RP-Department of Physical and Health Education

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    Administration of first-aid and prevention of injuries in Kenyan soccer
    (African Forum for Health Sciences, 1994) Njororai, W.W.S.
    Appropriate scientific training demands the cooperation of the coach, player, doctor and physiotherapist. The training process involves the medical examination before a competitive season, the diagnosis and treatment of injuries when they occur, the prevention of injuries and the rehabilitation of the injured back into competitive play. It is in these respects that a coach requires the services of a doctor and/or a physiotherapist on the technical bench. This study therefore attempted to establish whether the soccer coaches were benefiting from the professional support of the doctors. The study sought the views of the Kenyan soccer coaches on the administration of first-aid and the preventive measures against injuries. Specifically, the study attempted to find out whether the Kenyan soccer clubs employed team doctors, whether the coaches had adequate knowledge in first-aid, the injury prevention measures that the coaches enforced, etc. A questionnaire was administered to 42 individual soccer coaches who were attending an advanced Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) coaching course in Nairobi. Thirty-three (78.57%) were used in the study. The participants were drawn from all the provinces of Kenya except North Eastern. The findings were that 13 (39.4%) of the clubs represented did not have a qualified medical attendant; that in the absence of a team doctor, it is the coach who mostly administered first-aid (42.4%); that out of all the coaches only 15 (45.5%) were well versed in first-aid procedures, among others
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    The asthma six-minute provocation test and mountain climbing in children
    (Kenya Medical Association, 1994) Wekesa, M.; Langhof, H.; Sack, P.
    We investigated the intensity of exercise in the asthma six-minute provocation test (ASMT) for asthmatic patients and mountain climbing. Six asthmatic boys with mean age 11.7 +/- 2.1 years and mean weight 44.5 +/- 13.2 kg participated in this study. HR, FEV1 and RR values were recorded. In both forms of exercise, the participants achieved intensities of over 160 beats/min. EIA was diagnosed in five of them after the SSMT. There was not much variability in the PEFR values observed during mountain climbing. The rise in systolic pressure was within normal. The echocardiogram (ECG) was not pathologic. Further investigations are required to establish the suitability of mountain climbing as an appropriate form of sport for asthmatics.
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    A study of the pattern of injuries during the Rugby World Cup pre-qualifying tournament held in Nairobi
    (African Forum for Health Sciences, 1994) Wekesa, M.; Asembo, J.M.; Njororai, W.W.
    Rugby, like other contact sports, is associated with injuries. We set out to investigate all injuries that led either to a temporary stoppage of the game and/or substitution of a player during the Rugby World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. A total of six matches were played involving the Arabian Gulf, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe. We recorded a total of 47 injuries, giving an injury rate of eight per match. The number of injuries decreased from 38.3% in the first matches to 23.4% in the final ones. The majority of the injuries affected soft tissues, the most serious of them being a concussion. Anatomically, the lower limbs suffered the majority of injuries (46.81%) followed by the head, trunk and upper limbs with 21.29%, 17.03% and 12.78% respectively. Slightly more injuries occurred during the defensive actions (53.19%) than offensive (46.81%) ones. More injuries occurred in thee second half (61.70%) than the first (38.3%). Some of our findings are in agreement with those of earlier studies. However, further investigations are necessary to establish a clear cut pattern of injuries in this sport.
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    A one year prospective study of soccer injuries in the 1992-1993 Kenyan national team
    (African Forum for Health Sciences, 1995) Wekesa, M.
    Injuries are common in all sports, including soccer. Most of these injuries can be prevented if their aetiology, mechanisms and predisposing actions are analyzed. There were a total of 32 injuries in the study period. The incidence of lesions was 1.78 per match or 1.1 per player. 43.75% were contusions, 31.25% overuse and 25% sprains. 34.38% of the injuries affected the groin/thigh, 28.13% the knee and 25% the ankle. The right side of the body (65.63%) suffered more injuries. The opponent (60%), ball (12%) and the ground (10%) were the major causes. The activities during injury were running/dribbling (43.8%), tackling (18.8%) and heading (9.4%). A similar study of longer duration is recommended
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    Motivational factors that affect primary school pupils' participation in organized sport: a case study of Shinyalu division in Kakamega district, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University & KAHPER-SD, 2003) Hannington, B. M.; Wamukoya, E.; Njororai, W. W. S.; Bukhala, P.
    The study investigated motivational factors that affect pupil participation in organised sport in Shinyalu Division of Kakamega District. The research examined the most important factors in youth sport, which included interest in sport, perceptions of success in sport and perceptions of failure in sport. Data were collected by survey, which was conducted in nine schools in Shinyalu Division of Kakamega District. The study sample consisted of 20 pupils from each school, five boys and five girls from class 5 and also five boys and five girls from class 6. Three schools from Shinyalu Division were used for pilot study, but did not feature in the main study. Pupils responded to a questionnaire that focused on three salient factors in children sports, that is; interest in sports, success in sports and failure in sports. The questionnaire, with a three point Likert scale required pupils to tick either "Agree', "Not sure" or "Disagree". Data obtained from the research instrument were analysed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square. Findings of the study showed that interest of pupils in sport is high and by more training,they will do well in sports. The core reason for participating in sports was identified as learning the sport skills while winning was not a setback to participation. The main hinderances to participation were physiological factors and restrictions during playtime. Appropriate recommendations were made based on the findings of this study.
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    Analysis of Post-graduate Research in the Department of Physical Education, Kenyatta University, Kenya
    (African Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology and Sport Facilitation, 2004) Mwisukha, A.; Gitonga, E. L.; Njorarai, W. W. S.
    This paper analyses post-graduate studies conducted in the department of physical education of Kenyatta University with a view to establishing their contribution to sports growth and development in Kenya. A total of 19 research studies conducted in the department between 1990 and 2002 were subjected to content analysis. Findings indicated that majority 6 (31.57%) of the studies centred on match analysis, 7 (36.84%) of the studies had derived their subjects from sports clubs, and soccer is the most 3 (30%) researched aspect sport. Questionnaires were extensively used for data collection. It is recommended that the department needs to focus on performance-oriented research, diversify areas of research and increase the enrollment of post-graduate students and teaching staff.
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    Prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Nairobi province, Kenya
    (AJOL, 2011) Wamukoya, Edwin K; Kamau, J.W.; Wanderi, P. M.; Njororai, W.W.S.
    The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide and has implications for a variety of diseases. This has been due to various causes such as poor nutrition, inactivity or both. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children aged 10-15 years in Nairobi province, Kenya. The study was carried out in two phases. A cross-sectional design was used in the first phase to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity using BMI. The subjects in this phase included 2,620 males and 2,705 females aged 10-15 years in both private and public schools. A classic experimental design which involved an experimental group (48 pupils) and a control group (21 pupils) was then used for the second phase of the study, which involved further assessment of overweight and obesity using bioelectrical impedance analysis and skin fold measures. Data were analysed using percentiles, correlations, paired sample t-tests, independent sample t-tests and one way analysis of variance at 0.05 level of significance. Post hoc tests using Tukey HSD were applied to determine inter-group differences upon obtaining significant F ratios. The results indicated that out of the 1,479 pupils in private schools 103 (6.9%) were obese while 245 (16.7%) were overweight. On the other hand, out of the 3,846 pupils in public schools 62 (1.6%) were obese, while 220 (5.7%) were overweight. Among the 2,620 male subjects, 170 (6.5%) were overweight while 67 (2.6%) of them were obese. The results also showed that out of the total 2,760 female pupils, 295 (10.9%) were overweight while 98 (3.6%) were obese. These results showed that overweight and obesity are prevalent among primary school children aged 10-15 years in Nairobi, Kenya. The results further showed significant differences in body composition between boys and girls (p.0.05) with female pupils being more susceptible to overweight and obesity as indicated by higher mean BMI scores compared to their male counterparts. The study therefore recommended that similar assessments in other cities of Kenya as well as among the older individuals above 15 years and younger population below 10 years be conducted so as to indicate the big picture of overweight and obesity in Kenya. Additionally the study recommended that studies focusing on the major factors influencing overweight and obesity amongst children in Nairobi province be assessed. This will help in forming the basis for prevention and management of overweight and obesity.
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    Effects of different arm kinematics on performance in long distance running
    (2012-09-24) Mwangi, Francis M.; Wanderi, P. M.; Wamukoya, Edwin K.; Onywera, V.O.; Rintaugu, E.G.
    Arm action should be efficient as it generates various components of running mechanics. While many authors recommend that the arms should be moved with elbows held at about 90 degrees, some distance running athletes have used different arms movements with varying degree of success and failure during competitions. The study investigated how different arm kinematics affected cardio-respiratory parameters and stride patterns during the steady phase of long distance running. Mean values of working heart rate (WHR), estimated percentage of maximum oxygen consumption (%VO2 max), ventilation rate (VR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were used to estimate energy cost of running with different arm actions. Ten elite Kenyan distance running athletes were tested in ten submaximal treadmill trial runs, each trial performed with different arm action for 15 minutes at a speed corresponding to individual’s 80% running effort. Repeated Measures ANOVA indicated significant difference in WHR, %VO2 max, RPE, and stride rate (SR) at p < .05. Medium effect size was observed; Omega Squared (ω2) = .20. Arm action consisting of about ±20 degrees oscillation of the hands around 90 degrees angle at the elbow is more efficient than running with arms held at 90 degrees angle at the elbows.
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    Pattern of Injuries During the Great Lakes Athletics Championships Held in Kenya
    (2013) Bukhala, P.; Kilika, T.
    Background Injuries are common in sports, especially dynamic ones such as athletics. An accurate documentation of such injuries provides useful information for future planning, prevention, treatment and management. Literature seems nonexistent on the incidence of such sport injuries in Africa. Objective This study investigated the injuries sustained during the first organised Great Lakes Paralympics Open Athletics Championships that brought together nine countries Nairobi –Kenya from the 21st–26th August 2010. Design The data was collected from records of the medical team and analyzed descriptively and reported using percentages, bar graphs and tables. Participants A total of 120 athletes participated in the championships and were from nine countries namely, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Ethiopia, and Egypt. 73 cases were reported and treated for one injury or the other. Results The most common treatment was on soft tissue injuries 46 (63%), varying pain conditions (19%) and stomach upsets 12 (16%). The causes of these injuries included the type of shoes; type of wheelchair used and length of time spend on the warm up track. Most of the injuries resulted from overuse (40%) and improper training modalities. Conclusion It was concluded that proper sports training and management of athletes was essential for an injury free competition. Training of volunteer coaches and medical personnel would be helpful for all teams.
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    Demographic and Behavioral Traits of Coaches Preferred by Female Athletes in Teacher Training Colleges in Central Region of Kenya.
    (International Journal of Arts and Commerce, 2013) Ndambiri, K.R.; Mwisukha, A.; Muniu, R. K.
    The purpose of the study was to establish demographic and behavioural traits of coaches preferred by female athletes in teacher training colleges in central region of Kenya. This study investigated female athletes’ preference for male or female coaches, youthful or elderly coaches, coach leadership behavior, coaching experience, personal relationship with the coach, the coach ability to motivate, and feedback and encouragement from the coach. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population for the study comprised female athletes in certificate and diploma teacher training colleges. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain the sample size. The teacher training colleges were stratified into two strata; certificate teacher training colleges and diploma teacher training college. Simple random sampling technique was used to select50% certificate teacher training colleges. Since there was only one diploma teacher training college, it was purposively selected. The study selected 444 (21.6%) respondents from the two randomly selected certificate teacher colleges and the one diploma training college. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to code and analyze the data. The data were summarized into descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. The results were presented in the form of tables. The hypotheses were tested using Wilcoxon signed ranks test at significance level of 0.05. The study results revealed that female athletes differ in their preference for male or female coaches and also youthful or elderly coaches. The coach leadership behaviour, coaching experience, personal relationship with the coach, the coach ability to motivate, feedback and encouragement of the coach were all found to be behavioural traits of coaches preferred by female athletes. As a result, the researcher has recommended having an assistant female coach when a male coach is coaching female athletes, coaches engaging in coaching behaviours to which female athlete is receptive, and the management of teacher training colleges addressing the demographic and behavioural traits of coaches preferred by female athletes.
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    Psychological Factors that Influence Training and Performance of Female Athletes in Sports in Teacher Training Colleges in Central Region of Kenya
    (2013-07-07) Ndambiri, K.R.; Mwisukha, A.; Muniu, R.K.
    The purpose of this study was to evaluate psychological factors that influence the training and performance of female athletes in sports in teacher training colleges in central region of Kenya. The study assessed the extent to which the coach athlete relationship, coach leadership behaviour, fear of strenuous exercises, fear of injuries resulting from training and motivation using verbal reinforcement influences training and performance of female athletes in sports in teacher training colleges in central region of Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population for the study comprised female athletes in certificate and diploma teacher training colleges. The teacher training colleges were stratified into two strata; certificate teacher training college and diploma teacher training college. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 50% certificate teacher training colleges. Since there was only one diploma teacher training college, it was purposively selected. The study selected 444 (21.6%) respondents from the two randomly selected certificate teacher colleges and the one diploma training college. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to code and organize the data. The data were summarized into descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. The results were presented in the form of tables. The hypotheses were tested using Wilcoxon signed ranks test at significance level of 0.05. The study results revealed that the female athletes’ involvement in training activities is influenced by the coach leadership behaviour and coach-athlete relationship. The study results also revealed that female athletes differ in their preference for male or female coaches and also youthful or elderly coaches. The fear of strenuous exercises prescribed by the coach, fear of injuries and motivation using verbal reinforcement were all found to influence female athletes’ participation in training activities. As a result, the researcher has recommended training of female athletes by coaches who understand female athletes’ psychological needs, having an assistant coach when a male coach is coaching female athletes, training of teachers/tutors who double as coaches on methodology that equips them with knowledge on the coach-athlete relationship and coach leadership behaviour as well as addressing the psychological factors influencing coaching of female athletes through the curriculum.
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    Physical Factors that Influence Training and Performance of Female Athletes in Sports in Teacher Training Colleges in Central Region of Kenya
    (Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2014) Ndambiri, K. R.; Mwisukha, A.; Muniu, R. K.
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical factors that influence the training and performance of female athletes in sports in teacher training colleges in central region of Kenya. The study assessed the extent to which the concern for body shape, academic demands, and freedom to choose the mode of training influences training and performance of female athletes in sports. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population for the study comprised female athletes in certificate and diploma teacher training colleges. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain the sample size. The study selected 444 (21.6%) respondents from the two randomly selected certificate teacher colleges and the one diploma training college. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to code and analyze the data. The hypothesis was tested using chi-square (χ2) at significance level of 0.05. The study results revealed that the female athletes’ involvement in training activities is influenced by the concern for body shape, academic demands and freedom to choose the mode of training. As a result, the researcher has recommended expansion of awareness and education on benefits of physical activities to female athletes, training of female athletes by coaches who understand female athletes’ physical needs, as well as addressing the physical factors influencing coaching of female athletes through the curriculum.
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    Relationship between Lifestyle Behaviors and Obesity in Children Ages 9–11: Results from a 12-Country Study
    (Wiley, 2015) Katzmarzyk, P.T.; Barreira, T.V.; Broyles, S.T.; Champagne, C.M.; Chaput, J-P.; Fogelholm, M.; Hu, G.; Johnson, W.D.; Kuriyan, R.; Kurpad, A.; Lambert, E.V.; Maher, C.; Maia, J.; Matsudo, V.; Olds, T.; Onywera, V.O.; Sarmiento, O.L.; Standage, M.; Tremblay, M.S.; Tudor-Locke, C.; Zhao, P.; Church, T.S.
    Objective: The aim was to assess associations between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in a multinational study of children from 12 countries representing a wide range of human development. Methods: The sample included 6,025 children 9–11 years of age. Behavioral risk factors included nocturnal sleep duration, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), television viewing (TV time), and healthy and unhealthy diet pattern scores. Multilevel analyses were used to obtain odds ratios for obesity expressed per standard deviation of each behavioral risk factor. Results: The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for obesity from multilevel, multivariable models were 0.79 (0.71–0.90) for nocturnal sleep duration, 0.52 (0.45–0.60) for MVPA, 1.15 (1.05–1.27) for TV time, 1.08 (0.96–1.20) for healthy diet score, and 0.93 (0.83–1.04) for unhealthy diet score in boys and 0.71 (0.63–0.80) for nocturnal sleep duration, 0.43 (0.35–0.53) for MVPA, 1.07 (0.96–1.19) for TV time, 1.05 (0.93–1.19) for healthy diet score, and 0.96 (0.82–1.11) for unhealthy diet score in girls. Conclusions: Behavioral risk factors are important correlates of obesity in children, particularly low MVPA, short sleep duration, and high TV viewing.
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    Associations between Parental Perceptions of the Neighbourhood Environment and Childhood Physical Activity: Results from ISCOLE-Kenya
    (Human Kinetics, 2015) Muthuri, Stella K.; Wachira, Lucy-Joy M.; Onywera, V.O.; Tremblay, Mark S.
    BACKGROUND: A physical activity transition to declining activity levels, even among children, now poses a serious public health concern due to its contribution to a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Childhood physical activity levels are associated with parental perceptions of the neighborhood; however, these relationships have not been explored in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The objective was to investigate relationships between parental perceptions of the neighbourhood, and physical activity indicators among Kenyan children. METHODS: Data were collected from children 9-11 years in Nairobi as part of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and Environment. Child physical activity was assessed by accelerometry, and information on obtaining sufficient physical activity, active transport, and parental perceptions of the neighborhood collected using questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 563 participating children, 45.7%, 12.6%, and 11.4% used active school transportation, met physical activity guidelines, and were sufficiently active respectively. Parental perception of positive neighbourhood social cohesion, positive environs and connectivity, and negative child safety concerns, were associated with child physical activity outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Aspects of parental perceptions of the neighbourhood were associated with child physical activity outcomes, and should be further explored to appropriately inform policy and practice in curbing declining physical activity levels among children in SSA
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    Screen-based sedentary behaviour and adiposity among school children: Results from International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) - Kenya
    (Public Library of Science, 2018) Wachira, Lucy-Joy M.; Muthuri, Stella K.; Ochola, Sophie A.; Onywera, Vincent O.; Tremblay, Mark S.
    Background High levels of sedentary behaviours have been independently associated with several negative health indicators, including obesity. Screen time (ST) is often used as a contributing measure of sedentary time. It is recommended that children spend no more than 2 hours on recreational sedentary screen-based activities daily. We describe screen-based sedentary time of urban school children and examine the associations between body mass index (BMI) and percent Body Fat (%BF) with ST levels. Methods Data were collected from 563 children aged 9 to 11 years attending 29 non-boarding primary schools in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). Data were analysed to test for associations between ST and sex, type of school attended (public verses private), Socioeconomic status, adiposity, and access to electronic devices. We also assessed participants' ST on school and weekend days. Results Of the participants recruited, 15.5% had high ST levels, 67.9% spent no more than 2 hours in recreational screen activities on school days while 74.2% did not meet the guidelines on weekend days. Participants sex was associated with daily ST (t = 3.5, p<0.001), ST on the weekend (t = 3.9, p <0.001) and total ST per week (t = 3.5, p<0.001) with males having higher ST than females. ST was associated with type of school for daily ST (t = 3.6, p<0.001), ST on the weekend (t = 4.5, p<0.001) and total ST per week (t = 3.6, p<0.001) where private schools pupils had higher ST. ST was not associated with BMI. ST was not associated with %BF except on weekend days (p = 0.038) where those classified as overfat/ obese (fat) had higher ST. Conclusions A large proportion of children spend more time than recommended on screen activities particularly on weekend days. Strategies to improve healthy living should focus on the reduction of sedentary ST for school-aged children.
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    Screen-based sedentary behaviour and adiposity among school children: Results from International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) - Kenya
    (Public Library of Science, 2018-06) Wachira, Lucy-Joy M.; Muthuri, Stella K.; Ochola, Sophie A.; Onywera, Vincent O.; Tremblay, Mark S.
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    Factors Affecting Accessibility and Use of Female Condom among Youths in Selected Tertiary Training Institutes in Migori County, Kenya
    (International Journal of Midwifery and Nursing Practice, 2019) Boraya, Joshua Omwenga; Githae, Caroline Nyaguthie; Njuguna, Esther Wanjiku; Ombaka, Dickson; Gachau, Albert
    The female condom is a dual protection tool for both prevention of HIV/ Aids transmission and unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. The study was done in Migori County among the youths attending selected tertiary training institutes, with specific objectives of identifying the extent in which access to the female condom and other social cultural factors affecting use of the device in Migori County. A cross-sectional descriptive study was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. A pre-test study was conducted in Msomi teachers training college to test the validity and reliability of the data collecting tools. The tertiary institutions were purposively selected while the research participants in the selected institutes were randomly and systematically selected and a sample size of n= 385 was chosen proportionately. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It was evident from the research findings that majority of the youths 83.9% were single with 61.3% of the youths getting information about female condom use from media, 73.9% used it to prevent pregnancy than to prevent transmission or contracting HIV/Aids. Availability and cost of the female condom was significant at p≤0.001, attitude of the user and partner was also significant at p value of 0.024.
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    Status of Participation in Physical Activity by Employees in Kenyan Universities at Onsite Fitness Centers in Kenya
    (ajest, 2020) Mukaro, Matilda; Kamau, Jayne W.; Mwangi, Francis M.; Wanderi, Peter M.; Onyango, Elvis O.
    Physical activity plays a critical role in preventing and reducing risks of many diseases while at the same time maintaining physical and mental health. On the contrary, physical inactivity has been found to be one of the four modifiable risk factors that potentially predispose individuals to Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To curb the negative social and financial implications associated with NCDs, many corporate organizations, as well as universities, are offering furnished wellness centers to their employees. This paper is based on a study that aimed at establishing the status of participation in physical activity (PA) at onsite fitness centers among Kenyan university employees. A cross-sectional analytical design was used to examine 499 employees from two institutions (a private and public university) that were purposefully selected on the basis of their well-equipped physical fitness facilities. University employees were randomly stratified according to their, age, gender, type of university and designation (non-teaching, teaching and management staff), while respondents in each stratum were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire which was administered to respondents in both universities. The employees’ level of participation in PA was summarised using descriptive statistics. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to analyse differences in percentages of maximum possible scores with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. It was found that 25% of the employees were physically active while 75% were physically inactive (Mean = 38.20) in relation to use of onsite fitness centres. The most active group were employees below the age of 30 years. Both male and female employees recorded a similar status in participation in PA which was low. There was a significant difference in the status of participation in PA between the two universities (p < .001). This paper recommends that university employees need to take up the opportunity provided by their employers to use the available fitness facilities so as to accumulate the desired daily physical activity amount of at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA. This is meant to support their physical and mental health needed for their work performance. By the same token, the paper recommends that university administrators should look into strategies that would promote use of onsite fitness centres by the employees so as to increase participation in PA and consequently prevent occurrence of NCDs while promoting productivity at work.
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    Motivation Status of Male and Female Soccer Players in Kenya’s Secondary Schools
    (Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2020) Andanje, Nancy; Rintaungu, Elijah Gitonga; Mugalla, Hannington Bulinda
    The purpose of this study was to determine motivation status of soccer players in secondary schools in relation to gender of the participants. The study hypothesized that there would be no significant difference on motivation among soccer players in secondary schools in relation to gender of the participants. The study adopted cross sectional analytical research design. The participants were boys and girls enrolled in secondary schools from urban and suburban areas at zonal level. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure proportionate representation of both male and female soccer players from the two counties. The sampled respondents were 548 (54.7%) out of the target population of 1001. Four dependent variable were used; self-achievement motivation, self-fulfillment, social interaction and personal image motivation. The Sport Motivation Scale questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Data was summarized in percentages, mean values and standard deviations. Hypotheses were tested using t-test at p = 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that male soccer players were significantly more motivated on the variable of personal fulfillment than the female soccer players. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two genders the other three variables of personal image, self-achievement and social interaction. The study recommends that teachers, trainers and coaches handling soccer players at secondary school level seek to maintain the high motivation observed by both male and female players. The study also recommends for expansion of training on psych-social aspects of teachers, trainers and coaches.
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    Effect of an Exercise Regimen on Blood Pressure in Grade 1 Hypertensive Adults
    (International Peer Reviewed Journal and Book Publishers, 2020) Boit, Edwin Kiptolo; Theuri, Gitahi; Ogweno, Gordon
    Purpose: The primary aim of the study was to assess the change in resting Blood Pressure (BP) following a 6 week exercise regimen in grade 1 hypertensive adults. The Secondary aim of the study was to assess the change in Resting Heart Rate (RHR) after a 6 week exercise regimen in grade I hypertensive adults. Methodology: This study employed an experimental research design because specific conditions were controlled and its effects observed. In this case, exercise was controlled by the researcher and the influences on resting BP and Resting Heart Rate (RHR) observed. A sample of 15 adults was used in this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 (IBM Limited, UK, 2017) and Microsoft Excel 2013 for Windows. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Data was tested for normal distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test while the Levenes test was used to test for data normality. Data was determined to be parametric. A paired t-test was used to compare mean differences from baseline, mid-point and post-test within the group Results: There was no significant difference observed at baseline for mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) within the Exercise Group (EX) group (p>0.05). The EX group had a mean SBP and DBP of 142.3 ± 7.4 mmHg and 90.9 ± 3.9 mmHg at baseline. Following an exercise regimen conducted for 45 minutes 5 times a week the SBP and DBP reduced by -2.1 ± 4.2 mmHg and -1.1 ± 4.8 mmHg respectively after 3 weeks and reduced further by -4.6 ± 3.1 mmHg and -3.4 ± 3.9 mmHg after 6 weeks. These changes were not statistically significant (p>0.05) after 3 weeks for SBP and DBP respectively, however they were significant after 6 weeks for both SBP (p<0.001) and DBP (p<0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference observed at baseline for RHR within the EX group (p>0.05). The EX group had a RHR of 76.9 ± 12.6 bpm at baseline. Following an exercise regimen conducted for 45 minutes 5 times a week the RHR reduced by -3.9 ± 4.9 bpm after 3 weeks and reduced further by -6.9 ± 4.9 bpm after 6 weeks. The changes were statistically significant (p<0.05) after 3 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Recommendations for further research: Since there is limited and conflicting research on the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training (concurrent training) on BP, future research needs to focus on determining whether it is superior to aerobic or resistance training. Future studies on hypertensive individuals could investigate safe methods of increasing exercise intensities in view of the fact that increased exercise intensities have been shown to increase the amount BP reduction. However individuals with hypertension are restricted to lower intensities