Student Research
Marli's research
Summary: The purpose of the study is to determine the exercise intensity of the actual competion(ABSA Cape Epic). Exercise intensity profiling of actual competitions can be useful to understand the physiological demands of these particular cycling events. From a practical point of view, this information could also help to design proper training programs. Furthermore, as many coaches include some races as part of training, the exercise-intensity profile could be useful to understand the training load imposed on athletes. This information can be used to ensure proper training intensities for efficient training adaptation, but also to prevent overtraining.
Carla's research
Title: The dose-response relationship of resistance exercise on cognitive function in older individuals.
Aim: Few studies in the literature focus on the relationship between the frequency of exercise and cognitive function. As of yet, no study has focused on the time needed for cognitive improvements to take place. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to determine if there is a dose-response relationship between the frequency of exercise and cognitive function. The secondary aim is to determine if this response differs between men and women. The cognitive function of the study sample will be tested on a regular basis (i.e. every four weeks), with the aim to describe the time course of the relationship between fitness level and cognitive function.
Methods: Sixty sedentary individuals, men and women, (between 55 and 75 years) will be asked to volunteer for this parallel group, experimental study. Body composition, VO2 peak, cognitive performance, muscular strength, static and dynamic balance, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure and changes in brain oxygenation will be measured as outcome variables.
Intervention: The selected participants will be randomly allocated to two groups, namely a control group that will receive no intervention and an experimental group that will take part in a resistance exercise intervention over a period of 16 weeks. The intervention group will exercise at a moderate intensity (64-76% of age predicted maximal heart rate), performing three resistance exercise sessions per week. Participants’ cognitive function, VO2 peak, balance, muscular strength and changes in brain oxygenation will be measured at baseline, as well as every four weeks.
Louise’s research
The study investigated the effectiveness of rugby specific video-based reactive agility training. The research found that video-based training is a sufficient add-on or alternative method to improve reactive agility in rugby union players. Both video and field-based training significantly improved reactive agility performance when compared to rugby training alone. It is suggested that this may lead to overall improved performance during competition. When developing reactive agility it is important to include a perceptual and decision-making component.
Sport specific video-based reactive agility training in rugby union players.
COMPLETED RESEARCH:
Karen’s research
This study investigated the efficacy of graduated compression socks (CS) to modulate the recovery of muscle damage and athletic performance in well-trained distance runners after an actual 56 km ultra-marathon.
The results suggest that wearing CS during a race leads to reduced muscle damage and muscle soreness which is probably due to less muscle fibre friction and oscillations. Subsequently, these athletes also showed a faster rate of physiological, as well as functional, recovery compared to those who ran without compression socks. It is concluded that compression socks is an effective aid to protect the muscle during strenuous, physical exercise.
Lara’s research
The effect of graduated compression socks on muscle oxygenation in endurance athletes.
Lara will complete tests on 30 male endurance trained athletes to see how the use of compression socks will affect muscle oxygenation during and post exercise.
Through the research we hope to learn more about the mechanisms whereby compression socks brings about improvement in recovery. We also hope to establish some guidelines for the use of compressions socks in endurance running events.