bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase inhibitors and the exercise-induced stress response
Authors: Claassen N , Snyman J , Koorts A , Nolte H , Wagenaar B , Kruger M , Becker PJ , Viljoen M
Published: April 2016

Objective. This study investigated the effects of single dosages of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen, and of the coxib, rofecoxib, on the exercise-induced stress response. Design. Eight subjects (age 20.9 ± 1.1 years, weight 70.4 ± 3.9 kg, height 170.9 ± 6.7 cm, body surface area 1.82 ± 0.09 m2, body mass index 24.1 ± 1.3 kg.m-2) took part in a double-blind, drug-placebo, cross-over design study. The experimental procedures were performed on 3 occasions on each volunteer, i.e. once on placebo, once on naproxen (single dose of 1 000 mg) and once on rofecoxib (single dose of 50 mg). Results. Mean post-exercise cortisol values were significantly higher than pre-exercise values with the subjects on placebo (p = 0.0365) and rofecoxib (p = 0.0208), but not on naproxen (p = 0.0732). Post-exercise oral temperatures were significantly higher than pre-exercise temperature values on placebo (p = 0.0153) and rofecoxib (p = 0.0424), but not on naproxen (p = 0.5444). Conclusion. The results of this study suggest a role for cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) in the exercise-induced cortisol and temperature response to exercise. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (1) 2006: pp. 4-8
Peer review – a part of the process?
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Peer review – a part of the process?
Optimal application of neurocognitive testing in concussion management: A professional dilemma
Authors: Edwards A
Published: April 2016

Optimal application of neurocognitive testing in concussion management: A professional dilemma
Sporting myths: the REAL role of lactate during exercise
Authors: Mann T
Published: April 2016

Background. Lactate or, as it was customarily known, ‘lactic acid’ was one of the first molecules to attract the attention of early exercise scientists, mainly because blood lactate concentration could be measured and was shown to increase with increasing exercise intensity. This connection resulted in lactate being associated with numerous other events associated with high-intensity exercise including muscle cramps, fatigue, acidosis and post-exercise muscle soreness. Nobel prize-winning research by AV Hill and Otto Meyerhof provided a rational explanation linking lactate to anaerobiosis and acidosis, which resulted in this relationship being widely accepted as fact. It was only following isotopic tracer studies of George Brooks and others that the true role of lactate during rest and exercise was revealed. Conclusions. Lactate is now acknowledged as an important intermediate of carbohydrate metabolism, taken up from the blood by tissues such as skeletal and cardiac muscle as a substrate for oxidation. Furthermore, lactate formation consumes a proton, thereby buffering against muscle acidosis. For this reason, lactate production forms an essential aid to endurance performance rather than a hindrance.
Accepted or rejected?
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Accepted or rejected?
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE AUTHOR INSTRUCTIONS
Authors: . .
Published: April 2016

SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE AUTHOR INSTRUCTIONS
Turning tragedy into triumph
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Turning tragedy into triumph
‘Mean response’ disregards the importance of individual variation
Authors: Mann T
Published: April 2016

The conventional approach in the field of exercise science is to report the response to interventions as the mean (average) of the intervention group. While the mean may be a convenient measure, it fails to consider the significant individual variation present in all aspects of human biology, resulting in findings that are at best simplistic and, at worst, misleading.
The female athlete triad: a current concepts review
Authors: George C
Published: April 2016

Female athletic participation continues to grow throughout the world. This has many positive effects on health and well-being, but it has also led to a unique set of health problems. The female athlete triad was first described in 1992 by the American College of Sports Medicine, consisting of disordered eating, amenorrhoea and osteoporosis. An updated position stand was released in 2007 that modified the components of the triad to energy availability, menstrual function and bone mineral density. This article reviews the current definitions of the triad components, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Each of the components of the triad exists on a continuum from healthy to pathological. Low energy availability, from either dietary restriction or increased expenditure, is the factor that leads to the pathological states of menstrual function and bone mineral density. Athletes especially at risk are those in sports requiring leanness or low body weight. Prevention and early recognition of triad disorders is crucial to ensure timely intervention and treatment. Treatment is centered on restoring energy availability to adequate levels (30 kcal.kg-1.d-1) to re-establish normal metabolic functioning. All those who work with female athletes must remain vigilant in the education, recognition and treatment of athletes at risk. Continued research and knowledge of the triad disorders aids the development of prevention and treatment strategies to allow women to continue to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity throughout their lives.
Effect of kinesio taping on explosive muscle power of gluteus maximus of male athletes
Authors: Mostert-Wentzel K
Published: April 2016

Objective. To determine the short-term effect of kinesio tape on the explosive gluteus maximus power of male athletes, comparing a recommended application pattern with a placebo. Methods. Sixty healthy university male athletes participated in this double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Those athletes with musculoskeletal injury 6 weeks prior to screening, serious medical condition(s) in the previous 6 months, or metabolic conditions affecting joint integrity were not selected. A different investigator from the one who administered the intervention randomly allocated participants to groups. Allocation was concealed. Group A (n=30) received a recommended Y-strip kinesio tape application and group B (n=30) a neutral placebo application. Height displacement during a counter-movement jump was measured with a reliable Vertec apparatus. Measurements were recorded at baseline, immediately after strapping and 30 minutes later. Participants and raters were blinded to group assignment. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance for repeated measures were used to determine the effect of time and group on the measurements. Post hoc analysis was done using the Tukey’s method. Results. Time (before, immediately after and 30 minutes after taping) had a significant effect on the measurements. All the measurements after intervention (either immediately or 30 minutes after) had significant differences compared with baseline (95% CI [0.59, 2.29] and [1.50, 3.2] respectively.) Conclusion. The recommended application type of taping with kinesio tape was equally effective in significantly improving the explosive power of the gluteus maximus in male athletes immediately after and 30 minutes after taping in both groups.
Trainability of junior Rugby Union players
Authors: Hendricks S
Published: April 2016

Growing interest in producing expert performance, and increasing sport participation, has led to a number of models being proposed for optimal sporting development. Using physical or psychological developmental milestones as guidelines, these models in sport were aimed primarily at identifying key stages during childhood and adolescence, and to optimise training adaptation for the child to reach his/her full sporting potential. Taking into consideration the long-term developmental models, and the requirements to succeed in rugby, this review aims to prescribe the trainability of junior rugby players using a scientifically evidence-based long-term player development approach. As there have been several recent and comprehensive reviews of the literature on trainability during childhood and adolescence, the aim of this paper is to resynthesise the material and apply it to rugby. Although athlete developmental models suggest that the appropriate application of training stimulus during specific periods in childhood and adolescence will influence athletic potential, recent available literature contends that this concept is inconclusive and requires further investigation.
Groin and hip quandaries
Authors: Millson H
Published: April 2016

There is little consensus on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, investigation and management of groin injuries. A key factor in making the correct diagnosis is to firstly understand the anatomy and likely generators of pain in the region. This requires an understanding of the two joints in the pelvis – the hip joint and the pubic symphysis ‒ which are at the centre of many movements. There are a multitude of varying studies on this topic. However, most importantly, many of the groin/hip pathologies can be averted by thorough and specific prehabilitation, bearing in mind the entire kinetic chain and addressing total function above and below the pelvis.
Thoracic posture, shoulder muscle activation patterns and isokinetic strength of semi-professional rugby union players
Authors: Bolton G , Moss SJ , Sparks M , Venter PC
Published: April 2016

Background. Shoulder injuries are the most severe injuries in rugby union players, accounting for almost 20% of injuries related to the sport and resulting in lost playing hours.Objective. To profile the thoracic posture, scapular muscle activation patterns and rotator cuff muscle isokinetic strength of semi-professionalrugby union players.Methods. Using the hand-behind-the-neck and -back methods, we manually tested the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joints of 91 uninjured semi-professional rugby union players who consented to participate in the study. Profiling and classification of thoracic posture was performed according to the New York Posture Test. Activation patterns of the upper and lower trapezius, serratus anterior and infraspinatus scapular muscles were determined by electromyography. The isokinetic muscle strength of the rotator cuff muscles was determined at 60°/sec by measuring the concentric and eccentric forces during internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER).Results. Participants presented with non-ideal or unsatisfactory internal (59%) and external (85%) rotators of the shoulder. A slightly abnormal or abnormal forward head posture was observed in 55% of participants, while 68% had an abnormal shoulder position in the lateral view. The muscle activation sequence of the rotator cuff muscles was: (i) serratus anterior, (ii) lower trapezius, (iii) infraspinatus, and (iv) upper trapezius. The isokinetic ER/IR muscle-strength ratio during concentric muscle contraction was 64% (standard deviation (SD) ±14) for the left shoulder and 54% (SD ±10) for the right shoulder. The ER/IR ratio for eccentric muscle contraction was 67% (SD ±12) and 61% (SD ±9) for the left and right shoulders, respectively.Conclusions. Non-ideal or unsatisfactory flexibility of the external rotators of the shoulder, a forward shoulder posture in the lateral view, and weakness of the external rotators did not result in an abnormal rotator cuff muscle activation pattern in this study. Postural deviations may, however, increase the risk of shoulder injury in rugby union players in the long term, and should be corrected.
Common running musculoskeletal injuries among recreational half-marathon runners in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Ellapen TJ , Satyendra S , Morris J , Van Heerden HJ
Published: April 2016

Objective. To document the prevalence and nature of running-related  musculoskeletal injuries among recreational half-marathon runners over a 12-month period (1 July 2011 - 31 June 2012).Methods. Data were collected from runners (N=200) who officially ran half-marathon road races during February - June 2012. Runners, whose participation in the study was dependent on voluntary informed consent, were required to complete a self-report questionnaire probing the prevalence and nature of running musculoskeletal injuries in the 12  months preceding recruitment. Probability was set at p≤0.05.Results. One hundred and eighty (90%) runners reported sustaining  musculoskeletal injuries (p<0.001). The anatomical site most vulnerable to injury was the knee (26%), followed by the tibia/fibula (22%) and the  lower back/hip (16%) (p<0.001). The intrinsic factors predisposing runners to musculoskeletal injuries were deviant quadriceps and hip flexion angles (p≤0.05).Conclusion. Recreational runners in our cohort sustained a high prevalence of knee, tibia/fibula and lower back/hip injuries.
Exercise effects on mood in breast cancer patients
Authors: Van Oers HM
Published: April 2016

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and statistics reveal that the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa is increasing. As such, medical practitioners will treat an increasing number of breast cancer patients. Although increasingly effective treatments improve patient survival intervals, a significant number of patients experience psychological distress, at the time of diagnosis and sometimes well beyond the start of treatment. This can be attributed to the disease itself and to treatment side-effects. Historically, patients experiencing such distress have been treated with pharmacotherapy or have been referred for psychotherapeutic intervention. Although it is well known that physical exercise is beneficial to physical health, only recently, and comparatively, has the effect of exercise been recognised as beneficial to psychological well-being. Cancer patients are often advised to reduce physical activity to avoid cancer-related fatigue. Paradoxically, recent research shows that physical exercise, of the type and intensity appropriate for the ability of each patient, can in fact play a significant role in improving mood and aiding physical recovery. This opens up a valuable additional resource to augment patients’ quality of life, both physically and psychologically. One precaution stands vitally important, however: the prescribed exercise regimen must be tailored to the physical capabilities of the patient.
Injury management programme at SA Rugby youth tournaments
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

Injury management programme at SA Rugby youth tournaments
A review of cricket Fielding requirements
Authors: MacDonald D , Cronin J , Mills J , McGuigan M , Stretch R
Published: April 2016

Cricket is played in three formats at elite level: Test, One Day and Twenty20. Fielding is an important component of cricket, as all players are obliged to field. However, there is a paucity of literature on fielding compared with that on batting and bowling. We review the available literature in terms of technical, mental, physiological and physical factors important to fielding, to identify knowledge gaps and better understand the performance requirements of fielding in cricket.
Physiotherapists’ knowledge of pain: A cross-sectional correlational study of members of the South African Sports and Orthopaedic Manipulative Special Interest Groups
Authors: Clenzos N , Naidoo N , Parker R
Published: April 2016

Background. Pain is the most common complaint for which patients seek the help of a physiotherapist. Furthermore, pain has been identified as the fifth vital sign, indicating the attention with which physiotherapists should be assessing pain. Previous studies have found deficits in pain knowledge among healthcare providers. Poor knowledge about pain is recognised to lead to poor assessment ability, and subsequently, to poor pain management.Objective. To investigate the pain knowledge of sports and orthopaedic manipulative physiotherapists in South Africa (SA).Methods. Data were collected online by means of a demographic questionnaire and Unruh’s Revised Pain Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire (RPKAQ). Participants were members of the Sports Physiotherapy Group and Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy.Results. The mean score for the RPKAQ was 65.5% (standard deviation (SD) ±8.6). Only 14.45% of the physiotherapists scored ≥75%. Lowest scores were obtained for the ‘assessment and measurement of pain’ (47.6%; SD ±15.6) and ‘developmental changes in pain perception’ (58.7%; SD ±20.8) sections of the RPKAQ, while the highest mean score was obtained for the ‘physiological basis of pain’ section (76.8%; SD±14.6). Gender, ethnicity (defined by home language), academic training and clinical experience did not contribute significantly to overall pain knowledge.Conclusion. There is an inadequate level of pain knowledge among members of the sports and orthopaedic manipulative physiotherapy groups in SA, particularly in the areas of the assessment and measurement of pain, and developmental changes in pain perception.
NSAID and other analgesic use by endurance runners during training, competition and recovery
Authors: Joslin J , Lloyd JB , Kotlyar T , Wojcik SM
Published: April 2016

Background. An increasing popularity of ultra-endurance events coupled with excessive or inappropriate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use during such events could pose considerable potential risks to runners’ health.Objective. To evaluate the incidence of NSAID and other analgesic use in distance runners during training, competition and recovery.Methods. We performed an observational cross-sectional study at the Desert Race Across the Sand race (Colorado to Utah, USA) in June 2011 and the Empire State Marathon half-marathon, and relay races in Syracuse, NY, October 2011. A total of 27 ultramarathon runners and 46 marathon, half-marathon and marathon relay runners participated in the study. Surveys were distributed to runners during race registration. Self-reported use of common analgesic medications during training, racing and recovery was assessed.Results. Among all runners at all stages, NSAIDs were the most commonly used analgesic medication. NSAID use by ultramarathon runners compared with all other runners was similar during training (59% and 63%, respectively; χ2=0.008; p=0.93) and recovery (59% and 61%, respectively; χ2=0.007; p=0.93). However, ultramarathon runners were more likely than all other runners to use NSAIDs during the race (70% and 26%, respectively; χ2=11.76; p=0.0006).Conclusion. Despite undesirable side-effects associated with the use of NSAIDs, there was a high prevalence of use in all runners, particularly during training and recovery. NSAID use during the race was significantly greater in ultramarathon runners. Medical staff at endurance events need to be aware of, and prepared for potential complications related to the high use of NSAIDs in runners. Future efforts should focus on teaching runners about the undesirable effects of medication and emphasising alternatives to pain medication.
The relationship between functional movement analysis and lowerbody injury rates in adolescent female football players
Authors: Van Rensburg DCJ , Van Rensburg AJ , Zondi PC , Hendricks S , Grant CC , Fletcher L
Published: April 2016

Objective. To determine whether a relationship exists between the functional movement analysis (FMA) score and lower-body injury rates in high-performance adolescent female football players.Method. Observations included a baseline FMA score and medical injury reports. Data were collected from 24 players’ injury and illness records over a 38-week training period. All football injuries requiring medical attention (including stiffness, strains, contusions and sprains) and/or the removal from a session, leading to training restriction, were included in the study. Off-season weeks were excluded. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the strength of the linear relationship between the FMA score and the number of medical visits, and between the number of medical visits and the number of training-restriction days.Results. There was no evidence of a relationship between the FMA score and injury risk in teenage female football players (r=0.016; p=0.940). A strong indication of a cyclical season in the training schedule was noticed over the 38-week study period. A substantive negative correlation (r=-0.911; p=0.032) was seen in the number of medical visits compared with the training-restriction days. Injuries during two peak periods could have resulted from overuse, increased training load, stress and overtraining.Conclusion. It could not be shown that a high FMA score was associated with a lower risk of injury. The ultimate goal is thus to reduce recurrent injury in players with a high FMA count. The regular medical visits observed suggest that player condition is maintained by means of reducing injury and managing training-restriction days. Our findings are in accordance with previous studies in terms of the lower limb being the most frequent region of injury, specifically the knee. This study supports previous suggestions that it is essential to develop a prevention strategy to measure trauma and recovery.
Osteoid osteoma of the fibula in a female rugby player
Authors: Meirhaeghe MWJ , Viviers PL , Kirby JH , Viljoen JT
Published: April 2016

Osteoid osteomas are benign osteoblastic tumours encountered relatively commonly among skeletal lesions. Despite distinct clinical findings, atypical presentations make for a challenging or delayed diagnosis which may negatively affect a patient’s quality of life in the interim. We present the case of a young female rugby player with a subperiosteal osteoid osteoma of the distal fibula – a rare location for this type of tumour.
The ethics of publishing
Authors: Lambert M
Published: April 2016

The ethics of publishing
A phase of consolidation before moving forward again
Authors: Lambert Mike
Published: April 2016

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Associations of objectively and subjectively measured physical activity with trabecular and cortical bone properties in prepubertal children
Authors: Meiring Rebecca Mary , McVeigh Joanne Alexandra
Published: April 2016

Objectives. To compare the relationship between peak bone strain scores (PBSSs) calculated from physical activity (PA) questionnaires and accelerometry measures of PA with trabecular and cortical bone properties in prepubertal children.Methods. We compared PBSSs calculated from the bone-specific component of PA questionnaires with accelerometry and bone mass measures in 38 prepubertal children (mean 9.9 (standard deviation 1.3) years). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) were used to assess bone content and structure, and to estimate bone strength at the radial and tibial diaphysis and radial metaphysis. Results. The PBSS was reliable and reproducible with significant (p<0.001) intraclass correlation coefficients. There were significant correlations between PBSS and moderate (r=0.38; p=0.02), vigorous (r=0.36; p=0.03) and combined moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity counts (r=0.38; p=0.02). PBSS was significantly correlated to body size-adjusted bone mineral content at all sites scanned by DXA (r=0.33 - 0.48; p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between PBSS and area, density and strength at the radius and tibia (r=0.40 - 0.64; p<0.05). Only vigorous activity was correlated to cortical area at the radial diaphysis (r=0.37; p=0.03) and bone strength at the tibial diaphysis (r=0.32; p=0.05). Activity as assessed by the PBSS explained a greater amount of variance in bone variables as measured by DXA and pQCT than accelerometer-measured PA. Conclusion. Accelerometer-measured moderate and vigorous habitual PA is associated with indices of cortical bone size and geometry in children, whereas light PA has no detectable association. Furthermore, the bone-specific questionnaire appears to be more strongly associated with bone outcomes than accelerometer-derived measures of PA.
Dietary supplements containing prohibited substances: A review (Part 1)
Authors: Van der Bijl Pieter
Published: April 2016

Dietary supplements and chemical agents have been used for a number of decades among athletes striving to achieve increased strength and performance. This has led to a huge, growing market for the food supplement industry. The latter’s products are classified as ‘foods’ rather than drugs and are therefore free of the stringent requirements for registration of pharmaceuticals, i.e. no safety and efficacy data are required prior to registration. During the past decade, some dietary supplements have been shown to contain pharmaceutically active components not adequately identified on their package labels. These pharmaceuticals may have unintentionally entered the product or may have been intentionally added. Although the concentrations of these substances may be low and devoid of health or performance-enhancing effects, they may lead to positive doping tests. In Part 1 of this two-part review, a selection of the World Anti-Doping Agency-prohibited illegal stimulants, i.e. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, sibutramine and methylhexaneamine, are discussed. Certain food supplement labels do mention the presence of natural sources of illegal stimulants, e.g. Ephedra sinica (ephedrine), but do not refer to the chemical entities of ephedrine and its analogues as such. The pharmacological adverse effects of stimulants, in particular those on the cardiovascular system, are briefly reviewed. Suggestions for avoiding these pitfalls are made.
Healthy Active Kids South Africa: How do we score?
Authors: Lambert Mike
Published: April 2016

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Non-traumatic injury profile of amateur cyclists
Authors: Van der walt A
Published: April 2016

Background. Non-traumatic bicycle injuries are common. However, research available on non-traumatic injuries in amateur cyclists is more than a decade old, and most of the research on this topic has been done in Europe and America on professional cyclists in multi-day cycling events. An understanding of the common injuries may lead to appropriate prevention intervention. Objective. To determine the incidence of overuse injuries in amateur cyclists preparing for participation in a 1-day cycle challenge. Methods. A questionnaire was emailed to participants of the 2012 Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, which amateur participants ≥18 years old were invited to complete. Data on demographics, training habits and the participants’ injury profile in the preceding year were collected. Results. Of the 3 300 respondents, 75% were male and 59% were between 30 and 50 years old. Non-traumatic injury, pain or neurological symptoms were reported by 88% of the respondents. The percentages of all respondents who experienced problems in the following anatomical areas were as follows: neck 34%, back 41%, hand/wrist 41%, buttock/perineum 41%, hip 7%, knee 33% and foot/ankle 24%. Knee pain was responsible for the need to stop training for the largest percentage of respondents. Neurological complaints were common in respondents who experienced neck, back, hand/wrist, buttock/perineum and foot/ankle problems. Conclusion. Non-traumatic injuries in amateur cyclists are common, with back, hand/wrist and buttock/perineal symptoms the most frequent problems. Knee problems caused the greatest need to stop training and seek medical help.
Junior cricketers are not a smaller version of adult cricketers: A 5-year investigation of injuries in elite junior cricketers
Authors: Stretch R
Published: April 2016

Background. Injury surveillance is fundamental to preventing and reducing the risk of injury. Objectives. To determine the incidence of injuries and the injury demographics of elite schoolboy cricketers over five seasons (2007 - 2008, 2008 - 2009, 2009 - 2010, 2010 - 2011 and 2011 - 2012). Methods. Sixteen provincial age group cricket teams (under (U) 15 , U17 and U18) competing in national age-group tournaments were provided a questionnaire to complete. The questionnaires gathered the following information for each injury sustained in the previous 12 months: (i) anatomical site; (ii) month; (iii) cause; (iv) whether it was a recurrence of an injury from a previous season; (v) whether the injury had reoccurred during the current season; and (vi) biographical data. Injuries were grouped according to the anatomical region injured. All players were invited to respond, irrespective of whether an injury had been sustained, resulting in a response rate of 57%. The sample Statistical Analysis System was used to compute univariate statistics and frequency distributions. Results. Of the 2 081 respondents, 572 (27%) sustained a total of 658 injuries. The U15 and U17 groups sustained 239 (36%) and 230 (35%) injuries, respectively, more than the 189 injuries sustained by the U18 group (29%). These injuries were predominantly to the lower limbs (38%), back and trunk (33%) and upper (26%) limbs, with 3% occurring to the head and neck. The injuries occurred primarily during 1-day matches (30%), practices (29%) and with gradual onset (21%). The primary mechanism of injury was bowling (44%) and fielding (22%). The injuries were acute (49%), chronic (41%) and acute-on-chronic (10%), with 26% and 47% being recurrent injuries from the previous and current seasons, respectively. Some similar injury patterns occurred in studies of adult cricketers, with differences in the nature and incidence of injuries found for the various age groups. The youth cricketers sustained more back and trunk injuries, recurrent injuries and more match injuries than the adult cricketers. The U15 group sustained less-serious injuries, which resulted in them not being able to play for between 1 and 7 days (58%), with more injuries occurring in the preseason period (24%) and fewer during the season (60%) compared with other age groups. The U15 and U17 groups sustained the most lumbar muscle strains, while the U18 groups sustained more serious injuries, resulting in them not being able to play for >21 days. Conclusion. Young fast bowlers of all ages remain at the greatest risk of injury. Differences in the nature and incidence of injuries occurred between youth and adult cricketers, as well as in the different age groups. It is recommended that cricket administrators and coaches implement an educational process of injury prevention and management
Ultrasound v. sham ultrasound for experimentally induced delayed-onset muscle soreness: A double-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Parker R
Published: April 2016

Background. Therapeutic ultrasound (US) is an electrophysical therapy that is commonly used by sports physiotherapists, but its mechanismof action is unclear. There is little evidence that US therapy is more effective than sham US therapy, and any clinical benefits may be dueto a placebo effect.Objective. To investigate whether US has a specific effect that renders it effective in its own right, or whether its effect is placebo driven.Methods. In a double-blind controlled trial, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was experimentally induced in both bicep musclesof 15 females. Sham US was applied to one bicep (n=15 biceps) and pulsed active US to the other bicep (n=15 biceps) of each participant,48 and 72 h after induction of DOMS. Primary and secondary outcomes were pain reported on the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) andrange of movement (ROM) (elbow extension) measured by goniometry, respectively.Results. Results showed significant improvements in pain and ROM over the intervention periods, but there was no difference betweeninterventions.Conclusion. US and sham US therapy improve pain equally when treating DOMS of the biceps in the context of a therapeutic encounter.This analgesic effect is placebo driven. Clinicians can influence the analgesic effect of US by managing the therapeutic context. Managementof patients’ anxiety may also boost the analgesic effect of US.
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nutritional supplements in Zimbabwean football
Authors: Mkumbuzi N S
Published: April 2016

Background. The use of medications by football players in many populations is known to be high. Data on African players are scarce. Objective. To determine the magnitude of use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and nutritional supplements by Zimbabwean football players. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study during the 2011/2012 Premier Soccer League football season. A total of 86 players responded to a self-administered questionnaire that assessed self-reported use of NSAIDs and nutritional supplements. Results. All the participants admitted to taking NSAIDs, with 44% self-prescribing. Nutritional supplements were taken by 56% of the respondents. Of these, 21% took them on a daily basis and 40% did so without professional advice. Conclusion. Regular, self-prescribed use of NSAIDs and nutritional supplements is high among Zimbabwean football players.
Movement and impact characteristics of South African professional rugby union players
Authors: Tee J C
Published: April 2016

Background. Global positioning system (GPS) technology can provide accurate, non-invasive, real-time movement analysis of playersparticipating in team sports. The application of this technology to rugby union will improve training practices by allowing improvedunderstanding of movement characteristics and more individualised programmes.Objectives. To characterise the movement and impact patterns of South African professional rugby union players during match play andcompare these to previously reported data.Methods. Nineteen professional rugby players were tracked using GPS systems during 24 matches during the 2013 rugby season. Playerswere grouped as (i) backs or forwards and (ii) tight forwards, loose forwards, scrumhalves, inside backs or outside backs. Movements werecategorised in speed zones corresponding to walking (0 - 2 m.s-1), jogging (2 - 4 m.s-1), striding (4 - 6 m.s-1) and sprinting (>6 m.s-1). Walkingand jogging were classified as low-intensity and striding and sprinting as high-intensity movement zones. An inbuilt triaxial accelerometer(sampling frequency 100 Hz) measured the total impacts >5G and high-intensity impacts >8G. All data were normalised to time on fieldand reported as mean (standard deviation).Results. There was no difference between forwards and backs in relative distance covered. Backs reached higher maximum speeds thanforwards (backs 8.8 (1.1) v. forwards 7.6 (1.3) m.s-1, effect size (ES) 1.0, and outside backs were the fastest positional group (9.4 (0.9)m.s-1, ES 0.4 - 2.2). Players in all positions spent the majority of time walking (79 - 84%). Backs covered more distance than forwards inhigh-intensity speed zones (forwards 11 (5) v. backs 14 (4) m.min-1, ES 0.7). Tight forwards covered the most distance in low-intensityzones (63 (6) m.min-1, ES 0.3 - 1.7) while scrumhalves ran the most distance in high-intensity zones (20 (5) m.min-1, ES 1.2 - 3.6). Highintensity: low-intensity running ratios ranged from 1:13 (tight forwards) to 1:3 (scrumhalves). Loose forwards and inside backs exhibitedsimilar movement patterns. There was no difference in impact variables between forwards and backs. Inside backs sustained the least totalimpacts (6.5 (1.2) >5G.min-1, ES 0.9 - 2.0) and high-intensity impacts (0.7 (0.2) >8G.min-1, ES 0.5 - 1.4).Conclusions. There were notable differences in the movement of professional rugby union players in different positions, and effectivetraining programmes should reflect these variations.
Slipping Off the Edge: How and why Democratic Regimes Fall into Excess in their Fight against Terrorism
Authors: Proshin Denis
Published: April 2016

Democratic regimes’ resorting to excessive force when fighting against terrorists is chrestomathically defined as “deviations” or “mistakes”. However, the frequency with which such “deviations” and “mistakes” take place and regular repetition of several scenarios give us the right to speak not so much about random dysfunctions as about standard political situations in whose framework, contrary to assertions of democracies’ immanent softness and moderation in administering violence even to their avowed enemies, democratic regimes with high probability can apply excessive force to their armed antagonists. This article wants to probe deeper into the question of the causes of such behaviour of democratic governments and to outline most probable sociopolitical scenarios of these governments’ falling into excess while combating terrorists.
Small Enterprise Strategies in an Unstable Public Environment
Authors: Green Daryl D. , Kohntopp Thomas ,   Department of Energy, P.O. Box 32733, Knoxville, TN 37909, USA.,   Walden University and Performance Transformations Group, 2528 Graves Rd., Maryville, TN 37803, USA.
Published: April 2016

Many small business owners in the United States dream about getting a large contract with the federal government, feeling that their lives would be easier if they did. Ironically, there have been numerous occasions where small businesses have gone out of business after being overwhelmed by a government contract. This case study addresses how small businesses can improve their survival and success rate in the public sector with a strategic approach to their operations. It begins by discussing the preparation that goes into federal contracting by small businesses. Case examples of four American companies involved in contracting with the Department of Energy are evaluated. Data collection is achieved through qualitative analysis. The application of these conclusions could increase the survival rate of small businesses operating in an unstable public environment. The study is significant because this research widens contemporary assumptions about strategic thinking for small businesses engaged in government contracting.
Larvicidal and pupicidal action of medicinal plant extracts against dengue mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Nasir Shabab , Nasir Iram , Asrar Muhammad , Debboun Mustapha
Published: April 2016

The efficacy of essential oils from some medicinal plants as a larvicidal and pupicidal agent was tested against Aedes albopictus. The oils were extracted from different plant parts (leaves, branches and rhizomes) with Soxhlet apparatus using acetone as a solvent. The mortality was determined after 8, 16, 24 and 48 hours with different concentrations (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) along with a control treatment. Data was analysed by Probit analysis to calculate LC50 and LT50. Results revealed that early immature stages were more susceptible than later ones. Ginger was more effective with the lowest LC50 values after 8 and 16 hours against all tested life stages followed by peppermint, basil, eucalyptus and neem. In addition, basil was efficacious after 24 and 48 hours. Therefore, we conclude that these oils can be used in combination for the management of mosquito immature stages.
Effect of herbicides and herbicide mixtures on weeds in wheat
Authors: Choudhary Dhirender , Singh P. K. , Chopra N. K. , Rana S. C.
Published: April 2016

A field investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of herbicides and their mixtures on weeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. PBW-343. Minimum weed density per m2 and weed dry weight (5.13 and 17.31g) was recorded with sulfosulfuron at 25g ha−1 followed by clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha−1 (5.19 and 18.45g), metribuzin at 200gha−1(5.85 and 25.98g), pendimethalin at 1000g fb 2,4-Dat400g ha−1 (6.49 and 31.73g) and hand weeding twice(7.01 and 35g), respectively. Also, maximum weed control efficiency was recorded under sulfosulfuron at 25g ha−1 (83.85%) followed by clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha−1 (83.17%) and metribuzin at 200g ha−1 (75.85%), respectively. All the weed control treatments recorded significantly higher harvest index than the weedy check (40.24). Among various herbicidal treatments, application of clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha−1 recorded highest harvest index (41.91) followed by sulfosulfuron at 25 gha−1 (41.83) and pendimethalin at 1000g fb2,4-Dat 400gha−1 (41.25) respectively. The harvest index recorded under clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha−1 and sulfosulfuron at 25 g ha−1 was significantly at par with weed free (42.06).
Evaluation of morphological and anatomical characters for discrimination and verification of some Medicago sativa (L.) Cultivars
Authors: Moawed Mohamed M.
Published: April 2016

Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa) is one of the most important legume forages in the world. The objective of this study was to characterize and discriminate among 15 alfalfa cultivars with a different geographical origin. Macro-morphological and anatomical characters as well as seed coat sculpture were investigated. Twenty five morphological characters were extracted directly from the fresh specimens. Transverse section in the main stem were carried out; stained and seventeen anatomical characters were examined by light microscope. Seed coat surface was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Data obtained were coded and analysed using NTsys-Pc software (Version 2.02) and the resulted dendrogram is discussed. The results showed morphological and anatomical variation between the studied taxa. Vascular bundles ranged from 16 to 23. The Egyptian cultivar Nubaria has the lowest number of vessels (16) while the American Super supreme has the larger number (23). The seed coat ornamentation revealed five main surface patterns and suggests the presence of variations in anticlinal boundaries and periclinal walls that provide stable diagnostic characters for morphologically closely related taxa. The dendrogram showed that the Egyptian cultivar Nubaria was the most distant and clustered separately from all the other alfalfa cultivars which were grouped into two main clusters. Seed coat morphology and combination of other plant morphological and anatomical characters permitted identification and discrimination between the examined cultivars. Results obtained in this work could be considered for further breeding strategies and studies.
Revision and Psychometric Testing of the Safe Administration of Medications Scale
Authors: Bravo Katherine S. , Pozehl Bunny , Kupzyk Kevin
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose: This study describes revision and psychometric testing of the Safe Administration of Medications-Revised (SAM-R) scale. Methods: The SAM-R scale was revised and tested to assess Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students’ readiness to safely deliver medications through simulated case studies and associated vignettes. Subjects were junior- and senior-level BSN students (N= 227) from a large Midwestern university. Both classical testing and item response theory (IRT) were used to analyze item and group results. Results: Face, content, and construct validity were assessed. Internal consistency reliability of the scale was .736. IRT provided item-level information, using a one-parameter logistic model, but the sample size was inadequate for testing more complex models. Conclusion: Evidence was obtained for reliability, face, content, and construct validity. Further revisions, and a larger sample size, are warranted.
Psychometric Testing of the Sidani and Doran Therapeutic Self-Care Scale in a Home Health Care Population
Authors: Richard Angela A.
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose: Self-care is a central goal of home health (HH) nursing care. The study purpose was to assess psychometric performance of the Therapeutic Self-Care Scale (TSCS) in a U.S. HH population. Methods: TSCS reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest analyses (n= 59). Convergent validity testing and principal components analysis (PCA) were performed. Results: After elimination of 2 items, internal consistency reliability was acceptable (α = .804) and test–retest reliability was high (intraclass correlation = .94;p< .001). Convergent validity analyses were inconclusive. PCA found 2 underlying dimensions consistent with a conceptual difference between self-care and self-management. Conclusions: A valid, reliable measure of self-care/management would be useful for measurement of HH nursing outcomes. The TSCS holds promise but needs further refinement before it can serve this purpose.
Journey to Becoming a Writer: Review of Research about Children’s Identities as Writers
Authors: Collier Diane R.
Published: April 2016

The beginning years of school are crucial to children’s early development as writers. As children learn to write, they transform themselves. This review of literature focuses on children’s journeys to becoming writers through a range of qualitative research studies. These studies identify how children who are beginning to write in extended ways and to construct their identities as writers are often constrained in classroom contexts, particularly within a larger climate of standardized assessment. The ways in which writing practices (including classroom relationships and assessment practices) contribute to children’s development as writers and possibilities for transformed practice are discussed.
“Power Without Honor Is Indeed A Dangerous Thing”: The Social Construction of Critical Literacy in Elementary Teacher Education
Authors: Calderwood Patricia , Mazza Morgan , Ahearn Hillary , Ruel Abiah , Favano Amy , Mahieu Kathleen , McNeill Dan , Nguyen Ho Dias Catherine , Pryde Linda , Stenerson Carolyn
Published: April 2016

An electronic conversation spontaneously constructed by elementary teacher candidates accomplished the critical reading of text, the connection of these readings to their work as teachers, and the framing of that teaching in terms of socially conscious inquiry and action. The structure of the conversation facilitated the exploration and establishment of the candidate’s identity as critical literacy educators; the implicit rules of engagement facilitated mutual trust, respect and appreciation. This created a safe space in which to engage in a discussion that rendered the teacher candidates vulnerable to self-doubts about critical literacy pedagogy, even as it showcased their intellectual strengths as critical readers. Implications for teacher education are included.
Authenticity and Children's Engagement with Writing
Authors: Jones Shelley K
Published: April 2016

Authentic literacy activities engage children with meaningful reading and writing (Duke, Purcell-Gates, Hall, & Tower, 2006), but  little investigation has been conducted into the relationship of the kinds of writing children enjoy and the authenticity of the writing activity and experience. This paper reports findings from a study that investigates the question: How, if at all, does authenticity factor into kinds of writing that children like and/or dislike? Findings indicate that children enjoy writing that purposefully engages them with the real world, and is therefore authentic, and do not enjoy writing that they perceive as merely “school work”.
Pedagogy and Learning Environment in a Franco-Ontarian Child Care Centre
Authors: Russette Alan D. , Taylor Shelley Kathleen
Published: April 2016

In order to succeed in French First Language (FFL) schools, students must have a working knowledge of French. For many Anglophone and Allophone students, the journey toward official bilingualism through FFL schooling begins in FFL child care centres. The programs offered in these centres were designed to foster the linguistic and literacy development of Franco-Ontarian children before they enter the FFL L-6 school system (CLR-Net, 2009; Government of Canada, 1982, 2008 & 2012; Ministère de l'éducation, 2004; Ontario MEO, 2005). This paper investigates whether éducatrices in FFL child care centres can meet all children’s French needs and, if so, how?