South African Athletes Research Articles

Antecedents and consequences of South African female athletes’ trust in the coach

The purpose of this study was to investigate female South African school athletes’ trust in their coaches in relation to their perceptions of the coaches’ justice, benevolence, integrity, competence, commitment to coach, willingness to cooperate, and performance. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The results showed that there was a large correlation between trust in the coach and the following factors: perceived justice (r = .504, p < .01), perceived integrity (r = .511, p < .01), and perceived competence (r = .534, p < .01). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis results revealed that perceived justice was the only significant predictor of trust in the coach as it had a higher beta value (β = .17, p < .05) than the other variables. This study shows that coaches should demonstrate fairness in their decision-making by providing players with incentives, opportunities to play, friendly relationships, and places of preference.

Factors enabling and hindering sporting success among South African elite athletes from historically disadvantaged areas: Through a coaching lens

Sporting success among nations provides a sense of value and national pride. This paper evaluated the perceptions and experiences of national coaches on the enablers and hindrances of international sporting success by elite athletes from historically disadvantaged areas (HDA) using the SPLISS framework. A qualitative research study design was employed for this study. Ten internationally recognised coaches (46.7 ± 12.9 years) volunteered for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Data was analysed using a computer software programme. Governance, organisation and sports policies, coach provision, local/international competition access, bursaries/scholarships and sport volunteerism were perceived as enablers, while lack of financial support, foundation level participation, school sport, athlete retention, sports facilities, reliable transport system and scientific support were perceived to be hindrances to sporting success. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to oversee and ensure a systemic governance approach with an integrated sports support system and effective policies, institutions and strategic planning, coupled with an adequate budget allocation in support of this system to facilitate elite sports success.

Dual sport career experiences of student-athletes studying in South Africa and the USA

Background: Institutions of higher education are hubs for student-athletes pursuing dual careers, in sports and higher education. The concepts of dual careers, transition models and support systems for student sports provide the conceptual framework for this study.Objectives: The study investigated the dual sports career experiences of South African track and field student-athletes who studied at universities in South Africa and the United States of America (USA). Objectives determined satisfaction in terms of student-athlete support systems in their chosen localities.Method: This qualitative study used a purposive sample of 12 participants from a general population of South African junior track and field athletes who pursued dual careers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews.Results: The respondents found the US National Association Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports system superior to the South African sports system. The dual-career student-athletes transitioning through the last two stages of the South African Long-Term Athlete Development model reported a lack of support that negatively impacted the success of their dual career balance.Conclusion: The South African context of student sport is not generally conducive to creating and enabling a dual sports–academic career environment because of insufficient contextual, processional and sports-specific factors. The participants perceived the NCAA system of student sport as holistic and supportive of their dual-career development.Contribution: This study adds to the limited pool of knowledge relating to the dual-career development of student-athletes, and provides a base line for future research studies.

Dual Career Experiences of South African Olympic Athletes

Dual Career Experiences of South African Olympic Athletes

Promotion of Para Athlete Well-being (PROPEL II): A Cross-sectional Study of Sleep in Para Athletes Across Two Nations.

Limited research exists on the sleep profiles of South African Para athletes. The aims of this study are to describe sleep quality, day-time sleepiness, and chronotype of South African Para athletes and to compare the relationship between sleep-related outcomes and demographic factors to athletes from a higher-resource country. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted. Sleep-related characteristics were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Multiple regression models were run with and without country as independent variable. One hundred twenty-four South African athletes and 52 Israeli athletes were included. Thirty percent of South African athletes presented with excessive daytime sleepiness, 35% slept 6 hrs or less per night, and 52% reported poor sleep quality. Thirty-three percent of Israeli athletes reported excessive daytime sleepiness, 29% slept 6 hrs or less, and 56% reported poor sleep quality. Chronotype was the only variable that differed significantly between countries (overrepresentation of morning types in South African athletes, and intermediate types in Israeli athletes). Intermediate chronotypes had significantly greater odds of excessive daytime sleepiness ( P = 0.007) and poor sleep quality ( P = 0.002) than morning types, irrespective of country. The high prevalence of poor sleep among both South African and Israeli Para athletes warrants further investigation.

‘Athletes for Peace’? From the Quest to Hold the Mavericks Accountable to a Second American Rebel Tour of South Africa

ABSTRACT In 1988 a team of American track and field athletes violated international bans against competing in apartheid South Africa. Their trek created a global firestorm of controversy. Critics including white and Black US and South African athletes condemned the ‘rebels’ as at best naïve dupes but more commonly as immoral mercenaries. The ‘rebels’ defended themselves on the grounds that they were exercising ‘athletes rights’ and wanted to see the South Africa situation firsthand rather than kowtowing to athletics administrators. As the ‘rebels’ returned to the US, The Athletics Congress, the US body that oversaw track and field, held a series of trials and sentenced the members of the South African tour to long suspensions. A defiant group of ‘rebels’ fought their suspensions. About half of the original group, reinforced by new recruits, returned to South Africa for a 1989 tour as national and international debates about their activities raged.

Promotion of Para athlete well-being in South Africa (the PROPEL studies): Profiles and prevalence of psychological distress

ObjectivesThere is a paucity of research investigating mental health in Para athletes. The aim of this study was to describe mental health concerns of a representative sample of South African Para athletes. DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted at the 2019 National Championships for athletes with impairments. MethodsMental health was measured with the Trait component of the State/Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). Between-group differences were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test or one-way ANOVA. ResultsA total of 125 athletes were included. The average score for the STAI-T was 39 (±9) units, whilst a quarter (25%) of all athletes scored ≥45. The mean K-10 questionnaire score was 20 (±6) units. K-10 scores indicated that 12 % of athletes may meet formal definitions for anxiety and/or depressive disorders (score of ≥28), while 76 % of athletes have a high level of subclinical symptoms (score of ≥16). On average, females (36 ± 9) had better STAI-T scores than males (40 ± 9; p = 0.02) and married athletes (33 ± 9) had better scores than unmarried athletes (40 ± 9; p = 0.002). K-10 scores were also significantly better in married than in unmarried athletes (p = 0.002), but there was no difference between sexes. Neither the K-10 nor STAI-T was associated with level of competition, sport code or impairment type. ConclusionsThe study identified a high prevalence of psychological distress and anxiety among South African Para athletes, compared to the general population. There is a need to further understand factors contributing to mental health in this population.

Nowhere to hide: The significant impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) measures on elite and semi-elite South African athletes

ObjectivesTo describe the perceptions of South African elite and semi-elite athletes on return to sport (RTS); maintenance of physical conditioning and other activities; sleep; nutrition; mental health; healthcare access; and knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). DesignCross- sectional study. MethodsA Google Forms survey was distributed to athletes from 15 sports in the final phase (last week of April 2020) of the level 5 lockdown period. Descriptive statistics were used to describe player demographic data. Chi-squared tests investigated significance (p<0.05) between observed and expected values and explored sex differences. Post hoc tests with a Bonferroni adjustment were included where applicable. Results67% of the 692 respondents were males. The majority (56%) expected RTS after 1–6 months. Most athletes trained alone (61%; p<0.0001), daily (61%; p<0.0001) at moderate intensity (58%; p<0.0001) and for 30–60min (72%). During leisure time athletes preferred sedentary above active behaviour (p<0.0001). Sleep patterns changed significantly (79%; p<0.0001). A significant number of athletes consumed excessive amounts of carbohydrates (76%; p<0.0001; males 73%; females 80%). Many athletes felt depressed (52%), and required motivation to keep active (55%). Most had access to healthcare during lockdown (80%) and knew proceedings when suspecting COVID-19 (92%). ConclusionsCOVID-19 had physical, nutritional and psychological consequences that may impact on the safe RTS and general health of athletes. Lost opportunities and uncertain financial and sporting futures may have significant effects on athletes and the sports industry. Government and sporting federations must support athletes and develop and implement guidelines to reduce the risk in a COVID-19 environment.

Ousting South Africa: Olympic clashes of 1968

South Africa modified its sport policy, though not its national policy of apartheid, prior to the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. Black and white South African athletes would compete as one team at the Olympics for the first time. This reversal of its previous all- white policy persuaded the majority of IOC members to accept South Africa’s participation at the 1968 Olympics. African nations were the first to withdraw in protest. Taking this stand, despite South Africa’s concessions, they sought nothing less than the end of apartheid itself. Recognising that a detailed historical interrogation can shed light on the struggles, politics, limitations, and achievements of social justice in and through sport, this article demonstrates when and how these different visions of social justice emerged, gained traction, and were resisted when it came to apartheid South Africa.

On the mental toughness of self-aware athletes: Evidence from competitive tennis players

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study examined the relationship between mental toughness (MT) and self-awareness in a sample of 175 male and 158 female South African tennis athletes (mean age = 29.09 years, s.d. = 14.00). The participants completed the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire and the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale to assess MT (confidence, constancy, control) and self-awareness (self-reflection and self-insight) dimensions, respectively. Linear regression indicated that self-insight (β=0.49), but not self-reflection (β=0.02), predicted global MT. Multivariate regression analyses were significant for self-reflection (ηp²=0.11) and self-insight (ηp²=0.24). Self-reflection predicted confidence and constancy (ηp²=0.05 and 0.06, respectively), whereas self-insight predicted all three MT subcomponents (ηp²=0.12 to 0.14). The findings extend prior qualitative research evidence supporting the relevance of self-awareness to the MT of competitive tennis athletes, with self-reflection and insight forming prospective routes through which athletes’ MT may be developed.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Significance: &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Self-awareness attributes were predictive of higher levels of mental toughness among competitive tennis players.&#x0D; Dimensions of self-awareness may offer routes for developing athletes’ mental toughness.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

INVESTIGATION OF THE REWARD VALUE OF EXERCISE IN COMPARISON WITH FOOD AND MONEY

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 4 weeks high intensity intermittent Taekwondo (TKD) training program on body composition, physical fitness and performance of South...

EFFECT OF 4 WEEKS HIGH-INTENSITY INTERMITTENT TAEKWONDO TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION AND PHYSICAL FITNESS IN ZULU DESCENT, SOUTH AFRICAN TAEKWONDO ATHLETES

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 4 weeks high intensity intermittent Taekwondo (TKD) training program on body composition, physical fitness and performance of South...

Perception of effort in morning-type cyclists is lower when exercising in the morning

A recent study found that South African endurance athletes are likely to be morning-types and carry the PER35 allele, which has been associated with a preference for mornings. The aim of this study was to measure the response of morning-type cyclists to a standardised bout of exercise performed at different times of the day. Participants ncluded 20 trained male cyclists (age: 39.8 ± 7.7 years, VO2max: 51.0 ± 7.0 ml · kg−1 · min−1, training: 166 ± 98 km · wk−1), categorised as morning-types (mean Horne–Östberg score: 68.3 ± 5.5) and carrying the PER35 allele. They completed a 17-min sub-maximal cycling test at 60%, 80% and 90% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) at 06h00, 10h00, 14h00, 18h00 and 22h00. These morning-type cyclists reported higher ratings of perceived exertion when cycling at 60% (P = 0.044), 80% (P < 0.001) and 90% (P < 0.001) of HRmax during the evening (18h00 and 22h00) compared to the other sessions (0600, 10h00 and 14h00). This was despite absolute power output, speed and cadence displaying no time-of-day differences. Thus, morning-type cyclists perceive the same relative intensity workload to be harder in the evening compared to the morning. This may have implications for both training and competition scheduling, and highlights the importance of considering individual chronotype in sports in which diurnal variation may be relevant to training and competition.

Leadership Behaviour Preferences of Student-Athletes: A Comparative Study of South Africa and India

The athlete-coach relationship is a vertical dyadic relationship in which the coach plays a critical leadership role. The direct influence of coaches on their athletes has been widely reported in many studies from various perspectives. These perspectives include sport involvement, enjoyment, and withdrawal, athlete satisfaction; athletes’ physical and psychological status; optimal sport performance; and successful sport performance. The majority of research in sport leadership has focused on the coach, with particular emphasis on personality traits, behavioural attributes, and situational determinants. The current study focuses on a comparison of coach leadership preferences of athletes in South Africa and India. The study used a quantitative research approach using the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS) to collect data from student-athletes in South Africa and India. There were 221 South African participants with ages ranging between 18 years and 60 years (M = 23.8, SD = 6.0). On the other hand, there were 400 Indian participants with ages ranging between 18 years and 25 years (M = 21.4, SD = 2.1). To analyse data, descriptive statistics in terms of means and standard deviations were computed. Comparisons of different variables between the two countries were determined through computing unpaired samples t-tests. The results revealed that Indian participants had higher mean scores for all the leadership behaviour preferences compared to their South African counterparts. In fact, all the means were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). It is concluded that athletes in India appear not to set the bar too high regarding their preferences and expectations of their coaches compared to South African athletes. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n11p81

The use of recovery modalities by elite South African team athletes

Athletes competing at the highest level, should optimally balance training and competition stress with adequate recovery. However, athletes are not always aware of the available recovery options. This study investigated the recovery modalities currently used by elite South African sports persons. Research questions focused on types and frequency of recovery strategies used by players from four different sport codes (hockey, netball, rugby and soccer), as well as from different levels of participation. A total of 890 elite South African team sport players (507 males; 383 females) completed a questionnaire, specifically designed for the study. Results showed that recovery modalities are used to varying degrees by players from the four different sport codes, as well as from different levels of participation. The postmatch recovery modality used the most by hockey, netball and soccer players was an active cool-down. Rugby players used a strategy for rehydration the most. The frequency of using an active cool-down and rehydration was not affected by level of participation. There seems to be an increased need for player and coach education regarding recovery modalities.Key words: Recovery modalities; Elite team athletes; Hockey; Netball; Rugby; Soccer

Computerized Neuropsychological Profiles of South African Versus US Athletes: A Basis for Commentary on Cross-Cultural Norming Issues in the Sports Concussion Arena

Computerized programs are widely used as part of the overall medical management of concussion in order to monitor recovery and facilitate safe return-to-play decisions. Typically, neurocognitive profiles of concussed athletes are compared with baseline and/or normative data in the absence of baseline scores. However, the cultural equivalence of performance on neuropsychological tests cannot be assumed and has not been sufficiently researched. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuropsychological test profiles of the ImPACT (Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) on age-matched South African (SA) rugby and US football players. Participants included 11 257 English-speaking, predominantly white male athletes from multiple SA and US schools and sports organizations in 3 age groups: 11 to 13 years (SA, n = 301; US, n = 775); 14 to 16 years (SA, n = 997; US, n = 4081); and 17 to 21 years (SA, n = 319; US, n = 4784). ImPACT neurocognitive composite scores (verbal and visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time, impulse control) and the ImPACT total symptom score, derived from the initial baseline testing, were used for comparison purposes between the targeted groups. Independent t-test comparisons revealed overall equivalence between the SA and US athletes on the neurocognitive measures, but they also revealed consistently higher symptom scores for SA athletes in association with clinically relevant effect sizes. It was concluded that US neurocognitive normative data on the ImPACT test are appropriate for use on South African athletes whose first language is English, whereas culture-specific sensitivity for symptom reporting on this same population should be taken into consideration for management purposes. It is argued that neurocognitive equivalence is less likely to apply in educationally disadvantaged populations. The use of registered psychologists is deemed necessary to provide contextualized interpretations of computerized test scores, thereby protecting against misdiagnosis that may occur within the concussion management arena via actuarial approaches that fail to take sociocultural complexities into account.

Body composition, disordered eating and menstrual regularity in a group of South African endurance athletes

This study investigated menstrual regularity, disordered eating, body composition in a group of female athletes, a s well as the differenc e between body composition and disordered eating in irregular vs normal menstruating athletes. Participants were Caucasian female athletes (n=46), 14 – 25 years, 53.75 ± 8.55kg and 164.85 ± 7.93cm were recrui ted and subdivided into three groups based on level of performance (i .e. Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced). They completed self-administered questionnaires on menstrual history, eating attitude (EAT-26) and disordered eating behaviour (EDI). Body composition wasmeasured by air displacement plethysmography. Results indicated that beginner athletes had a younger menarcheal age than both intermediate(12.95 vs. 14.00 and 14.33 yr, d = 0.8, respectively) and advanced athlete s, and a higher body fat percentage than intermediate athletes (20.44 ± 4.18 vs. 16.29 ± 4.57%, d = 0.8, respectively). Of the total group 2.17% had primary amenorrhea, 21.74% secondary amenorrhoea and 8.70% oligomenorrhoea. Of all the athletes, 10.7% used oral contraceptivesto regulate their menstrual cycles. There was a low risk for disordered eating amongst all the athletes even though 28% reported a history ofeating binges, 9% reported to have vomited before to control weights, and 31% used diet pills and laxatives for weight control. No differences were found between body composition and disordered eating in irregular and normal menstruating athletes. It was concluded that menstrual irregularities are present in this group of athlete s and someshowed signs of extreme weight-control behaviour. This places them at a high risk of developing two components of the female athlete triad namely funct ional hypotha lamic amenorrhea and low energy-availability with or without an eating disorder.

Energy Availability And Menstrual Regularity In African Black Female Runners

PURPOSE: Endurance female athletes are at risk of having low energy availability which can have detrimental effects on their health and performance. It is also linked with exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating, collectively referred to as the female athlete Triad. Research regarding the prevalence of these components amongst black South African female athletes is limited. Method: Thirty two (n=32) recreational competitive black South African female distance runners, between the ages of 15 and 40 years (mean age: 21.44 ± 6.69), were selected on the basis of availability. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were completed for each athlete to assess mean daily energy intakes, Actical® physical activity monitors measured daily and exercise energy expenditure, the Bod Pod® measured body composition, and menstrual irregularity was assessed with a questionnaire compiled from reviewed literature. Risk for disordered eating was assessed via the EAT-26 questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean energy availability for the group was 124.16 ± 94.93 kJ/kg LBM/day, even though 11 of the athletes were below the recommended daily energy availability to ensure menstrual health. Four of the thirty two athletes (12.5%) reported menstrual irregularities. 40.6% reported risk for disordered eating via the EAT-26 questionnaire. In the total group two athletes presented with low energy availability and irregular menstrual function while five presented with low energy availability and a high risk for disordered eating. CONCLUSION: This group of black female athletes are at risk to develop the Triad since some already present with early stages of one or more components..

The effect of different types of sports on resting heart rate variability and autonomic nervous system balance

Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the beat-to-beat variation in heart rate, largely due to fluctuating influences of the autonomic nervous system. There are indications that active participation in sport can alter the resting HRV and autonomic nervous system balance. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine whether different sports have different effects on autonomic balance, and whether HRV differs when top performers from their respective fields are compared. HRV measured in a control group and three groups of elite South African athletes were compared: endurance athletes, field hockey players and skydivers. Time domain, frequency domain and Poincare analyses of baseline HRV were used to determine whether a difference exists between the three groups. Results were compared by means of a Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance statistical test. This study indicated statistically significant differences between elite athletes from different sport types and a control group with regard to HRV and resting autonomic regulation of cardiac function. Of the three groups the endurance athletes had the highest HRV, as well as the highest vagal tone. The skydivers recorded the lowest HRV with sympathetic nervous system dominance. The control group and hockey players showed intermediate values between the other two groups for all parameters. Different types of sports influence resting autonomic balance to different extents. The results of this study point towards higher fitness levels, in terms of autonomic control of cardiac function in participants involved in aerobic-demanding sports activities. Lower HRV and increased sympathetic CV influence in the skydiving group may indicate increased dysrhythmogenic risk. Further studies conducted during non-participating periods and also in the later, postparticipation years are recommended.

The green and gold: who can claim it?

It is widely known that and are South Africa's national sports colours. Yet one often hears and reads that Australians call their sports colours the and A need was felt to research origin of green and gold to decide who can claim it. The first South African sportsmen wore on foreign soil. It all started with Laurens Meintjes, who represented South Africa overseas in 1893. In 1895 Blignaut brothers, Gradwell and Hunter also represented SAAAA in green, but with yellow or orange as an additional colour. The orange and yellow, as described in contemporary sources, can be compared with current gold. Even though above-mentioned South African cyclist and athletes wore before our rugby players did (the first time this happened with rugby was in 1896), it was rugby that adopted as dominant national colour in South Africa, while cricketers were ones to do so in Australia. They started wearing it in 1899 in that country. In 1908 both countries chose for Olympic Games in London, difference being that South Africans left here as Springboks, while Australians only chose colour at Games. Taking these facts into consideration, South Africa was first to use colour in international competitions, so its players should have honour of referring to themselves as and team. Australian players, who play in dominant gold, should rather call themselves and team.