Search

To assess the level of agreement between body size self-perception and actual body size determined by body mass index (BMI) z-score and body fatness measured by the deuterium dilution method (DDM) in South African children aged 6–8 years. A cross-sectional sample of 202 children (83 boys and 119 girls) aged 6–8 years from the Body Composition–Isotope Technique study (BC–IT) was taken. Subjective measures of body image (silhouettes) were compared with the objective measures of BMI z-score and body fatness measured by the DDM. The World Health Organization BMI z-scores were used to classify the children as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. DDM-measured fatness was classified based on the McCarthy centile curves set at 2nd, 85th and 95th in conjunction with fatness cut-off points of 25% in boys and 30% in girls. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Of 202 children, 32.2%, 55.1%, 8.8%, and 2.4% perceived their body size as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese, respectively. Based on BMI z-score, 18.8%, 72.8%, 6.9%, and 1.5% were classified as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese, respectively. Body fatness measurement showed that 2.5%, 48.0%, 21.8%, and 29.7% were underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The application of silhouettes and BMI z-scores resulted in either overestimation or underestimation of own body size. Overall, the levels of agreements (kappa, κ) between body size perception, body fatness, and BMI for age respectively, were small (κ = 0.083, p = 0.053 and κ = 0.154, p<0.001). Level of agreement between body size perception, body fatness, and BMI z-score was poor. The use of silhouettes made children either overestimate their own body size while being underweight or underestimate their own body size while being overweight or obese. Given the potential health implications associated with misclassification of body size during childhood, correct self-assessment of body size is important, and may be key to the ado

BACKGROUND: Heart rate recovery is an independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events and overall mortality. While the prognostic value of delayed Heart rate recovery following cessation of exercise is well documented, relationship of aerobic fitness and fatness with heart rate recovery among youth is less clear. We hypothesized that a delayed fall in heart rate after a progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) test might be due in part to the effects of fitness and overall adiposity. METHODS: A total of 454 adolescents (224 boys and 230 girls) ages 12 to 16 years were evaluated for fitness, body fatness, baseline heart rate and one minute recovery heart rate (HRR1) after a PACER test. The participants were further divided into fit-fat groups to assess the influence of both fitness and fatness on HRR1. Regression models assessing the associations of the independent variables with HRR1were conducted. RESULTS: Fatness was the only independent predictor of HRR1 in boys but not girls. Combined fitness and fatness modesty predicted HRR1 (R2=3%). One minute HRR scores varied by fit-fat groups, the fit/Healthy Weight group demonstrated the most favorable HRR1 recovery profiles while the unfit/overweight group showed the most adverse profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Body fatness but not aerobic fitness was a better predictor of HRR1 in boys but not girls. Youth with higher aerobic fitness and Healthy Weight had more favorable HRR1 profiles than their unfit/Overweight peers

Background: The impact of a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle on cardiovascular health is well-documented, however the current obesity and hypertension trends among children is concerning. The ExAMIN Youth SA study aims to investigate the impact of lifestyle behaviors (physical fitness/activity, dietary intake and psychosocial factors) involved in early vascular aging among South African children. Methods: This study is an analytical, multidisciplinary, observational cohort study in a school-based setting. We aim to phenotype a cohort of ∼1,000 primary school children (black and white boys and girls between ages 5–9 years) based on current clinical childhood conditions including hypertension and obesity. The primary phenotype is large artery stiffness and retinal microvascular diameters, both biomarkers of early vascular aging. The risk factors and mediators of early vascular aging and also responsible for the clinical conditions include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and life stress. Additionally, urinalysis and salivary analyses will be performed to identify biomarkers related to the pathophysiology of early vascular aging. Discussion: In line with the growing prevalence of obesity and hypertension responsible for the development of early vascular aging from childhood to adulthood, this study will address the critical areas in which we observe unfavorable arterial modulation related to dietary behaviors, physical inactivity, and early life stress. Implementation of novel biological markers may further contribute to our understanding of early cardiovascular adaptations in childhood, and aid in the development of primary prevention programs

The primary aim of this study was to explore gender differences regarding the sport psychological skills (SPS) profile of adolescent sport participants in a South African context. The present study forms part of an extensive five-year longitudinal study, the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHL-Study). A crosssectional research design was used to gather quantitative data. Two hundred and eleven (89 boys and 122 girls) grade nine pupils (14 and 15 years of age) participated in the study. The participants completed the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory for Sport (ACSI-28) to determine their SPS profile. The results showed that the boys obtained higher mean scores in seven of the eight measured sport psychological skills. Freedom from worry was the only skill that yielded a statistically significant difference, with the boys (52.06±20.27) obtaining a higher mean value than the girls (46.17±20.56). In conclusion, the current findings indicated that, at this developmental level of competitive sport, boys and girls participants seem to be very similar regarding their sport psychological skills dispositions

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and blood pressure among employees of the Vhembe district municipality of Limpopo province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 local government employees (207 males, 245 females) aged 24–65 years. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and waist circumference (WC) measurements, and waistto- height ratio (WHtR) were assessed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics, version 21. Results: The results showed that 27% of the participants were classified as overweight and 34% as obese, with females being more overweight and obese (29 and 48%, respectively) compared to males (24 and 17%, respectively). Twenty-five per cent of the participants were hypertensive, with females (27%) showing a higher prevalence compared to males (22%). Based on BMI categories, the obese group (35%) had a higher prevalence of hypertension in contrast to groups that were of normal weight (18%) and overweight (22%). The results also showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) was positively (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with BMI (r = 0.15), WC (r = 0.26) and WHtR (r = 0.29) in the normal and overweight groups (WC, r = 0.23 and WHtR, r = 0.26), and WHtR correlated with SBP (r = 0.26) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.19). Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension, with females more affected than their male counterparts. BMI, WC and WHtR were positively correlated with SBP in the normal and overweight groups, with WHtR positively correlated with both SBP and DBP in the overweight group. Therefore, it is recommended that intervention regimes designed to address obesity and hypertension should consider risk awareness for cardiovascular diseases, impaired quality of life and productivity among local government employees

Background. Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Cards were produced in 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2016. Objective. The 2018 Report Card aims to report on the latest available evidence relating to the physical activity (PA), nutrition and body composition of South African (SA) children and adolescents. Methods. A review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed; Africa Journals Online; and Africa-Wide (EBSCOhost). Articles published from January 2016 to September 2018 were included for review by the HAKSA scientific advisory group. Data were extracted, and a grade for each indicator was assigned based on the available evidence and the consensus of the scientific advisory group. This included 12 PA indicators, 6 nutrition indicators and 3 body composition indicators. Results. There was no evidence of a significant change in any of the indicators since the 2016 Report Card. Grades for certain indicators have been downgraded (from 2016) to bring these to the attention of relevant stakeholders and industry. These include food insecurity and grades that relate to the implementation of policy on PA and nutrition in the school environment, and on advertising and media relating to nutrition. Conclusion. Key priorities for action include: safe opportunities for physical activity; minimising the gap between policy and implementation (school culture and environment, and government strategies); and the double burden of over- and undernutrition, which relates to the continuing concern about food insecurity in SA. There is a need for further research, including surveillance, on all indicators, for future Report Cards

Valid instruments for the assessment of physical activity remains a challenge in field studies. This study determine the level of agreement between objectively measured physical activity by ActiHeart® and the international physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-S) among adolescents attending schools in the Tlokwe Local Municipality, South Africa. A total of 63 boys and 45 girls aged 15 years were participants in PhysicalActivity and Health Longitudinal Study (PHALS). Objective physical activity (PA) was measured by a means of ActiHeart® for seven (7) consecutive days. Subjective physical activity was assessed with self-reported IPAQ-S. Objective PA indicated that 93% of the participants were inactive and only 6% highly active. IPAQ-S showed that 24% were inactive with 57% active. A non-significant correlation (r = 0.11; p = 0.29) between ActiHeart® measure of activity energy expenditure (AEE) and total physical activity (IPAQ-S) was observed. Cohen’s Kappa (k) show poor agreement between the two measurement instruments, κ 0.011, P < 0.005

The purpose of this study was to determine the two-year changes in body composition, physical activity (PA) and selected metabolic risk factors (abdominal obesity and blood pressure) among adolescents from the North West Province of South Africa. A total 289, 14-year-old adolescents (116 boys and 173 girls) participated in the study. PA level was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Abdominal obesity was determined using the waist circumference measurements (WC) and blood pressure was determined by Omron MIT Elite Plus. Overweight gradually increased by 7.6%. The increase was higher among the girls (12.2%) compared to the boys to (2.2%), (p ≤ 0.001). Participation in low-physical activity (LPA) increased by 8.2% for the whole group and moderate PA gradually decreased (15.2%). With regard to the metabolic risk factors, boys had significantly higher WC at every measurement point (p ≤ 0.001) compared to girls. The percentage of adolescents in the prehypertensive / hypertensive category increased (5%) and the increase was greater in girls than boys (p ≤ 0.001). Waist circumference was positively related to BMI, percentage body fat and sum of skinfolds. In conclusion, adolescent girls were more overweight, obese and less physically active compared to the boys over a period of time

Background and Objective: Substantial evidence indicates that high level of obesity assessed by body mass index (BMI) could affect the motor performance, musculoskeletal fitness and wellbeing of the youths. This study investigated the relationship between the BMI and musculoskeletal fitness in a cross-sectional sample of school c hildren in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Body weight, height and three components of musculoskeletal fitness (sit and reach, sit-ups and standing broad jump) were measured in 1229 school children (boys = 483, girls = 746, ages: 9-13 years ). Body mass index was computed to classify participants into u nderweight, normal weight, overweight and obese categories. Results: Significantly low inverse correlation was observed between BMI and standing broad jump (SBJ) (r = -0.196, p<0.01), while underweight individuals were likely to perform poorly in sit and reach (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.97, 1.00), but had greater likelihood of per forming well in sit-ups (OR = 1.01, CI = 0.99, 1.03) and standi ng broad jump (OR = 1.03, CI = 1.01, 1.06) test. Being overweight was associated with a poor sit and reach (OR = 0.99, CI = 0.92, 1.06) and standing broad jump (OR = 0.96, CI = 0.94, 0.98) performances, but greater pro pensity of sit-up (OR = 1.00, CI = 0.93, 1.08) performance. Obese participants were significantly associated with poor sit and reach (OR = 0.8 3, CI = 0.74, 0.91) and standing broad jump (OR = 0.94, CI = 0. 92, 0.96), but greater likelihood of significant sit-ups (OR = 1.22, CI = 1.12 , 1.33) compared to normal individuals’ performance. Conclusion: There was a significant negative relationship between the BMI and standing broad jump in Nigerian children and adolescents. Both underweight, overweight and obese participants performed poorly in either flexibility, sit-ups or SBJ test, obese individuals being mostly affected. Musculoskeletal fitness could serve as a pointer of possible health risks for both malnourished and exces

Overweight and obesity in childhood and youth have undesirable physical and psycho-sociological consequences and therefore need periodic surveillance. One thousand two hundred and twenty-nine school children, ages 9-13 years in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria participated in the study. Height, weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were determined using the protocols of ISAK and AHA. Overall, the prevalence of overweight and obesity for boys and girls in the younger age category (9-11 years) were 1.5 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. Corresponding data for adolescent boys and girls (12-13 years) were 0.9 percent and 1.2 percent respectively. BMI positively correlated with stature (r = 0.77; p < 0.01), diastolic BP (r = 0.300; p <0.01), systolic BP (r = 0.44; p <0.01), age (r = 0.14; p <0.01), and body mass (r = 0.21; p <0.01). The regression analysis showed that age and body weight accounted for 48.2 percent of the variance in the children’s body mass index (R2 = 0.484, F (2, 1228) = 573.075, p = 0.000). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Nigerian children and adolescents, and its association with elevated blood pressure necessitate the implementation of appropriate preventive intervention strategies including healthy eating and regular participation in school- and community based physical activity programmes

Low cardiorespiratory fitness and inactivity are strong health predictors associated with excessive fatness. The objective of this study was to determine the associations between physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness and body fatness in South African adolescents. A cross-sectional study was performed with a subsample of 149 school-going adolescents (58 boys and 91 girls) with a mean age of 15.7 ± 0.8 years whom were participating in the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS). Body mass, height, and skinfolds were assessed according to the standards of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Subsequently, body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (%BF) were calculated. Cardiorespiratory fitness was derived from predicted VO2max, and PA assessed by combined heart rate and accelerometry (ActiHeart®, CamNTech). Physical activity was classified according to activity categories. Out of 149 participants, 100 (67.1%) had normal body mass; 26 (17.5%) were underweight and 23 (15.4%) were overweight. Seventeen (18.7%) girls and six (10%) boys were overweight or obese. The prevalence of underweight in boys was 29.3% and 9.9% in girls. A total of 102 (68.5%) participants were sedentary and 47 (31.5%) were active. The overweight group was significantly (p<0.05) heavier and fatter than the underweight and the normal groups. The lowest performance for predicted VO2max was found in the overweight adolescents. A significant positive relationship was found between BMI and PA in girls (ß=0.01 [95%CI: 0.007; 0.019]). A significant negative associations (p<0.05) was found between BMI and VO2max, (Boys; ß= -0.31 [95%CI: -0.50; -0.19]; Girls; ß= -0.17 [95%CI: -0.33; -0.02]). In conclusion, overweight adolescents were mainly sedentary and performed poorly in cardiorespiratory fitness compared to their underweight peers. Low cardiorespiratory fitness performance was negatively associated with relatively high fatness. Sc

The purpose of this study was to investigate the main factors that compel Kenyan soccer players to retire from active participation and problems that they experienced after retirement. It was predicted that the above factors would not significantly vary in relation to their age categories, levels of education and playing experience. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 130 retired soccer players (ages ranged from 21 to more than 60 years). Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations and frequencies) were used to analyse the data; and One-way ANOVA was used to test the null hypotheses of the study. The main findings of the study indicated that majority of the retired players had retired voluntarily due to lack of attractive incentives (x̄ =3.48±1.50), diminishing physical ability (x̄ =2.76±1.44), lack of encouragement from significant others (x̄ =2.76±1.44) and de-selection or declined soccer performance (x̄ =2.75±2.75). They experienced problems of loss of identity (x̄ =2.97±1.51), desperation for employment (x̄ =2.43±1.44), depression (x̄ =2.38±1.46), idleness (x̄ =2.31±1.37) and alcoholism (x̄ =2.15±1.40). The ANOVA results show that problems experienced did not significantly (p≥0.05) differ based on their age categories and their playing experience with the exception of marital break-ups (x̄ =1.88±1.17; F4,129 =2.5, p < 0.04). As such, providing incentives, insurance and medical schemes, pre and post-retirement programmes to soccer stakeholders such as soccer clubs, government agencies and coaches may reverse the trends

The information on the use of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on some health-related risk factors such as body composition and biochemical parameters is limited. The purpose of the study was therefore, to assess the effect of progressive WBVT on selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters in healthy sedentary men. Fifty (50) sedentary male volunteers aged 18- 40 years were recruited and randomly assigned to two equal groups of 25 each (i.e. an intervention group (IG) that had underwent 12 weeks of progressive WBV training and a control group (CG) that remained sedentary). The baseline assessment included a full blood lipid profile from capillary whole blood, following a fasting period of 12 hours, and some anthropometric measurements, namely body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (%BF). The intervention programme consisted of supervised progressive WBVT, three times per week for 12 weeks. All pre-test measurements were repeated after the intervention. Twenty-three participants in the intervention group and 17 in the control group completed the study. Whole-body vibration training resulted in a practical significant change in waist circumference (pre-test-mean=96.3±10.7 & post-test-mean=94.3±11.1; Cohen d=1.10), total cholesterol (pre-test-mean=3.99±0.99 & post-test-mean=3.7±0.9; Cohen d=.29) and lowdensity lipoprotein (pre-test-mean=2.91±0.65 & post-test-mean=2.32±1.11; Cohen d=0.62) for IG. The CG experienced non-significant increase in BW, BMI, %BF, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and triglyceride over the 12 weeks. It can be concluded that progressive WBVT over a period of 12 weeks had a significant positive effect on waist circumference, serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in young, sedentary men. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more studies on WBVT involving larger samples are needed

The study determined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and risk factors of obesity among primary school children (boys: mean age 11.17 ±1.29, n=678; girls: mean age 10.88±1.27, n=683) in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. The children were classified according to age and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) categories (underweight: 0<18, normal weight: 18.5<25, overweight: 25<30 or obese: >30) and their blood pressure (BP) measurements. Health-related fitness was assessed with standardised test protocols. Using the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), the children’s PA levels were judged as: Low (METs scores of less than 500); Moderate (METs scores from 500 to 1499) or High (METs >1500). The children were mostly underweight (74%) compared to other weight categories (normal weight: 23.7%; overweight: 1.0%; obese: 0.6%). Girls had non-significant elevated BP values (systolic: 112.94±11.28mmHg; diastolic: 79.40±12.80mmHg) than boys (systolic: 110.71±14.95mmHg; diastolic: 75.53±12.53mmHg) who had higher PA levels (METs = 1286.72±317.47) than girls (METs = 397.28±30.14) (p<0.01). The children’s PA level correlated positively with BMI (.86) (p<0.01) but negatively with %BF (-.67); weight circumference (WC) (-.41); SUP (sit-up) (-.22); and predicted VO2 max (-.17) (p<0.05). BMI positively associated with SBP (standing broad jump) (.06) and SAR (sit-and-reach) (.16) (p<01) whereas, it was negatively related with DBP (-.15); %BF (-.67); WC (-.26); SUP (-.21) and predicted VO2 max (-.12) (p<0.05). Understanding the relationship between body composition, PA and non-communicable disease risk among children could provide a reliable basis for designing appropriate intervention programmes needed to optimise health outcomes.

In the prediction of lower body explosive power (LBEP), very few researchers have investigated the possibility of making use of anthropometric variables to compile prediction models. Therefore the purpose of this study was to develop a LBEP prediction model from several anthropometric measurements for a cohort of adolescent boys and girls living in the Tlokwe local municipality of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district in the North West Province, South Africa. This was a cross–sectional experimental design on a purposeively selected cohort of 214 adolescents (15.82±0.68 years) consisting of 88 boys and 126 girls who were part of the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS). Data were obtained by means of skinfold (SF) and LBEP measurements as well as the calculation of maturity age. The results of the forward stepwise regression analysis shows that stature (57%), muscle mass percentage (10%) and maturation age (3%) were the anthropometric variables that served as significant (p

Underweight and overweight are adverse effects of malnutrition and both are associated with negative health consequences in children and adolescents. In South Africa, the burden of economic and social disparity coexists with malnutrition in children. The purpose of this study was to review available South African studies regarding the comprehensive summary of prevalence of underweight and overweight and evaluates government policies in addressing undernutrition and overnutrition in South African children and adolescents. We searched subject-specific electronic bibliographic databases of observational studies published on malnutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition, underweight and overweight in South African boys and girls from birth to 20 years of age in studies published on or after 1990. A total of sixteen cross-sectional, three longitudinal studies and one report met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Descriptive data synthesis revealed the small number of longitudinal studies highlights the dearth of research in tracking undernutrition and overnutrition in South African children. In this review, 0.7%–66% of underweight was reported among children in rural areas compared to a 3.1%–32.4% of overweight in urban areas. All studies reported a higher rate of underweight in boys than girls who were significantly more likely to have higher body fat. The data indicated that both underweight and overweight were positively related with health-related physical activity and psychological health problems such as low activity, low fitness, low self-image and self-esteem. Numerous recommendations were made in the reviewed studies, however effective strategic programs in eradicating both underweight and overweight are minimal. It is evident from the reviewed studies that the burden of underweight and overweight are still a problem in South African children. The most highly affected by underweight are rural children, while children in urban areas in transition are faced

Aim: To evaluate a two–year longitudinal development of health–related fitness, anthropometry and body composition status amongst adolescents in Tlokwe Municipality, Potchefstroom, South Africa." "Setting: A total of 283 high–school learners (111 boys and 172 girls) of ages 14 and 15 years who were part of the ongoing Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS) participated in the study. For the purpose of the present study, data collected for 2011 and 2012 for anthropometric, body composition and health–related physical fitness were used." "Results: Body mass index (BMI) classification of boys and girls for 2011 and 2012 showed that 24.3% of them were underweight compared with 21% in 2012. In 2011, 50% of boys and girls had normal body weight compared with 52% in 2012, whilst 25.5% of the total group of participants were overweight compared with 27% in 2012. Both boys and girls showed significant increases of 5.9% in body fat (BF) and 3.2 kg in body weight over two years measurements, respectively. Regarding health–related fitness (i.e BAH), boys showed an increase of 14.8 seconds whilst girls gained 9.6 seconds. Significant decreases were found for sit–ups in both boys and girls. A significant VO2max increase of 2.9 mL/kg/min. was found in boys over the time period. A non–significant decrease of –0.5 mL/kg/min. was observed in girls. Regression coefficients showed that changes in BMI were inversely associated with those in health–related physical fitness. The changes in percentage BF were negatively associated with standing broad jump (SBJ), bent arm hang (BAH) and VO2 max in both boys and girls. A low significant positive association was found between changes in waist–to–height ratio (WHtR) and SBJ in both genders, whilst inverse low associations were found between WHtR and BAH in girls and for VO2max in both genders." "Conclusion: Changes in BMI, %BF and WHtR were negatively associated with strength and running performances in the participating child

Research has shown that social correlates of physical activity play an important role in individual participation in physical activity or sport, and hence their link with associated health benefits. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of physical activity (PA), body composition, health–related fitness and social correlates of physical activity among adolescents attending high schools in the Tlokwe Local Municipality of the North West Province. A cross–sectional study design was followed on a total of 284 (111 boys and 173 girls) adolescents with the mean age of 14.90±0.72, who are part of the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS). Height, weight, skinfold thickness (triceps, subscapular and calf) and waist circumferences were measured through the standard procedures described by the International Standard of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Body mass index (BMI), waist–to–height ratio (WtHR) and percentage body fat (%BF) were used as measures of body composition. Health–related physical fitness (HRPF) was determined by measuring cardio–respiratory endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility using standardised tests test protocols. The standardised International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ–Short form) and Social Support for Physical Activity questionnaire were used to gather information on physical activity and social correlates for physical activity, respectively. The results show that 29% of the 284 participants are underweight and 26% overweight. 34% of boys were underweight and 17% were overweight while 27% of girls were underweight and 32% overweight. Boys significantly (p

Background: prediction models have not focused on children and adolescents from South Africa and have not included various demographic factors as possible predictors. Aim: The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine whether a valid prediction function can be developed from several anthropometric measurements and demographic factors of a cohort of adolescents in South Africa. Subjects and methods: A total of 214 adolescent boys (n = 88) and girls (n = 126) (15.82 ± 0.68 years) were selected. Demographic, sport and maturation data were collected by means of questionnaires, whereas anthropometric measurements were taken by accredited anthropometrists and the 20-m Shuttle Run Test (SRT) executed to determine indirect values. A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the cluster analysis reduced predictors and a cross-validation was performed in order to validate the prediction function. Results: Muscle mass percentage, sport participation level, stature, hip circumference and ectomorphy acted as significant predictors (p < 0.05) of the adolescents’ indirect, 20-m SRT values. Seventy per cent of the variance in the indirect, 20-m SRT values could be explained by this model. Cross-validation also confirmed the model’s validity. Conclusion: Results indicate that the of adolescents from different racial backgrounds, living areas and gender groups can be accurately predicted by making use of a population-specific model.

The aim of this study was to develop a lower body explosive power (LBEP) prediction model from various physical and motor performance components among a cohort of male and female adolescents living in the Tlokwe local municipality of the North-West Province. A cross-sectional experimental research design was employed with 214 15-year-old adolescents (88 males; 126 females; mean age: 15.8±0.68 years), from six schools, two from the Potchefstroom city area and four from the Ikageng area. They were measured over a 7-day period. Informed consent and demographic questionnaires were completed followed by seven physical and 14 motor performance tests. Regression analyses indicated that gender and 10m - speed formed a significant component-derived prediction model for LBEP values in 15 -year-old adolescents, with gender contributing 39% (R2=0.39) and 10m - speed contributing 7% (R 2=0.07). Results show that 46% (R2=0.46) of the LBEP can be predicted by speed and gender components of adolescents. Variables other than physical and motor performance components contributed 54% to LBEP prediction in adolescents. The results could be used to identify adolescents who show potential to excel in LBEP performance driven sport.

Low energy availability (EA) has been recognized as an instigator of menstrual dysfunction and subsequent hypoestrogenism that leads to deterioration in bone health. Elite Kenyan male athletes have been reported to often function under low energy balance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine EA and menstrual function (MF) among elite Kenyan female athletes; and to explore the association between EA and MF in the athletes. The data were collected from 25 elite Kenyan runners and 14 non-athletes. Energy intake (EI) minus exercise energy expenditure (EEE) normalized to fat free mass (FFM) determined EA. EI was determined through weight of all food and liquid consumed over three consecutive days. EEE was determined after isolating and deducting energy expended in exercise or physical activity above lifestyle level from the total energy expenditure output as measured by Actigraph GT3X+. FFM was assessed using DXA. A daily temperature-menstrual log kept for nine continuous months was used to establish menstrual function. Overall, EA below 45 kcal/kgFFM.d-1 was seen in 61.53% of the participants (athletes: 28.07 ± 11.45 kcal/kgFFM.d-1, non-athletes:56.97 ± 21.38 kcal/kgFFM.d-1). Results on menstrual dysfunction were as follows: oligomenorrhea (athletes: 40%; non-athletes: 14.3%) and amenorrhea (non-athletes: 14.3%). None of the athletes were amenorrheic. Results did not show any significant association between EA and MF, but the low to sub-optimal EA among elite Kenyan female athletes raises concern for their future menstrual and bone health. Educating the athletes and coaches will enhance achievement of the specific dietary and nutritional needs appropriate to their competition events.

This study was designed to assess the physical activity (PA), body composition and physical fitness status of 1361 (boys: n=678; girls: n= 683) primary school children aged 9-12 years in Mpumalanga (MP) and Limpopo (LP) provinces of South Africa. Anthropometric and physical fitness measurements were taken using the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) (Marfell-Jones, Old, Steward & Carter, 2006) and EUROFIT (1988) test battery. Body composition was estimated by calculating body mass index (BMI) (weight/height2) and wait-to-hip ratio, respectively. BMI for age and gender was used to classify the children as underweight, overweight or obese (Cole et al., 2007), whilst percentage body fat (%BF) indicated adiposity. The %BF was calculated from sum of two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular) using Slaughter et al.'s (1988) equation to predict body fat. The results showed that 75% of the children were underweight/stunted and 1.6% overweight. Frequencies of underweight, normal weight and overweight were 77%, 22.4% and 0.2% in MP and 72%, 24% and 3% in LP province. Boys in both provinces were taller and heavier than the girls. With regard to health-related physical fitness, at age 10 the MP boys performed significantly (p=0.05) better in sit-up (SUP: 20.5 ±5.430) than the LP boys (18.6±6.56). The LP boys did significantly better than the MP boys in sit and reach (SAR) at ages 10 and 11. The MP boys significantly (p=0.00) performed better in SBJ (121.6±910cm) as compared to the Limpopo (118.4±11.00cm) ones at age 9. Generally, LP boys did significantly (p=0.00) better than the MP across all ages. With regards to PA, the results showed that 27.7% (377), 58.5% (796) and 13.8% (188) of the children participate in low, moderate and high PA, respectively. Children in MP province had high PA (28.6%) as compared to the low PA participation in LP children (26.7%). Furthermore, 59.7% of MP children as compared to the LP children (57.3%)

Background: The dyslipidemia associated with excess weight is a risk for cardiovascular disease. Worldwide and in South Africa adolescent obesity has been reported. Objectives: To determine the association between dyslipidemia and anthropometric indices in black and white adolescents. Methods: The study involved 129 black and 69 white adolescents aged 12 to 16 years. Data collected included height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and skinfolds, blood pressure and blood for glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (Trig) and C - reactive protein (CRP). Results: WC correlated negatively with HDL in both blacks (p=0.042) and whites (p=0.008) and in whites it correlated positively with LDL (p=0.006); TC/HDL (p=<0.001) and LDL/HDL ratio (p<0.0001). WC/Hgt correlated negatively with HDL (p=0.028) and positively with LDL/HDL (p=0.026 and p<0.0001) in both races. In whites positive correlations were between WC/Hgt and TC (p=0.049); LDL (p=0.003) and TC/HDL (p<0.0001). BAZ correlated positively with TC/HDL ratio (p=0.004) and LDL/HDL ratio (p=0.002). The most common abnormalities were HDL and LDL. Conclusion: Whites exhibited more associations between dyslipidemia and anthropometric indicators as compared to Blacks, suggesting that there might be differences in the lipid metabolism or even susceptibility to risk factors in adolescents.

Women participating in endurance sports are at risk of presenting with low energy availability (EA), menstrual dysfunction (MD), and low bone mineral density (BMD), collectively termed the female athlete triad (FAT or TRIAD). Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the profile of the TRIAD among elite Kenyan female athletes and among non-athletes. There were 39 participants (athletes: 25, non-athletes:14) who provided the data for this study. Exercise energy expenditure (EEE) was deducted from energy intake (EI), and the remnant energy normalized to fat free mass (FFM) to determine energy availability (EA). Weight of all food and liquid consumed during three consecutive days determined EI. EEE was determined after isolating and deducting energy expended in exercise or physical activity above lifestyle from the total energy expenditure output as measured by Actigraph GT3X+. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) determined both FFM and BMD. Menstrual function was determined from a daily temperature-menstrual log kept by each participant for nine continuous months. Low EA (<45 kcal/kgFFM.d-1) was evident in 61.53% of the participants (athletes: 28.07 ±11.45 kcal/kgFFM.d-1, non-athletes: 56.97 ±21.38 kcal/kgFFM.d-1). The overall 36% MD seen among all participants was distributed as 40% among the athletes, and 29% among nonathletes. None of the athletes was amenorrheic. Low BMD was seen in 79% of the participants (athletes: 76%, non-athletes:86%). Overall, 10% of the participants (athletes: 4, non-athletes: 0) showed simultaneous presence of all three components of the TRIAD. The Independent sample t-test showed significant difference (t=5.860; p< 0.001) in prevalence of the TRIAD between athletes and non-athletes. The hypothesized higher prevalence of the TRIAD among athletes compared to nonathletes was partially accepted. To alleviate conditions arising from low EA, both athletes and their coaches need regular education on how to ensure they adequately me

Globally, physical inactivity is a major public health concern to human life. In modern times, technological advances, mechanization and automation have radically reduced human physical activity. Surely, it has been found that physical inactivity has significant relationship with overweight or obesity in children and adults alike. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of physical activity and health in children. The specific objective of this study was to examine these research questions regarding the physical activity and health of the South African children: Are South African children active or fit enough?; Why are children not physically active/fit?; Is it necessary for children to be physically active/fit? Is there a need for healthrelated physical activity and Physical Education programmes in the school curriculum? In addressing these questions numerous sources such as Science Direct, Sport Discus, PubMed, EBSCOHost, MEDLINE, Sabinet, Google Scholar, books, journals as well as government documents were consulted. From the reviewed sources it was evident that South African children nowadays are not as active or fit enough compared to generations of children in the past three decades. Literature indicated the prevalence of both underweight and overweight in children, with high increase in the prevalence of overweight. The most inactive children were reported to be found in urban areas, whilst rural children are found to be more active. Numerous epidemiological studies on physical activity and non-communicable diseases of lifestyle indicated that inactivity was associated with a number of non-communicable diseases of lifestyle such as obesity which is amongst other linked to high percentage body fat, hypertension, type II diabetes, low self-esteem. Evidence is available regarding the benefits of regular participation in physical activity which amongst others include cognitive development, good performance in physical fitness, hence sports, social conduc

The debate on whether participation in college sports is a "buffer" or "stressor" to student-athletes has not yielded conclusive consensus. The purpose of this study was to assess the sources of stress and coping strategies utilized by Kenyan university athletes. It was predicted that the sources of stress and coping strategies will not differ based on the university athletes' gender, age, and level of study. Data were collected through the use of modified version of COPE inventory from 210 university athletes (males 60.7% and females 38.9%). Data were analysed through independent t-test and one way ANOVA. Results showed that university athletes' sources of stress were mainly interpersonal and environmental sources. These sources of stress varied significantly based on age (F3,201=3.32, p<0.021), gender (t=2.18, df,202,p<0.03) and year of study (F4,203=4.00,p<0.04). University athletes utilized both approach and avoidance coping strategies in equal measures and with minimal differences of the predictor variables of gender (t=4.05 df=195 p<0.000) and age (F3,195=3.26, p<0.002). It is concluded that Kenyan university athletes are faced with stress levels and as such coping strategic urgent intervention measures are needed from university coaches, administrators and counselors.

The promotion of recreation and leisure through coherent strategies and policy development is a significant move towards changing the quality lives of communities. The unavailability of recreation strategies and policies are associated with negative effect on the delivery of recreation services. The purpose of the study was therefore, to determine the availability of recreation strategies and policies in for the provision of recreation service delivery in North-West Province, South Africa. A mixed-method research design involving a questionnaire and a focus group were used to collect information from a targeted sample of 20 personnel who were responsible for managing recreation at local government levels. The results showed that the majority (75%) of the local governments are in the rural settings whilst 25% are located in urban areas with limited resources. 100% local governments do not have recreation strategic plans. Policy statements concerning finance (80%), provision of human resources (90%), provision of recreation facilities (65%), provision of recreation programme (80%), coordination, planning or implementation of recreation programmes (85%), the lease of recreation facilities (75%), the appointment of administrative or supportive service (95%) or the use of volunteers (80%) were not available. A practical significant effect (phi=0.540) between area and the policy statements regarding recreation provision was observed in the provision of recreation facilities where the availability of policy in urban areas is larger than in rural areas. Focus group and sport personnel also indicated the unavailability of policies as a major issue affecting recreation service delivery. The study concluded that local governments are challenged with the lack of various policies for recreation provision. The study recommended that local governments should develop recreation strategies and policies that address recreation service delivery can be addressed. In addition, collabora

Objective To determine if insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a significant predictor of body fat percentage (%BF), lean body mass, and insulin resistance (IR) in black adolescents presenting with overnutrition and undernutrition. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 181 adolescents (111 girls, 70 boys, 13–20 years old) from a low socio-economic population in the North-West Province, South Africa. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and %BF and lean mass were assessed by air displacement plethysmography. Serum glucose, leptin, insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were measured and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Predictors of body composition and HOMA-IR were determined in multivariate linear regressions. Results Of the boys, 31% had a %BF >20%, whereas 42% of girls had a %BF >30%. Furthermore, 17.1% male and 18.9% female adolescents were stunted, indicating overnutrition and undernutrition in the same group. IGF-1 showed a negative association with %BF in both sexes, and a positive correlation with height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and lean mass, respectively, in the boys. IGF-1 correlated positively and physical activity correlated negatively with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in the girls. In both sexes, leptin had the strongest association with %BF in multiple regressions. Leptin and Tanner stage were significant predictors of HOMA-IR in girls, but not in boys. Conclusions IGF-1 was positively associated with lean mass and HAZ in boys, indicating a beneficial relationship with linear growth, but with IR in the girls, indicating possible adverse metabolic effects in the presence of high %BF and physical inactivity. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:189–197, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: There is current concern for the health and well-being of children and youth in South Africa, including habits of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior. The 2014 Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card evaluates the current activity status of children and youth. Methods: The Research Working Group was comprised of 23 experts in physical education, nutrition, sport science, public health and journalism. The search was based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature (previous 5 years), dissertations, and nonpeer-reviewed reports (‘gray’ literature) dealing with the PA and nutritional status of South African children and youth 6–18 years of age. Key indicators were identified and data extracted. Grades for each indicator were discussed and assigned. Results: Overall PA levels received a D grade, as roughly 50% or more of children and youth were not meeting recommended levels. Organized sports participation fared better with a C, and government policies were promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern and received a grade of F. Under- and over-weight were highlighted, but overweight is on the rise and this indicator was assigned a D grade. Most of the other indicators in South Africa remained the same or became worse so that grades declined from C- to D. In particular, sedentary behavior, soft-drink and fast food consumption, and an ineffectual regulatory environment to control advertising to children were a concern. There is need to engage parents and communities for advocacy and social mobilization.

The primary aim of this study was to determine factors affecting sport participation among 197 (103 females and 94 males) students aged 15-18 years (mean age: 16.5 years; s = 0.8 years) who were drawn from three secondary schools in Pretoria, South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results indicated that participants were affected mainly by sports conflicting with their studies, loss of interest to participate in sport, lack of transport after school practice, poor self-perceived competencies in sport, conflict from other personal interests, and lack of parental support. These results provide information for planning and effective delivery of sports programmes in schools

Participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is vital to ensure adequate physical work capacity for the demands of daily living and job performance. Due to work demand, most top and middle level (executive) managerial employees become physically inactive and experience psychological and other health problems which may lead to hypokinetic diseases and even premature death. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being of executive employees; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being of executive employees in selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a group of 156 (mean age; 41.22±10.17 years) available executive employees from selected African countries. Participants were grouped according to ages (≤35 years; 36–46 years and ≥ 45 years). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect the data. Subsequently, total scores were calculated for all variables. Out of 156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management positions. Age groups analysis indicated that, 31% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle levels management positions respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years, 47% occupied the top level management position and 52.8% occupied the middle level management position. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to the middle level managers (62.9%). In addition, both the top and middle level managers reported bad emotional (49.3%; 56.2%) and happiness indexes (41.8%; 37.1%) respectively. Though not significant, LTPA was positively associated with psychological well-being parameters amongst top level managers. The study concluded that both top and middle levels managers exhibited low LTPA, and with no participation in high physical activity among top level managers. In additi

Leisure-time physical inactivity is a global public health concern affecting all people in different walks of life, including employees. This inactivity is associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle as well as low work capacity. The purpose of this study were twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity- (LTPA), coronary risk-, health- and lifestyle profiles of some executive employees in selected African countries; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and health related parameters in executive employees of selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was used on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17 years) available executive employees. Participants were grouped according to age (<35 years; 36-46 years and > 46 years). Standardised questionnaires were used to collect data. Out of the156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management posts. When data were analysed according to age groups, 31% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle levels management respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years of age 47% occupied the top level management posts and 52.8% occupied the middle level management positions. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to middle level managers (62.9%). Top level managers scored higher percentages (14.9%) for developing the risk of coronary heart diseases. The results show a negative relationship between physical activity and selected health parameters, with significant negative relationships between low LTPA and daily habitual index (r= -0.52; p=0.01), and moderate LTPA and daily habitual index (r= -0.71; p<0.001) for middle level managers. It can be concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA and high risk for developing coronary heart disease. It was apparent that the managers in with low LTPA are prone to bad stages of life style, health st

It is a known fact that the provision of recreation facilities alone is not enough, and that there is a growing demand for professionally trained people and suitable department, to develop and enhance the delivery of recreation services. The purpose of this study was to determine the human resources status and department responsible for recreation service delivery in the North West province, South Africa. A mixed-method research design using a questionnaire and focus group were used on a targeted 20 personnel who are responsible for managing recreation at local government levels in the North West Province. Frequencies and phi coefficients were calculated for the quantitative data, while for qualitative data patterns were established. The results show that the majority (75%) of the local governments are in the rural settings whilst 25% found in urban areas with limited resources. It was found that 60% of the personnel are in the middle management with 40% in the top management. A total of 25% of the personnel are reported to have diploma qualification. From the results it is clear that recreation services delivery is widely spread across numerous service points; the Department of Parks accounted for 25%; Social Services 20% and other departments 20%, and 35% uncertainty. The focus groups discussion indicated that no agreement regarding which department must be responsible for recreation service delivery. It is concluded from the present results that human resources and department responsible for recreation service delivery are inconsistent and as such warranting urgent intervention from stakeholders dealing with recreation.

Physical inactivity (PI) is found to be a major contributor to the high incidence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. As such, PI was significantly related to risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Studies especially in the 14-years in adolescents' learners are sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine the health-related physical fitness (HRPF), body composition and physical activity (PA) status among adolescent learners. A total of 283 adolescents learners (111 boys and 172 girls) with mean age of 14.90±0.72 years from the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS) were participants in the study. Body composition according to the standard procedures of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK), HRPF using the Eurofit protocol test and PA levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were assessed and administered. Subsequently, total PA scores were calculated. The results show that on average, the boys (165.41±9.55cm) were significantly taller than the girls (157.88±6.94cm) (p<0.000). Girls had a slightly higher significant BMI (21.43±4.37 kg/m2) than the boys (20.01±3.71 kg/m2) (p=0.002). When the learners were categorised based on their BMI scores, the girls were more overweight (32.4%) compared to the boys (17.1%). Additionally, the girls (%body fat 26.01±8.51) were substantially (p<0.000) fatter than the boys (13.19±8.56). Furthermore, the results also indicated that the boys had consistently better performances in all the HRPF tests than the girls (p<0.000). More girls (19%) than boys (16%) watched TV for more than 3 hours daily. A total of 85 (30%), 78 (27.5%) and 88 (31.1%) of the adolescent students had low, moderate and high PA involvement. It was concluded that girls were more overweight and less active than boys. In view of the health implications of the findings, there is a need to create enabling environment and opportunities that will promote physically

It is known that sexual maturation is dependent on genetic and environmental factors and socio-economic status. The purpose of this study was to describe secondary sexual characteristics of stunted and non-stunted black South African boys from a low socio-economic status living in a township in the North West Province. A total of 129 boys aged 12 to 16 years participated in the study. Height and weight were measured according to the standard protocol suggested by the International Society of Kinanthropometry, and secondary sexual maturation on voice changes, pubic hair and genital stage development were assessed by Tanner stage questionnaire. The results show an increasing height and weight with age among the boys. Furthermore, the results show that the non-stunted boys reached pubertal development earlier than the stunted boys, which starts first with sign of voice breaking at age 13.04(SD2.90) years followed by pubic hair and genital development. In conclusion, the boys were at a less developed pubertal stage compared to boys of a similar age in other studies and stunted boys tended to be at an even earlier development stage than non-stunted boys of a similar age.

Excessive body fat is one of the main contributing factors in many health related health debilitating diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and coronary arterioscleroses. The objective of this study was to determine whether a ten month physical activity intervention (PAI) programme could alter the body composition of 9-13 year old boys. A total of 322 (173=experimental group (EG) and 149=control group (CG)) from two primary schools in Gauteng province of South Africa were studied. Body composition measures were assessed by body mass index and percentage body fat using the protocol of International Society for Kinanthropometry (ISAK, 2001). Body mass index (BMI) which was calculated as body mass/stature2 (kg/m2) was used to predict obesity. Percentage body fat was determined according to the formula developed by Slaughter, Lohman, Boileau, Horswill et al. (1988). Descriptive statistics, pre-test and post-test comparisons were done by dependent t-test using Statistica software. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 and practical significant levels were set at ES ≥ 0.8. Slight decrease in percentage body fat was found among boys in the EG as compared to those the CG after the ten month of PAI. The CG showed a practical significant increase of 4.21 (pre-test =16.28; post-test =20.49) (ES ≥ 0.2) in percentage body fat. It was evident from these findings that the participation in the PAI had beneficial health outcomes. Therefore, strategies for the inclusion of physical activity programmes in schools and after-school community physical activity programmes are recommended.

Regular physical exercise conditioning is already acknowledged for many years as an important component in healthy living, as well as an effective management modality in the later phases of rehabilitation for patients suffering from chronic / non-communicable diseases. Very little information regarding the involvement of "exercise therapists" during the in-hospital phase is available. The purpose of this study was to assess by means of a systematic literature review, the relevant application of physical conditioning during the in-hospital phase (acute phase) for some clinical conditions and which health professionals use as an interventions. A total of 38 studies were found from the internet search engines and other relevant sources. Of these studies 17 research studies complied with the criteria relevant to the purpose of the study. Only literature which reported on some structured physical training programme during the in-hospital phase were analyzed for the purpose of this study. Seven (7) out of seventeen (17) reviewed studies indicate that physiotherapists were primarily responsible for the physical conditioning management required for orthopedic patients during the in-hospital phase, while the remaining 10 were based on other chronic and non-communicable diseases. Regarding the application of physical conditioning during the in-hospital phase for lifestyle related as well as other chronic, non-communicable diseases, no clarity could be found about which health professionals were responsible for the treatment required. From the reviewed literature it became clear that a knowledge gap exists in health science research literature regarding the use of physical exercise conditioning during the in-hospital phase (acute phase) for some clinical conditions. In addition, no specific conclusion was made about which health professional were responsible for the treatment of patients especially for non-communicable diseases. It is therefore, recommended that more research

objective To evaluate demographic variation in the prevalence of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) among 3240 children and adolescents (girls: n = 1714; boys: n = 1526) aged 9–16 years attending primary and secondary schools in Benue State of Nigeria. methods Participants’ anthropometric characteristics (body weight, stature, body mass index: BMI and lean body mass: LBM) were determined using standard protocols. OW and OB were estimated using International Obesity task Force diagnostic criteria. Data were analysed with one-way anova and binary logistic regression method. results Overall, 88.5%, 9.7% and 1.8% of the adolescents had normal BMI and were OW and obese, respectively. Prevalence of OW was higher among girls (20.3%) than boys (16.2%), whereas a relatively higher incidence of OB was noted among the boys (3.5%). Girls in urban areas had a significantly higher BMI (t524 = 3.61, P = 0.002) than their rural peers, but the rural girls were more significantly OW than their urban counterparts (BMI: t1186 = 2.506). Logistic regression models assessing the influence of age, gender and location on OW⁄OB in children (a2 (3, N = 1014) = 6.185, P = 0.103) and adolescents (a2 (3, N = 2226) = 1.435, P = 0.697) did not turn up significant results. In the gender-specific analysis, the younger boys’ model was also not significant (a2 (2, N = 488) = 1.295, P = 0.523) in contrast to the girls’ (a2 (2, N = 526) = 15.637, P = 0.0005), thus discriminating between OW and healthy weight among the children. Overall, the model explained 2.9–4.4% of the variance in weight status and correctly classified 76.8% of the cases. Age wise, the model yielded a significant odds ratio of 1.49, suggesting that the likelihood of being OW increases by a factor of 1.5 with a unit increase in age. Also, the likelihood of an urban girl becoming OW or obese was 0.57 times that of a rural girl. conclusions In general, girls in urban areas had higher prevalence of OW and OB than girls in rural settings. A

Background Little is known about the relationship between body composition and physical fitness in 14 year-old high school adolescents of South Africa. Baseline data from a longitudinal study on physical activity and health (PAHLS) may provide valuable information for future studies, hence to inform public health policy makers. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of underweight, normal weight and overweight among adolescents aged 14 years in the Tlokwe Local Municipality of the North West Province of South Africa, and to assess the association between physical fitness and body composition separately for boys and girls, adjusted for race and locality. Methods Body weight, height and triceps, and subscapular skinfolds of 256 adolescents (100 boys and 156 girls) aged 14 years were measured, and percentage body fat and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. BMI was used to determine underweight, normal weight and overweight based on the standard criterion. Physical fitness was assessed by standing broad jump, bent arm hang and sit-ups according to the EUROFIT fitness standard procedures. Multinomial logistic regression analyses stratified for gender and adjusted for race (black or white), and the locality (urban or township) of the schools were used to analyze the data. Results In the total group 35.9% were underweight and 13.7% overweight. Boys were more underweight (44%) than girls (30.7%). The prevalence of overweight was 8% in boys and 17.3% in girls. BMI was strongly (p = 0.01) related with percentage body fat. Strong and significant positive associations between physical fitness and BMI for the underweight girls with high physical fitness scores (OR, 10.69 [95%CI: 2.81-40.73], and overweight girls with high physical fitness scores (OR, 0.11 [95%CI: 0.03-0.50]) were found. Non-significant weaker positive relationship between physical fitness and BMI for the underweight boys with high physical fitness scores (OR, 1.80 [95%CI: 0.63-5.09]), an

Risk factors for development of cardiovascular disease develop early in life and track into adulthood. This study investigated the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and measures of body composition in adolescents. The study participants were 307 adolescents. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric parameters: (weight, height, waist (WC) and hip circumferences), triceps skinfolds (TSKF) and subscapular (SSKF) skinfolds were measured. From these parameters, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), subscapular skinfold/ triceps skinfold (S/T) ratio and subscapular skinfold/ subscapular skinfold + triceps skinfold (S/ST) ratio were calculated and used as measures of body composition. In addition, percentage body fat was determined using air displacement plethysmography and the BODPOD scale. Prehypertension/hypertension was observed in 21.3% of the girls and 33.1% of the boys. No gender differences in BP were observed. Twenty-five (8.1%) of the children were overweight/obese and the prevalence in girls was higher than in boys (Χ2=6.08, p=0.048). In girls systolic blood pressure (SBP) was predicted from age, WC and TSKF while in boys it was predicted from height, TSKF and SSKF. No significant association was found between blood pressure, BMI and lifestyle factors. The study concluded that SBP in adolescents correlates with anthropometric parameters. In girls, peripheral fat was strongly related to SBP, while in boys centrally located fat showed strong association with SBP. WC rather than WHR correlated positively with SBP in both genders.

Research from other sporting codes highlighted the importance of taking positional differences into consideration when developing mental skills training (MST) programmes, due to the different requirements of each playing position. The purpose of this study was to determine the possible positional differences in mental skill levels among 91 tertiary institution male field hockey players. The participants competed in the University Sport of South Africa (USSA) tournament and were categorised into four positional groups [i.e., goalkeepers (n = 12), forwards (n = 24), midfielders (n = 25) and backs (n = 30). The participants completed the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool (OMSAT-3), which measures 12 mental skill subscales. The positional results were compared by means of effect sizes (expressed as Cohen‘s d-value) and yielded 18 moderate and 13 large practical significant differences among the four positional groups. Collectively, these results show that the goalkeepers had the lowest scores for seven of the 12 tested mental skills, whereas the midfielders outperformed the other positional groups in six of the 12 tested mental skills. From the results, it can be concluded that positional demands and differences should be taken into consideration when developing and implementing MST programmes for field hockey players.

Background: No information exists on the nutritional status of primary school children residing in Makurdi, Nigeria. It is envisaged that the data could serve as baseline data for future studies, as well as inform public health policy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition among urban school children in Makurdi, Nigeria. Methods: Height and weight of 2015 (979 boys and 1036 girls), aged 9-12 years, attending public primary school in Makurdi were measured and the body mass index (BMI) calculated. Anthropometric indices of weight-for-age (WA) and height-for-age (HA) were used to estimate the children’s nutritional status. The BMI thinness classification was also calculated. Results: Underweight (WAZ < -2) and stunting (HAZ < -2) occurred in 43.4% and 52.7%, respectively. WAZ and HAZ mean scores of the children were -0.91(SD = 0.43) and -0.83 (SD = 0.54), respectively. Boys were more underweight (48.8%) than girls (38.5%), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.024; p < 0.05). Conversely, girls tend to be more stunted (56.8%) compared to boys (48.4%) (p = 0.004; p < 0.05). Normal WAZ and HAZ occurred in 54.6% and 44.2% of the children, respectively. Using the 2007 World Health Organisation BMI thinness classification, majority of the children exhibited Grade 1 thinness (77.3%), which was predominant at all ages (9-12 years) in both boys and girls. Gender wise, 79.8% boys and 75.0% girls fall within the Grade I thinness category. Based on the WHO classification, severe malnutrition occurred in 31.3% of the children. Conclusions: There is severe malnutrition among the school children living in Makurdi. Most of the children are underweight, stunted and thinned. As such, providing community education on environmental sanitation and personal hygienic practices, proper child rearing, breast-feeding and weaning practices would possibly reverse the trends.

The aims of the study were to determine student field hockey players’ perceived need for Mental skills training (MST), and their perceptions regarding their ability to prepare psychologically for matches, as well as to compile a general profile of their psychological skills for the total group and by gender. A total of 197 (91 men and 106 women) South African field hockey players at tertiary institutions who participated in the University Sport of South Africa (USSA) tournament, took part in the study. The subjects completed two standardised sport psychological questionnaires (the Psychological Skills Inventory (PSI) and the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool-3 (OMSAT-3). Descriptive statistics, t-tests and frequency analyses were calculated using SPSS for Windows (Version 3.1). The results from the PSI questionnaire showed poor values for skills such as goal directedness, activation control, maintaining selfconfidence, concentration and imagery among the total group. Significant gender differences in which the male subjects performed better than the females were observed for concentration, achievement motivation and activation control. The highest mean scores on the OMSAT-3 were found for goal setting, self-confidence and commitment. Significant gender differences were observed for goal setting and commitment (in which the females performed better than the males), whilst the males fared better than the females in stress reaction. The participants in the study perceived MST as an important tool to enhance performance in field hockey. From these results, it can be recommended that sport psychologists and other role players in field hockey pay more attention to the development and implementation of MST programmes.