https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3125 2026-04-13T06:44:13Z 2026-04-13T06:44:13Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3223 2015-06-09T01:02:53Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Sport participation at age 9-10 in Malta Abstract: The importance of sport and physical activity for our health is documented by various authors. The World Health Organization recommends that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate/intensity physical activity each day. This study investigates participation in physical activity and sport in Maltese 9-10 year olds both during and after school hours. Body Mass Index is also computed to classify children as overweight, obese or normal weight using Cole et al's cut-off points (2000). Five primary schools from different regions were selected at random and a total of 178 students (93 boys and 85 girls) were asked to fill in a questionnaire on their involvement in sport and physical activity. Results show a lack of physical education lessons (one or two lessons a week), and physical activity and sport after school hours (51% attend a local club). Moreover 44% of the participants were found to be overweight or obese. The most practiced sport with a club for boys is football (63%) and gymnastics (20%) for girls. The favorite sport boys wish to practice is basketball (14%) and horse riding (13%) for girls. Representatives from Associations responsible for the latter two sport were interviewed to see how they promote their sport. The present findings suggest that immediate action must be taken to increase participation. This challenge requires attention by various sectors such as schools, clubs and the local community who should plan a common strategy. Description: DIP.S.L.S.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3221 2015-06-09T01:02:44Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The life & career of a local top level football player Abstract: The career of a football player is composed into a sequence of years involving practising the physical and psychological skills, and techniques of the game. This profession requires plenty of motivation, sacrifice and dedication, but unfortunately this commitment cannot guarantee success. In fact, it is well-known that many are the athletes that do not make it to the elite phase. This study is aimed at investigating and exploring the life and history of a local top athlete football player. It is meant to identify the process that an athlete has to encounter to prepare for the elite phase. Also I had to reach outside the aspects of the game to gain more insights about the benefits and negative issues of being a prominent football player. A qualitative approach was used for this study and data was collected by means of interviews. The interviews were conducted with the athlete himself and with his close relatives. Furthermore, another four interviews were conducted to gain a better understanding on diverse issues. The data collected was coded, analysed and discussed and certain findings were delved into. This was necessary to gain deeper insights into this subject matter. Description: DIP.S.L.S.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3164 2024-04-11T13:31:14Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Kickboxing : 'developing a winning mind' Abstract: Kickboxing, which is an art of kicking and punching, took the form of a sport way back in the early 60's. It was introduced locally in the early 80's and from there on it has been developed and refined. The numerous benefits together with the enjoyment it creates are recognised by all its practitioners who devote numerous hours together with sacrifice in order to hone their skills. The actual purpose of this study is to filtrate into the mental preparation required to be a top athlete in this line of sport. This research which is based on qualitative study, consists of interviews with six of the best local top athletes, it indulges on how they prepare themselves mentally in the competition field. The true ingredients of cognitive development in this sport are then further elaborated by evaluating international experts who devoted their life professionally to become champions. This research in fact finds that the mental game plan is not followed, and hopes to shed light on the local awareness of mental development in this line of sport. Description: DIP. S.L.S.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3159 2017-07-20T11:14:42Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Sedentary behaviour of pupils aged 9-10 years attending year 5 in Gozo primary schools Abstract: The aim of the study was to measure the sedentary behaviour among pupils attending Year 5 (aged 9 - 10 years) in Gozo primary schools and to find the sex and school differences in sedentary activities of the students. The study also sought to establish the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this sample. The Adolescent Sedentary Activities Questionnaire - ASAQ (Hardy, Bass & Booth, 2007) was adapted for use as the research tool to measure the sedentary activities of students. The questionnaire was anonymous and consisted of twelve simple questions about the things children do sitting or lying down throughout the week. All the 357 students attending Year 5 were invited to take part and 247 (69.2 per cent) accepted. An alpha level of 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Sex and school differences were done by running t-tests analysis. Gozitan pupils aged 9 - 10 years attending Year 5 spent an average of 92 minutes (1.5 hrs) watching T.V., DVDs/videos, or using the computer for fun during the weekdays. During the weekends the time spent in watching T.V., videos/DVDs or using the computer for fun doubled to 193 minutes (3.2 hrs) which was well above the international guidelines (American Academy of Paediatrics, 2001) of 120 minutes (2 hrs) or less per day. Doing homework was the main sedentary activity performed during weekdays (62.5 minutes per day). T.V watching was the main sedentary activity performed during weekends (93 minutes per day). There were significant sex differences between the type and amount of sedentary activities both on weekdays and on weekends. The only school difference in sedentary activity of all students was that of doing crafts/hobbies on weekends (p=0.004) when students attending church schools spent on average 40 minutes more doing this activity. There was a significant difference between the BMI (p=0.003), the BMI of girls was slightly lower than that of boys. Twenty two 22 per cent of the boys and 15.9 per cent of the girls were overweight. While, 29 per cent of the boys and 11.7 per cent of the girls were obese. Description: DIP. S.L.S.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z