Masters Degrees (Exercise and Sport Sciences)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Exercise and Sport Sciences) by Advisor "Schoeman, Riaan"

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    ItemOpen Access
    Analysis of performance indicators in IPL Twenty20 Cricket from 2015 to 2017
    (University of the Free State, 2020-01) Sloane, Surita; Schoeman, Riaan
    Introduction: Cricket teams practice various batting and bowling strategies when preparing for matches or tournaments. Within the IPLT20 tournament these performance variables are considered as vital due to these variables discriminating between winning and losing teams. All teams participating in the IPLT20 seek a competitive advantage therefore an analysis of performance variables such as boundaries hit by batsmen and runs scored during the power play can be used to predict future success or failure of a cricket team based on the match outcome. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify which batting and bowling performance variables correlate with winning and losing teams in the IPLT20 Cricket tournament from 2015-2017. Furthermore, this study is aimed to supply coaches and players with performance outcomes that most significantly influence the winning and losing of an IPLT20 cricket match. Methods: A total of 150 IPLT20 cricket matches between 2015 and 2017 were captured. Six teams were selected for the purpose of this study, namely Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad. These teams all participated in all three season from 2015 to 2017. This will result in 150 matches over the 3 seasons. Measuring Instruments: Retrospective data from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Indian Premier League Tournament was collected from ESPN Cricinfo website. Data Analysis: A reliable data source for this research was found in Statsguru. Statsguru is ESPN Cricinfo’s cricket statistics maintenance database. The data was then analysed using the SAS Statistical Software (SAS, 2017). Data were analysed separately for the team batting first and for the team batting second. The outcome of the match is a binary variable (win/lose) since drawn matches were excluded from the analysis. The association of the potential predictor variables with the match outcome was analysed using univariate logistic regression, fitting each predictor variable, one at a time. The statistical significance of each predictor variable was tested using an exact test (exact conditional logistic regression); the exact P-value is reported. The analysis was carried out using SAS procedure LOGISTIC (see SAS, 2017). Results: Variables that predict success in T20 cricket differed for teams batting first and second, respectively. The significant predictors of winning an IPLT20 cricket match when batting first were: total runs scored in a match (p=0.0001), total wickets lost in a match (p=<0.0001), and wickets taken in a match (p=<0.0001). The significant predictors of winning an IPLT20 cricket match when batting second were: wickets taken in a match (p=<.0001) and wickets lost in a match (p=<.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study concludes that there are various performance variables such as the influence of a higher total runs scored, wickets taken in a match and wickets lost in a match correlates positively with success in Indian Premier League T20 cricket between teams batting first and second and can be used as success performance predictors. In contrast to other studies, this study focusses on variables in T20 cricket that reflect the performance of the entire team. From this study it can be concluded that batting first has a higher success rate although bowling data such as wickets taken and wickets lost for teams batting second are the most important predictors of winning.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Physical activity demands of golf
    (University of the Free State, 2018-12) Brink, Tania Kristel; Schoeman, Riaan
    Introduction: Golf is quite challenging in terms of the physical demands that it places on the body throughout a round of golf, and even more so during a golf tournament, due to the repetitive action. Understanding the fitness characteristics inherent in playing golf can supply prosperous advantages to golf players, including a better and more productive swing as well as improved body mechanics. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to quantify the demands and load being placed on golf players, especially during tournaments, and therefore to assist them with a better construction of their conditioning programmes during golf practice. The study also aimed to determine the distance covered, work to rest ratios, and frequency of movements in golf. Methods: GPS data on a total of twelve (12) amateur golf players were collected and a total of forty rounds of golf (18 holes) were analysed for the study. Therefore, a total of forty (40) GPS data sets (player rounds) were analysed (equivalent to 720 holes were recorded). Minimax X4 Catapult GPS units as well as a Polar HR monitors and chest straps was used to determine the physiological demands on golf players. The variables recorded are distances covered, player load, the maximal velocity during the round, and heart rate (HR) response. Players were categorised according to their handicap - handicap<0, handicap=0 and handicap>0. The handicap categories were compared with respect to selected activity variables using a linear mixed model with handicap category (3 levels) as fixed effect, and player as random effect. Fitting player as random effect accommodated potential correlation of the data collected from the same player. Based on this linear mixed model, the mean values (of the activity variable) for each handicap category were estimated, together with their standard errors. Furthermore, the pairwise mean differences between handicap categories were estimated, together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the mean differences and P values associated with the null-hypothesis of zero mean difference between the pair of handicap categories in question. Results: The mean value for players with a handicap below zero has the lowest playing duration (<0: = 4.32 hours) in relation to the players with the handicap equal to zero (=0: = 4.71 hours) with a handicap above zero (>0: = 4.88 hours). The total distance covered by players with the handicap below zero (<0: = 10.82km) was the furthest, compared to players with a handicap equal to zero (=0: = 10.52km) as well as player with a handicap above zero (>0: = 10.42km). Total player load was the highest for players with a below zero handicap (<0: = 606.67) followed by those with an above zero handicap (>0: = 587.05) and players with handicaps equal to zero (=0: = 583.56). Results also show that players with a handicap above zero (>0: = 2.02) has the lowest player load per minute value. Player load per kilometre was highest amongst players with a handicap below zero (<0: = 56.32) followed by players with handicaps above zero (>0: = 55.61). Below zero handicap (<0: = 42.52) players covered the longest distance per minute of all players. Players with a handicap below zero (<0: = 3.24) had the highest maximum velocity compared to players with handicaps equal to zero (=0: = 2.87), followed by players with handicaps above zero (>0: = 2.73). Significant differences between the players with a handicap below zero and players with a handicap above zero for total duration (p=0.0194) and meters per minute (p=0.021) can be observed. Conclusions: The study reveals the physical profile of and physical demands on amateur golf players and indicates differences between the various handicaps of golf players. These findings emphasise the differences in amateur players regarding handicaps for the load, duration, and distance placed on the players. Coaches and conditioning coaches must implement the findings of the study to develop sport-specific, and more importantly, handicap-specific conditioning programmes.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Time Motion Analysis in the South African Premier Soccer League using GPS technology
    (University of the Free State, 2020-01) Melesi, Kopano Zabulon; Coetzee, Frederik F.; Schoeman, Riaan
    Introduction: The game of soccer is an intermittent sport characterised by aerobic and anaerobic periods. TMA research on soccer in South Africa is lacking when compared with international counterparts, even though scientific-based soccer research can equip Strength and Conditioning Coaches in soccer with the precise knowledge to aid the development of individualised conditioning programmes for soccer players. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the physical demands of different positions in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa. Methods: GPS data on 26 players were collected, 46 matches and 459 observations and entries were analysed for the study. Minimax X4 Catapult GPS units were used to determine the physical and physiological demands made on soccer players. The following variables were recorded: Distances covered runs, run distance; number of runs, sprints, sprint distance and number of sprints in a match play. The quantitative variables were compared between playing positions using a mixed linear model, fitting playing position as fixed effect and match and (individual) player as random effect. Fitting the random effects allowed for the correlation of data within matches and for a given player. For each variable analysed, the overall F-test for playing position and the associated P-value are reported. Furthermore, the pairwise mean differences between playing positions, 95% confidence intervals for the mean differences, and associated P-values are reported. A so-called “lines” display is used to indicate which pairwise differences between the various playing positions are statistically significant. Results: All playing positions combined covered a mean total distance of 8494m (7197m-9200m) during a match which is notably lower than total distances reported from international soccer leagues which range from 10.180m- 11.680m. The CAM covered the highest total distance (9200.63m), closely followed by the WB (8724m) and CM (8621m). The ST, in contrast, covered the lowest total distance (7197m), closely followed by CB (7741m) and WA (8301m). The same positions made the greatest number of runs CAM (78m) and WB (72m). The WA covered the highest sprinting distance (299m), narrowly followed by the WB (278m). The lowest sprint distance was registered by CM (99m) and CB (101m). The WA performed a greater number of sprints (19) closely followed by the WB with a total of (17). CM and CB listed the lowest number of sprints in a match (7). Conclusions: In order to optimise soccer performance and to construct appropriate conditioning programmes, it is critical to have an understanding of the physiological demands placed on PSL players during a match. Our findings emphasise the differences in physical demand between the playing positions in soccer. Coaches can apply the findings of this study to develop position-specific strength and conditioning programmes for PSL players. For example, programmes for the CAM, should pay attention on improving aerobic capacity (extensive continuous low intensities) and aerobic power (intensive high intensity training, 2v2). The total distance covered by the W positions suggests that the W should have a balanced programme that switches between aerobic and anaerobic intensities. WA covers the highest sprinting distance among all positions; training regimens should focus on improving the W’s anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power ability. The WB training would consist of anaerobic modalities to help prepare the WB for the high intensity of speed endurance demands associated with the position. However, the WA must concentrate on anaerobic power as the sprints in this position consist of lower distances, so speed endurance production is essential in this position. To perform at high intensity throughout the duration of the match, soccer players should improve both aerobic and anaerobic endurance using high-intensity training modalities. This study can also help aspiring soccer players from club level to understand the physiological demands to play at PSL level and the physical demands at International level.
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    Time motion analysis of varsity cup soccer
    (University of the Free State, 2018-12) Masingi, Sam; Schoeman, Riaan
    Introduction: Soccer is an intermittent sport characterised by periods of moderate-intensity running and short high-intensity bursts. Understanding the physical and physiological demands of the sport is essential for constructing sport-specific and position-specific conditioning programmes. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of different positions in second division soccer. The main focuses calculated were the total distance covered, distance covered in high-intensity, distance covered in different velocity categories, and player load of the different positions in second division soccer and to compare results to higher level leagues. Methods: GPS data on a total of twenty-four (24) players were collected and a total of thirteen soccer matches were analysed for the study. Therefore, a total of hundred and forty-nine (149) GPS data sets (player games) were analysed. Minimax X4 Catapult GPS units, as well as a Polar HR monitors and chest straps, were used to determine the physical and physiological demands of soccer players. The following variables were recorded: Distances covered, player load, the velocity bands during the match; and heart rate (HR) response. The various HR and GPS data variables were analysed using a linear mixed model with Playing Position as fixed effect, and the random effects Game, Team, Game x, Team interaction term, and Player. Fitting these random effects allowed for correlation between the observations in question due to multiple observations from the same game, team, and player. Based on this linear mixed model, the mean values of the variable for each playing position were estimated, together with their standard errors. Furthermore, the pairwise mean differences between playing positions were estimated, together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the mean differences and P-values (p<0.05) associated with the null-hypothesis of zero mean difference between the pair of playing positions in question. Results: Soccer players in the current study performed at 75% of the maximum HR. The CM had the highest mean HR (161.5 b/min), while the GK had the lowest mean HR (143.3 b/min). The W had the highest mean maximum HR (213m), while the CA had the lowest maximum HR (207.9m).Outfield soccer players in the current study cover between 8241.5m and 10024.9m mean total distance, while the GK covers 4,7km mean total distance. The W covered the highest total distance (10024.9m), closely followed by the CM (9734.9m) and CA (9911.5m). The GK, on the other hand, covered the lowest total distance (4692.4m). The GK covered the highest walking distance (3361.6m) and lowest distance in every other movement classification. The CM covered the highest jogging distance (5009.3m), while the CA covered the highest running distance (936.5m). The W covered the highest sprinting distance (258.4m), closely followed by the CA (175.2m). The CM had the highest total player load (1044.5au), player load per meter (0.107au/m), and player load per minute (11.085au/min), whereas the GK had the lowest player load in all categories. Conclusions: Based on player load and mean HR, it appears that the CM experiences a greater physiological demand than all the other positions on the field, while the GK experiences the lowest physiological demand. Training the CM, therefore, should focus on improving aerobic capacity to ensure readiness for the in-match rigours of the position. The total distance covered by the W suggests that the W experiences the highest physical demand among all positions. Since the W covers the highest sprinting distance among all positions, training regimens should focus on improving the W’s anaerobic capacity and repeated sprint ability to prepare the W for the high-intensity demands associated with the position. When using these results as an aid in the design of conditioning programmes, coaches and trainers are advised to consider that this study adds to a limited number of studies conducted on South African soccer. Furthermore, the current study was conducted in the second division of South African soccer. As a result, comparisons with studies from other countries should be made with utmost caution, particularly owing to differences in performance standards, as well as climatic and other environmental differences.