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Review Article
Effects of Apartheid Legacy on South African Judo: A Sys-tematic Review
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
53-60
Received:
15 October 2024
Accepted:
7 November 2024
Published:
29 November 2024
Abstract: Presently, the sport of Judo in South Africa (JSA) has substantially failed to grow and gain publicity nationally and internationally due to the low number of judokas representing the country. Concurrently, each country has unique motivators and barriers to engagement in sports. On that note, during the period of apartheid (1948-1994), South African (SA) government enacted Group Areas Act to ensure that whites and blacks did not stay together leading in segregated sport trainings and match facilities, which culminated in skewed career opportunities in sport. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to reflect on how SA apartheid system impacted the development of judo in SA. An in-depth search strategy was conducted from inception to April 2023, which involved PubMed, SportDiscuss, Google Scholar and Web of Science. This study’s findings indicate that the system of apartheid disrupted sport in South Africa particularly with sport opportunities and resources being reserved for white athletes. Further, this study’s results indicate that JSA was segregated based on race, location, and social standing. In conclusion, sport participation and access to resources by all should be created to ensure equity and justice for all athletes and coaching staff. This leads to an all-inclusive integrated sports development plan which will increase sport involvement by the citizens. In this effect, JSA introduced free and development registration for athletes who cannot afford to pay fees and this gesture has helped poor athletes access judo.
Abstract: Presently, the sport of Judo in South Africa (JSA) has substantially failed to grow and gain publicity nationally and internationally due to the low number of judokas representing the country. Concurrently, each country has unique motivators and barriers to engagement in sports. On that note, during the period of apartheid (1948-1994), South Africa...
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Research Article
Research on the Mechanism of Spinal Stability Under Body Load
Jianchang Ren
,
Haili Xiao*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
61-67
Received:
31 October 2024
Accepted:
13 November 2024
Published:
3 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajss.20241204.12
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Abstract: In modern society, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and spinal problems has become increasingly concerning, particularly among students and working professionals who regularly carry heavy loads. The growing awareness of health issues related to load carrying has sparked significant research interest in this field. This study investigated the mechanisms of spinal stability under various loading conditions among college students. While backpacks are essential in daily life, their impact on spinal biomechanics and potential injury risks remains a concern. Twenty university students (10 males, 10 females) participated in this research examining the effects of different load magnitudes (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% body weight) and carrying durations on spinal stability. Using three-dimensional motion capture, force platform measurements, and surface electromyography, we analyzed participants' postural control and muscle activity during both static stance and dynamic walking conditions at various gradients (0°, 5°, 10°, 20°). Results showed that loads exceeding 20% body weight caused significant alterations in spinal alignment, with forward lean angles increasing by 7-8 degrees at 30% body weight loading. During inclined walking, the combination of slope and load had multiplicative effects, with 30% body weight load at 20° slope resulting in approximately 10-12 degrees more spine forward flexion compared to level ground. Prolonged loading (60 minutes) led to a 30-35% increase in center of pressure sway range, indicating deteriorated postural control. EMG analysis revealed significant muscle fatigue, with erector spinae and multifidus muscles showing primary roles in maintaining spinal stability. Recovery of spinal stability parameters required approximately 30 minutes following heavy load carrying. These findings provide important guidance for establishing evidence-based recommendations for load carrying among college students and emphasize the need for appropriate rest periods and carrying techniques to maintain spinal health.
Abstract: In modern society, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and spinal problems has become increasingly concerning, particularly among students and working professionals who regularly carry heavy loads. The growing awareness of health issues related to load carrying has sparked significant research interest in this field. This study investigated...
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Research Article
Incorporating Training Prescription from a Countermovement Jump-based Algorithm Does Not Improve Jump Performance
Kaela Hierholzer*,
Nicole Ray,
Robert Briggs,
Kyle Collins,
Creighton DeKalb,
Josh Hagen,
Jason Eckerle,
Kristyn Barrett,
Maegan O’Connor,
James Walters,
Nicholas Mackowski,
Adam Strang
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
68-78
Received:
18 November 2024
Accepted:
2 December 2024
Published:
19 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajss.20241204.13
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Abstract: Countermovement jump (CMJ) testing is a commonly used, effective tool for monitoring performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and injury risk. Force plates can provide information about jump performance including power, explosiveness, and interlimb asymmetry. Embedded human performance (HP) teams focus on preparing military personnel to meet the physical demands of their occupations, and with the implementation of CMJ monitoring; they can work towards eliminating the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI). The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) Determine whether the intervention exercises prescribed by Sparta Science training program changed an individual’s jump performance over a 10-week training program and 2) Evaluate how Sparta strength training recommendations impacted other performance metrics over the training program. This study included 31 active-duty Air Force personnel who completed a 10-week, concurrent training program with pre- and post-testing. Sparta jump height increased by 2.11 centimeters on average. Lower body anaerobic capacity improved as evidenced by significant lower body wingate relative (W/kg) (p=0.022) and absolute power (W) (p=0.045) increases from pre- to post-testing. The results of this study indicated that practitioners are not likely to achieve optimal results for either injury risk or jump performance by following Sparta’s training suggestions. Instead, these results indicate that the appropriate training program recommendations include focus on the specific needs of an individual, to include strength, power, and force-developing exercises to elicit optimal jump and performance metric outcomes.
Abstract: Countermovement jump (CMJ) testing is a commonly used, effective tool for monitoring performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and injury risk. Force plates can provide information about jump performance including power, explosiveness, and interlimb asymmetry. Embedded human performance (HP) teams focus on preparing military personnel to meet the physica...
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Research Article
Prevalence of Depression Among Athletes at United States International University - Africa (USIU-A) Nairobi, Kenya
Tobias Otieno*,
Moureen Nyayieka
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
79-84
Received:
26 August 2024
Accepted:
12 September 2024
Published:
23 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajss.20241204.14
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Abstract: Depression is a prevailing issue among athletes today. Studies show that globally, up to 20% of young people are affected by health issues. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of depression among athletes at USIU-A, examining its correlation with demographic and sports-related variables. The study employed a mixed-methods approach on a sample size of 71. The study was guided by George Engel’s Biopsychosocial model and Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. The sample size was tested for depression utilizing the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaire where data was collected to evaluate depressive symptoms among athletes. The majority of participants were aged between 21-25 years (56.3%), followed by the 26-30 age group (28.2%). In order to determine the relationship between. In order to determine the relationship between gender and sports played. Spearman Correlation Coefficient was used and the study showed weak positive association between gender and the type of sport played (r = 0.108, p = 0.372), with no statistically significant association. An assessment on the prevalence of depression and severity levels was done with 27% showing critical levels of depression. A chi square test was conducted to assess the relationship between sports played and depression. The value of the Pearson Chi-Square test statistic is 77. 938 with 40 degrees of freedom. The value of the asymptotic significance equals to. 000 which is less than the alpha value of 0. 05 which indicates there is a statistically significant relationship between the sport played and depression. These results found indicate that depression is a prevailing issue among athletes and should be addressed as a clinical concern.
Abstract: Depression is a prevailing issue among athletes today. Studies show that globally, up to 20% of young people are affected by health issues. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of depression among athletes at USIU-A, examining its correlation with demographic and sports-related variables. The study employed a mixed-methods approach on a...
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