MST-Department of Recreation Management & Exercise Science

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/558

Browse

Browsing MST-Department of Recreation Management & Exercise Science by Subject "Aerobic exercises--Kenya"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Aerobic capacity among the rugby union players in 2005 kenya League
    (2011-11-28) Kamenju, Janet Wanjira
    The capacity to replenish the energy required for endurance activities is one of the important factors that determine an individual's ability to exercise for a long time without fatigue. For an individual to attain the best performance, V02 max improvement is one aspect of training that should not be ignored (Seiler, 2005). This study assessed the aerobic capacity of selected male players taking part in 2005 Kenya Cup Rugby League. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain a sample of 90 male players from Impala, Harlequins and Nakuru RFC. The selection was based on the 2004 final league standings. Quasi-experimental research design was used. A pre-test using the multistage shuttle run test was administered to estimate the endurance capacity of the subjects at the beginning of the competitive season. A post-test was conducted eight weeks after commencement of competition to assess any changes in V02 max levels. Prediction of players' maximum oxygen uptake was based on their performance on the Multi-stage fitness test validated by Brewer et al (1998). The computer software package (SPSS) was used to process the data. The descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. A t-test was used to assess the differences between pretest and posttest, while ANOVA was used to analyse the differences in V02 max among the three clubs as well as between playing positions. The significant F-ratio was further analysed using Tukey HSD test. The results of the study were presented using graphs and tables. The findings of the study were as follows; there was no significant difference in players' aerobic capacity between pre-test and post-test. Players' V02 max at pre-test was 43.14m1/kg/min and 42.62m1/kg/min at post-test. Similarly, there was no significant difference in aerobic capacity amongst players of different age groups. The findings also indicated that there were significant differences in aerobic capacity among the top (44.5m1/kg/min), middle (40.2ml/kg/min) and the bottom (42.2ml/kg/min) ranked teams. The Tukey HSD test showed significant differences between Impala RFC and Harlequins RFC (5.47*) and also between Nakuru RFC and Harlequins RFC (4.16*) at pre-test. There was also significant difference between Impala and Harlequins (4.23*) at post-test.