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Research Completed

The Health Benefits of Physical Activity: Secondary School Students Physical Development According to Chronological Age.

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are increasing at an alarming rate amongst South African secondary school students; this is already prevalent in schools.  This appears to be a world-wide trend, and with the physical inactivity and sedentary life styles starting at such a young age, obesity is on the rise, and as a consequence, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are increasing in younger age groups.

Research in Progress

The effects of a low-carbohydrate high-fat diet on Type 2 diabetic females.

Diabetes amongst South Africans is increasing at an alarming rate. With 8.27% – 9% of the population suffering from diabetes, the majority is Type 2 (Bertram et al., 2013; Murphy et al., 2015; Dube et al., 2015). It is predicted that diabetes will have doubled by 2030. Reasons for the dilemma are that people are not as active as in the past, due to technological development of a higher standard, and due to an unhealthy diet, as fast food are easy to come by.

Considering the above mentioned information, as well as the fact that change from a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet (HCLF) diet to a low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet and incorporating a home-based exercise programme are likely to produce sustainable changes in behavior. The questions that this research will try to answer are: What the effects of a LCHF diet will be on Type 2 diabetes? What effects a home-based recreational physical activity programme with a LCHF diet will have on Type 2 diabetes? Is the changing to an LCHF diet having any negative effects on the kidneys and liver?

The purpose of this study will, firstly assess the difference in body composition, muscular strength and endurance, cardio and metabolic risk classification in physically active secondary school children, and compare these measures to sedentary secondary school children and match and compare these according to their chronological age. Secondly, it will assess the physical development of secondary school children over a 5 years period, comparing the effects of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles on all variables. Finally, a further comparison that will explore the development of secondary school boys and secondary school girls, according to their chronological age over these 5 years.

Firstly, are to determine the effectiveness of a LCHF diet on Type 2 diabetic females.

Secondly to see the effect of a home-based recreational physical activity programme with a LCHF diet on Type 2 diabetic females. Finally, to determine the effects on the liver and kidneys using a LCHF diet.

According to National Research Foundation records, this research would be the first academic study on this topic in South Africa. Given the trans disciplinary and comparative nature of the work, it should make an innovative and worthwhile contribution to the fields of Sport Science.