PHD-Department of Physical and Health Education
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Item Coach Education, Competition Experience and Players’ Perception of Coach Competence as Predictors of Performance in the Kenyan National Leagues(2022) Mucheke, Charles; Bailasha Nicholas; Waiganjo Luka BoroTechnical and tactical coach education attributes constitutes part of coaching pedagogy. However, research on the technical and tactical aspects of coach education has been scanty. Technical and tactical coach education attributes evaluated on team performance in competition in this study were; coach academic status, professional qualification, past playing and competition experience. Also the players’ perception of coach competence and its influence on team performance in sport competitions was assessed. The study was informed by experiential learning theory and a Cross-Sectional survey design was used. The sample size of the study was 53 coaches and 500 players who were randomly selected. The Leadership Scale for Sport questionnaire (LSS) instrument and a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data. Data was expressed in frequencies and percentages and presented in tables and graphs. Chi-Square was used for data analysis and Fisher’s exact test to determine the strength of the outcomes. Findings showed that the coach academic status significantly influenced team performance in soccer (χ2 =30.292 and P = 0.000) and coach academic status significantly influenced team performance in volleyball (χ2 =15.251 and P = 0.018). However, no significant difference was reported on the influence of the coach professional qualification on the team performance in both soccer (χ2 = 25.180and P = 0.120) and volleyball (χ2 =25.180a and P = 0.120) teams. A significant difference was reported on the influence of the coach competition experience and team performance in both soccer (χ2 = 30.292 and P = 0.000) and volleyball (χ2 = 23.910 and P = 0.001) teams. In addition, a significant difference was reported on the influence of the coach playing experience and team performance in both soccer (χ2 =23.910 and P = 0.002) and volleyball (χ2 = 21.695 and P = 0.001) teams. However, no significant difference was reported on the influence of the coach professional qualification on the team performance in both soccer (χ2 = 11.467 and P = 0.489) and volleyball (χ2 =11.897 and P = 0.119) teams. It was however found that the coaches’ gender had no significant influence on team performance. Further, based on the study discoveries, it was also established that perceptions of soccer players on the coaches training, rewarding behaviour, autocratic behaviour and social support predict team performance in the Kenyan national soccer leagues. However, a perception of players on the coaches’ democratic leadership style does not predict team performance in the Kenyan national soccer leagues. Further, based on the study discoveries, it was also established that perceptions of volleyball players on the coaches training, rewarding behaviour and social support predict team performance in the Kenyan national volleyball leagues. However, a perception of players on the coaches democratic does not predict team performance in the Kenyan national volleyball leagues. From the findings, it was concluded that coach education background, competition experience and perception of coach competence by players play important role in the overall team performance of both soccer and volleyball teams. That coach professional qualifications which did not seem to be significant in team performance need to be reconfirmed through another scientific study. It was recommended that team managers, owners and other stake holders in sports need to consider academic status of coaches during recruitment. This was further confirmed by the findings on the perception of players on the coach competence. On recommendation for policy implementation, federations are advised to collaborate with the ministry and the institutions of higher learning to develop a holistic coach education curriculum in Kenya.Item Influence of Participation in Competitive Sports on Character Changes of Secondary School Students in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Mwenda, Penninah Wanjiku; Elijah Gitonga Rintaugu; Andanje MwisukhaStudies reveal a wide range of benefits derived from engagement in sports such as school connectedness, academic attainment, social benefits and character development of the youth. However, some studies have also indicated that competitive sports may lead to undesirable behavior. Therefore the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of participation in sports on character changes of secondary school students. The study was guided by the null hypothesis, ‘There is no significant difference in character changes between competitive and non-competitive student-athletes after six months’ sports participation. The independent variables are level of sports participation, gender, age, type of sport, school category, school status, school type, status of student and class level of students. Dependent variable was the character traits at the pre-test and post-test. A Quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study. The target population was student-athletes from 258 secondary schools in Nairobi City County. Purposive sampling was used to select six hundred and seventy two (672) students from 24(10%) of secondary schools. Of these, 336 (competitive athletes) were those who had represented the school team in Inter-Sub county sport competitions in 2018 in selected sports. Matched pairs (336 non-competitive athletes) were those who played sports at school but never represented the school team in any of the Inter-Sub county sports competition. A close-ended questionnaire on character which was adapted from different sources was utilized in this study. A pre-test was conducted at the beginning of the playing season and athletes continued with active participation until the end of the playing / competition season when the post-test was undertaken. The data obtained was coded and analyzed using IBM-SPSS Version 20. Matched Sample Wilcoxon Signed Rank test showed significant change in character scores (p = .049) between Pre-test and Post-test, with less number of respondents (n=303) registering positive change than the number of respondents (n=348) who registered negative change scores. Independent Samples Mann Whitney U tests showed significant difference in character scores between Competitive and Non-Competitive student-athletes both at Pre-Test (p = .001) and at Post-Test (p = .023), with the Competitive group registering higher Mean Rank score than Non-Competitive group both at Pre-Test (361.75 vs. 311.25) and at Post-Test (353.58 vs. 319.42). Multinomial Logistic Regression Analyses showed that boarding status, school category and type of sport can significantly (p < .05) influence character changes among competitive student-athletes. Therefore it is concluded that participation in school sports can provide opportunities and experiences that lead to character change and thus aid in character development. However, sports competition can also result to negative character change and thus undermine the social value of sports. Boarding status, school category and type of sport influence outcomes of sports experiences leading to positive or negative character change. It is therefore recommended that curriculum developers and implementers should integrate character education to enhance the sports experiences and outcomes to promote desirable character changes and development.Item Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of Boxers, Wrestlers, and Bodybuilders towards Use of Performance-Enhancing Substances in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Mandu, Wanjiku Agnes; Festus Kiplamai; Andanje Mwisukha; Luka WaiganjoBoxing, wrestling, and bodybuilding are sports that require athletes to be highly conditioned from both endurance and strength perspective. Hence, the temptation to use performance enhancing substance has become rampant among athletes from these sports. Some of the athletes have tested positive for inadvertent doping after use of performance enhancing substances. This can be blamed on lack of knowledge, acquired beliefs and practices, as well as attitudes developed by athletes. The purpose of this study was to establish knowledge levels, attitudes, beliefs, and practices on the use of performance enhancing substances, among athletes from boxing, wrestling, and bodybuilding federations in Kenya. The main objective was to evaluate knowledge levels, beliefs, attitudes, and use of performance enhancing substances and methods among wrestlers, boxers, and bodybuilders in Kenya. The hypotheses sought to find out if there were any significant difference in knowledge levels, beliefs, attitudes, and use of performance enhancing substances and methods among these sports disciplines. Pressure from stakeholders and the nature of these sports discipline make them vulnerable to use performance enhancing substances. The findings of this study can be used by relevant institutions to plan programs on awareness creation among other sports disciplines. The study utilized cross-sectional analytical research design. The study population comprised of 1900 athletes from the three sports disciplines with a sample size of 384 athletes. Both closed and open-ended questionnaires were used as the data collection instrument. Data obtained from the respondents was coded and organized for analysis by use of SPSS version 25. Hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA and t-test at confidence level of 0.05. Post hoc analysis was carried out using Duncan Multiple Range Test where differences were found to be significant. Pearson Correlation was used to determine the associations between continuous variables of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and use/ practice. Results on one way ANOVA indicated knowledge levels at F(2, 381) = 19.631, p<0.001, attitudes at F(2, 381) = 25.605, p<0.001, beliefs at F(2, 381) = 46.646, p<0.001, and practice at F(2,381) = 24.050, p<0.000. three sports disciplines. Pearson correlations were found to be significant at p<0.001, with a positive association between knowledge levels and experience (r=0.222), use of FS, TH and PES and experience (r=0.187), knowledge levels and attitude (r=0.380), beliefs and use of FS, TH and PES (r=0.515). However, a negative association was found with p<0.001, between knowledge levels and beliefs (r= -0.443), beliefs and use of TH, FS, and PES (r= -0.133), beliefs and attitudes (r= -0.677), attitude and use (r= -0.446). Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of athletes from the three sports disciplines were significantly different. Officials from the three sports federations should develop structures necessary for imparting knowledge to athletes on use of PES.Item Perceived Home and Neighbourhood Built Environment Correlates of Physical Activity among School-Going Children in Kampala City in Uganda(Kenyatta University, 2021) Nakabazzi, Bernadette; Lucy-Joy M. Wachira; Adewale L. Oyeyemi; Vincent O. OnyweraChildren’s regular participation in physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits. However, majority of children globally are insufficiently active. There is scarcity of objectively measured physical activity data in many African countries. The aim of this study was to assess accelerometer-measured physical activity and determine the socio-demographic and parental perceived home and neighbourhood-built environment correlates of physical activity among school going children in Kampala city. School going children (n=256) aged between 10 and 12 years from randomly selected schools participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was measured using the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer (ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL, USA) for 7 consecutive days. Socio-demographics and parental perceived home and neighbourhood-built environment characteristics were assessed using a parent/guardian questionnaire. Weight and height of each child were measured. Multi-level mixed effects logistic regressions tested for the correlations between parental perceived home and neighbourhood-built environment attributes and children’s physical activity. Data were analysed using STATA statistical software version 14.2. Children spent most of their time sedentary (590.6±124 minutes/day) and less time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (56±25.7 minutes/day). Only 36.3% of the children met the physical activity guidelines. Boys, public schools, and thin/normal weight children were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines. Socio-demographic factors associated with odds of meeting physical activity guidelines were attending a public school (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: [ 4.24 – 13.32], p < 0.001), thin/normal weight status (OR: 5.88; 95% CI: [2.30 - 15.00], p < 0.001), lower maternal level of education (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: [2.12 - 6.24], p <0.001) and no car ((OR: 4.72, 95% CI: [2.10 – 10.60], p < 0.001)). At home level, parents of children in private schools reported more rules for physical activity, child’s personal electronics and play equipment. The number of play equipment at home inversely predicted children's MVPA compliance (OR: -1.31, 95% CI: [-1.94 - 0.67], p<0.001). At neighbourhood level, parents of children from private schools perceived higher crime safety, while parents of children from public schools perceived a higher residential density and street connectivity. Parental perceived crime in the neighbourhood inversely predicted children’s MVPA compliance (OR: -0.25, 95% CI: [-0.45 - 0.04], p < 0.05); whereas parental perceived residential density positively predicted children’s MVPA compliance (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: [0.13 - 1.05], p < 0.05). The current study recommends effective and sustainable intervention strategies that will increase children’s physical activity (MVPA) and reduce sedentary time. Sociodemographic factors of weight status (overweight/obese), maternal education level (high), car ownership (one or more cars) may be relevant evidence base to consider when designing intervention programmes that promote physical activity among school going children in Kampala cityItem Adequacy of University Student-Teacher Preparation Programme towards Achieving Inclusion of Learners with Disabilities in Practical Physical Education Lessons in Ghana(Kenyatta University, 2021) Darko, Regina Akuffo; Jane Mwangi; Lucy Joy WachiraTeacher preparation programmes are where prospective teachers gain a foundation of knowledge about subject matter, pedagogy and early exposure to practical experiences in all class settings. Inclusive pedagogy requires on-going development and evaluation at the pre-service stage. However, the university programme that prepares physical education (PE) teachers to teach in an inclusive practical setting is viewed as an important contributor to the quality of instruction received by students with disabilities (SWDs) in inclusive lessons. This study evaluated the adequacy of the university student-teachers preparation programmes (pedagogical skill knowledge, training methods, experiences, intentions and concerns) towards achieving the inclusion of SWDs in practical PE lessons in Ghana. The sequential mixed-method design was employed utilizing questionnaires and focus group discussion protocols in data collection. In total, one hundred and seventy-two 2018/2019 level 300 male and female student-teachers and 15 practical course lecturers of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER-UCC)-University of Cape Coast and University of Education, Winneba (HPERS-UEW) in Ghana were selected using census and purposive sampling techniques respectively. Quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive statistics of means, standard deviation and percentages. Inferential statistics of Independent sample t-test was used to test between-group differences of pedagogy and intention towards inclusion among the student-teachers. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The qualitative data were transcribed into themes for analysis. Quantitative findings indicated that student-teachers from both universities had intentions to include SWDs in their practical PE classes, however, they entertained fear due to lack of practical experience in an inclusive setting. Significant difference was found to exist between the pedagogical knowledge of the student-teachers in the two universities (t (-6.010 at df (30), p < 0.05). Qualitative findings from both student-teachers and practical course lecturers of UCC established a concern for the introduction of an Adapted Physical Education (APE) course as part of the preparation programme. Student-teachers also advocated for the inclusion of hands-on experiences as part of the OCTP course. In conclusion, opinions were polarised for pedagogical skills in the PE preparation programme in the universities while hands-on experience was perceived to be inadequate. Concerns such as pedagogy, practical exposure and addition of disability related courses needs to be addressed. This is necessary to help improve the programme in the universities for quality development of the 21st century PE teachers for inclusive practical PE teaching. The study recommended that UCC should introduce the course APE as part of their preparation programme. Secondly, it was recommended that UEW should re-examine the course content of the student-teachers’ preparation programme for Adapted PE and incorporate the practicum aspect into it. The Quality assurance divisions in the universities should ensure that subject specific content of the departmental programmes reflects the demands of policy for inclusion.Item Prevalence of Psychological Traits of Overtraining amongst Elite Male Field Hockey and Soccer Players in Top National Leagues in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2019-05) Ndambiri, Richard KaraniThe literature supports that overtraining is characterised by psychological disturbances. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychological markers of overtraining amongst elite male hockey and soccer players in top national leagues in Kenya. The study was limited to selected mood states of anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension and vigour that are applicable when assessing the mood states of athletes in exercise settings. Association between mood states of elite male hockey and soccer players and demographic characteristics of type of sport, age category, playing experience, playing position and starting status were also examined. The study hypothesized that there is no significant difference in players’ demographic characteristics of type of sport, age, level of experience, playing position and starting status on the mood states of anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension and vigour among elite male hockey and soccer players in the Kenyan top National leagues. The study provided information on markers of overtraining amongst elite male hockey and soccer players in Kenyan top National leagues. There is paucity of literature regarding overtraining in Kenya and thus a gap exists in establishing the prevalence of psychological markers of overtraining amongst elite male field hockey and soccer players in top national leagues. The target population for the study comprised elite male hockey and soccer players in top national leagues in Kenya. In both groups (hockey and soccer), a total of 324 participants (162 hockey players and 162 soccer players) were sampled through stratified random sampling at the beginning of the league (pre-test). A total of 232 participants (116 hockey players and 116 soccer players) were included in the study resulting into response rate of 71.6%. The research adopted quasi- experimental research design. The research adopted the standard version of the Profile of Mood State questionnaire (POMS). Data were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0). T-test was used to determine whether there was any significant difference between the mood state profiles of hockey and soccer players and between starters and substitute players. One-Way ANOVA was used to test the data relating to age, playing experience and playing position and the subscales of overtraining at a significance level of P≤ 0.05. Results indicated that the two groups (elite male hockey and soccer players) differed significantly as far as mood state profiles were concerned. Also, the results indicated that in hockey, there was a significant difference in change in tension between players in 1-3 years’ level of playing experience and those who were in the 7-9 years’ level of experience. In addition, results revealed that there was a significant difference between defender and attacker positions with regards to change in fatigue in soccer. The results further showed that there were no significant differences in the mood state profiles among players in varying age groups, playing experience and starters and substitute players of hockey and soccer players. In conclusion, the study revealed that psychological markers of overtraining were prevalent among elite male hockey and soccer players unlike on the demographic characteristic of age, level of experience, playing position and starting status. The study therefore recommended that there is need for coaches and other stakeholders to assess their players’ mood states during the season, examine players’ mood states in different experience levels as well as investigate players’ mood states in different playing positions. The study makes recommendations for policy, practice and further research.Item Effects of Relaxation Exercise and Sleep Environment Modification on Stress, Blood Pressure and Sleep among Institutionalized Elderly in Nairobi City, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2017-10) Githang'a, Juliah WambuiStress is a key factor in reducing the efficacy of the treatment of high blood pressure and poor sleep quality in the elderly. Yet, high blood pressure and poor sleep quality are important preventable contributors to disease and death. Inadequate sleep is one of the most common side effects of stress resulting in reduced sleep quality. To effectively manage stress, the ability to relax and create a sleep inducing environment is paramount. Given the negative impact of stress on human health, many types of stress management therapies have been put forward for the elderly in order to decrease stress and promote well-being. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) exercise and sleep environment modification on stress, blood pressure and sleep quality of residents 60 years and above in Mji wa Huruma home for the aged in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study aimed at highlighting the benefits of PMR together with the modification of the sleep environment by use of sleep masks in management of stress, normalizing blood pressure and enhancing sleep quality of both male and female elderly citizens. The study adopted an experimental pre-test post-test control group design. A total of 46 participants were randomly selected from the home to create experimental and control groups with 23 participants in each group. After ethical clearance and research permit approval, data was collected using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI) questionnaires and a sleep diary. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure data collected using a digital automatic blood pressure upper arm monitor was recorded. The physiological and psychological variables were assessed on both experimental and control groups at pre-test, mid-test and post-test. A total of 43 (93.5%) participants successfully completed the two months intervention programme. In the experimental group, PMR exercise was performed in 45 minutes sessions, three times weekly for two consecutive months and the participants used sleep masks during the entire intervention period. The control group, however, continued with their normal routine activities throughout the intervention period. For the purposes of comparison, data was collected in both experimental and control group. The data was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results of repeated measures ANOVA and Post Hoc tests between experimental and control groups showed that there were statistically significant differences at p ≤ 0.05 between the pre-test, mid-test and post-test scores on stress level and sleep quality, F = 18.969, p = 0.001; F= 10.902, p=.002 respectively. Multiple linear regression showed a significant regression equation, F= 7.321, p ˂0.002 for stress level and F=27.408, p ˂ 0.001 for sleep quality. The repeated measures ANOVA and Post Hoc tests on systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed that there were no statistically significant differences at p ≤ 0.05 between the pre-test, mid-test and post-test scores, F = .371, p = .546; F=1.744, p=.194 respectively. Multiple linear regression on blood pressure showed a significant regression equation, F= 85.52, p ˂0.001. It was concluded that PMR and use of sleep masks were effective intervention measures in the elderly with high stress level, high blood pressure and poor sleep quality. The study recommended that PMR and sleep masks programmes should be expanded in the community areas with larger population of the elderly.Item Physical Activity, Screen-Based Sedentary Behaviour, Dietary Habits and Adiposity Of 9 to 11 Year Old School Children in Nairobi County, Kenya(2014-08-21) Wachira, Joy-Lucy M.; Onywera, V.O.; Ochola, S.; Tremblay, M. S.Lifestyle related chronic diseases in adulthood are potential health consequences of failing to regulate body weight issues and lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity (PA), sedentariness, and dietary intake in childhood. The purpose of the study was to assess the PA, diet, sedentarism (screen-time - ST) and adiposity of 9 to 11 year-old primary school children in Nairobi County. The study used a cross-sectional analytical design and engaged a total of 563 children from primary schools in Nairobi County. PA levels and patterns were objectively measured using an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Sedentary ST and dietary habits were assessed by self-report using a questionnaire. Adiposity of the children was classified using BMI (WHO Standards) and percent body fat. Data were analyzed using SPSS, Version 17.0. Independent T-tests and one way ANOVA were used to compare differences in the means of variables. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression was used to establish the relationship between categorical variables. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of adiposity. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Most of the respondents (73%) were of normal body weight and there were significant differences in adiposity by SES (p < 0.001). About 14.3% were sufficiently active with more males (20.2%) meeting the WHO recommended PA levels than females (9.3%). A higher percentage of participants from public schools (26.5%) met the recommended PA levels than those from private schools (0.8%) and were found to be 42.6 times more likely to be sufficiently active than private school participants (p=0.001). Participants from private schools were 5.1 times more likely to be overweight/obese (OR=5.1; 95% CI: 3.14 - 8.145; p <0.001) than those from public schools. Majority (95.5%) of the overweight, and all the overfat and obese respondents were 9.8 times more likely to be insufficiently active than those who were not (OR=9.8; 95% CI: 2.357 - 40.674; p=0.002). Most of the participants that achieved the set PA guidelines were from low SES. Overall, 15.5% of the participants had high ST and spent 4.25 hours in screen-based sedentary activities on a weekend day (higher than the CSEP recommendation of not more than 2 hours of ST daily). ST was significantly associated to adiposity status (χ 2 = 18.057, p = 0.035). The most frequently consumed foods on a weekly basis were vegetables (5.3) and fruits (5.1). Those who consumed cakes/pastries (χ2=14.679, p=0.023), potato crisps (χ2=21.626, p=0.003) and fast foods (χ2=13.462, p=0.036) more frequently were significantly less likely to be overweight/obese. The strongest predictors of adiposity status were PA and type of school attended (p<0.001 for both). All the null hypotheses were rejected. The study recommends that further studies and intervention plans should focus on those who are overweight/obese, those with insufficient PA and high ST levels. More focus should also be directed towards factors identified to greatly influence lifestyle behaviours and adiposity (type of school and PA). Policies should also be formulated to promote and further enhance the current efforts on healthy active living among children.Item Effect of a peer-tutor programme on social, psychomotor and physical fitness of youth with and without intellectual disability in Nairobi County, Kenya(2013-07-22) Bukhala, Peter WisiubaThe positive impact of peer tutoring on student learning is supported by research. However, specific methods on how peer-tutoring works have inconclusively been studied. The present study was designed to further investigate further the effectiveness of using trained peer tutors in enhancing the physical activity participation level of youth with and without intellectual disabilities in Nairobi, Kenya. The study involved 106 youths with and without intellectual disabilities in equal number to participate in the unified programme. Thirty two trained research assistants served as cross-peer tutors. Peer tutors were trained for four days in specific physical activities and motor abilities and also other aspects of teaching methodologies. These included: cueing, prompting, reinforcement, observation and writing individualized Education Programming for learners with disabilities. Data was collected through questionnaires, observation checklists and a physical fitness test protocol. Data collected using the instruments were analyzed using both t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to investigate the effects of the peer tutoring programme on participants‟ achievement levels. A significant improvement was noted in motor performance for both participants with and without disabilities. Specifically, there was a marked improvement in both the left handgrip (t(196)=-.979<0.05), right handgrip (t(196) = -2.798<0.05) kicking (t(196)=2.743<0.05) and right leg balance(t(196) =-3.067<0.05) activities. These were presented in Tables, figures, bar graphs and pie chart. No significant changes were recorded in the physical fitness measures except for the waist to hip ratio which recorded a significant mean change for all participants(t(132)=2.743<0.001) male participants (t(62)=2.139<0.036) and females (t(62)=2.139<0.036). However, linear regression analysis indicated a positive trend for most of the physical fitness parameters evaluated in this study. Both peer tutors and parents‟ views were analysed qualitatively and reported as themes. In both cases, the peer tutors and parents had positive responses about the peer-tutor programme. Peer tutors felt that they had gained experience working with persons with disabilities; they had learned new coaching methods and improved their personal lives by influencing change in other peoples‟ lives. Peer tutors also reported a change in the participants‟ skill level and social development. Parents interviewed also reported a positive change in their children. From the findings of this study, it was recommended that guidelines on the use of peer tutors should be provided to adapted PE teachers to encourage the use of such support groups in the classroom where learners with disabilities are enrolled. Further investigations to understand the extent to which peer tutoring programmes could be transferred to other settings such as playground, lunch time and after school programmes was neededItem Trends towards gender equity in selected competitive sports in Uganda(2012-04-13) Kateshumbwa, Eunice Ananura; Wamukoya, Edwin K.; Mwangi, Peter WanderiParticipation of women in SPOHS has been very low as compared to that of men world over. Studies have shown that women are underrepresented in all fields of sports as managers, administrators, officials in sports organisations, coaches, and athletes (Njororai et al, 2003; Mwisukha, 2005). This study therefore aimed at establishing the current status and trends of gender equity in sports participation in Uganda. The study also sought to examine the causes of, and strategies that can be used to reduce gender disparity in sports in Uganda. A descriptive survey research design was used and the study was guided by five objectives. This study was delimited to national sports organisations in Uganda whereby a target population of 483 people in the sports field were considered. These included officials from the national sports organisations, national federations/associations, coaches and athletes at national level. A total of 350 respondents were sampled using purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaires and a document analysis guide which were validated by experts and through pre-testing were used to collect data. SPSS version 11.5 was used to code and analyse data which was presented as means, frequencies and percentages in tables for descriptive analysis. A multiple regression was used to conduct the forecast for the achievement of gender equity in selected competitive sports in Uganda. In addition, the null hypotheses were tested using the t-tests and one way ANOV A to establish the differences between views of different respondents at 0.05 level of significance. Post hoc tests using Tukey HSD was used to establish the differences between groups upon significant F ratios. The study found out that gender disparity exists and that there was a significant difference in the opportunities available for male and female participants, male (M = 3.454, SD = 0.446) and female (M = 2.889, SD = 0.220); t (14) = 3.21, at p = 0.006 with male participants being availed more opportunities. in 'sports than their female counterparts. The study also established a minimal increase in the humber of women participating in sports as compared to that of men and a small decrease in the gender imbalance. There was a significant difference between some of the views of the committee members, coaches and athletes on cultural factors that cause gender disparity in sports in Uganda. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the views of the committee members, coaches and athletes on the social, economic and political factors that cause gender disparity in sports in Uganda. The study recommended that national sports organisations in Uganda ought to establish gender equity policies and committees. There should also be a plan to sensitise the masses on the importance of gender equity in sports for the benefit for both men and women in Uganda. There should be deliberate efforts to recruit and bring more women into the sports field at all levels.Item Effect of regular physical activity on functional independence and health of the elderly at Bakateyamba home in Kampala(2012-04-13) Kasoma, Sandra Birabwa; Wamukoya, Edwin K.; Onywera, Vincent OchiengThe study was set to determine the functional independence: the physical and health fitness (the lower body muscle strength, the static balance, the gait quality, the dynamic balance and the cardiovascular endurance and the changes in the blood pressure). In addition, the physical activity patterns, the nutrition patterns, the sleep patterns and the prevalence of chronic illnesses of the elderly were assessed before and after an intervention of a physical activity programme (PAP) based on the Community Health Intervention Programmes (CHIPs). The study employed a quasi-experimental design. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the target group: the Bakateyamba Home and the sample of the 40 elderly that were residing in the home. The researcher conducted a pre-test before commencement of the PAP that lasted 8 weeks and post tests at halftime (4 weeks) and fulltime (8 weeks) to determine the effect of PAP on the variables under study. An interview was administered to both the elderly subjects and the caregivers to obtain information about their physical activity patterns, nutrition patterns, sleep patterns and prevalence of chronic illnesses. The personal data files for the elderly Were used to provide more information about the elderly. 17 elderly who successfully completed the study availed the data for this study. The results have been organized in tables, graphs and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme and Statistics data analysis (Stata 9). The pre-test and post test data of the group was analysed using a Kruskal Wallis Test and Fishers' Exact Test at p=0.05. The eight-week PAP caused significant effect on the lower body strength p=0.001, the gait quality p=O.013, the diastolic blood pressure p=0.016 and the heart rate p=0.010 of the elderly. Changes were also noted in the activity patterns of the elderly. Significant improvement were noted in the sleep patterns p=0.006. The nutritional problems were significantly improved p=0.025. Additionally, the frequency of chronic illness attacks reduced significantly p=0.012 just as the self reports on how the elderly persons perceived their health showed significant improvement p=O.OOOl. There were however, no significant changes in the cardiovascular endurance, the systolic blood pressure, the static and dynamic balance of the elderly by the end of the 8-week PAP. The study concluded that the 8-week low intensity PAP was safe and effective in improving the functional independence and health of the elderly. The 8 weeks' PAP is adequate in improving the activity patterns, reducing constipation problems, reducing chronic illness attacks and reducing sleep problems among elderly. However, other aspects where the 8 week PAP did not cause significant effects may require administering the PAP for a longer period with varying intensity. The elderly should be encouraged to involve in adequate and regular forms of physical activity and exercise at least three days a week for 30 -50 minutes each day.