ABOUT US:

PhASRec is a research Niche area for Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation in the School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science (BRS) within the Faculty of Health Sciences on the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU.

The niche area has 16 full-time staff which perform research, teaching and are involved in the community. Research within PhASRec focus on the role of physical activity, exercise and recreational activities over the life span for motor development, health, chronic diseases, orthopaedic injury and high performance in sport.

The results obtained from the research is applied in the training of Biokineticists, Kinderkineticists, Sport Scientists and presenters of Recreational programs. Consequently the new knowledge that is generated is also used to address challenges faced by the community, the country, the continent and the world. PhASRec is also a host to international students for Master's internship programs.

DIRECTOR'S WELCOME:

PhASRec is the Niche area for research within the School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science (BRS). The central vision of PhASRec is to contribute, through appropriate research and services, to a more physically active, healthy and winning nation. "Human movement: from the cradle to the grave" is our slogan.

Research performed in PhASRec address the needs of South Africa with regards to professions such as Biokinetics, Kinderkinetics, Sport Science and Recreation while also being internationally relevant. Researchers within PhASRec are leaders in their field of speciality and have international recognition and standing. The research facilities of PhASRec has recently received a substantial financial injection allowing for research of international standard in the fields of exercise physiology, biomechanics, chronic diseases, high performance and child development and motor ability.

Students completing their post-graduate studies at PhASRec are also leaders in South Africa through the positions that they hold within the area of sport, health and recreation.

VISION & MISSION:

VISION:
The central of PhASRec is to contribute, through appropriate research and services, to a more physically active, healthy and winning nation. Human movement: From the cradle to the grave.

MISSION:
The strategic aims of PhASRec are twofold, firstly, to generate new knowledge in physical activity, health, sport and recreation through relevant and focused research, in order to address challenges faced by the community, the country, the continent and the world. Secondly, to implement the expertise and knowledge of physical activity, health, sport and recreation gained by research for the benefit and improvement of quality of life for the people of the province, the region, the continent and the world.

PROGRAMMES:

THE HISTORY OF THE RESEARCH FOCUS AREA:

PhASRec was established in August of 2008. The statistics indicate that researchers have produced a research output equivalent target of 2.35 per academic staff member - which is double the recommended target set by the Institutional office (1.17). Funding to the amount of R1,3 million was awarded for specific research projects in PhASRec.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROGRAMMES:

	Biokinetics research focussing on prevention, rehabilitation and optimisation of health and wellness of persons that are healthy, suffer from chronic diseases of life style and orthopaedic injury as well as persons with special needs such as pregnant women, geriatrics and persons with intellectual disabilities.
	Kinderkinetics and Movement Education research focuses on the total development of young children from the perspective of movement. Research in this programme addresses interventions related to development associated with movement, be it conductive, preventative or therapeutic. Correction, improvement or maintenance of the physical development of the child has value for the promotion of health as well as total wellbeing. Movement education's primary focuses on physical education in schools and on the improvement and enhancement of the health, physical fitness and life skills etc. within the school curriculum.
	Sport and Coaching Science research focus on the generation of specialised scientific knowledge and experience in exercise physiology, sport psychology and coaching science to optimise high performance in sport participation of elite athletes.
	Recreational studies research focus on the generation of new knowledge in the facilitation of small group dynamics, risk management, problem solving, decision making, safety, financial management, planning, organising and implementing adventure activities related to recreational activities.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE RESEARCH NICH AREA PHASREC:

Download the list of primary and secondary researchers that participates in PhASRec research here:



RESEARCH TOPICS:

Biokinetics, Kinderkinetics, Human Movement, Movement Education, Sport and Coaching Science, Recreation, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Physical activity

ACIEVEMENTS & AWARDS:

NRF rated researchers: Prof. J.H. de Ridder (C2), Prof. A.E. Pienaar (C2), Prof. M.A. Monyeki (Y2)

Research funding obtained in excess of R1,5 million

PUBLISHED ARTICLES:

PERSONNEL:

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