Abstracts:
Important: Two types of abstracts can be submitted:
- A Scientific Research Based abstract or
- An Evidence-Based Practice abstract.
Each abstract should contain no more than 300 words, 12-point Times New Roman font, single-spaced. The abstract should not contain line spaces, references, tables or unusual abbreviations. The presenting author’s name is to be highlighted and formatted in bold.
Examples:
Scientific Research Based abstract
- Abstract title: The title should be explicit (14 point Times New Roman font) and in capital letters
- Full name and professional affiliation of author(s), mailing address and e-mail of the presenting author (12 point Times New Roman font).
- Introduction
- Methods/Methodology
- Results & Discussion
- Conclusion
- Key words
WAIST-TO-HEIGHT RATIO AS PREDICTOR OF BODY FAT PERECENTAGE IN RURAL AFRICAN CHILDREN
Van Gent MM1, De Ridder JH2
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, South Africa. 2. School of Human Movement Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa. mvangent@ufh.ac.za
Introduction: Obese children are at higher risk of experiencing a range of health-related illnesses, than the rest of the pediatric population and therefore it has become increasingly important to monitor children’s body composition status through the use of anthropometrical parameters. Although Body Mass Index (BMI) is the preferred method of assessing children’s body composition, it has been criticized in the past as a measure of heaviness and not necessarily adiposity. Percentage body fat (%BF) through the use of skinfolds requires specific skill, which not many health related workers possess. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a prediction equation by making use of the waist-to-height (WtHR) to estimate body fat percentage.
Method: Stratified random sampling was used to select the underprivileged rural schools (n=41), while random sampling was used to select 7 to 13 year old girls (n=649) and boys (n=684). The children were classified in under fat, normal fat and over fat/ obese groups according to Lohnman (1987) sum of triceps and calf skinfolds. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were carried out with WtHR as dependent variable for estimation of %BF. A Dependent T-test was then done to compare the %BF estimation through the use of Lohnman (1987) equation and the results obtained by the regression model.
Results: WtHR different significantly between the adiposity groups (p<0.001) in the boys and girls. In both boys and girls the WtHR correlated significantly with sum of skinfolds (r=0.39;r=0.51), %BF (r=0.17; r=0.42) and BMI (r=0.36; r=0.53). The %BF values estimated by the regression model (boys: %BF=-21.910 + 88.758 x WtHR; girls %BF=-33.994 + 131.746 x WtHR) didn’t differ from the BF% values from Lohnman (1987) for boys (p=1.00) or girls (p=0.99).
Conclusion: WtHR proved to be a valid method of predicting relative adiposity in rural 7-14 year old children. The developed equation can assist health workers to tract overweight and obesity (related to adiposity) more accurately in a rural environment.
Key words: waist-to-height ratio; percentage body fat; children
Evidence-Based Practice abstract
- Abstract title: The title should be explicit (14 point Times New Roman font) and in capital letters
- Full name and professional affiliation of author(s), mailing address and e-mail of the presenting author (12 point Times New Roman font).
- The abstract should be crafted in a narrative format, containing no more than 300 words.
- Begin with an engaging anecdote, transition into an informative middle section, and then conclude with a return to narrative.
THE ROLE OF SPORTS SCIENCE IN ENHANCING PERFORMANCE IN SPORT: AN EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE ABSTRACT
De Ridder JH1, Le Roux B2
- School of Human Movement Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa. 2. NWU Centre for Health & Human Performance, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa. hans.deridder@nwu.ac.za
Biomechanics plays a crucial role in optimizing technique and movement efficiency in sports. Sports science plays a crucial role in enhancing performance in various sports disciplines by employing evidence-based practices. This abstract highlights key aspects of sports science that contribute to performance enhancement, focusing on exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychological factors. Exercise physiology forms the foundation of sports science interventions, involving the study of physiological responses to exercise. Evidence-based practices in exercise physiology include periodization of training, which optimizes performance by manipulating training variables such as intensity, volume, and frequency based on scientific principles. Additionally, the use of advanced technologies like wearable sensors and physiological monitoring systems allows for real-time data collection and analysis, aiding in personalized training programs tailored to individual athletes’ needs. Evidence-based biomechanical analysis helps identify biomechanical inefficiencies and provides recommendations for technique refinement and injury prevention strategies. Biomechanical modeling and motion analysis techniques provide valuable insights into optimal movement patterns, contributing to performance enhancement and injury mitigation. Nutrition is another critical aspect of sports science that influences performance outcomes. Evidence-based nutritional strategies are tailored to athletes’ energy requirements, macronutrient distribution, hydration status, and supplementation needs based on scientific research. Nutritional interventions optimize fuel availability, promote recovery, and support immune function, all of which are essential for sustained performance at elite levels. Psychological factors play a significant role in sports performance and are addressed through evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, visualization, goal-setting, and performance profiling. Sports psychologists work closely with athletes to enhance mental skills, manage stress, build confidence, and improve focus, contributing to optimal performance under pressure. In conclusion, the integration of evidence-based practices in sports science is essential for enhancing performance in sport. By leveraging advancements in exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychological strategies, sports scientists can optimize athletes’ physical, technical, nutritional, and mental preparation, ultimately leading to improved performance outcomes.
Key words: sport science; performance; athletes; optimization; evidence-based
