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All-out exercise may not impair all central nervous system processes, such as those related to visual-motor abilities, and may actually prove stimulatory to such tasks allowing athletes and sports conditioning specialists to develop strategies to take advantage of/mitigate the effects of such exercise on athletic performance.Despite research indicating that visual-motor abilities play a critical role in athletic performance, research has primarily focused on the effect of all-out exercise on processes along the motor pathway, such as resultant force production or simple cognitive tasks. Such research has neglected to investigate the effect of all-out exercise on visual tasks. When investigations on visual tasks are forthcoming, they focus on prolonged aerobic exercise, which is not the primary metabolic pathway for all, or even the majority of sports.Sixty untrained males (experimental group;Significant (Although the mechanisms underlying these improvements in visual task performance have not yet been studied, this study suggests that simple anaerobic all-out exercise does not cause central- or brain-based fatigue impairing the oculomotor system but may rather provide "excitability" of the underlying motor cortex, motoneurons and/or corticofugal connections utilised in visual task response. It appears that the sweeping improvements in visual task performance elucidate the need for an intense anaerobic warm-up when training visual skills and when visual skills form an integral part of athletic performance.

This randomised controlled trial examined the effect of volume-equated programmes of Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training, executed at frequencies of 1- or 2-days per week, on explosive athletic tasks (30 m sprint, 15 m manoeuvrability and standing long jump [SLJ]) in male youth soccer players (mean age: 10.3 ± 0.5 years). Players were divided into an experimental group (n = 31) which was further subdivided into 1-day (n = 16) and 2-days (n = 15) per week training conditions, and a control group (n = 14). There were significant group-by-time interactions for 30-m sprint (

Continuing epidemiological and clinical studies have accumulated evidence that appropriate regular physical activity (PA) results in significant health benefits and can even prevent and treat many diseases like cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, stress, anxiety, and depression. These benefits are universal to all populations and age groups making physical activity a critical component in reducing many of the leading causes of global mortality. Additional benefits have also been found to follow an expanding quantity and quality of PA through the proper manipulation of the exercise design (i.e., frequency, intensity, duration, and mode). Global health benefits are achievable through physical activity, but this requires competent health professionals able to prescribe appropriate physical activity to their clients, patients, and communities to ensure engagement in increasing their PA levels and thus contribute to their own well-being and the prevention of the main non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs).

This brief overview and commentary explores the effect of exercise training on muscular strength, and the influence of genetics on the level of response and adaptation between individuals. We aim to outline and explore some limitations within the current research and discuss how future research could address these. Muscular strength is a vital component of health-related fitness, and is needed for exercise performance, health, general mobility, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The improvement of strength, especially in those that are physically inactive, is critical to improve and maintain an individual’s health and fitness. In this regard, current research supports the notion that an individual’s genetics play a significant role in the strength adaptions following training. It has been reported that up to 80% of the inter-individual variability following exercise training between individuals, can be explained by one’s there are significant differences in the improvements of strength between separate allele specific groups, following a standardised 12-week exercise intervention. Yet, an important omission in current research studies is that this genetic information in not clearly provided, meaning that results are over-generalised and difficult to compare to other studies, effectively reducing their ecological validity. We, therefore, propose recommendations for future research to address the current gaps within strength training and genetics. Furthermore, we suggest that future studies, where possible, try to employ a more transparent method of reporting genotype information.

Introduction: Infant mortality is highest in preterm births. Cervical length may indicate early preterm delivery, according to studies. We assessed cervical length, gestational age, birth weight, and delivery Apgar scores. Methods: This research included 100 women bearing 100 live foetuses (mean maternal age: 29.42±6.26 years, mean gestational range 18-20 weeks). Transvaginal ultrasound measured cervical length in all women. Birth weight, gestational age, and Apgar scores were recorded. Results: 0% had cervical length less than 15 mm, 9% 15-25 mm, 75% 25-35 mm, and 16% >35 mm. ANOVA showed a significant relationship between cervical length classification and gestational age (p=0.031) and birth weight (p=0.001), but not Apgar scores (p=0.35) or gestational age at birth (p=0.29). Birth weight correlated significantly (p=0.04). Conclusions: Cervical length screening during the second trimester should be regular in selected nations or areas to decrease premature labour.

The study examined the effects of exercise on health-fitness, health related quality of life (HRQOL), and psychological measures in college-aged smokers. Outcomes included HRQOL, hemodynamic, anthropometric, lung function, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Sixty physically inactive college-aged male smokers (18–30 years) were randomly assigned into three groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), continuous aerobic training (CAT), and a control (CON). Both HIIT and CAT groups completed 8 weeks of non-consecutive cycling sessions thrice weekly. The CON group were not subjected to the exercise intervention. Sixty participants met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 48 (HIIT: n = 18, CAT: n = 16, CON: n = 14) participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Compared to CON, HIIT significantly (p = 0.01) improved forced expiratory flow (FEF_75%) more than the CAT group (p = 0.29). HIIT provided a significant (p = 0.04) improvement in FEF_75% compared to CAT. Recovery heart rate (RHR) was significantly improved in participants assigned to HIIT (p = 0.00) and CAT (p = 0.002) groups compared with the CON. A significant difference in RHR was found in HIIT compared to CAT. The study findings indicate that both HIIT and CAT exercise interventions significantly improve markers of lung function and cardiorespiratory endurance, respectively. However, findings suggested that HIIT should be the preferred form of exercise regime among college-aged smokers for more significant, healthier benefits.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death and continuous efforts are needed to reduce CVD risk and established CVD. Most exercise training guidelines do not recommend RT as an integral component of an overall CVD prevention and/or rehabilitation programme. This is notwithstanding the increasing evidence of RT’s orthopaedic and hemodynamic safety, its cardioprotective effects and positive effects on mortality, and even its unique role on improving the comorbidities associated with CVD. As with cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness is increasingly being demonstrated to be related to the integrated function of numerous physiological systems and as a reflection of whole-body health and function. As such, ‘“counting reps’” should be as important as ‘“counting steps’” in any CVD prevention and management programme. While many current international recommendations and guidelines are based on the fact that not all health benefits can be achieved through a single type of exercise, emphasis is still placed on aerobic training over RT. This chapter will not only discuss the importance of RT in overall CVD prevention and/or rehabilitation, but will directly inform recommendations and provide guidelines on practical exercise as a safe and foundational component of CVD programmes.

Contrary to the longstanding taboo of resistance training (RT) as a therapeutic treatment, RT has been gaining importance as a safe therapeutic option in the management of numerous diseases. Although exercise has well-documented health benefits on cardiovascular disease (CVD), the benefit of RT on CVD risk factors is not yet as widely prescribed as other modes of exercise. Due to its efficacy in the management of CVD, RT should be regarded as a complementary therapeutic treatment rather than a substitute to other modes of exercise therapy. While it is clear that RT can result in an attenuation of CVD risk, the various RT design options related to intensity and volume and how they impact on CVD risk, especially in different populations (i.e. children, elderly, women) is not yet well documented. This chapter will discuss the physiological phenomenon and benefits of RT as a therapeutic intervention aiming to manage CVD risk.

Background: Despite it being purported that acute, prolonged maximal periods of exercise may impair visual performance, little/no research on this topic is forthcoming. In fact, research has demonstrated that sub-maximal and maximal acute exercise may actually improve cognitive and sensory tasks and thus possibly improve visual performance. Objectives: This study aimed to ascertain the influence of an acute, prolonged maximal bout of exercise on visual performance. Methods: A quantitative study was undertaken with 60 untrained males being divided into a control group (CON; n = 30) or treatment group (TRE; n = 30). Both groups completed a baseline vision test battery consisting of accommodation facility, saccadic eye movement, speed of recognition, peripheral awareness, visual memory, and hand-eye coordination using the following tests; Hart Near Far Rock, saccadic eye movement, evasion, accumulator, flash memory and Ball Wall Toss tests. Two weeks later, participants returned for follow-up testing using the same vision test battery, with the TRE participants first engaging in a standardized incremental maximal treadmill protocol immediately prior to their vision testing. Results: Following the incremental maximal treadmill protocol, statistical analyses indicated that statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences existed for accommodation facility, saccadic eye movements, speed of recognition, hand-eye coordination, peripheral awareness, and visual memory between pre-test and after the aerobic treatment (P = 0.00 for all measures). Conclusions: This study indicates that an acute, prolonged maximal bout of running improves visual performance. As such, an appropriate prolonged maximal warm-up may be required as opposed to a standardized and general warm-up when preparing an athlete for visual skills training or for participation in an athletic event that requires optimal visual performance.

Background — Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common problem among office workers. The main reason is related to the long time spent sitting and the associated lack of physical activity. Musculoskeletal pain can affect not only their work-related performance, but also their personal performance and quality of life. Research has mainly focused on the effects of physical activity in managing musculoskeletal pain in office workers, while research is sparse pertaining to the possible role of mental imagery on reducing musculoskeletal pain in office workers. While mental imagery has only a minor effect on pain modulation in healthy individuals, its effect appears to be more pronounced in those with chronic pain. Aim — This commentary attempts to present beneficial mental imagery techniques that can be used solely or in combination with physical exercise in an office-based setting to improve musculoskeletal pain to enhance work performance and quality of life among office workers.

BACKGROUND Lower limb spasticity, as is common following a cerebrovascular attack (CVA) or stroke, can affect the balance and gait of patients. This then not only affects independence, and quality of life, but also increases the risk for other concerns, such as falling and an increased sedentariness, which could further affect health outcomes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the effect of ankle plantar flexor spasticity severity on balance and to determine the relationship between the spasticity severity with ankle proprioception, passive range of motion (ROM), and balance confidence in post-stroke patients. METHODS Twenty-eight post-stroke patients were divided into two groups based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) as a High Spasticity Group (HSG) (MMAS>2) (n=14) or a Low Spasticity Group (LSG) (MMAS≤2) (n=14). The MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Questionnaire, postural sway in the open and closed eyes conditions, timed up and go (TUG) test, ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion (ROM), and ankle joint proprioception were measured. RESULTS No significant (p>0.05) differences were found between the LSG and HSG in terms of balance confidence, dynamic balance, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM. In addition, postural sway in the open and closed eye conditions was not significantly different in both the LSG and HSG for both the less affected and affected limbs. Similarly, posturography indicators in the open and closed eye conditions were not significantly different in both the LSG and HSG for both the less affected and affected limbs. However, ankle joint proprioception in terms of repositioning error angle was significantly (p≤0.05) better in the LSG compared to the HSG (p=0.01). There was also a significant relationship between TUG scores and balance confidence in the HSG(r=-0.55, p=0.04) CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that several aspects of balance needs to be considered in the assessment and rehabilitation of post-stroke patients and there is a need to monitor entire patterns of activities to support wider engagement in rehabilitation activities. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/16045

Background: Various training protocols have been used in combat sports, including Taekwondo (TKD), to rapidly improve performance and to avoid injury by balancing the exercise intensity and the athletes’ metabolic tolerance and hormonal response. However, little is known about such metabolic responses in previously-trained individuals. Objectives: To investigate the effects of a concurrent TKD plus resistance (RT) training program on post-exercise blood biomarkers of physiological stress in previously-trained individuals. Methods: Twenty-eight (16 males: 12 females) previously-trained individuals aged 20 - 26 years were matched by gender and randomly divided into either moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercising group (MODG) or a high-intensity exercising group (HIG). The MODG performed TKD training at a target training intensity of 55 - 70% (weeks 1 - 2) and 70 - 85% (weeks 3 - 4) maximum heart rate (HRmax) and RT training for four sets of 10 - 15 repetitions for each of the 13 whole-body RT exercises. The HIG performed TKD training at a target training intensity of 85 - 100% (weeks 1 - 2) and 95 - 100% (weeks 3 - 4) HRmax and RT training for five sets of 10 - 15 repetitions for each of the 13 whole-body RT exercises. A structured taekwondo tasks (sTT) test was conducted before and after the training period. Results: Significant post-exercise improvements were found for total testosterone (P = 0.02), free testosterone (P = 0.01), C/T ratio (P = 0.03) and lactate (P = 0.03) in the mixed gender HIG. With regards to the specific gender effects, post-exercise improvements were found in S-CPK in the male MODG and HIG, with improvements in uric acid only in the male HIG. In turn, post-exercise improvements were found for total testosterone, testosterone binding globulin, free testosterone in the female MODG and HIG, with post-exercise improvements in S-CPK and uric acid in the female HIG only. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that even a short period of concurrent taekwondo and resistance training improves adaptation and post-exercise responses to physiological stress, and such adaptation may even be more marked in previously-trained female athletes. Thus, this mode of training may provide a novel exercise training modality to rapidly improve an individuals’ capacity to exercise, especially in situations of plateau, while avoiding overtraining and an increased concomitant chance of illness and musculoskeletal injury.

Preventing impairments in athletic performance is an important concept for students that are preparing for careers that involve working with athletes. Gaining hands on, laboratory-based experience in measuring exercise induced dehydration can help students understand how to help athletes prevent dehydration induced impairment in performance. This article describes a laboratory exercise for junior and senior students in a sports nutrition class, in which the students measure changes in body mass (as a measure of dehydration) due to 40 min of moderate-intensity exercise and 40 min of vigorous-intensity exercise. The students also measure how much water is in a mouthful from a sports bottle and from a drinking fountain. The students then calculate how many mouthfuls are necessary to replace exercise induced fluid losses. This laboratory exercise has been well received by students and has improved performance on the test regarding hydration.

This study aimed to determine if a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHFD) provides any benefits of glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, either alone or in conjunction with ...

Background: Obesity is currently one of the most dominating diseases affecting younger adults in South Africa. This is commonly caused by a poor lifestyle, which may lead to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine if a six-week concurrent resistance and aerobic training program could elicit body composition and cardiorespiratory changes in rural black college women. Methods: Forty sedentary black females (aged 18 - 25 years) were randomly assigned to a combined resistance and aerobic training (COM) group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The COM group participated in four times weekly aerobic and resistance training. Aerobic training consisted of 30 minutes a session (week 1 - 3: cycling for 3 minutes at 60% heart rate reserve (HRR), followed by 2 minutes at 50% HRR; week 4 - 6: 3 minutes at 70% HRR, followed by 2 minutes at 60% HRR). Resistance training consisted of participants training at 50% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for week 1 - 3, doing 3 sets of 15 repetitions; for week 4 - 6 at 60% 1-RM, doing 3 sets of 15 repetitions. Results: Following the intervention, the COM group significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased their body fat percentage when compared to the control group (P = 0.006; d = 0.9), while no significant changes were observed in waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.223) and cardiorespiratory endurance (P = 0.260) in either group. Conclusions: Although body composition (especially waist circumference and body fat percentage) and cardiorespiratory fitness are recommended as the main targets of physical activity programs aimed at preventing CVD in college students, this study demonstrated that a six-week concurrent program improved body fat percentage, and not WHR and cardiorespiratory fitness, in sedentary rural college-aged females. Further, these findings suggest that one method of program design does not fit all populations and that exercise prescription should be targeted and not generalized.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) exemplifies a major medical problem as it is the most considerable cause of morbidity and mortality. While sport conditioning specialists understand and differentiate the different benefits of resistance training (RT) subtypes on athletic performance, this distinction is less clear for health professionals when designing CVD risk reduction programs. Objectives: This study attempted to investigate and compare the effects of hypertrophy and muscular endurance RT on CVD risk in sedentary males. Methods: Sedentary male smokers were randomly assigned to either an eight-week hypertrophy RT group (HTG) (n = 15), muscular endurance RT groups (METG) (n = 15), or a non-exercising control group (CON) (n = 15) to assess their impact on smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) variables associated with the four most prominent CVD risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25 software using a paired sample t-test and ANOVA. Results: Significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvements were found in three of the 15 measured variables in the HTG (resting mean arterial pressure (RMAP) (P = 0.024); total cholesterol (TC): HDL-C ratio (P = 0.009), and HDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ratio (P = 0.038), with a deleterious decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.027). In turn, significant improvements were found in the METG in 10 of the 15 measured variables, namely; cigarettes smoked per day (P = 0.037), resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP) (P = 0.002), resting diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) (P = 0.006), RMAP (P = 0.000), TC (P = 0.010), triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.010), LDL-C (P = 0.007), HDL-C: LDL-C (P = 0.018), non-HDL-C (n-HDL-C) (P = 0.010), and VO2max (P = 0.001), and a deleterious decrease in HDL-C (P = 0.026). Conclusions: While the oversimplification of RT design for CVD reduction has resulted in cardio-centric CVD training programs, this study demonstrates that some subtypes of RT (i.e. muscular endurance training) may prove more useful than others in reducing multiple CVD risk factors simultaneously.

Background: Exergaming is an ideal vehicle for promoting regular physical activity among children who may be reluctant to participate in traditional types of exercise. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of six weeks of exergaming and traditional video gaming on body composition and cardiovascular fitness variables among overweight and obese children. Methods: Thirty-one overweight and obese children (11.40 ± 0.86 years) were recruited from three primary schools in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Participants were assigned to either an exergaming group (n = 11), traditional gaming group (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). Body composition variables (body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) and cardiovascular fitness variables (resting heart rate (RHR), resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak)) were measured. A paired sample t-test was used to determine changes from baseline to post-assessment within each group. Results: No significant improvements were observed in BMI percentile among the exergaming group (P = 0.25), traditional gaming group (P = 0.06) and control group (P = 0.25). Waist-to-hip ratio significantly decreased following exergaming (P = 0.050), but not following traditional gaming (P = 0.060) and in control group (P = 0.200). Significant improvement in RHR was found in the exergaming group (P = 0.010), but none in the traditional gaming group (P = 0.280) and control group (P = 0.720). No significant improvements were noted in resting SBP following exergaming (P = 0.790), traditional video gaming (P = 0.730) and in the control group (P = 0.610). Diastolic blood pressure did not significantly improve in the exergaming group (P = 0.070), traditional video gaming group (P = 0.360) or control group (P = 0.100). Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) did not significantly improve in the exergaming group (P = 0.830), traditional gaming group (P = 0.710) or control group (P = 0.450). Conclusions: Findings indicate that six weeks of exergaming induced favorable changes in waist-to-hip ratio and RHR among overweight and obese children. Thereby demonstrating that non-traditional modes of exercise such as exergaming can be used as an alternative to traditional modes of exercise to induce somebody composition and cardiovascular changes.

The present study aimed to compare the visual expertise of non-athletes (n = 40; 19–35 years old; age: 22.13 ± 2.37 years) to amateur, non-professional South-African Rugby Union (SARU) first-division club rugby players (n = 40; 19–35 years old; age: 23.88 ± 4.36 years; training age mean: 9.0 ± 1.5 years). Research suggests that athletes have enhanced visio-spatial expertise in comparison to non-athletes. However, conflicting research suggests that this is not always the case as non-athletes possess similar visio-spatial expertise in certain visual skills. Participants underwent an optometric assessment after which the following 6 visio-spatial intelligence (VSI) components were measured; accommodation facility, saccadic eye movement, speed of recognition, peripheral awareness, visual memory and hand-eye coordination using the following tests; hart near far rock, saccadic eye movement, evasion, accumulator, flash memory and ball wall toss tests. Results indicated that first-division rugby players performed significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) in five of the six tests performed, except for visual memory (p = 0.893). While this study substantiates the notion that athletes, in this case first-division rugby players, performs significantly better in most VSI components, this is not the case for all, as with visual memory in this study. To more accurately distinguish between athletes and non-athletes, research should move away from tests that focus on basic visual function and develop sport specific testing methods that can be used by a variety of sports., Perceptual performance, Sport vision, Visual classification, Visual function.

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can result in micro- and macrovascular complications and is complicated by an impaired healing process. Research suggests that both dietary factors and habitual physical activity influence the hemostatic system through several pathways. Objectives: The study attempted to investigate if a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHFD), on its own or in conjunction with physical activity, could alter hematologic variables in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Participants (n = 39; 31 - 71 y.) were assigned into three groups, which included either a 16 week continuous physical activity program with the consumption of an LCHFD (ExDG) (n = 13; 41 - 71 y), consuming only a LCHFD group (DietG) (n = 13; 31 - 71 y.), or a control group (ConG) (n = 13; 44 - 69 y). Participants in the ExDG were advised only to consume a diet high in fat and not consume more than 50 g of carbohydrates per day. Furthermore, participants had to walk a minimum of 10000 steps per day. The DietG were instructed to only consume a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, where the ConG continued with their normal daily routine. Results: No significant changes (P > 0.05) were observed in white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, platelets, red blood cell distribution width, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and C-reactive protein following ExDG, DietG or in the ConG. Conclusions: A LCHFD on its own or in conjunction with physical activity does not have any effect on the measured hematologic variables in patients with type 2 diabetes. This may be due to the current popular recommendation of LCHFD not being useful in type 2 diabetics and 10000 steps being of insufficient intensity to improve hematologic parameters in type 2 diabetics.

Background: Exercise is related to enhanced cognitive functioning and brain plasticity. Exercise might represent a potential adjunctive treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, group exercise may prove especially useful due to its additional benefits. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of low-cost, group-based exercise on mental outcomes in patients with mild to moderate AD. Methods: Participants with mild to moderate AD were randomized to either a non-exercising control (CON) group or a group-exercise (GEX) group (n = 20 each). The GEX participated in eight weeks of three-times-weekly non-consecutive 45-minute sessions consisting of balance, resistance, aerobic, and flexibility exercises to determine their effect on mental outcomes, namely, cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and quality of life (QOL). Results: The intervention program showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (P = 0.023). While the GEX were found to have no change in their (Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study activities of daily living) ADCS-ADL scores (P = 0.574). The CON demonstrated a significant, but deleterious 13.77% decrease in their ADCS-ADL scores from pre- to mid-test (P = 0.023) and from pre- to post-test (P = 0.038). Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease (QOL-AD) scores were unchanged in both the GEX and CON. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a low-cost, multidimensional group exercise intervention can positively influence cognitive function and improve patients with mild to moderate AD ability to perform ADLs.

Background: Millions of South African youths participate in team sports, with netball and rugby being two of the largest worldwide. This increased participation and professionalism has resulted in an increase in the number of musculoskeletal injuries. Objectives: This study examined the extent to which sport coaching knowledge translates to the injuries and prevention of injuries in adolescents participating in netball and rugby. Methods: Thirty-four South African sport coaches participated in the study. Eighteen netball coaches and 16 rugby coaches with varying levels of coaching experience were selected to participate. An adapted version of Nash and Sproule’s questionnaire was used to investigate the coaches’ knowledge with regards to sport specific common injuries, injury prevention, fitness/conditioning, individual technique development, training programs, mental training, and preparation of players. The analysis of data was carried out using a number of different techniques, outlined by Nash and Sproule (2012). These techniques were determined by the type of data. Descriptive data was used to provide statistical analysis. Quantitative data was used to determine the educational framework and knowledge of sport coaches on injury prevention. Numerical data was obtained through questions on sport injuries, as well as coaches’ sport knowledge level. Participants’ knowledge was measured using a standardized scoring system. Results: For the 0-4 years of netball coaching experience, 76.4% of the coaches had knowledge and experience and 33.3% appropriate first aid knowledge, while for the 9-12 years and 13-16 years, 100% of the coaches had knowledge and experience and first aid knowledge. For the 0 - 4 years in rugby coaching experience, 59.1% had knowledge and experience and 71% the appropriate first aid knowledge, for the 17 - 20 years 100% had knowledge and experience and first aid, while for higher or equal to 25 years, 45.5% had knowledge and experience. In netball, 90% of injuries consisted of ankle injuries, followed by 70% for knee, 50% for shoulder, 20% for lower leg, and 15% for finger injuries. In rugby, 81% of the injuries occurred at the knee, followed by 50% for shoulder, 40% for ankle, 31% for head and neck, and 25% for hamstring injuries. Six hours of training resulted in a 13% chance of injuries in netball and a 32% chance in rugby. For 10 hours of training, the injury prevalence was 10% in netball and 17% in rugby, while 15 hours resulted in an injury incidence of 58% in netball players and a 25% chance in rugby players. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for coaches to improve their knowledge in relation to injuries and injury prevention, along with factors that act as a preventative measure and promote players’ well-being.

Objective ― The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive and exercise rehabilitation training, and non-invasive brain stimulation on the gait of schizophrenic patients suffering from depression disorder. Methods ― Fifty-five male schizophrenic patients suffering from depression disorder aged 24 to 66 years were assigned to either a control group (n=10), cognitive rehabilitation group (n=10), exercise rehabilitation training group (n=13), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) group (n=11) or multimodal intervention group (n=11). Gait was measured using a 10-meter gait speed test under normal, in dual-task cognitive-gait, and in dual task motor-gait conditions. Results ― Gait speed during the 10-meter walk test under normal conditions was significantly (P≤0.05) different from pre- to post-test in the exercise rehabilitation training, and cognitive rehabilitation multimodal intervention. Gait speed during the dual task motor-gait condition was significantly different from pre- to post-test in the exercise rehabilitation training, cognitive rehabilitation and, multimodal intervention groups (P≤0.05). Gait speed during the dual task cognitive-gait condition significantly changed from pre- to post-test following exercise rehabilitation training, cognitive rehabilitation, tDCS and the multimodal intervention group (P≤0.05). Conclusion ― This study’s findings demonstrate that exercise rehabilitation training, cognitive rehabilitation, and multimodal interventions could assist with preventing falls within Schizophrenic patients suffering from depression and thereby improve their functional independence.

Background: Childhood overweightness/obesity is likely to further challenge worldwide public health if effective preventative measures, such as physical activity interventions, are not put in place as prescribed by public health organizations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). Objectives: This study attempted to determine and compare the efficacy of home-based callisthenic resistance training on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in overweight children compared to normal-weight children. Methods: A quantitative study was undertaken, and 15 previously sedentary overweight/obese children (OOC) and 15 previously sedentary normal-weight children (NWC), aged 9 - 11 years, were assigned to a six-week, 45-minute, non-consecutive callisthenic resistance training program consisting of six exercises. An additional 15 previously sedentary normal-weight children were assigned to a non-exercising control group (NON). Results: In the OOC, the six-week callisthenic resistance training program significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased body mass (from 44.54 ± 10.53 to 43.77 ± 10.38 kg, P = 0.002), BMI (23.27 ± 5.05 to 22.85 ± 5.00 kg.m-2, P = 0.002), percentage body fat (from 33.01 ± 5.15 to 31.94 ± 5.55%, P = 0.042), fat mass (from 15.01 ± 5.45 to 14.30 ± 5.33 kg, P = 0.001), sum of skinfolds (from 46.46 ± 11.65 to 44.38 ± 11.61 mm, P = 0.032), and run/walk time (from 21.70 ± 5.06 to 20.71 ± 4.96 min; P = 0.003). In the NWC, hip circumference was found to be decreased (from 73.26 ± 5.84 to 72.76 ± 5.88 cm, P = 0.031), as was the sum of skinfolds (from 29.38 ± 10.18 to 25.84 ± 8.11mm, P = 0.035). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that home-based callisthenic resistance training can have positive impacts on overall body composition and may prove to be a cost-effective and essential tool in the fight against childhood overweight/obesity whether in normal weight or even overweight/obese children.

Background: Studies have demonstrated that young adults, especially in low- to middle-income countries, are increasingly susceptible to unfavorable alterations in body composition during their transition from adolescence to adulthood. This places young adults at an increased risk for numerous chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular, and/or pulmonary diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to determine if concurrent aerobic and resistance calisthenic training could reduce cardiopulmonary disease risk in young adults in a low resource setting. Methods: Thirty young adult males were randomly assigned to either a six-week non-exercising control group (NON) or concurrent aerobic or resistance training group (CON) that engaged in three, non-consecutive, 60-minute exercise sessions using a combination of 4 - 5 progressive resistance training exercises for two sets of 15 - 20 repetitions and 30 minutes of aerobic exercises at a rating of perceived exertion of 9 - 15. This study assessed anthropometry (body mass, stature, body mass index waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-stature ratio, sum of skinfolds, percentage body fat, fat mass, fat free mass and conicity index) and lung function (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal expiratory flow at 75% (MEF75%), maximal expiratory flow at 50% (MEF50%) and maximal expiratory flow at 25 (MEF25%). Results: Concurrent training resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvements in waist-to-hip ratio (0.94 ± 0.04 to 0.92 ± 0.05; P = 0.042), fat free mass (57.46 ± 9.16 to 58.21 ± 8.65 kg; P = 0.018), percentage body fat (14.56 ± 5.96 to 13.24 ± 5.77%, P = 0.006), fat mass (10.22 ± 5.31 to 9.29 ± 5.17 kg; P = 0.008), sum of skinfolds (96.22 ± 35.64 to 87.67 ± 32.15 mm; P = 0.004), PEF (5.06 ± 2.04 to 6.57 ± 2.51 L; P = 0.018), MEF75% (4.78 ± 2.01 to 6.24 ± 1.99 L.sec-1; P = 0.026), MEF50% (4.08 ± 1.20 to 5.24 ± 1.44 L.sec-1; P = 0.043) and MEF25% (2.66 ± 0.63 to 3.31 ± 1.87 L.sec-1; P = 0.038). Conclusions: The findings support the feasibility and efficacy of a simple and inexpensive concurrent aerobic and resistance training program to simultaneously improve body composition and lung function in an attempt to curb the increasing incidence of overweight/obesity and associated lung dysfunction in young adults in a low resource setting.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 60% of global deaths. Of these NCD-attributable deaths, about 80% are in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). The role of exercise in major NCDs is evident; however, popular and cost-effective aerobic modes of exercise, such as walking, consistently do not meet minimum intensity guidelines for health improvement. Interestingly, low-cost resistance training (using callisthenics, Pilates, elastic tubing, etc.) has proven equally effective to conventional resistance training using weight machines in improving several health parameters related to NCDs, although their effectiveness in LMICs is not as well documented as in high-income countries (HICs). Objectives: This review aimed to examine low-cost approaches of resistance training to health promotion, NCD risk reduction, and NCD rehabilitation/management to mitigate the epidemic of NCDs in lower-resource settings. Methods: An electronic search was performed on the following databases from inception until December 2019: PubMed/Medline, Sport Discuss, Embase, Science Direct, Current Contents, CISTI Source, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL EBM Reviews, and international e-catalogues. Results: Data on resistance training provision cost in low-resource settings indicates that it is not reasonable to use this mode of training in low-resource settings in the same way as it is used in high-resource ones. This review summarized some strategies which can be employed to ensure the delivery of all core resistance training components in low-resource settings. The data suggests that resistance training be adapted for delivery in non-clinical settings in LMICs. Conclusions: Program design variables of resistance training are similar in low- and well-resourced settings. However, only individuals with low-risk will be able to perform exercise without adverse consequences in home-based settings. Health care practitioners in LMICs should take an active role in promoting resistance training when promoting health, reducing NCD risk, and NCD rehabilitation.

Sport has become increasingly competitive, prompting the need to determine, as far as possible, any likely performance advantage. While the focus of athletic research, testing, and training is on the physiological and physical characteristics of the sport, visual abilities not only affect sport performance directly, but also affect the acquisition of motor skills. Vision, and visual-spatial intelligence (VSI), are a relatively new and underexplored area of athletic performance. As with physiological and physical parameters, a range of factors affect vision and VSI in sporting activities. This review of the literature is a first attempt to summarize and compile an overview of the factors affecting vision and VSI in athletes, covering those previously connected with sport, as well as those hitherto not associated with athletic activities, but that could also play a part in sports performance. The evidence from this review suggests that while current research still tends to focus on single factors affecting vision and VSI, a large number of such factors have been identified that could affect vision and VSI. This offers new opportunities for researchers to investigate the effects of a combination of factors, and for conditioning and/or sports vision specialists to explore further possibilities for competitive advantage.

Background The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients with stroke. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the effects of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke. Methods Patients with stroke were recruited from neurology and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), the eligible patients with stroke were divided into 2 groups: high spasticity (MMAS score≥2) and low spasticity (MMAS score Results Data collection and statistical analysis are complete. The interpretation of results is underway. We expect the results to be published in winter 2020. Conclusions We believe that patients with high ankle plantar flexor spasticity after stroke will demonstrate greater balance dysfunction, which will worsen with impaired proprioception, passive range of motion, and eyes closed. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/16045

Background: With atherosclerosis first being demonstrated to be as a result of diet in 1909, epidemiological studies have examined the role of diet on cardiovascular disease (CVD). This has led to diet’s inclusion as a secondary CVD risk factor not only for its direct association with CVD, but also due to its important role to play in other risk factors, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. The low carbohydrate, high fat diet (LCHFD) is a contentious topic. Its efficacy is much-debated, with opponents proposing that LCHFDs increase the risk of developing CVD. Objectives: This study’s aim was to determine if a LCHFD alters lipoprotein-lipids, either unaccompanied or in combination with physical activity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Participants (N = 39) were allocated to either 16 weeks of simultaneous physical activity and LCHFD (DiExG), LCHFD only (DietG) or 16 weeks of blind control (ConG). Participants in the DiExG were required to eat a high fat diet and not more than 50 g of carbohydrates per day in addition to walking a minimum of 10,000 steps daily. The DietG too followed a LCHFD but were not prescribed any physical activity while the ConG continued with their normal daily activities. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25 software using a paired sample t-test and ANOVA. A confidence level of P 0.05) changes were observed in blood total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in either the DiExG (TC: P = 0.791; 2.0% increase, TG: P = 0.477; 9.5% decrease, LDLC: P = 0.704; 7.4% increase and HDLC: P = 0.989; 0% change) or DietG (TC: P = 0.881; 0% change, TG: P = 0.677; 17.9% increase, LDLC: P = 0.744; 13.8% decrease and HDLC: P = 0.844; 0% change). Conclusions: It appears that a LCHFD with or without physical activity does not have any benefit on lipoprotein-lipids in type 2 diabetics, and may actually result in unfavorable, albeit insignificant, adaptations.

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most widespread disabling neurological condition in young adults around the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of explicit information (EI) on motor-sequence learning in MS patients. METHODS Thirty patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), age: 29.5 (SD = 5.6) years and 30 healthy gender-, age-, and education-matched control group participants, age: 28.8 (SD = 6.0) years, were recruited for this study. The participants in the healthy group were then randomly assigned into an EI (n = 15) group and a no-EI (n = 15) group. Similarly, the participants in the control group were then randomly assigned into EI (n = 15) and no-EI (n = 15) groups. The participants performed a serial reaction time (SRT) task and reaction times. A retention test was performed after 48 hours. RESULTS All participants reduced their reaction times across acquisition (MS group: 46.4 (SD = 3.3) minutes, P < 0.001, and healthy group: 39.4 (SD = 3.3) minutes, P < 0.001). The findings for the within-participants effect of repeated measures of time were significant (F(5.06, 283.7) = 71.33. P < 0.001). These results indicate that the interaction between group and time was significant (F(5.06, 283.7) = 6.44. P < 0.001), which indicated that the reaction time in both groups was significantly changed between the MS and healthy groups across times (B1 to B10). The main effect of the group (MS and healthy) (F(1, 56) = 22.78. P < 0.001) and also the main effect of no-EI vs EI (F(1, 56) = 4.71. P < 0.001) were significant. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that that RRMS patients are capable of learning new skills, but the provision of EI prior to physical practice is deleterious to implicit learning. It is sufficient to educate MS patients on the aim and general content of the training and only to provide feedback at the end of the rehabilitative session.

BACKGROUND The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients with stroke. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to assess the effects of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke. METHODS Patients with stroke were recruited from neurology and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), the eligible patients with stroke were divided into 2 groups: high spasticity (MMAS score≥2) and low spasticity (MMAS score RESULTS Data collection and statistical analysis are complete. The interpretation of results is underway. We expect the results to be published in winter 2020. CONCLUSIONS We believe that patients with high ankle plantar flexor spasticity after stroke will demonstrate greater balance dysfunction, which will worsen with impaired proprioception, passive range of motion, and eyes closed. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR1-10.2196/16045