Faculty of Humanities
School of Social Sciences
Department of Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Sport tourists have preconceived expectations of the type and quality of services to be offered at a particular event. The extent to which these expectations are met will determine sport tourism satisfaction. Their satisfaction is critical to the managerial success of any sporting event. For the purpose of this study the definition of a sport tourist was assumed to be any individual that facilitates or organises a sport event, participates, or attends as a spectator. The expectations of international sport tourists were assessed by measuring the difference between their expectations and their perceived performance of the event organisers. Results suggest that events organisers have not adequately capitalized on the economic and psychic income potential of events yet. It can therefore be concluded that sport event organisers should pursue multiple goals when designing the product and service parameters of a particular event.
Contact person: Prof AE Goslin.
The aim of this study was to identify and design a battery of work-specific tests for 'blue collar workers' (physical labourers) within one of the departments of a South African electricity supply company, with a view to establish work-specific minimum physical requirements for them. The aim was to establish a complete measuring tool, which would enable the company to measure the physical work capacities of the workers. A battery of work-specific tests were identified and adapted for the workers in a department in the company's northern region. Thus, one powerful and complete measuring tool was established.
Contact person: Prof PE Krüger.
Exercise is recognized as a possible yet under-utilized tool in the management of diabetes. The study examined the knowledge, attitudes, misconceptions, beliefs and practices among 200 persons with type-I diabetes mellitus who have completed outpatient counselling. Although exercise is a cornerstone in the management of diabetes mellitus many persons with diabetes fail to participate in basic physical activity or overcome the perceived barriers to participation in physical activity dreading secondary diabetic complications. The results indicated that providing education and support for exercise will overcome barriers to exercise and may increase compliance of exercise to manage diabetes mellitus.
Contact person: Dr HJ van Heerden.
Sixty-eight black African males performing physical labour were involved in the study, with subjects being randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 34) or an experimental group (n = 34). The control group was requested to continue with their established lifestyles, while the experimental group participated in a 6-month physical wellness programme. It is concluded that a worksite physical wellness programme comprising a biokinetic exercise programme and a wellness workshop addressing all the dimensions of wellness had a positive impact on sick leave, absenteeism and health-related fitness.
Contact person: Mr B van Vuuren.
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