ETHIOPIAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE

Ethiopia and Kenya at the Summer Olympic Games: Comparison of Performances

Zerihun Birhanu (Ph.D) — 2024-12-16

The purpose of this study was to compare the performances of Ethiopian and Kenyan at the summer Olympic Games held so far. The study has employed an empirical research design. The two countries were selected purposively due to the historical competition that exists between them and their over dominance of the rest world in endurance races. The data was collected through the internet from several sites. The number of sites for data collection depends on the number of times each country has been participated at the Summer Olympic Games. 15 and 16 sites were visited for Ethiopia and Kenya respectively. The data collected was sorted into men and women. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the performances of athletes from the two countries. The independent sample t-test served as the statistical instrument for testing the hypotheses set out at .05 alpha levels. The result revealed, out of 124 total medals won by Kenya 88 (70.97%) came through the men athletes and the women athletes contributed 36 (29.03%) medals. Ethiopia has a total of 62 medals won by men and women athletes. As a result, 34 medals (54.84%) were won by men athletes while the women contributed 28 medals (45.16%). On the other hand, the t-test result revealed a statistically significant difference in the total medal count between Kenya(M=7.75, SD=4.70) and Ethiopia (M=4.13, SD=2.80) conditions t(29)=-2.62 p=.02. The result for across country comparison of the performance of men athletes in terms of total medal count revealed Kenyan (M=5.50, SD=3.16) significantly outperformed Ethiopian (M=2.27, SD=1.34) conditions t(29)=-3.66 p=.00. On the other hand, statistically non-significant difference was observed at the women side between the two countries. Based on the result obtained, it was suggested that particular attention should be paid at the Ethiopian side to work on the athlete developmentprogrammes in varied events broadly in order to perform better in the future.

Effects of Project Management Practices on the Performance of Ethiopian National Stadium

Amensisa Kebede Legesse (Ph.D) — 2024-12-17

This study investigates the effects of project management practices on the performance of the Ethiopian National Stadium. It identifies the challenges inherent in project management, particularly in the Ethiopian construction sector, where the alignment of scope, time, cost, and quality remains critical. The research employs a descriptive and explanatory design, focusing on a sample of 292 staff from various management levels involved in mega projects. Key findings reveal a significant correlation between the implementation of project management tools and project performance. Despite some positive practices in time and human resource management, deficiencies in quality, procurement, and risk management were noted. The study underscores the necessity for enhanced project management methodologies tailored to the Ethiopian context, emphasizing the importance of effective stakeholder engagement and communication for successful project outcomes. The results contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on project management practices in developing countries, particularly in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Learning Opportunities of Physical Education at Primary and Secondary Schools in Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia

Teketel Abrham (Ph.D) — 2024-12-17

The purpose of this study was to examine the learning opportunities of physical education at primary and secondary schools in Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. The accessibility and opportunity on physical education program in schools were not equally treated as well. In this work, the researchers examined the level of opportunity to learn quality physical education program. Descriptive survey research design was employed. One sample t-test were used to compare the average accessibility and opportunity of adequacy of equipment, accessibility of equipments, safeness of equipment, safety of facility, sufficiency of facility and access of ICT with standard value. 590 schools were selected by simple random sampling technique from the total population of 5171 primary and secondary schools in the study by calculating with sample determination formula. The data were gathered by questionnaire, deep interview and observation checklist as tools. Method of data analysis applied terms of mean, standard deviation and t- test with P – value of less than 0.001 by using SPSS version 21 software. Therefore, the researcher drawn the following major findings; The average opportunity of adequacy of equipment (mean= 2.45, SD=1.25, p-value<0.001), accessibility of equipment’s(mean= 2.49, SD=1.22, p-value<0.001), safeness of equipment (mean= 2.45, SD=1.15, p-value<0.001), safety of facility(mean= 2.64, SD=1.33, p-value<0.01), sufficiency of facility(mean= 2.52, SD=1.29, p-value<0.001) and access of ICT (mean= 1.87, SD=1.18, p-value<0.001) were significantly lower than the standard value. The result showed that average of accessibility and opportunity on physical education program in the study was below the standard. So that the researchers concluded that the primary and secondary schools have less opportunities and accessibilities’ of physical education learning facilities like sport equipment and sport fields in general. Therefore the researchers recommended that the regional education bureau would consider maximizing the opportunities and accessibilities in terms of sport equipment, facilities, sport related ICT and safety measures.

Content Analysis of the Articles Published in the Ethiopian Sport Science Journal (EJSS) from 2020 through 2023

Abera Assefa — 2024-12-17

This study analysis the content of 45 research papers published in the Ethiopian Journal of Sport Science (EJSS), affiliated with the Ethiopian Sport Academy. The papers were retrieved from the African Journals Online platform (AJOL), for their complete article and abstract accessibility. In this study, content analysis was employed considering the following four key dimensions: 1) Subjects covered and units of analysis 2) Methodology and Design3) Authorship and collaboration and 4) Types of papers or formats and numbers of papers’ per volume. The findings of the study revealed that the papers included in the four volumes primarily centered on exercise physiology and sport pedagogy at the sport ‘team level’ units of analysis. Quantitative research methods were predominantly used across various sports science disciplines, with limited representation of pure qualitative and mixed-methods studies. Additionally, while most research lacked clearly stated conceptualizations, a considerable number of papers did include research objectives. It was also noted that the majority of authors were male individuals working independently from universities. Therefore, the study highlights the potential of a journal to become a leading platform for disseminating innovative research in sports and physical education, particularly in Ethiopia. The findings suggest that some amendments may be necessary.

Elite Distance Runners and their Management: The State and Nature of Athlete Managers Contribution

Bereket Yitbarek — 2024-12-17

Athlete managers are becoming crucial in facilitating competition opportunities and providing various forms of support to athletes, including technical support related to training, logistical support for training and competition materials, and social support encompassing psychological and life skill assistance. Ethiopian distance runners dedicate significant time and energy to excel in their chosen athletic discipline; in doing so, they prefer to work with athlete managers. To this end, this particular study aimed to assess the state and nature of athlete managers contribution to Ethiopian distance runners participating in elite level by employing concurrent-mixed method. The study was conducted in Addis Ababa, involving a sample of 248 athletes. 60.9% of the respondents were men, and 31% were female elite athletes, with the majority enrolled in long-distance running (68.9%) and government-owned clubs (69%). A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed and used to collect quantitative data from athletes, and a semi-structured interview was employed to purposively selected athletes, coaches, and officials from the Ethiopian Athletics Federation for the qualitative data. Statistical package for social science version 27 (SPSS27) statistical tools were used to process the collected data. For the descriptive statistics, frequency and percentage were used, and non-parametric tests, specifically the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, were employed to assess the group difference. The internal consistency for the sub-themes of technical, logistic, and social supports was found to be 0.90 ≤ α ≥ 0.70. The findings of the study indicated that club setting and running discipline of an athlete significantly influence the support athletes get from their athlete managers; consequently, logistic support and technical support were found to be significantly favored at the expense of social support. Dealing with athlete managers helps athletes get scientific training access and international race opportunities; however, early specialization and overused injury are threats. Hence, emphasis should be given to all aspects of support to help an athlete become fruitful and remain successful.

Effectiveness and contribution of the Ethiopian Sport Academy (ESA) to Ethiopian National Athletics Team

Ayyantu Jembere (Ph.D) — 2024-12-17

ESA has been taking the lions’ share in shaping the success of the Ethiopian Athletics National Team through nurturing talent, providing specialized coaching, leveraging altitude benefits, fostering group dynamics, aligning with cultural norms, and producing remarkable success stories on the Ethiopian athletics. This study was focused to assess the effectiveness and contribution of ESA to the Ethiopian National Athletics National Team. The study used mixed-methods approach research design. ESA has (N = 2) campuses and sampled athletes (n = 222) were selected using proportional sampling technique. Outcome variable of the study was contribution of the athletes to the Ethiopian national athletics team. Predictor variable was effectiveness of ESA. The primary data collection instruments such as standardized questionnaire, semi-structured interview, and focus group discussion was piloted and administered to the athletes. SPSS and Nvivo software’s used to process quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Structural Equation modelling (ESA) was used to analyse effectiveness of sport academy. The result of the study shows that skilled workforce, stability, availability of information, productivity, plans, resources and flexibility significantly contribution to the effectiveness of sport academy at p < 0.05. The effectiveness of ESA enables them to produce world class middle and long distance runners to the Olympic level. However, there are remaining works on short distance, jumping and throwing events. The study recommends ESA management to produce sprinters, jumpers and throwers aligning with their sport nutrition as well as hire professionals like f physiotherapist and sport psychologist

Effects of Aerobics Dance Exercise on Selected Anthropometric Variables of Female Overweight University Students

Tesfaye Moges Sorre — 2024-12-18

This study aimed to examine the effects of aerobics dance exercises on selected anthropometric variables of overweight female students at Dilla University. The study employed a true experimental design, involving 60 female students aged 18-24. The study subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups, the experimental (n = 30) and the control groups (n = 30). The experimental group had taken aerobics dance training for 10 weeks with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Pre- and post-test data were collected on weight, BMI, arm girth, waist circumference, hip circumference, and thigh girth before and after ten weeks from 6:00–8:00 AM. ANOVA was utilized to analyze the data. Following the intervention, the posttest mean weight was observed to be decreased in trainees from the experimental group (59.003±4.0476) compared to those from the control groups (62.603±4.3325) with a significance level of p<0.05. The mean BMI was found to be reduced in the experimental group (24.7103±.98802) than in control groups (25.6333±.71297), although this was statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, the mean arm girth was decreased for the experimental group (29.97±2.619) compared to the control groups (32.80±1.901), and was significant difference noted (p<0.05). The mean waist circumference was reduced and (80.17±5.414), for the experimental and (87.27±5.212), for the control groups, with significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). As for the hip circumference, the mean values showed differences between the experimental (99.00±4.267) and the control (100.13±2.933) groups on the post-test result and significant at (p<0.05) and the mean thigh girth was (56.30±2.718) for the experimental and (54.53±2.837) for the control groups and it was significant (p<0.05). The findings indicate that aerobics dance training had a positive impact on the anthropometrical variables of young university female students. This emphasizes the importance of developing aerobics

dance training programs to improve various anthropometric variables. These outcomes are mainly pertinent for obese women seeking to reduce their body weight through training strategies.

Ethiopian vs. Kenyan 800m Olympic Performance: Participation, Medals, and Race Times

Demissie Gashu Walle (Ph.D) — 2024-12-18

Background: The 800m demands a unique blend of speed and endurance, attracting diverse tactics and fierce competition. Both Ethiopia and Kenya have strong traditions in the 800m. Problem: Research on participation, medal success, and finish times performance differences is limited. There is a lack of detailed analysis on participation and medal success and performance across genders for both nations. Objectives: Compare the overall participation and medal success of Ethiopian and Kenyan 800m athletes in the Olympics across genders. Furthermore, analyzes race finish time performance differences between the two nations' athletes in the 800m across genders. Methods: The cross-sectional survey design uses historical Olympic data from 1896 to 2020. Analyzed all Ethiopian and Kenyan 800m athletes and, used descriptive statistics and independent T-tests to compare participation and performance. Results: Kenyans have been participated considerably more athletes than Ethiopians (54 vs. 24). Besides, Kenya won 19 medals (14 for men and 5 for women) in this event. In contrast, Ethiopia has not won any medals in the 800 meters at the Olympics Games. Moreover, Significant finishing time performance difference was observed between Ethiopian and Kenyan men (p<.05). Conclusion: There was unequal participation, medal success, and race finish performance time’s differences exist between Ethiopian and Kenyan 800m athletes in the Olympic Games. This implies a complex interplay of factors influencing each country's approach to the 800m. Both nations likely have developed distinct specializations and training philosophies for the 800m event. Recommendation: it's suggested to undertake comparison across various competitions, including world athlete’s championships across genders to positively affect the generalizability of results

Body Density Disparities among Female Athletes of Different Running Events Estimated by 7-Site Skinfold Equation

Haileyesus Gedefaw (Ph.D) — 2024-12-18

The study aimed at investigating body density disparities among female athletes specializing in different running event categories such as, short-distance sprints, middle-distance runs, and long-distance endurance races. Body density of athletes analyzed using the 7-site skin-fold equation. Anthropomorphic measurements were conducted following the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement of Kin anthropomorphic, and body density estimated from it. Descriptive statistics, one-way Analysis of Variance, and post hoc tests employed to explore differences among the groups. Results indicate significant disparities in body density found among groups, underscoring the importance of training programs designed for athletes based on their event category.

Training Field Size Matters: Impacts On Decision-Making Skills In Football

Gashaw Tesema (Ph.D) — 2024-12-18

The study aimed to compare the impact of the small-sided versus large-sided game approach on the decision-making skills of U-17 male youth football trainees. A total of 52 players from two youth teams in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, participated in a 10-week intervention. The study used experimental design with two comparative groups: the small field size trainee group, which trained on a 46m × 25m pitch using 6v6 games; and the large field size trainee group, which trained on an 80m × 40m pitch using 11v11 games. Both groups participated in two 70-minute sessions per week, focusing on decision-making in four key areas: passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting. The study employed pre-and post-tests to assess decision-making skills, with data collected through video recordings and analyzed using decision-making indices. The data were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests to compare pre-test decision-making indices between the two groups. In the pre-test, both groups were comparable across all decision-making variables (p > 0.05), indicating no significant baseline differences. Following the 10-week training intervention, both groups demonstrated improvements in decision-making. However, the small-field size training group showed a significant improvement in shooting decision-making, with a decision-making index of 90.9% compared to 63.63% in the large-field size training group (p = 0.020). No significant differences were found between the groups in passing, receiving, or dribbling decision-making. The findings confirmed that the smaller, more intense environment of small-sided games may better facilitate rapid decision-making under pressure, especially in shooting situations. Based on the result of the study and the firm support from previous literature, it is concluded that the cognitive benefits of small-sided games, provide more frequent, high-intensity interactions that promote quick decision-making. In contrast, large-sided games offer more time and space, potentially reducing the urgency for quick decisions, particularly in actions like shooting. This study underscores the value of small-sided games in enhancing decision-making skills in youth football, particularly under pressure, and recommends that a balanced training approach incorporating both small and large-sided games may optimize player development

The Effects of Taekwondo Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Flexibility Among Adolescent Fitness Trainees

Desta Fikadu — 2024-12-18

Taekwondo is a dynamic unarmed combat style focused on self-defense, incorporating techniques such as punching, kicking, blocking, dodging, and parrying. This study aimed to explore the effects of taekwondo training on cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility in adolescent fitness trainees. Using experimental research design, twenty-two male adolescents aged 10-18 years from Alex Fitness Training Center were randomly divided into two equal groups: the experimental group (EG, n = 11) and the control group (CG, n = 11). The EG underwent ten weeks of taekwondo training, participating in three sessions per week, each lasting 40 to 60 minutes. Their training included basic techniques, poomsae, sparring and self-defense. In contrast, the CG followed their regular fitness program. Both groups underwent pre- and post-testing, which assessed cardiorespiratory fitness via the Harvard step test and flexibility through static shoulder and wrist, trunk and neck tests, and the sit-and-reach test. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. Cohen's d was used to evaluate effect sizes. Results indicated that taekwondo training significantly improved both cardiovascular fitness and flexibility (p < 0.05). The findings suggest a trivial effect size for cardiovascular fitness and a large effect size for flexibility. Consequently, taekwondo training is recommended for adolescents seeking to enhance their cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility.

Stakeholders Exsposition of Knowledge And Practice on Male Youth Football Programs In Addis Ababa: In View of Long Term Sport Development

Shewangizaw Abebe Weldeyesus — 2024-12-18

Modern soccer calls for better understanding, spirit, and attentiveness on the part of all involved in the business. This reinforces that stakeholders are well-versed and practice based on the facts. This in turn helps them extend unrelenting support during critical ages and stages in the process of long-term soccer player development. In achieving youth sport developmental goals having well formulated model is very crucial. In light of this, through purposeful identification of participants, this study attempted to assess understanding of coaches, administrators, players and parents and academicians. The sight of the study was Addis Ababa. The participants account on their knowledge and knowledge based practices related to models in youth soccer development programs. This study adopted a mixed research design. A total of 80 male youth soccer players and 80 families were taken as sample to fill out the questionnaire. In addition to these four academicians, 6 youth soccer coaches and 3 administrative workers were interviewed. Mean, standard deviation and spearman correlation were employed to analyze quantitative data. The qualitative data were analyzed and organized thematically. Following the analysis it was found, comprehension of facts and related practices to model in long-term youth soccer development was recognized by those who have academic background in sport science, some coaches and an administrator. On the other hand, it was observed, remaining administrators, some coaches, and majority of parents and players were found to have a disconnected and insignificant knowledge on models of youth soccer development and related practices.