RP-Department of Recreation Management & Exercise Science
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Item Academic performance of kenyan secondary school athletes and non-athletes(AFAHPER-SD, 1999) Rintaugu, E.G.; Akpata, D.O.This study investigated the relationship between participation in competitive sports and academic performance of secondary school students in Kenya. It was hypothesized that athletes will have better academic performance than non-athletes. Gender, type of school, social economic status (SES), Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E.) marks and participation in competitive sports were used as independent variables, while academic performance was regarded as the dependent variable. Data were collected from 490 subjects randomly selected from 15 secondary schools within Nairobi Province of Kenya. Questionnaires, interviews and school records were used for data collection. Data were analysed through MANOVA and Tukey H.SD. tests. Findings revealed that athletes consistently performed better than non-athletes. It was also found that SES, K.C.P.E. and type of school correlated positively with academic performance while sex did not. It was recommended that competitive sports be emphasized in secondary schools because it is not detrimental to academic performance.Item Academic Status of the Coach and Team Performance in the Kenyan National Soccer and Volleyball Leagues(EJHS, 2021) Mucheke, Charles Muthiaine; Bailasha, Nicholas; Waiganjo, Luka BoroPurpose: The study sought to establish whether academic status of the coach predicted team performance in the Kenyan national soccer and volleyball leagues. Methodology: The Cross-Sectional survey used a population of the 53 head coaches handling team in the Kenyan soccer and volleyball leagues in the 2020-2021 season. Census sampling was used to pick the 53 coaches for the study. Data collection instrument was a self-administered questionnaire. The Leadership Scale for Sport questionnaire (LSS) was used to capture player’s perception on coach competence. The coaches’ questionnaire was divided into sections which captured demographics and academic background. The study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 22) for data analysis. Information was organized and presented using descriptive statistics and was analyzed at 0.05 significance level. Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact test was used to predict coach academic status on the team’s performance. Data was projected in figures and tables and relevant discussions were made. Findings: Chi square and Fisher’s Exact Test results showed that coaches academic status had a significant effect on team performance (χ2 =18.419, 0.031 ≤ p 0.05 9df). The fisher’s exact test had a p value of 0.016 which was also less than 0.05 confirming that there was a significant relationship between coaches’ academic status and team performance. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study concluded that coaches’ academic status had a significant effect on team performance. Team managers, owners and other stake holders in sports need to take up educated coaches. This is because educated coaches learn a diverse way of communication including humor, which in turns benefits communication between coaches and players which enhances team performance in the long run. In addition, coaches that are not educated need to go back to school and further their education. This will enable them to gain more skills that will be help in their teams’ performance.Item Active school transport and weekday physical activity in 9–11-year-old children from 12 countries(Nature Publishing Group, 2015) Denstel, K.D.; Broyles, S.T.; Larouche, R.; Sarmiento, O.L.; Barreira, T.V.; Chaput, J-P.; Church, T.S.; Fogelholm, M.; Hu, G.; Kuriyan, R.; Kurpad, A.; Lambert, E.V.; Maher, C.; Maia, J.; Matsudo, V.; Olds, T.; Onywera, V.O.; Standage, M.; Tremblay, M.S.; Tudor-Locke, C.; Zhao, P.; Katzmarzyk, P.T.OBJECTIVES: Active school transport (AST) may increase the time that children spend in physical activity (PA). This study examined relationships between AST and weekday moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary time (SED) and total activity during naturally organized time periods (daily, before school, during school and after school) in a sample of children from 12 countries. METHODS: The sample included 6224 children aged 9–11 years. PA and sedentary time were objectively measured using Actigraph accelerometers. AST was self-reported by participants. Multilevel generalized linear and logistic regression statistical models were used to determine associations between PA, SED and AST across and within study sites. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, highest parental educational attainment, BMI z-score and accelerometer wear time, children who engaged in AST accumulated significantly more weekday MVPA during all studied time periods and significantly less time in LPA before school compared with children who used motorized transport to school. AST was unrelated to time spent in sedentary behaviors. Across all study sites, AST was associated with 6.0 min (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.7–7.3; Po0.0001) more of weekday MVPA; however, there was some evidence that this differed across study sites (P for interaction = 0.06). Significant positive associations were identified within 7 of 12 study sites, with differences ranging from 4.6 min (95% CI: 0.3–8.9; P = 0.04, in Canada) to 10.2 min (95% CI: 5.9–14.4; Po0.0001, in Brazil) more of daily MVPA among children who engaged in AST compared with motorized transport. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that AST was associated with children spending more time engaged in MVPA throughout the day and less time in LPA before school. AST represents a good behavioral target to increase levels of PA in children.Item The adiposity of children is associated with their lifestyle behaviors: a cluster analysis of school-aged children from 12 nations(World Obesity Federation, 2016) Dumuid, D.; Olds, T.; Lewis, L. K.; Martin-Fernández, J. A.; Barreira, T.; Broyles, S.; Chaput, J-P.; Fogelholm, M.; Hu, G.; Kuriyan, R.; Kurpad, A.; Lambert, E. V.; Maia, J.; Matsudo, V.; Onywera, V.O.; Sarmiento, O.L.; Standage, M.; Tremblay, M.S.; Tudor-Locke, C.; Zhao, P.; Katzmarzyk, P.; Gillison, F.; Maher, C.Background: The relationship between children’s adiposity and lifestyle behaviour patterns is an area of growing interest. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to identify clusters of children based on lifestyle behaviours and compare children’s adiposity among clusters. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment were used. Participants: the participants were children (9–11 years) from 12 nations (n = 5710). Measures: 24-h accelerometry and self-reported diet and screen time were clustering input variables. Objectively measured adiposity indicators were waist-to-height ratio, percent body fat and body mass index z-scores. Analysis: sex-stratified analyses were performed on the global sample and repeated on a site-wise basis. Cluster analysis (using isometric log ratios for compositional data) was used to identify common lifestyle behaviour patterns. Site representation and adiposity were compared across clusters using linear models. Results: Four clusters emerged: (1) Junk Food Screenies, (2) Actives, (3) Sitters and (4) All-Rounders. Countries were represented differently among clusters. Chinese children were over-represented in Sitters and Colombian children in Actives. Adiposity varied across clusters, being highest in Sitters and lowest in Actives. Conclusions: Children from different sites clustered into groups of similar lifestyle behaviours. Cluster membership was linked with differing adiposity. Findings support the implementation of activity interventions in all countries, targeting both physical activity and sedentary time.Item Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating(Taylor & Francis (Routledge), 2015) Muia, Esther Nduku; Hattie H. Wright; Onywera, V.O.; Kuria, E. N.Limited data are available on the female athlete triad (Triad) in athletes from minority groups. We explored subclinical and clinical Triad components amongst adolescent elite Kenyan athletes (n = 61) and non-athletes (n = 49). Participants completed demographic, health, sport and menstrual history questionnaires as well as a 5-day weighed dietary record and exercise log to calculate energy availability (EA). Ultrasound assessed calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD). Eating Disorder Inventory subscales and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire’s cognitive dietary restraint subscale measured disordered eating (DE). EA was lower in athletes than non-athletes (36.5 ± 4.5 vs. 39.5 ± 5.7 kcal ∙ kg FFM−1 ∙ d−1 , P = 0.003). More athletes were identified with clinical low EA (17.9% vs. 2.2%, OR = 9.5, 95% CI 1.17–77, P = 0.021) and clinical menstrual dysfunction (32.7% vs. 18.3%, χ 2 = 7.1, P = 0.02). Subclinical (75.4% vs. 71.4%) and clinical DE (4.9% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.56) as well as BMD were similar between athletes and non-athletes. More athletes had two Triad components than non-athletes (8.9% vs. 0%, OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–6.9, P = 0.05). Kenyan adolescent participants presented with one or more subclinical and/or clinical Triad component. It is essential that athletes and their entourage be educated on their energy needs including health and performance consequences of an energy deficiency.Item Aerobic capacity among the rugby players in 2005 Kenya cup League(Kenyatta University, 2009) Kamenju, J.W.; Mwangi, P. W.; Njororai, W.W.S.One of the most common measurements of endurance fitness in exercise physiology is maximal oxygen uptake (V02max), which is an individual s capability for the uptake, transport and utilization of oxygen. The V02max determines an individual s capacity for work in a whole body activity such as rugby. This study investigated the aerobic capacity of Kenyan rugby players in 2005 Kenya cup league by their positions. The multi stage shuttle run test was used to predict individual players V02max of 90 players randomly selected from Impala, Harlequin and Nakuru rugby clubs at the beginning of the Kenya cup league competition and after eight weeks of training and competition. The study findings indicated that the backs had significantly higher V02max (44.4ml/kg/min at pretest and 43.9ml/kg/mi at posttest) than the forwards (40.8ml/kg/min at pretest and 40.9ml/kg/min at posttest). It is concluded that players in the two playing positions need training programme activities that are relevant to the specific role they play during the match.Item Aerobic capacity and need for its assessment amongst athletes: the case Of Kenyatta University soccer players(Kenyatta University & KAHPER-SD, 2003) Njororai, W. W. S.; Kamau, J. W.; Wanderi, P. M.This paper is based on a study conducted with the aim of assessing the aerobic capacity levels of the soccer players in Kenyatta University using the Multistage Shuttle Run Test. The sample comprised eighteen soccer male players who were aged between 20- 25 years. The subjects were grouped into defenders (9), midfielders (5), strikers (2) and goalkeepers (2) and then put on the graded exercises using the shuttle run. The predicted aerobic capacity value was read against the number of shuttles a subject completed at a particular level which signified his endurance capacity. Data collected were statistically analysed by use of the dependent 't'-test and results presented with use of tables. The results indicated increased aerobic capacity values of all players between the pre-test and post-test. The results were also a good indicator of how aerobic capacity varies with players' positional roles in the game of soccer justifying the need to departmentalise the training in order for the players to get role specific aerobic capacity in line with their positional roles and functions on the field of play.Item Alcohol consumption patterns of student athletes in a kenyan public university(The Special Issue on Business and Social Science, 2011) Mwisukha, A.; Rintaugu, E.G.; Mundia, Francis M.Alcohol use and abuse among university students is a rapidly growing concern in universities in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to evaluate alcohol consumption among university student athletes and data was collected through self administered questionnaire from (n=207) student athletes. Findings indicated that student athletes consume alcohol due to social and psychological reasons. There were no gender differences in alcohol consumption and student athletes face numerous and diverse problems associated with alcohol consumption. Educational and intervention programmers need to be put in place by sport psychologists and other help providers to student athletes who are consuming alcohol. Future studies should focus on alcohol consumption among student athletes in specific sports, high school athletes and elite athletes.Item Analysis of acute injuries incurred by players in the preliminary phase of the 2001 Moi golden cup soccer tournament in Kenya(2001) Onywera, V.O.; Njororai, W. W. S.; Mwisukha, A.Irrespective of the nature, cause and mechanism, injuries are a serious hazard in many sports. Injuries hamper the players' performance both in training and competition, disrupt the ,. conditioning process arid) thus preventthem from realizing their playing potential. However, with surveillance of injuries, preventive, treatment and rehabilitation measures can be formulated. This study investigated injuries that led either to a temporary stoppage of the game and/or substitution of a player during the preliminary phase of the 2001 Moi Golden Cup Soccer Tournament in Kenya A total of 15 matches were played in the preliminary phase, Three independent research assistants who recorded the injuries in a protocol sheet observed each match. Forty-three (43) injuries were registered during this phase. The majority of the injuries affected soft tissues (67.8%). The most serious injuries were dislocations and fractures. The lower part of the body suffered more injuries occurred in the offensive part of the field (44.2%). The majority of injuries affected attackers (44.2%) as compared t defenders and mid fielders. The home team suffered more injuries (61.4%) compared to the away team. The loosing team recorded more injuries (51%) than the winning team. Given that most of the injuries were caused by opponents, it is recommended that team officials emphasize the use of protective gear as well as effective physical conditioning of their respective team players. There is also need to replicate the study on more comprehensive scales at international levels.Item Analysis of Doctoral research at the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Kenyatta University (1988-2011): Implications for health and sports development in Kenya(2013) Rintaugu, E.G.; Amusa, L.O.; Toriola, A.L.This article analyses studies which were conducted for doctor of philosophy degrees in the department of Physical and Health education and Exercise Science at the Kenyatta University with a view of appraising their impact and possible contribution towards sports development in Kenya. Twelve (12) studies were reviewed over the 25-year period which cut across a broad spectrum of areas of study in Physical Education and Sport ranging from Anthropology and Sports History, Didactics, Sports Administration, Outdoor Education, Social-Psychology of Sports, fitness and health-related aspects. Soccer, athletics and volleyball were predominantly investigated in the studies. In most of the studies the findings were descriptive in nature and have limited applications needed to address strategic priorities of sports development in Kenya. The department need to encourage studies which are relevant to the numerous and diverse areas in sports in Kenya and most aptly relevance to the Kenya population. Implications of the findings for post-graduate Physical Education curriculum review are discussed.Item Analysis of Doctoral research at the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Kenyatta University (1988-2011): implications for health and sports development in Kenya(AFAHPER-SD, 2013) Rintaugu, E.G.; Toriola, Abel L.; Amusa, Lateef O.This article analyses studies which were conducted for doctor of philosophy degrees in the department of Physical and Health education and Exercise Science at the Kenyatta University with a view of appraising their impact and possible contribution towards sports development in Kenya. Twelve (12) studies were reviewed over the 25-year period which cut across a broad spectrum of areas of study in Physical Education and Sport ranging from Anthropology and Sports History, Didactics, Sports Administration, Outdoor Education, Social-Psychology of Sports, fitness and health-related aspects. Soccer, athletics and volleyball were predominantly investigated in the studies. In most of the studies the findings were descriptive in nature and have limited applications needed to address strategic priorities of sports development in Kenya. The department need to encourage studies which are relevant to the numerous and diverse areas in sports in Kenya and most aptly relevance to the Kenya population. Implications of the findings for post-graduate Physical Education curriculum review are discussed.Item Analysis of factors that affect the standard of soccer in africa: the case of east african countries(Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2012-03-31) Rintaugu, E.G.; Mwisukha, A.; Onywera, V.O.Item Analysis of the Kenyan Distance Running Phenomenon.(Human Kinetics, 2014) Tucker, R.; Onywera, V.O.; Santos-Concejero, J.PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the ethnicity of Kenya's most successful international runners, tracking their evolution over the period of their international emergence and current dominance. METHODS: We analysed male track distance events from 800m upwards from all the major global athletics championships from 1964 to 2013, and the annual Top-25 world marathon performances since 1990. RESULTS: We found that the percentage of Top-25 marathon performances and medals won by Kenyan and Kalenjin runners have increased over time with Nandi sub-tribe outperforming the rest of the world outside Africa (r>0.70; large effect). However, Europe, North America, Oceania, Asia and South America decreased over time in Top marathon performances and track medals won by (r>0.70; large effect). The tribe and sub-tribe distribution was different in the marathon than in the track: Maasais were more likely to feature in medals won in shorter track events than in the Top-25 of the world marathon rankings (RR=9.67; very large effect). This was also the case for Marakwets (RR=6.44; very large effect) and Pokots (RR=4.83; large effect). On the other hand, Keiyos, Kikuyus, Kipsigis, Sabaots and Tugens were more likely to succeed in the marathon than in shorter track events (RR>2.0, moderate effect). CONCLUSION: These data emphasise that the previously documented emergence of African distance runners is primarily a Kenyan phenomenon, driven by the Kalenjin tribe and in particular the Nandi sub-tribe. This supports the complex interaction between genotype, phenotype and socio-economic factors driving the remarkable dominance of Kenyan distance runners.Item Anti-Doping Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience of General Practitioners in Kenya(Journal of Sport Sciences Research, 2022) Rotich, Jonathan Kimtai; Rintaugu, Elijah Gitonga; Thangu, EdnaGeneral practitioners are regarded as athletic support personnel as they are involved in delivering supportive services such as treating athletes participating in or preparing for sports competitions. General practitioners play a vital role in influencing athletes to fulfill their mandate to adhere to clean sports and therefore, their additional knowledge in sports is required to comprehensively address their health needs without affecting the integrity of rules that govern fair play. General practitioners require sufficient doping knowledge to provide athletes with health needs consistent with anti-doping regulations. In Kenya, no studies have investigated or reported the doping knowledge, attitude or experience of General Practitioners, thus leaving a knowledge gap on their ability to treat competitive athletes harmonious with WADA requirements. Therefore, the study sought to unearth General Practitioners' doping knowledge, attitude, and experience in Kenya. The study's findings have implications on doping knowledge, attitude, and experience of Kenya General Practitioners’ essential to inform the current status of the concept. A cross-sectional analytical study design was selected because of its robustness in describing general practitioners' current doping knowledge, attitude, and experiences. Data was collected using a self-reported and validated questionnaire where 250 General practitioners completed the survey. Findings revealed that Kenyan general practitioners are well aware of doping regulatory agencies of WADA and ADAK. The findings demonstrated that General Practitioners had an average doping knowledge (47.77 ± 14.03) punctuated with limited knowledge of prohibited substances, methods, and substances in certain sports. Work experience significantly influenced General Practitioners knowledge, F (4,245) = 10.852, p< .001. General Practitioners had a negative doping attitude of 45.23 ± 13.64. As many as 22% (55) General Practitioners received doping requests for the last 12 months, where 35.7% (89) of requests are about drugs to aid recovery. Anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, and peptide hormones were among the most sought-after PEDs. General Practitioners in Kenya have inadequate doping knowledge, which could limit their efficacy in treating professional athletes in line with WADA guidelines. Additional anti-doping training could benefit them address this limitation. Although General Practitioners demonstrated a negative attitude, expanding their involvement through active participation in doping seminars, and programs can enhance their understanding of the doping concept necessary to develop and maintain a strong negative attitudeItem Are Children Like Werewolves? Full Moon and Its Association with Sleep and Activity Behaviors in an International Sample of Children(Frontiers Media, 2016) Chaput, J-P.; Weippert, Madyson; LeBlanc, Allana G.; Hjorth, Mads F.; Michaelsen, Kim F.; Katzmarzyk, Peter T.; Tremblay, Mark S.; Barreira, Tiago V.; Broyles, Stephanie T.; Fogelholm, Mikael; Hu, Gang; Kuriyan, Rebecca; Kurpad, Anura; Lambert, Estelle V.; Maher, Carol; Maia, Jose; Matsudo, Victor; Olds, Timothy; Onywera, Vincent; Sarmiento, Olga L.; Standage, Martyn; Tudor-Locke, Catrine; Zhao, Pei; Sjödin, Anders M.In order to verify if the full moon is associated with sleep and activity behaviors, we used a 12-country study providing 33,710 24-h accelerometer recordings of sleep and activity. The present observational, cross-sectional study included 5812 children ages 9–11 years from study sites that represented all inhabited continents and wide ranges of human development (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, India, Kenya, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States). Three moon phases were used in this analysis: full moon (±4 days; reference), half moon (±5–9 days), and new moon (±10–14 days) from nearest full moon. Nocturnal sleep duration, moderate-tovigorous physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and total sedentary time (SED) were monitored over seven consecutive days using a waist-worn accelerometer worn 24 h a day. Only sleep duration was found to significantly differ between moon phases (~5 min/night shorter during full moon compared to new moon). Differences in MVPA, LPA, and SED between moon phases were negligible and non-significant (<2 min/day difference). There was no difference in the associations between study sites. In conclusion, sleep duration was 1% shorter at full moon compared to new moon, while activity behaviors were not significantly associated with the lunar cycle in this global sample of children. Whether this seemingly minimal difference is clinically meaningful is questionableItem Are participant characteristics from ISCOLE study sites comparable to the rest of their country?(Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2015) LeBlanc, A.G.; Katzmarzyk, P.T.; Barreira, T.V.; Broyles, S.T.; Chaput, J-P.; Church, T.S.; Fogelholm, M.; Harrington, D.M.; Hu, G.; Kuriyan, R.; Kurpad, A.; Lambert, E.V.; Maher, C.; Maia, J.; Matsudo, V.; Olds, T.; Onywera, V.; Sarmiento, O.L.; Standage, M.; Tudor-Locke, C.; Zhao, P.; Tremblay, M.S.OBJECTIVES: The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) provides robust, multi-national information on physical activity, diet and weight status in 9–11-year-old children around the world. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the similarities and differences between participant characteristics from ISCOLE sites and data from nationally representative surveys from ISCOLE countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, Kenya, India, Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States). METHODS: Distributions of characteristics were assessed within each ISCOLE country-level database, and compared with published data from national or regional surveys, where available. Variables of comparison were identified a priori and included body mass index (BMI), physical activity (accelerometer-determined steps per day) and screen time (child-report). RESULTS: Of 12 countries, data on weight status (BMI) were available in 8 countries, data on measured physical activity (steps per day) were available in 5 countries and data on self-reported screen time were available in 9 countries. The five ISCOLE countries that were part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey (that is, Canada, Finland, Portugal, the United Kingdom (England) and the United States) also provided comparable data on self-reported physical activity. Available country-specific data often used different measurement tools or cut-points, making direct comparisons difficult. Where possible, ISCOLE data were re- analyzed to match country-level data, but this step limited between-country comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: From the analyses performed, the ISCOLE data do not seem to be systematically biased; however, owing to limitations in data availability, data from ISCOLE should be used with appropriate caution when planning country-level population health interventions. This work highlights the need for harmonized measurement tools around the world while accounting for culturally specific characteristics, and the need for collaboration across study centers and research groups.Item Are the correlates of active school transport context-specific?(Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2015) Larouche, R.; Sarmiento, O.L.; Broyles, S.T.; Denstel, K.D.; Church, T.S.; Barreira, T.V.; Chaput, J-P.; Fogelholm, M.; Hu, G.; Kuriyan, R.; Kurpad, A.; Lambert, V.; Maher, C.; Maia, J.; Matsudo, V.; Olds, T.; Onywera, V.; Standage, M.; Tremblay, M.S.; Tudor-Locke, C.; Zhao, P.; Katzmarzyk, P.T.OBJECTIVES: Previous research consistently indicates that children who engage in active school transport (AST) are more active than their peers who use motorized modes (car or bus). However, studies of the correlates of AST have been conducted predominantly in high-income countries and have yielded mixed findings. Using data from a heterogeneous sample of 12 country sites across the world, we investigated the correlates of AST in 9–11-year olds. METHODS: The analytical sample comprised 6555 children (53.8% girls), who reported their main travel mode to school and the duration of their school trip. Potential individual and neighborhood correlates of AST were assessed with a parent questionnaire adapted from previously validated instruments. Multilevel generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to examine the associations between individual and neighborhood variables and the odds of engaging in AST while controlling for the child’s school. Site moderated the relationship of seven of these variables with AST; therefore we present analyses stratified by site. RESULTS: The prevalence of AST varied from 5.2 to 79.4% across sites and the school-level intra-class correlation ranged from 0.00 to 0.56. For each site, the final GLMM included a different set of correlates of AST. Longer trip duration (that is, ⩾16 min versus ⩽15 min) was associated with lower odds of AST in eight sites. Other individual and neighborhood factors were associated with AST in three sites or less. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate wide variability in the prevalence and correlates of AST in a large sample of children from twelve geographically, economically and culturally diverse country sites. This suggests that AST interventions should not adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Future research should also explore the association between psychosocial factors and AST in different countries. International Journal of Obesity Supplements (2015) 5, S89–S99; doi:10.1038/ijosup.2015.25Item The aspect of nationality and performance in a mountain ultra-marathon-the ‘Swiss Alpine Marathon’(Journal of Human Sport & Exercise, 2012-11) Rosemann, T.; Lepers, R.; Rust, C. A.; Knechtle, B.; Eichenberger, E.; Onywera, V.O.Eichenberger E, Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Lepers R, Rosemann T, Onywera VO. The aspect of nationality and performance in a mountain ultra-marathon - the ‘Swiss Alpine Marathon’ J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 748-762, 2012. Runners from East Africa and especially from Kenya dominate middle- and long- distance running races worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the participation and performance trends regarding the nationality of runners in a mountain ultra-marathon held in partially high alpine terrain. We hypothesized that Kenyan runners, living and training in the Great Rift Valley, a predominantly hilly, mountainous and altitudinous region like the Alps, would dominate also a mountain ultra-marathon because they are accustomed to high altitudes and mountainous terrains. We examined the participation and performance trends of ultra-marathoners regarding their nationalities in the 78-km ‘Swiss Alpine Marathon’ including 21 km in high alpine terrain where 12,194 men and 1,781 women finished between 1998 and 2011. A total of 1,682 women and 11,580 men, corresponding to 94.9 % of all finishers, originated from Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Great Britain, Austria, the Netherlands and Luxembourg where only one male Kenyan runner ever participated. Female runners from Denmark, Great Britain, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Sweden as well as male runners from Denmark, Great Britain, and Sweden increased their participation significantly. Women from the Netherlands became slower whereas women originating from Great Britain became faster. Men from the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland became slower. The fastest runners originated from Switzerland for both women and men. To summarize, runners from Switzerland dominated the ‘Swiss Alpine Marathon’. Paradoxically, and interestingly, the Kenyan runners were not dominating the ‘Swiss Alpine Marathon’. Further studies should investigate Kenyan participation and performance in ultra-marathons in Africa such as the ‘Comrades MarathonItem Assessment of Employee Awareness of the Applicability of Ergonomic Exercises in the Banking Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2013) Boro, Waiganjo Luka; Mwisukha, A.; Onywera, V.O.The purpose of this study was to investigate into Kenyan bank employees' awareness on the applicability of ergonomic exercises in the course of their work. It was hypothesized that there would. h,e no significant differences in terms of gender and position of work in relation to the above. Subjects for the study included tellers, secretaries, clerks, and officers in banking institutions in Nairobi. 1,500 employees from jive banks (National bank, Cooperative bank, Equity bank, Kenya Commercial bank and Family Finance) were targeted. A total of seventeen branches from the banks and 450 employees were selected randomly for the study. Questionnaires were administered to collect information related to the employees' awareness of the applicability of exercise in th e banking institutions. 321 questionnaires were completed and returned. Qualitative methods of data analysis were utilized to analyze the data. Chi-square at p 0.05 was run to test the hypothesis. Results indicated that most employees were not aware of the applicability of ergonomic exercises in the banking institutions. There was a significant gender difference (x2=752, n=321, df=5, p<0.05). Females (41.32%) were more aware of the applicability of ergonomic exercises than the males (35.71%). In addition there was a significant difference in terms of working position (x2 674, n=321, df=5, p<0.05). The tellers (51.90%) were the most unaware while the secretaries (67.74%) were the most aware. It was therefore recommended tGa.t-the Kenya Bankers Association in partnership with the bank management initiate ergonomics training for their employees and make the banks ergonomically sound. In addition, more research to establish specific effects of exercises on specific musculoskeletal injuries, and the most effective duration for exercising were recommended.Item Assessment of Employee Awareness of the Applicability of Ergonomic Exercises in the Banking Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya(African Journal of Applied Human Sciences, 2013-01) Waiganjo, Luka Boro; Mwisukha, A.; Onywera, V.O.The purpose of this study was to investigate into Kenyan bank employees’ awareness on the applicability of ergonomic exercises in the course of their work. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in terms of gender and position of work in relation to the above. Subjects for the study included tellers, secretaries, clerks, and officers in banking institutions in Nairobi. 1,500 employees from five banks (National bank, Cooperative bank, Equity bank, Kenya Commercial bank and Family Finance) were targeted. A total of seventeen branches from the banks and 450 employees were selected randomly for the study. Questionnaires were administered to collect information related to the employees’ awareness of the applicability of exercise in the banking institutions. 321 questionnaires were completed and returned. Qualitative methods of data analysis were utilized to analyze the data. Chi-square at p 0.05 was run to test the hypothesis. Results indicated that most employees were not aware of the applicability of ergonomic exercises in the banking institutions. There was a significant gender difference (x2=752, n=321, df=5, p<0.05). Females (41.32%) were more aware of the applicability of ergonomic exercises than the males (35.71%). In addition there was a significant difference in terms of working position (x2 674, n=321, df=5, p<0.05). The tellers (51.90%) were the most unaware while the secretaries (67.74%) were the most aware. It was therefore recommended that the Kenya Bankers Association in partnership with the bank management initiate ergonomics training for their employees and make the banks ergonomically sound. In addition, more research to establish specific effects of exercises on specific musculoskeletal injuries, and the most effective duration for exercising were recommended.