African Journals OnLine
African Journal for Physical, Health Education, 
Recreation and Dance (AJPHERD) 

Volume 8 Number 2, October 2002
Abstracts

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG RURAL BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDREN

Karl Peltzer, Motlatso Phaswana and Supa Promtussananon

The purpose of this study was to undertake a survey of physical activities among young South African children and their motives for participating in the activities. The sample included 107 children (ages 5-7, 23; ages 8-10, 44; ages 11 to 12, 40) chosen by two-stage cluster sampling in a rural community of the central region of the Northern Province. Using a 'draw-and-say' technique results indicate that for boys in the 5 to7 years age group the most favorite physical activities were walking and playing with a toy gun, in the 8 to 10 years and 11 to 12 years age groups it was football and karate, and for girls in the 5 to7 years age group activities were skipping rope, watering garden and 'jumping across a circle'. In the 8 to 10 years age group activities included football and skipping rope and in the age group from 11 to 12 years the most favorite activities were watering garden and netball. For boys the two most important reasons for enjoying physical activities were to get a strong and healthy body and to protect oneself, and for girls the two most important reasons were to develop a strong and healthy body and be happy with doing the physical activity.

Key words: Physical activity, motives, black South African children.

THE EFFECT OF ACTIVITY LEVEL ON THE FITNESS AND HEALTH STATUS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHIDREN

L.M. Emiola, A.E. Talabi and E.A. Ogunsakin

This study was designed to assess the effect of different levels of regular physical activity on the physical fitness and health status of Kwara State of Nigeria primary school children. A total of 972 children aged 6-11 years of five (5) different physical activity levels were assessed on selected physical performance and health variables. The scores on the physical performance variables were used to categorise the children's activity levels. The effects of the physical activity levels on selected body structures were then determined. The scores of the various activity level groups were compared using a one-way ANOVA. The very active children were found to have significantly lower percent body fat and higher lean body weight than their inactive counterparts. The active children also had significantly superior cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, speed, abdominal and upper-body strength/endurance. They were significantly less susceptible to health problems than their inactive peers. The findings of the study thus confirmed the influence of physical activity on the health and development of children.

Key words: Physical activity, fitness, growth and development, children.

THE LEISURE TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH PROFILE OF BLACK MALE MID-LEVEL MANAGERS IN THE NORTHWEST PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

J.A. Laubscher, G.L. Strydom and L.I. Dreyer

Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are considered to be most important factors in maintaining optimal health (Dreyer et al., 1988). The objective of this study was to determine the black male mid-level managers' profiles of leisure-time physical activity, lifestyle and health status in a South African company. Two hundred and twenty-one (221) participants were grouped into two age groups (22-34 years and 35-66 years). The type, intensity, frequency and duration of participation in leisure-time physical activity were determined using the physical activity index (PAI) as suggested by Sharkey (1997). The lifestyle habits and health status were determined by using the Belloc and Breslow index (BB) and the illness rating scale (IRS) of Wyler et al. (1968) respectively. Analyses of data indicated no significant differences between the two age groups. Overall the health status of black mid-level managers could be classified as good, but trends existed which may be indicative of future health deterioration, should lifestyle and attitudes of the mid-level managers remain unchanged. Those in the group 22-34 years, however, were found to be physically more active and displayed a healthier lifestyle than the 35-66 years age group. The findings were discussed in the light of the global trend that participation in physical activity declines with age, causing an increase in hypokinetic ailments.

Key words: Executive employees, leisure-time physical activity, health, lifestyle, mid-level management.

CAUSAL ATTRIBUTION, SUGGESTED MEANS OF RISK REDUCTION AND PREFERRED TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY IN THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Supa Promtussananon

Objectives of this study were to analysis perceptions of hypertension and obesity, due to causal attribution, suggested means of risk reduction and preferred treatment. The study was conduct in a semi-urban area in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The sample of 100 participants was selected on the basis of quota sampling. Data were collected by structured interviews. Results showed that most of the respondents perceived family problems and mental problems as causes of hypertension and eating too much fatty food as a cause of obesity. The most commonly suggested means for risk reduction was avoiding salty food for hypertension and avoiding fatty food for obesity. Majority of the sample preferred medical treatment for hypertension and both medical and behavioural treatment for obesity.

Key words: Perception, causal attribution, hypertension, obesity, risk reduction, treatment, different age groups, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

PSYCHOSOCIAL BARRIERS TO HIV-ANTIBODY TESTING AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG URBAN BLACK SOUTH AFRICANS

Karl Peltzer

The aims of this study were to examine psychosocial barriers to HIV-antibody testing, sexual behaviour, HIV risk perception and HIV testing behaviours among 300 urban black South Africans (18 to 49 years) chosen by systematic random telephone sampling. Results showed that 31% of the men and 40% of the women reported that they already had been tested for HIV, and of those who went for the HIV test 5% did not get the results of the last test. An 18-item scale was developed to assess barriers to HIV testing found by using a preliminary six-factor analysis: friends concerns, trusts and doubts, fears, anticipation of negative consequences, partner concerns, and concerns about confidentiality about HIV testing. The barriers to HIV testing score indicating a negative attitude towards HIV testing was strongly associated with not having had an HIV test, less likelihood to intend to have an HIV test in the future, and more susceptible to get HIV infection. The scale offers a tool to use for both designing and evaluating HIV intervention and prevention programmes that emphasise HIV antibody testing.

Key words: Barriers to HIV testing, scale development, sexual behaviour, urban black South Africans.

OBESITY, BLOOD PRESSURE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG 10 – 15 YEAR-OLD CHILDREN: THE THUSA BANA STUDY

C. Underhay, J. H. de Ridder, J.M. van Rooyen and H. S. Kruger

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between blood pressure and measures of obesity in 10 – 15 year old children in the North-West Province of South Africa. The secondary aim was to determine the influence of physical activity on the possible relationship between blood pressure and obesity. A one-time cross sectional experimental design was used for this study. A total of 605, 10 - 15 year old males and 640 females were recruited from 44 randomly selected schools in the North-West Province, which formed part of the THUSA BANA study during 2000 and 2001. Demographic data and physical activity participation data were obtained through standarised questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements selected to determine percentage body fat, were primarily those described in Norton and Olds (1996). Blood pressure was measured with the Finapres in a non-invasive way. Data analysis was performed using Statistica 2000 (Stat Soft., Inc) for Windows 1998. One-way (ANOVA) and two-way analysis of variances together with Tukey post hoc HSD tests were used to indicate the differences between variables. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Percentage body fat was not significantly associated with blood pressure for both males and females in analysis of variance. Although there were no statistically significant differences between groups with different percentage body fat, there seemed to be a trent for systolic and diastolic blood pressure to increase with an increase in percentage body fat, both in the male and female groups. Two-way analysis of variance showed that physical activity had no significant effect on the relationship between percentage body fat and blood pressure.

Key words: Anthropometry, age, blood pressure, obesity, physical activity, children, South Africa

BODY COMPOSITION IN URBAN BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL CHILDREN AGED 6-13 YEARS

K.D. Monyeki, N.P. Steyn and M.A. Monyeki

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in boys (N=821) and girls (N=808) aged 6 - 13 years in terms of percentage body fat and the prevalence of obesity. These 1629 black subjects attended private schools in Pietersburg, a city in the Northern Province of South Africa. Body composition was evaluated using anthropometric variables (weight, height, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, biceps skinfolds) and arm girth, which were measured according to the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Cut-off points for body mass index (BMI) in children, recommended by Cole et al.(2000), were used to determine the prevalence of obesity. The study showed that percentage body fat in girls ranged from 21.6-26.5, which was consistently higher than that in boys, i.e. 14.8- 19.8%. The prevalence of overweight was also higher in girls (3.3- 21.1%) than for boys (0% - 12.1%). Generally, the girls had higher adipose fat measures (upper-arm fat estimate, sum of skinfold and percentage body fat) than the boys, which is an indication of gender differences in middle- and high-income urban South African black children. These results raise the possibility of using BMI as a screening tool for children to predict overweight and obesity in later life.

Key words: Percent body fat, overweight, obesity, black children, anthropometry, gender differences.

ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUTH AFRICAN TRIATHLETES

P. J. Wildschutt, A. L. Travill, L. Leach and L. Burrell.

Most research involving triathletes have focused on male, Caucasians, participating in the ultra-distance events. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of South African who compete at Olympic distances (1.5 km swim, 40 km cycle, 10 km run). Six competitive University triathletes from the Western Cape voluntarily participated in this study. Physical and physiological profiles were developed from anthropometric measurements and maximal oxygen uptake during an incremental treadmill running protocol. Male triathletes of colour (N=6) had a mean age of 26.2 years (±4.2), body mass 69.3 kg (±9.3), height 174 cm (±5.2), body fat 8.8% (±2.9) and a somatotype of 2.89 (±1.2)(endomorhy) - 4.67 (±0.4) (mesomorphy) - 2.72 (±6.9) (ectomorphy). A comparison of these results with that of South African triathletes of Caucasian origin showed that there were very few differences between the physiques of these two groups. The VO_2max of the participants (N=4) was found to be 58.1 (±4.3) ml·kg^-1·min^-1. A comparison of the profiles of these triathletes with the average endurance and elite triathlete, elite swimmer, cyclist, and runner showed similar physical characteristics.

Key words: Triathletes, Anthropometry, VO_2max, Olympic distance triathlon.

A COMPARISON OF SOUTH AFRICAN AND AUSTRALIAN GIRLS' PERFORMANCES IN THE AUSTRALIAN TALENT SEARCH TEST

Maria M. van Gent, Dawie D. J. Malan, Anita E. Pienaar

The aim of this study was to compare some anthropometrical, physical and motor fitness abilities, as used in the Australian Talent Search test (Australian Sports Commission, 1995), of a randomised sample of 12- to 15- year-old girls in the North West Province region in South Africa, with the already established norms for South African and Australian girls of the same age group. The subjects were part of the THUSA BANA research project (project number OOM-10), which was approved by the Ethics Committee of Potchefstroom University for CHE. A total of 407 girls between the ages of 12 and 15 years were tested. The sample was stratified for region, type of school and predominant ethnic group in the province. The Australian Talent Search Test and protocol were used as testing procedure (Australian Sports Commission, 1995). Data analyses were performed using Statistica for Windows. Descriptive statistics were used to determine means and standard deviations. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni technique (Thomas & Nelson, 1996) was applied to all comparisons and significance of differences found in the results. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. In all age groups (12 to 15 years), the Australian girls were superior in the anthropometrical measurements. The Australian girls were also superior in most of the motor ability measurements between the ages of 13 to 15 years, with South African girls performing better in the motor ability tests at 12 years. In the physical fitness measurement, South African girls performed better in the 12-, 14- and 15- year age groups. Statistically significant differences were found between some of the parameters tested in 12- to 15- year old girls from the North West Province, the rest of South Africa and Australia. Due to the significant differences observed by Du Randt (2000) between South African and Australian girls, she suggested that the Australian Talent Search Test (Australian Sports Commission, 1995) might not be applicable for the testing of South African girls. The same argument could also be applied with regard to the differences found in comparing the results between girls from Australia, South Africa and the North West Province.

Key words: Girls, Australian talent search model, anthropometry, motor ability, physical fitness.

A PSYCHO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF FEMALE CRICKETERS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Anneliese Goslin and Ben Steyn

Women's cricket is a fast growing spectator as well as participation sport in South Africa. There is however a lack of scientific investigation in all dimensions of female cricket in contrast to male cricketers who have been the subjects of many studies. This study aims to determine the psycho-demographic profile (age, occupation, marital status, reasons for involvement, involvement in other sports, impact on lifestyle, femininity and relationships with significant others) of a group of female cricketers. A questionnaire was used as valid research instrument for this exploratory study and administered to a 20% (n=26) random sample of the universum of 130 female cricketers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Results indicated that cricket had a positive social and psychological impact on the sample and that it did not impact negatively on the femininity of the female cricketers.

Key words: Female cricketers, psycho-demographic profile, impact, lifestyle, relationships with significant others.

THE EFFECTS OF VISUAL FEEDBACK AND VERBAL ENCOURAGEMENT AS MODES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MOTIVATION ON ISOKINETIC CONCENTRIC LEG EXTENSION TEST RESULTS

Ben Steyn, Anneliese Goslin, Conrad Booysen, Pieter Terblanche and Gerrit van Wyk

The aims of this study were to measure the effect of verbal encouragement and visual feedback as modes of psychological motivation on isokinetic testing of knee extensions (Peak Torque and Total Work) at 90 degrees per second angular velocity speed. Fourteen healthy subjects (19-26 years) were evaluated on a Cybex Norm device. Subjects were divided into an Experimental Group (EG) and a Control Group (CG). The test procedure consisted of two test sessions (pre-test and post-test) administered two weeks apart. During the pre-test none of the groups received visual feedback or verbal encouragement. During the post-test the EG were received verbal encouragement and visual feedback. The significance of difference between pre-test and post-test results was statistically analysed by means of a T-Test and the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. Results indicated a significant difference (p<0.05) between the Peak Torque and Total Work results of the motivated group (EG) and the Control Group (CG). The results of this study suggest that sincerity of effort during isokinetic testing can be improved considerably when using visual feedback and verbal encouragement as modes of psychological motivation.

Key words: Visual feedback, verbal encouragement, isokinetic testing, peak torque, total work.

Gender differences in gross motor skills OF 3-6 year-old children in Potchefstroom, SOUTH AFRICA

D. du Toit and A.E. Pienaar

Controversy exists concerning the occurrence and importance of gender differences in fundamental gross motor skills among preschool children. However, it is accepted that if gender differences do exist, separate norms should be used when assessing gross motor skills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare fundamental gross motor skills in a group of preschool children in Potchefstroom, an urban area in South Africa. A total of 221 3-6 year old male participants was compared to a total of 243 3-6 year-old female participants in eight gross motor tasks. The results showed significant gender differences in hopping and balancing on the right leg in favour of the females in the 3 year-old group, and in the standing long jump and throwing-for-distance in favour of the males in the 5 and 6 year old groups. Similar differences were found in the tests for standing long jump in the 4 year-old group and throwing in the 3 and 4 year-old groups, although not statistically significant. These results indicate that separate norms should be used for the different genders when assessing standing long jump and throwing-for-distance in 5 and 6 year olds.

Key words: Gross motor development, preschool children, gender differences.

The relationship between the repeated sprint ability test (rsaT) results and the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems of u-19 PUK rugby players

B. Coetzee and L. Adendorff

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between the repeated sprint ability test (RSAT) results and the aerobic and/or anaerobic energy systems of eight U-19 rugby players (18.780.44 years) of the Potchefstroom University Rugby Institute. The players were tested over a period of four weeks. Each rugby player underwent a VO₂ max test on a treadmill, a Wingate anaerobic power test on a Monark 818 cycle ergometer and a 6 x 40 m RSAT. The forward stepwise multiple regression statistical analysis was used to determine which of the Wingate and VO₂ max tests' variables had the most pronounced influence on speed endurance and best and average sprinting times, as derived from the RSAT. The fatigue rate (% power decrement) and relative average power (W/kg) had the most observable effect (Multiple R² = 0.46) on speed endurance although none of these variables were statistically significant contributors (p > 0.05). The anaerobic threshold (% of VO₂ max), relative average power output (W/kg) and peak power (W) were the highest contributors to best sprinting time (Multiple R² = 0.97), although only the first two variables were statistically significant (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05) contributors. Relative total work (J/kg), anaerobic threshold and power drop (W/sec) contributed 92.42% to the variance of average sprinting time, with only relative total work that was identified as a statistically significant contributor (p < 0.05). The significant contribution of fatigue rate, relative average power output, relative total work and power drop to the different measures of RSAT could reflect that the anaerobic glycolytic energy system is the major energy source for the RSAT. However, it is clear that the aerobic energy system also plays an important role in determining the best and average sprinting times of the RSAT.

Key Words: Repeated sprint ability test, anaerobic energy system, aerobic energy system, rugby.

TRADITIONAL GAMES IN THE TSHWANE AREA OF SOUTH AFRICA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Anneliese Goslin and Ben Goslin

Traditional games have been recognised as a significant part of nations' cultural heritage. With modernisation however, nations tend to loose some of their indigenous cultural heritage. Economic, social and environmental changes have led to the demise of some traditional games indigenous to specific culture groups and geographical areas. Systematic mapping of the world's traditional games profiles could contribute to the preservation of ludodiversity. This study recorded and compared the traditional games profile of children and adults of the four main ethnic groups (Blacks, Indians, Coloureds and Whites) in the Tshwane Mteropolitan area in South Africa. A questionnaire was administered to 457 respondents (240 children and 217 adults/senior citizens) in the Tshwane area. Recorded traditional games were classified into Cheska's (1987) scheme for categorizing traditional games in Africa to reveal commonalties, differences and changes in participation patterns. Results indicated that games requiring physical skill are preferred by all the groups; a number of traditional games have “died out” from adult participation to children participation and children play more strategy games as compared to adults. Traditional games labelled as indigenous to South Africa have been shown to have similar counterparts in other global areas. A sustainable revival initiative for traditional games may depend on a framework of systematic mapping, recording and analysis, active participation, infrastructure and skill development and incorporation into local economic structures.

Key words: Traditional games, Tshwane, framework for revival of traditional games, comparative study ethnic groups

WOMEN, SPORT AND THE LAW: A SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Paul C. Singh

While sport continues to expand internationally, opportunities for women to participate in the full spectrum of roles are very limited. This paper provides a sports law perspective on the current status of women in sport. It aims to analyse and discuss existing legislation that regulates women's participation in sport. The major findings show that the practical implementation of policies is a huge challenge, although legislative reforms have taken place.

Key words: women, sport, legislation, policies, discrimination, transformation, equity

SUPERVISION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Paul C. Singh and James T. Gray

This article reviews the duty of leaders of physical activity. These leaders may be physical educators, sport teachers, amateur or professional coaches, trainers, sports administrators or volunteers. The approach followed is a sport law perspective. The methodology involved a review and an analysis of reference works on sport law, journal articles, and academic investigations into the topic. While the study focuses strongly on South Africa, it also draws on an analysis of international case law.

Key Words: Supervision, legal duty, physical activity.

THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT IN AFRICA: AN OVERVIEW

K. J. van Deventer

Education in Africa has been dominated by Western ideology for many decades and although foreign political domination of Africa is something of the past, the European heritage seems to linger on and is likely to do so in the future if some initiatives do not come from Africa itself. Western education systems have ignored the African way of life, which focuses on collective association, emphasising social interaction and group values. In Africa, holism is a lived experience, a way of life. Western philosophy is depicted by the famous statement of Descartes, I think, therefore I am, whereas in African terms it becomes I belong, therefore I am. The colonial era, characterised by missionary educationalists replacing the African way of life, had a major impact on the indigenous sporting culture. In post-colonial Africa, physical education is in its infant stage in most African countries. Physical education and sports in Africa are faced with many problems regarding qualified teachers, facilities, equipment and curriculum development. However, the greatest problem seems to be policy implementation. Policy on physical education and sport must be made in Africa within the specific economic, political and social circumstances of a specific region. A number of African organisations and associations could become a powerful forum, who in collaboration with international partners, could have a tremendous impact on the state and status of physical education and sport. The African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development could, against the backdrop of the African Renaissance, demonstrate to the rest of the world that they are serious about the reconstruction and development of Africa.

Key words: Western and African philosophy, colonisation, Physical Education, sport, partnerships.

THE PHENOMENAL FILLIS CIRCUS FAMILY IN SOUTH AFRICA: A BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY

Floris J.G. van der Merwe

Frank Fillis was South Africa's greatest and best-known circus proprietor of the late 19th and early 20th century. He was a highly talented horseman, animal trainer and choreographer of epic spectacles, like the “Savage South Africa” show in London (1899) and the Boer War Spectacle in St. Louis (1904). The former was part of the Greater Britain Exposition at Earl's Court. This show was meant to be a showpiece of South African (local) identity. “Savage South Africa” depicted scenes from the Matabele wars of 1893 and 1896 and was tasked with introducing Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) as a new colony to the British public. The latter was part of the World's Fair in St. Louis, America, and scenes from the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) were depicted. As part of both spectacles a kraal was also reconstructed, presumably to depict the various black tribes in their natural, daily life. Showmen such as Frank Fillis helped to form European and American perceptions of Africans in the 19th and 20th century. Fillis' Circus was for 30 years an institution in South Africa. Apart from himself, Frank's wife, Madame Fillis (alias Eliza or Lazel) and later his three children, Frank jr., Adele and Cecil formed part of his show. This article concentrates on the biographical data regarding this extraordinary family.

Key words: Fillis family; Frank Fillis; Fillis' Circus; entertainment in South Africa.