Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Practical Sports Physiology and Assessment of Physical Performance
Course Code
LSPA_626
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Other Sub-Branches of Health and Sports Science
ECTS
8.00
Target Audience
Public Health; Rehabilitation; Sports Science; Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Dace Reihmane
Structure Unit Manager
Pēteris Tretjakovs
Structural Unit
Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry
Contacts
LSPA, Brīvības gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006
About Study Course
Objective
To provide in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge about the physiological response and adaptation mechanisms of the human body during physical exertion. To develop skills to assess an individual's physical performance using various physiological, biochemical and anthropometric methods, as well as to create individualized exercise and recovery strategies.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge in the physiology and biochemistry of skeletal muscle, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Explains the functioning of skeletal muscle, cardiovascular and respiratory systems at rest and during physical exertion, based on the physiological and biochemical processes occurring in the body.
Individual work and tests
Sports physiology and biochemistry colloquia
2.Names and explains short-term and long-term physiological and biochemical adaptations as a result of resistance (strength) and aerobic (endurance) training.
Individual work and tests
Sports physiology and biochemistry colloquia
3.Names, describes and compares different methods of assessing physical performance (e.g. VO₂max, submaximal tests, field tests).
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
4.Explains the physiological principles of resting metabolism and the causes of RED-S syndrome.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
5.Describes changes in biochemical parameters during physical exertion, overload and recovery processes.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
6.Names various anthropometric and body composition assessment methods and explains their principles of operation.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
7.Names various recovery methods and explains their importance in the health and performance of athletes.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
Skills
1.Application of knowledge - ability to: • analyse functional capability assessment tests (e.g. VO ₂ max, submax, EMG, ECG, spirometry) based on physiological and biochemical processes in the body; • interpret the results of gas exchange (ventilation thresholds VT1, VT2), lactate (LT1, LT2) and biochemical markers (hormones, enzymes); • assess body composition by different methods (calypometry, bioimpedance, DEXA) • detect peace metobolism and apply RED-S diagnostic tools; • apply performance monitoring techniques to everyday work; • evaluate and apply recovery strategies in the exercise process.
Individual work and tests
Protocols
2.Skills to address the challenges of situations.
Individual work and tests
Protocols
3.Skills in using scientific literature and interpreting data.
Individual work and tests
Analysis of scientific literature
4.Skills to perform simplified functional capability assessment tests.
Individual work and tests
Protocols
5.Communication skills acquired through organised group work.
Individual work and tests
Protocols
Competences
1.Integrates knowledge of physiological and biochemical processes, explaining individual functional capacity and physical performance assessment tests, according to age and gender.
Individual work and tests
Sports physiology and biochemistry colloquia
2.Develops an individual training and recovery plan based on the results of the functional capacity and physical performance assessment tests.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
3.Based on the data, assesses health risks related to low energy availability or excessive load and adjusts training methodology.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
4.Evaluates the reliability of measurement data and its suitability for a specific population.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
5.Uses various methods for long-term monitoring of athletes.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
6.Develops scientifically based recommendations for improving physical performance.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
|
1.
Protocols |
0.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
In accordance with the topic of the respective week, students after the seminar class will be required to complete and submit the protocols by the specified deadline. If the protocols are passed, students will be allowed to take the colloquiums. Completion of the protocols is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in the colloquiums, but it will not be included in the final assessment. |
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|
2.
Self-tests |
-
|
-
|
|
In accordance with the topic of the respective week, students will have the opportunity to voluntarily complete the self-tests. The self-tests are intended to support knowledge consolidation and preparation for the colloquiums. Their completion is not mandatory, is not a prerequisite for admission to the colloquiums, and is not included in the final assessment. |
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3.
Analysis of scientific literature |
-
|
-
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Students are advised to familiarise themselves with Scientific Literature in accordance with the topic of the respective class. The seminar content and discussions will be based on this material. Reviewing it will help students participate fully in the seminars, but it will not be included in the final assessment. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Sports physiology and biochemistry colloquia |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Colloquia includes: (a) detailed multi-choice tests requiring specific theoretical and practical knowledge; (b) tasks assessing students’ understanding of physiological and biochemical processes and their regulation during exercise; (c) tasks assessing students’ ability to apply the acquired knowledge by analysing simplified situation tasks. |
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|
2.
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods |
60.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Colloquia includes: (a) detailed multi-choice tests requiring specific theoretical and practical knowledge; (b) tasks assessing students’ understanding of the various functional capability assessment tests; (c) tasks assessing students’ ability to apply the acquired knowledge by analysing simplified situation tasks. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Physiology of skeletal muscles
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Registration of muscle EMG during increasing resistance load
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Sports physiology of the cardiovascular system
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Sports physiology of the cardiovascular system
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Sports physiology of the respiratory system
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Spirography at rest and during exertion
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Energy substrates and homeostasis
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Defining the association of metabolic pathways
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Adaptation of biochemical processes during physical exertion
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Determination of pyruvate and lactate by photospectrometry; blood analysis during rest, load and recovery
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Test
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Colloquium: Sports physiology and biochemistry
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Anthropometry and somatotypes
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Comparison of methods used for body composition assessment
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Peace metabolism and REDS
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Determination of resting metabolism using Q-NRG max
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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The importance of biochemical parameters in sport and their application in prevention, during physical exertion and in recovery
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Application of the blood test “Sports Health Panel” in practice
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Aerobic capacity physiology: VO2Max and threshold concept
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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4
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Topics
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Determination of VO2Max and ventilation thresholds using CPET
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Submaximal physical performance tests
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
|
4
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Topics
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Use of submaximal physical performance tests for estimation of VO2max
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Monitoring and evaluation of daily performance
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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4
|
Topics
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Practical, easy day-to-day performance tests: the importance of micromonitoring in the training
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Recovery methods and strategies
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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4
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Topics
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Practical application of different recovery methods during training and competitions
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Test
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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4
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Topics
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Colloquium: functional capability assessment methods
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
8.00
Contact hours:
72 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Dzator, S., et al (2023). Agreement Between Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and Bioelectric Impedance Analysis for Assessing Body Composition in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical journal of sport medicine: official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, 33(5), 557–568.Suitable for English stream
2.
Prado, C. M., et al (2025). Methodological standards for body composition-an expert-endorsed guide for research and clinical applications: levels, models, and terminology. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 122(2), 384–391.Suitable for English stream
3.
Mocini, E., et al. (2023). Digital Anthropometry: A Systematic Review on Precision, Reliability and Accuracy of Most Popular Existing Technologies. Nutrients, 15(2), 302.Suitable for English stream
4.
Mountjoy, M., et al. 2023 IOC consensus statement on relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(17), 1073–1097.Suitable for English stream
5.
O'Neill, J. E. R., et al (2023). Accuracy of resting metabolic rate prediction equations in athletes: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(12), 2373–2398.Suitable for English stream
6.
Jeukendrup, A. E., Areta, J. L., Van Genechten, L., et al. (2024). Does relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) syndrome exist? Sports Medicine.Suitable for English stream
7.
Haller, N., Behringer, M., Reichel, T., Wahl, P., Simon, P., Krüger, K., Zimmer, P., & Stöggl, T. (2023). Blood-Based Biomarkers for Managing Workload in Athletes: Considerations and Recommendations for Evidence-Based Use of Established Biomarkers. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 53(7), 1315–1333.Suitable for English stream
8.
Soler-López, A., Moreno-Villanueva, A., Gómez-Carmona, C. D., & Pino-Ortega, J. (2024). The Role of Biomarkers in Monitoring Chronic Fatigue Among Male Professional Team Athletes: A Systematic Review. Sensors, 24(21), 6862.Suitable for English stream
9.
Kathryn L. Beck, Pamela R. von Hurst, Wendy J. O'Brien, Claire E. Badenhorst. (2021). Micronutrients and athletic performance: A review, Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 158, 112618, ISSN 0278-6915,Suitable for English stream
10.
Rhibi, F., Abderrahman, A.B., Prioux, J. et al. (2022). Effects of different training intensities in high intensity interval training (HIIT) on maximal aerobic velocity, hematological and muscle damage markers in healthy young adults. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 14, 158.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
McArdle WD, Katch FI, Katch VL. (2023). Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance.Suitable for English stream
2.
Powers SK & Howley ET. (2023). Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance.Suitable for English stream
3.
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. (2025).Suitable for English stream
4.
Aberberga-Augškalne Līga, Koroļova Olga. (2021). Fizioloģija ārstiem.
5.
Burke, L. M., & Deakin, V. (2021). Clinical Sports Nutrition (6th ed.) Chapter 5: Energy requirements of the athlete, pp. 154 – 216Suitable for English stream
6.
2. Maughan, R. J. (Ed.). (2013). Sports Nutrition. (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell / IOC Medical Commission. Chapter 1: Human Nutrition, pp. 23–26 Chapter 4: How to Assess Energy Cost/Expenditure pp. 92-105 Chapter 5: Energy Balance and Energy Availability, pp. 108–124Suitable for English stream
7.
Marriott, B. E., & Birt, D. F. (Eds.). (2020). Present Knowledge in Nutrition (11th ed.). Elsevier. Chapter 6: Nutrition for Sport and Physical Activity, pp. 223-253Suitable for English stream
8.
Abernethy, B. , Kippers, V. , Hanrahan, S.J. , Pandy, M.G. , McManus, A.M. , & Mackinnon, L.T. (2013). Basic Concepts of Anthropometry. In Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement (pp. 49–58). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Retrieved October 30, 2025Suitable for English stream
Other Information Sources
1.
DAPA Mērījumu rokasgrāmata.Suitable for English stream
2.
Somatotipa kalkulatorsSuitable for English stream