/library/oar/handle/123456789/3124 2026-05-24T13:52:33Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/100219 Title: Nutritional ergogenic aids : what Maltese athletes are using, and why 2007? Abstract: This work provides information about the current situation in Malta regarding the use of nutritional crgogcnic aids intake amongst our athletes. A literature review of the scientific research available on this practice, underlying the most commonly used nutritional aids, their perceived ergogenic benefits and their effects, is presented. The use of nutritional aids is then studied in relation to various variables, such as the age of the athlete, the sport practiced, and the years of practice. Results were obtained through a questionnaire, conducted amongst 160 Maltese athletes, of which 106 were males and 54 females. It was found that a large number of the athletes 107 (67%) consume nutritional ergogenic aids, with sports drinks, vitamins and minerals, protein and carbohydrate supplements being the most commonly consumed. An interview was also carried out with a professional coach and former professional athlete. From the results in both research methods, it may be concluded that nutritional ergogenic aids are consumed by many athletes on a daily basis and that they are taken mostly during regularly training as well as in the competition season. According to the information collected, it seems however that the athletes who make use of ergogenic aids also dedicate a considerable amount of time to their training. However, it has also transpired that a substantial number of athletes do not posses enough knowledge as regards to benefits and drawbacks of such aids. As the interviewee also stated that only the few top athletes actually know the mechanisms, evidence and exact usage protocol for supplements they routinely use. Hence a great need is being felt to educate more the athlete in this realm such as through seminars, lectures and conventions regarding the nutritional ergogenic aids in general including the intake of sports nutrition to be organised by all the bodies concerned in this field such as Sport Clubs and schools. Description: DIP.S.L.S. 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/99332 Title: Child's play in the early years : a focus on teachers' and parents' views Abstract: Play is undoubtedly a means by which humans explore a variety of experiences in different situations for diverse purposes. Keeping this in mind, a detailed explanation of play and analysis, comparisons and conclusions, from 39 parents' interviews and 162 teachers' questionnaires are drafted in the study, focusing on the first seven years of childhood. Findings show that both government and private school teachers have more or less the right approach towards the concept of play. It is evident that one of the most important resources mentioned for the child is to have an adequate and a safe space available. An interesting issue highlighted by the government teachers, is the need to have more qualified and competent personneI to guide and include new ideas to the present education system through the concept of play. Negative and contradictive comments by parents and teachers regarding the children's interaction, achievements and benefits of play are frequently found in the results. Description: DIP.P.E. 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/99298 Title: Including swimming in the P.E. curriculum (primary level) Abstract: Swimming is a very valuable skill to teach children, it increases their safety, gives them enjoyment and helps to keep them fit. If we are aiming for the child to grow and develop to his full potential, then he must be provided with the most conducive learning environment. A developmentally based curriculum should provide the necessary focus towards this aim, always keeping in mind that each child passes through a series of developmental stages. If we look carefully through the Maltese Physical Education Primary School Curriculum, we realise that "Aquatics", or "Swimming" are not included. Moreover there is no mention of outdoor pursuits either. 2 Including Swimming in the P.E. Curriculum (Primary Level) In my opinion this is a big mistake, because we should offer our children a wide pyramid base of physical opportunities and experiences for better physical development. A well planned Programme of swimming activities should be included in the Curriculum since swimming helps children in achieving their optimum in Physical Education. In fact in Europe, Swimming has been included in the curriculum for quite a few years, but in Malta it has not even been mentioned in the revised proposed edition of the Curriculum. The Maltese people are exposed to water elements, as they live on an island surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, however the all-year swimming culture is still new. It is quite evident that in Malta swimming is seen as an outing to the beach or pool to cool down in the hot summer months, and in winter very few of the Maltese would dream of swimming even in a heated indoor pool. Yet in Europe swimming is an all-year activity even though the weather is colder than Malta. This happens because culturally they are people who are all year swimmers. This could be due to the fact that they are not exposed to hot weather like we are, so for them swimming is not an activity that can only be practised in hot weather but enjoyed throughout all the year. They swim in indoor heated pools, in outdoor thermal pools and change of weather temperature does not effect them. [...] Description: DIP.P.E. 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/99296 Title: Judo for children Abstract: Today sports have become a cultural phenomenon of great magnitude and complexity. It is also a social institution, whose effects permeate a host of social fields, including education, economics, communication and so on. Nevertheless, in modern sports, a great emphasis is paid on the competitive aspect, which in itself may give rise to difficulties and problems. In addition, due to specialised and intensive training, we are missing out on the educational content of the sports- losing out on the inherent values that make sports an invaluable experience. This long essay will revolve around such educational content found in one specific sport Judo. It is based on a framework- 'the Tigne' Judo Club Nursery Scheme Programme' which supports it throughout. Apart from emphasising the positive biological aspects gained through its practice, it also focuses on the educational psychosocial content. Overall it tries to convey one simple message, that, practising Judo means learning new and exciting concepts and that the discipline is really fun and rewarding. Description: DIP.P.E. 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z