Cilas J. Wilders

Differences in body composition and prevalence for postural deviations in girls from two racial groups in South Africa

Little is known about ethnic differences in developing countries such as South Africa, particularly with regard to prevalence of postural deviations and body composition profiles. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence rate for postural deviations and body composition status among two racial groups in South Africa. The sample (n = 216) consisted of 89 African girls and 127 Caucasian girls. Anthropometric (BMI and percentage body fat) and body posture measurements were performed. A posture grid and the New York Posture test were used for all postural assessments. Independent t-tests and effect sizes demonstrated that in the 11 and 13 year old group the Caucasian group had a significantly higher (p (p Caucasian group. The prevalence rate was high in both groups and the lack of awareness and the results of this study should support the development of more responsible educational and screening programmes in both rural and urban school environments. The identification of postural deviations is important for prevention, to encourage a healthier posture for children and to prevent resulting painful syndromes.

Bestuursvlak se verband met fisieke aktiwiteit, lewenstyl en gesondheidstatus by vroulike bestuurslui

Equal rights and affirmative action have caused the amount of female managers to increase from 19% in 1990 to 28% in 1999. This number is expected to increase further in future years. Profiles of female managers therefore will become more and more important in future. The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity-, lifestyle and health status profiles of female managers and also to determine whether there are significant differences between top and middle management. The subjects of this study were 307 female managers, between the ages of 20 and 60 years, from companies all over South-Africa. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined by using Sharkeys physical index, the quality of lifestyle was determined by using the seven Belloc & Breslow habits, while health status was measured by Wylers seriousness of illness rating scale. The study revealed that 56.03% of the total group participated in physical activity in such a manner that no physiological adaptations could result from it. The scores of top and middle management were respectively 49.46% and 60.41%. The lifestyle indexes showed that only 22.15% of the group (19.35% for top management and 22.92% for middle management) followed 6-7 of the lifestyle habits. The health status showed that 59.28% of the total group (59.14% of the top management and 59.90% of the middle management) had a moderate health status. Where management levels relationship with physical activity, lifestyle and health status were studied, no sicnificant differences (p luggl/ug 0.05) were found. Results however showed that health status improves with increased physical activity and better lifestyle habits especially for women in top management level.