges of competitive rugby. Rugby players with high levels of
psychological skills also experienced higher levels of self-confidence and interpreted
their self-confidence as more facilitative to performance.
- The results in manuscript 4 suggested that certain prior experiences and a number of
sports-specific perceptions could have an influence on the psychological skills of rugby
players. However, the only biographical variable that appeared to be a common
denominator between the high psychological skills groups on all three levels of rugby
were the players' perceptions regarding their own abilities to do optimal psychological
preparation before a game. The research could not indicate the direction of the interaction
between prior experience, cognitive perceptions and psychological skills, but
acknowledged the strong association between these factors and the levels of
psychological skills of South African senior rugby players.Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
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Boucher, Sarah Jeanne. "The Relationship Between Concussion and Violent Criminal Behavior in Professional Football Players." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1629367083503305.
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Moquist, Jonas. "EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LIFESTYLE AND SELF-CONFIDENCE WITHIN ADOLESCENT FOOTBALL PLAYERS." Thesis, Halmstad University, School of Social and Health Sciences (HOS), 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-5055.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this narrative research was to explore the relationship between lifestyle and self-confidence within adolescent football players. The research questions were formulated as follow; (1) What sources let adolescent football players build self-confidence? (2) What issues characterize adolescent football player’s lifestyles? (3) How do adolescent football players perceive an association between lifestyle and self-confidence in sport? The results showed eight different sources for building self-confidence, where earlier performances and social support were considered as the strongest. Ten different lifestyle factors were observed. Football, social support, performance intent and good health were common factors for all the participants. The study showed three types of perceived associations between self-confidence and lifestyle. First of all, there is an overlap between the lifestyle issues and sources of self-confidence. Second lifestyle issues influence the degree to which sources of self-confidence work for the participant to build self-confidence. Third lifestyle pattern provides a balance (or misbalance) which influences particular sources of self-confidence and in the end self-confidence itself. The author discuss how the result can be interpreted in perspective of every single participant and in common for all the participants.
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Booysen, Conrad. "The application of discriminant analysis and logistical regression as methods of compilation in the prediction function in youth rugby." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27250.
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Falkstein, David Lawrence. "Prediction of Athletic Injury and Postinjury Emotional Response in Collegiate Athletes: A Prospective Study of an NCAA Division I Football Team." Thesis, University of North Texas, 1999. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc278163/.
Full textAbstract:
Previous research has examined factors that predispose collegiate football players to injury (e.g., Petrie, 1993a, 1993b) as well as factors that influence athletes' psychological adjustment to being injured (e.g., Brewer, 1993; Leddy, Lambert, & Ogles, 1994). Despite the reports of the NCAA Injury Surveillance System that the greatest number of football injuries occur during the spring preseason (NCAA, 1997), studies have only examined injury during the regular season. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the antecedents and consequences of injury in collegiate football players during the spring preseason and across the regular competitive season. Specifically, life stress, social support, competitive trait anxiety, athletic identity, coping style, and preinjury mood state was measured to determine their relationship with the occurrence of injury and with postinjury emotional responses in athletes who sustain an injury at some point during either the spring preseason or regular competitive football season. The overall incidence of athletic injuries was low and the athletes suffered more severe injuries than has been typically found in collegiate football samples. Negative life stress was found to be directly related to the occurrence of injury and to postinjury negative emotional response and was moderated by other psychosocial variables in its influence on the occurrence of injury. Positive life stress was unrelated to injury risk or postinjury emotional response. Social support, sport anxiety, coping, and athletic identity were all found to moderate the negative life stress-injury relationship, as did playing status, suggesting that the complex combinations of these variables increase athletes' susceptibility to the impact of negative life stress. The athletes in this study experienced significant negative emotions following injury. After sustaining injuries they experienced levels of anger, depression, and fatigue that were similar to male psychiatric patients. Injury severity and preinjury mood were found to be the best predictors of postinjury emotional response. Of the psychosocial variables, only social support and sport anxiety were found to be predictive of negative emotional responses following injury. Previously identified relationships between postinjury emotional responses and situational and dispositional variables were replicated and extended.
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Limegrover, Eric. "The relationship between trait anxiety and goal orientation among starting and non-starting college football players." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2000. http://etd.wvu.edu/templates/showETD.cfm?recnum=1411.
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Johansson, Robin, and Heland Kim Rydberg. "Football Players Social Identities and their Influence on Precompetitive Group-Based Emotions." Thesis, Högskolan i Halmstad, Akademin för hälsa och välfärd, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-43829.
Full textAbstract:
Introduction: Precompetitive emotions are important for team functioning, performance and satisfaction of being a team member. Social identity constitutes a necessary base for positive emotions (Lindwall et al., 2016). Limited research calls for further examination of the intensity and the directionality of precompetitive group-based emotions in team performance and the influence of different targets of social identity. Objective: To examine two levels of social identities and their influence on precompetitive group-based emotions and perceived directionality. Methods: Seventy-one Swedish senior football players (Mage = 25.35 ± 5.50 years of age) including both males (n = 36; Mage = 27.53 ± 5.63 years of age) and females (n = 35; Mage = 23.11 ± 4.40 years of age), completed an online survey including measurements of identification (Ray et al., 2008; Campo et al., 2019a) and I-PANAS (Thompson, 2007), with the additional inclusion of the direction scale (Jones & Swain, 1992). Results: Identification as a football player influenced precompetitive positive emotions (PE) toward opponents. Precompetitive PE toward both teammates and opponents showed a tendency to be facilitative for performance. Findings also showed gender differences for identification as a football player, precompetitive PE toward teammates and directionality of precompetitive PE and NE toward teammates. Conclusions: The present study further extends the importance of identification and group-based emotions in team sports and how group-based emotions affect team sport athletes. Coaches might adjust their communication to enhance identification of the team before and during competition and ultimately increase team performances.Introduktion: Emotioner innan tävling är viktiga för lagets funktion, prestation och tillfredsställelse med att vara en medlem i laget. Social identitet är en nödvändig bas för positiva emotioner (Lindwall et al., 2016). Då det endast finns begränsad forskning krävs ytterligare undersökning av intensiteten och riktningen av grupp-baserade emotioner innan tävling i lagprestationer och dess påverkan av olika nivåer av social identitet. Syfte: Att undersöka två nivåer av sociala identiteter och deras inflytande på grupp-baserade emotioner innan tävling och dess riktning (påverkan) för prestation. Metod: Sjuttioen svenska seniorfotbollsspelare (Målder = 25.35 ± 5.50 år) med både män (n = 36; Målder = 27.53 ± 5.63 år) och kvinnor (n = 35; Målder = 23.11 ± 4.40 år) genomförde en online enkät innehållande mätningar av identifiering (Ray et al., 2008; Campo et al., 2019a), I-PANAS (Thompson, 2007) med den extra riktningsskalan (Jones & Swain, 1992). Resultat: Identifiering som fotbollsspelare påverkade positiva emotioner (PE) innan tävling mot motståndare. PE gentemot både lagkamrater och motståndare visade en tendens att främja prestation. Resultaten visade också könsskillnader för identifiering som fotbollsspelare, PE gentemot lagkamrater och riktning för PE och NE gentemot lagkamrater. Slutsats: Den aktuella studien utökar betydelsen av identifikation och grupp-baserade emotioner i lagidrotter och hur grupp-baserade emotioner påverkar lagidrottare. Tränare skulle kunna anpassa sin kommunikation för att höja lagidentifiering före och under tävling och slutligen förbättra lagprestation.