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Sarpong, E. O
14th Annual International Conference on Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences. Athens Institute for Education and Research, Athens. Greece 27 july - 2 August 2018
Paper presented:
. Physical Activity Participation Variables as Predictors of Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Ghanaian Fitness Club Members
Abstract
Regular participation in physical activity improves fitness, health and well-being. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of members in Ghanaian fitness Clubs. The objectives of the study were to: determine the percentage of club members with the minimum levels of CRF required to develop health; establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and CRF levels of members; and determine the predictive capacity of physical activity participation variables on CRF levels. A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 546 Club Members from 18 fitness clubs randomly selected from the 45 fitness clubs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and Cooper 12 minutes’ walk/run test were used to gather data for the study. Descriptive statistics of Percentage was used to answer research questions while inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and Multiple Regression were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that: i. (74.9%) of the club members possess minimum levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) needed to develop health whilst (25.1%) had low levels that needed improvement, ii. positive significant relationships existed between CRF and Physical Activity Index (PAI) (‘r’=.324,p=.000), Exercise Equipment and Machines (EEM) (‘r’=.178,p =.000), Variety of Physical Activity (VPA) (‘r’=.115,p =.007) while no positive significant relationship existed between CRF and Mode of Instruction (MOI) (‘r’= .065, p=.178 all 2-tailed; iii. (14.1%) of CRF was predicted by PAI, MOI, EEM and VPA (R square =.141) whilst only The study concluded that members in Ghanaian fitness clubs had minimum levels of CRF required for health development implying that improvements in fitness levels can be achieved if the right knowledge on the specific aspects of exercise prescription is applied. It was recommended that stakeholders in the Ghanaian fitness industry should collaborate to institute national policies for the organization of mass sports.
Regular participation in physical activity improves fitness, health and well-being. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of members in Ghanaian fitness Clubs. The objectives of the study were to: determine the percentage of club members with the minimum levels of CRF required to develop health; establish the relationship between physical activity participation variables and CRF levels of members; and determine the predictive capacity of physical activity participation variables on CRF levels. A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 546 Club Members from 18 fitness clubs randomly selected from the 45 fitness clubs within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and Cooper 12 minutes’ walk/run test were used to gather data for the study. Descriptive statistics of Percentage was used to answer research questions while inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and Multiple Regression were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that: i. (74.9%) of the club members possess minimum levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) needed to develop health whilst (25.1%) had low levels that needed improvement, ii. positive significant relationships existed between CRF and Physical Activity Index (PAI) (‘r’=.324,p=.000), Exercise Equipment and Machines (EEM) (‘r’=.178,p =.000), Variety of Physical Activity (VPA) (‘r’=.115,p =.007) while no positive significant relationship existed between CRF and Mode of Instruction (MOI) (‘r’= .065, p=.178 all 2-tailed; iii. (14.1%) of CRF was predicted by PAI, MOI, EEM and VPA (R square =.141) whilst only The study concluded that members in Ghanaian fitness clubs had minimum levels of CRF required for health development implying that improvements in fitness levels can be achieved if the right knowledge on the specific aspects of exercise prescription is applied. It was recommended that stakeholders in the Ghanaian fitness industry should collaborate to institute national policies for the organization of mass sports.
3. Ansah, S. D., Pajibo, E. D., & Sarpong, E. O. (2017). Determinants of Teacher Motivation for Job Satisfaction in Public Senior High Schools in the Agona Municipality. Journal of Innovation in Education in Africa, 1,
Abstract
1. Muhammed, A. M., Dominic, O. L., Seidina, I. Y., Sarpong, E. O. & Talabi, A. E. (2018). Nutritional Analysis of Ginger (ZingibreOfficinale) Drink: Potentials for Sports Performance. Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise, 50,
Abstract
PURPOSE: Sport and energy drinks for performance enhancement is a common practice among athletes. These supplements reportedly increases health risks including; dehydration, anxiety, headache, sleep disturbances, caffeine intoxication, withdrawal syndrome, dependence and over working of body systems leading to exploration of alternative traditional herbal supplements like ginger which has both dietary and medicinal values. The purpose of this study is to determine nutritional values of ginger drink and ascertain their potentials for enhancing sport performance. METHODS: Experimental research design was adopted to analyse two versions of ginger drinks prepared using ginger rhizomes (Botanical Identification: UIL/001/1083) was obtained from an open market in Ilorin, Nigeria. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Ilorin Ethical Review Committee. The ginger rhizomes was used to prepare 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3ml/97ml (H2O) of ginger concentration. Six samples; (i) 2ml & (ii) 3ml with 1 cube of sugar (1CS) each (iii) 2ml & (iv) 3ml with 2 cubes of sugar (2CS) each (v) 2ml & (vi) 3ml each with no sugar (NS) were prepared and subjected to proximate analysis at the Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Statistical analysis was descriptive and nutritional components were reported as percentage per 100ml. RESULTS: Nutritional values of the ginger drinks were similar; all six samples contained protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and essential minerals; the energy value was 168 kj/100ml, which was richer than most energy/sport drinks commonly consumed in Nigeria. These indicated ginger drink might effectively enhance glucose supply for ATP synthesis, delay fatigue, reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, boost recovery and sport performance. Ginger drink containing 1CS had increased pH/100ml; 3.50% for both 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3ml/97ml (H2O) but ginger drink containing 2CS had the same pH with NS ginger drink; 3.18% for 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3.09% for 3ml/97ml (H2O). CONCLUSIONS: Ginger drink is nutritious and might reliably enhance sport performance. Ginger drink with 2CS had less pH implying more potential for sport performance. A follow-up study is ongoing to ascertain the effects of ginger drink on anaerobic and aerobic capacity of athletes.
PURPOSE: Sport and energy drinks for performance enhancement is a common practice among athletes. These supplements reportedly increases health risks including; dehydration, anxiety, headache, sleep disturbances, caffeine intoxication, withdrawal syndrome, dependence and over working of body systems leading to exploration of alternative traditional herbal supplements like ginger which has both dietary and medicinal values. The purpose of this study is to determine nutritional values of ginger drink and ascertain their potentials for enhancing sport performance. METHODS: Experimental research design was adopted to analyse two versions of ginger drinks prepared using ginger rhizomes (Botanical Identification: UIL/001/1083) was obtained from an open market in Ilorin, Nigeria. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Ilorin Ethical Review Committee. The ginger rhizomes was used to prepare 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3ml/97ml (H2O) of ginger concentration. Six samples; (i) 2ml & (ii) 3ml with 1 cube of sugar (1CS) each (iii) 2ml & (iv) 3ml with 2 cubes of sugar (2CS) each (v) 2ml & (vi) 3ml each with no sugar (NS) were prepared and subjected to proximate analysis at the Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Statistical analysis was descriptive and nutritional components were reported as percentage per 100ml. RESULTS: Nutritional values of the ginger drinks were similar; all six samples contained protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and essential minerals; the energy value was 168 kj/100ml, which was richer than most energy/sport drinks commonly consumed in Nigeria. These indicated ginger drink might effectively enhance glucose supply for ATP synthesis, delay fatigue, reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, boost recovery and sport performance. Ginger drink containing 1CS had increased pH/100ml; 3.50% for both 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3ml/97ml (H2O) but ginger drink containing 2CS had the same pH with NS ginger drink; 3.18% for 2ml/98ml (H2O) and 3.09% for 3ml/97ml (H2O). CONCLUSIONS: Ginger drink is nutritious and might reliably enhance sport performance. Ginger drink with 2CS had less pH implying more potential for sport performance. A follow-up study is ongoing to ascertain the effects of ginger drink on anaerobic and aerobic capacity of athletes.
2. Dominic, O. L., Talabi, A. E., Sarpong, E. O., Musa, M.O., Seidina I. Y., Abubakar, N. O., & Bakinde, S.T. (2017). (2017). Making Weight for Sports Performance: Implications for Health of Combat Sports in Nigeria.. Ghana Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 10,
Abstract
Samlafo, B.V, (2018). Selenium - mercury antagonism in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West District, a mining area in Ghana. ICRST (2018) VIIIth International Conference on Researches in Science & Technology.. Rome, Italy: ICRST Ltd.
Abstract
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element were calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 µM to 62.38µM with a mean value of 25.26 µM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 µM to 4.65 µM with a mean value of 0.38 µM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element were calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 µM to 62.38µM with a mean value of 25.26 µM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 µM to 4.65 µM with a mean value of 0.38 µM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
Samlafo, B.V, (2018). Speciation of selenium (IV) (selenite) and selenium (VI) (selenate) levels in human blood samples. 17th International conference on Industrial Chemistry and Water Treatment. UK: Conference Series LLC Ltd.
Abstract
This paper examined the speciation of selenium(IV) (selenite) and selenium(VI) (selenate) levels in human whole blood samples from Tarkwa and its environs, a mining-impacted area in Ghana, using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. Selenium (IV) in the experimental subjects ranged from 0.08±0.01 µg/mL to 0.50±0.02µg/mL with a mean of 0.29 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.02±0.1 µg/mL to 0.21 ±0.05 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.07 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (IV) concentrations in experimental and control subjects (p=0.0001 <0.05). The selenium (VI) in experimental subjects ranged from 2.97±0.52 µg/mL to 4.39±0.42 µg/mL ,with a mean of 3.63 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.60 µg/mL to 1.0 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.89 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (VI) in experimental and the control subjects (p=5.98 x10-14<0.05). The measurement precision determined by relative standard deviation was within ±5%. The accuracy of the determination was evaluated by analysing certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The observed values were within ±6% of the certified values.
This paper examined the speciation of selenium(IV) (selenite) and selenium(VI) (selenate) levels in human whole blood samples from Tarkwa and its environs, a mining-impacted area in Ghana, using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. Selenium (IV) in the experimental subjects ranged from 0.08±0.01 µg/mL to 0.50±0.02µg/mL with a mean of 0.29 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.02±0.1 µg/mL to 0.21 ±0.05 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.07 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (IV) concentrations in experimental and control subjects (p=0.0001 <0.05). The selenium (VI) in experimental subjects ranged from 2.97±0.52 µg/mL to 4.39±0.42 µg/mL ,with a mean of 3.63 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.60 µg/mL to 1.0 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.89 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (VI) in experimental and the control subjects (p=5.98 x10-14<0.05). The measurement precision determined by relative standard deviation was within ±5%. The accuracy of the determination was evaluated by analysing certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The observed values were within ±6% of the certified values.
Gyasi, H, Ofoe, E.O, Samlafo, B.V (2018). The Effect of Molecular Model Sets on Students’ Academic Performance in Naming Organic Compounds. Education, 8,
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the effect of molecular model sets on naming simple organic compounds with reference to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system of naming. A quasi-experimental design using molecular model sets were used on students in form three science classes at Effiduase Senior High School in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A control group was taught using the traditional approach whilst the experimental group was treated using the molecular model sets. Analysis of the pre and post-tests scores showed more improvement in the performance of the experimental group than the control group. A paired sample t-test, on responses of students’ attitudes, showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores for the experimental group before and after the treatment. The study revealed that the integration of molecular model set approaches to teaching could help reduce, if not remove completely, the difficulties students face in naming organic compounds according to the IUPAC nomenclature. Keywords Molecular model set, Scientific model, Senior high school, Model, Organic chemistry
This study sought to investigate the effect of molecular model sets on naming simple organic compounds with reference to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system of naming. A quasi-experimental design using molecular model sets were used on students in form three science classes at Effiduase Senior High School in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A control group was taught using the traditional approach whilst the experimental group was treated using the molecular model sets. Analysis of the pre and post-tests scores showed more improvement in the performance of the experimental group than the control group. A paired sample t-test, on responses of students’ attitudes, showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores for the experimental group before and after the treatment. The study revealed that the integration of molecular model set approaches to teaching could help reduce, if not remove completely, the difficulties students face in naming organic compounds according to the IUPAC nomenclature. Keywords Molecular model set, Scientific model, Senior high school, Model, Organic chemistry
Gyasi, H, Ofoe, E.O, Samlafo, B.V (2018). The Effect of Molecular Model Sets on Students’ Academic Performance in Naming Organic Compounds. Education, 8,
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the effect of molecular model sets on naming simple organic compounds with reference to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system of naming. A quasi-experimental design using molecular model sets were used on students in form three science classes at Effiduase Senior High School in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A control group was taught using the traditional approach whilst the experimental group was treated using the molecular model sets. Analysis of the pre and post-tests scores showed more improvement in the performance of the experimental group than the control group. A paired sample t-test, on responses of students’ attitudes, showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores for the experimental group before and after the treatment. The study revealed that the integration of molecular model set approaches to teaching could help reduce, if not remove completely, the difficulties students face in naming organic compounds according to the IUPAC nomenclature. Keywords Molecular model set, Scientific model, Senior high school, Model, Organic chemistry
This study sought to investigate the effect of molecular model sets on naming simple organic compounds with reference to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system of naming. A quasi-experimental design using molecular model sets were used on students in form three science classes at Effiduase Senior High School in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A control group was taught using the traditional approach whilst the experimental group was treated using the molecular model sets. Analysis of the pre and post-tests scores showed more improvement in the performance of the experimental group than the control group. A paired sample t-test, on responses of students’ attitudes, showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores for the experimental group before and after the treatment. The study revealed that the integration of molecular model set approaches to teaching could help reduce, if not remove completely, the difficulties students face in naming organic compounds according to the IUPAC nomenclature. Keywords Molecular model set, Scientific model, Senior high school, Model, Organic chemistry
Hanson, R, (2017). Using activity worksheets to unearth 10th grade students' perceptions about word chemical equations. TOJET IETC, ITEC 2017 Proceedings Book,
Abstract
An in-depth constructivist and interpretive study was carried out with 31 students from a Ghanaian High School over a period of three weeks in order to elicit their interpretations, concerns, and constructions of word equations. This was a qualitative research to generate, analyse, and interpret data from individual narratives and translate ideas belonging to a community to represent discourses of that community. Results indicated that psychological, cognitive and language issues affected students’ conception. Their capacity to reason was linked to both concept, structure and strategies for presenting analysis.
An in-depth constructivist and interpretive study was carried out with 31 students from a Ghanaian High School over a period of three weeks in order to elicit their interpretations, concerns, and constructions of word equations. This was a qualitative research to generate, analyse, and interpret data from individual narratives and translate ideas belonging to a community to represent discourses of that community. Results indicated that psychological, cognitive and language issues affected students’ conception. Their capacity to reason was linked to both concept, structure and strategies for presenting analysis.
Samlafo, B.V, Bobobee, L.H, Quarshie, E , Sarsah, L.A and Kaka, E.A, (2017). Quality Assessment of Groundwater from Avenorfeme, Akatsi District, Ghana. 2nd World International conference on Industrial Chemistry and Water Treatment. Las Vegas, USA: Conference series.com.
Abstract
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Key words: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Key words: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
