Browsing by Author "Kabongo, Ken"

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    Open Access
    Does the use of upper leg compression garments aid performance and reduce post-race Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)?
    (2021) Kabongo, Ken; Bosch, Andrew
    Introduction: Despite the lack of scientific knowledge on the physiological and biomechanical effects of wearing compression garments, there has been an increase in the use of these garments in endurance running. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance, pain and thigh circumference changes in endurance runners using upper leg compression garments while competing against runners who did not use compression garments in the same marathon race. Methods: A randomised controlled intervention study was conducted in endurance runners (n=18) participating in the 2019 Winelands Marathon (42.2km). The compression garment group (n=10) participated in the race wearing upper leg compression garments while the control group (n=8) did not. Participants in the compression garment group only wore the compression garments during the marathon. Various outcome measures of perceived exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and running performance were assessed three days before, immediately post-race and two days post-race. Three days prior to the race, mid-thigh circumference measurements were performed. Immediately post-race, mid-thigh circumference measurements, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain ratings and Likert scale for determination of muscle soreness were assessed and race performance times were recorded. Two days post-race, mid-thigh circumference measurements, VAS pain rating and Likert scale for determination of muscle soreness were repeated. Results: VAS pain ratings for hamstring (compression garment 2.50 vs control group 4.00) (p=0.04), knee flexion (compression garment 2.50 vs control group 5.00) (p=0.02) and hip extension (compression garment 2.50 vs control group 4.00) (p=0.04) had a statistically significant difference between the compression garment and control group immediately post-race. VAS pain ratings for hamstring (compression garment 0.00 vs control group 1.00) (p=0.04), knee flexion (compression garment 1.00 vs control group 2.00) (p=0.02) and hip extension (compression garment 1.00 vs control group 2.50) (p=0.04) had a statistically significant difference between the compression garment and control group two days post-race. There were no statistically significant differences in any other outcome measures (i.e. Likert scale for determination of muscle soreness, mid-thigh circumference and race performance) between the compression garment and control group. Conclusion: The use of upper leg compression garments is a recovery ergogenic aid which improves VAS pain ratings post-race. The results suggest that upper leg compression garments have a protective effect on the hamstring muscle in runners in the recovery phase. However, since a runner would be in a recovery phase after a marathon, a minor difference would be of little practical advantage since, importantly, there was no statistically significant differences in race performance and thigh circumference measures.
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    Open Access
    Fitness, injury, and training profiles of South African motorsport drivers
    (2024) Botma, Christa; Burgess, Theresa; Kabongo, Ken; Buchholtz, Kim
    Background Motorsport is an expanding global sport, yet there is a lack of scientific literature in the field of sports medicine addressing the physical and physiological demands affecting driver-athletes. Internationally, research on this population of athletes is scarce, and there is currently no published literature in South Africa. Aim and Objectives We aimed to describe the fitness, injury, and training profiles of South African motorsport driver athletes. The objectives were to describe the demographics, training history, and injury history of South African motorsport driver-athletes, as well as their cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body strength, coordination, and reaction times. Methods Adult male and female motorsport driver-athletes competing in circuit car racing at social, club, regional, or national level were included in the study. We used a self-developed online survey to collect the demographic characteristics, sport-specific information, training history, and injury history of driver-athletes. A case series of a small cohort of driver-athletes reported on physical tests to determine the upper limb strength, lower limb strength, reaction time, coordination, neck strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Results Fifty-one survey responses were included for analysis (three females and 48 males; mean age of 45 ± 16 years; median 13-14 years of driving experience). The main category of circuit car racing that respondents participated in was Clubmans. It was uncommon for respondents to practice on a circuit outside of race days, with 43% (n=22) practicing less than once a month on a circuit. Nine participants (18%) engaged in coordination exercises, 20% (n=10) in reaction time exercises, and 24% (n=12) incorporated neck strengthening exercises into their routines. Sixty-five percent (n=33) did not include any warm-up or stretching in their pre-race routine, but 75% (n=38) spent time visualising and mentally rehearsing before a race. Sixty-three percent (n=32) of respondents met the WHO guidelines for physical activity in adults. Fifty five percent (n=28) engaged in regular strength training, 57% (n=29) participated in cardiovascular training, and 25% (n=13) included flexibility exercises in their training regime. ii A total of 31 injuries were reported, with the foot/ankle being the most common injury area and fractures the most common injury type. Forty-two percent (n=13) of injuries were sustained during a car accident. Among the 13 injuries sustained during car accidents, 62% (n=8) occurred during competition. In the case series, all seven participants were male (with mean age: 40 ± 14 years). Three participants competed in the Sports & GT category of circuit car racing. There were no significant differences in left and right-sided measurements for plantarflexion strength, grip strength, lower limb coordination, or reaction times among the participants. For the neck flexor endurance test, the sample exhibited a wide range (range: 30-122 seconds). The mean estimated VO2 max was 30 ml/kg/min (range: 26-36 ml/kg/min). Conclusion Many driver-athletes do not engage in regular motorsport-specific training regimes or regular strength and cardiovascular training. This was highlighted in the case series where participants generally exhibited poor fitness and physical conditioning. This cohort of driver-athletes may have placed stronger emphasis on psychological and mental readiness than physical readiness for competition. Our research has provided valuable insights into the fitness, injury, and training characteristics in a cohort of South African driver-athletes. It underscores the importance of promoting awareness of physical fitness and conditioning as essential components to address the physiological and physical demands experienced by driver-athletes in motorsport