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Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the largest component of daily energy expenditure, with lower values in the black population. Resistance training is considered to be the most effective exercise modality to increase fat-free mass (FFM), and therefore also the RMR. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a 12-week resistance training programme on the body composition (FFM, FM) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a cohort of South African premenopausal women. An available sample of Caucasian (n = 20) and Coloured women (n = 8) between ages 25 and 30 years completed a 12-week intervention study. Body composition (FFM, FM) and RMR were determined by using the Bod Pod® together with other anthropometric measurements (body mass, stature and waist circumference). Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test as well as the effect size, to determine the significance of the intervention regimen. No statistically significant differences occurred but medium practically significant differences were found between the groups. Coloured women had a greater decrease in body mass (r = 0.25), FM (r = 0.28) and increase in RMR (r = 0.28) than the Caucasians. Both groups showed a decrease in body mass, FM, percentage body fat, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and an increase in FFM and RMR after the intervention programme. In conclusion, it therefore seems that a resistance intervention programme can serve as an effective tool in increasing FFM and RMR, which may inter alia be associated with a decrease in FM, percentage body fat and body mass among both groups of premenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an adventure based experiential learning programme (AEP) in developing the life effectiveness of black high school learners. "Life Effectiveness" reflects the psychological and behavioural aspects of human functioning which determine the proficiency of a person in society. A total of eighty learners (forty boys and forty girls) aged between 12 and 17 years participated in this programme. They were categorized into an experimental (n = 40) and control group (n = 40). The experimental group participated in a five day AEP in the Vredefort Dome in the North-West Province. "The Life Effectiveness Questionnaire" (LEQ-H) was administered before, directly after and six months after the intervention programme to determine the immediate and long term effects of the AEP. Results for total life effectiveness for the short and long term for the experimental group indicated effect sizes of d = 0.03 and d = -0.03, respectively, while for the control group d = 0.12 and d = -0.06 was, respectively obtained. The intergroup results for the experimental and control categories, yielded overall medium effect sizes of d = 0.35 and d = 0.49 over the short and long term respectively, after comparing the adjusted means. The AEP promoted beneficial short and long term changes in the experimental group in contrast to the control category.

In the field of adventure therapy the curative powers of natural environments are too often not recognised as therapeutic in itself. Compared with the ecological and experiential values of wilderness the symbolic values thereof have largely been overlooked. Through restoration, physical self, primitiveness, humility, timelessness, solitude, privacy, freedom of choice, personal self and spiritual upliftment, this study aims at determining whether wilderness can be experienced as symbolically unique and whether this natural world can be considered a necessity for achieving therapeutic outcomes. In doing so, this study compared a centre-based adventure programme with an expedition-based wilderness programme, using a crossover research design with a mixed-method approach. For a meaningful adventure experience, results showed that the experience of above-mentioned components made the most important contribution during the expedition-based wilderness programme and that this programme is most effective in creating this very aspect. However, it is possible to also experience the above components during a centre-based adventure programme, but to a lesser extent and with a different meaning.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of leisure time physical activity participation (LTPA) on South African women presenting with some enhanced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk indicators (physical inactivity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity and smoking). The respondents comprised 3 542 women, aged between 30 and 65 years (41.6 12.8 years) suffering from one or more of the primary risk factors for CHD. The cut-off points for the primary CHD risk factors considered were the following: systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg, total cholesterol > 5.2 mmol.L-1, obesity (BMI > 30) and cigarette smoking. The following physical activity categories were selected viz: high physically active (> 2 000 kcal week-¹), moderate physically active (1 000 – 2 000 kcal week-¹) and low physically active (< 1 000 kcal week-¹). Data were collected by means of demographic and physical activity questionnaires as well as field tests, and assessing total cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity. The respondents were selected from two age groups (30-49 and 50-65 year) representing primarily the pre- and postmenopausal phases of female life. Leisure time physical activity participation does not alter the selected primary coronary heart disease risk factors in the pre- and post-menopausal women significantly. Physically inactive women, however, tend to present more health risks than those participants in the moderately and high physical activity group. The prevalence of health risks increases with age inspite of participation in LTPA. The number of health risk indicators can be reduced by increasing LTPA, thus contributing to the management of the women‘s general health. Women should be encouraged to take responsibility for managing their own health by engaging in a healthy lifestyle in order to manage their health risks properly. This may require a multidisciplinary approach.

The objective of this study was to compile a profile of some selected health risk indicators (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity) of South African women, aged 30-65 years (x = 41.6 ± 12.8 years) which can be influenced by lifestyle. The respondents comprised 3 818 women who were members of a comprehensive national health insurance in South Africa. Data were collected by means of a demographic questionnaire (including smoking habits), a physical activity questionnaire as well as field tests assessing non-fasting total cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity (BMI). The respondents were selected in two age groups (< 49 and > 50 year) primarily representing the pre and postmenopausal life stages of women. From the descriptive data it appears that the younger group (< 49) tends to be physically less active than the older group (> 50). In all the other parameters the older group revealed higher mean values. However, none of these differences are of practical significance. When a profile is constructed, results indicate that a higher percentage of the younger group fall into the poor category suggesting a more destructive lifestyle in this category. The only exception is smoking where the older group indicated that 5.2% and 9.3% are in the poor and moderate category in comparison with the 2.4% and 11.5% of the younger group respectively