Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Developmental and Sports Physiology
Course Code
LSPA_474
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Inese Pontaga
Structure Unit Manager
Uģis Ciematnieks
Structural Unit
Department of Sports Theory
Contacts
LSPA, Brīvības gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006
About Study Course
Objective
To learn basic concepts of Sports Physiology, to analyze the mechanisms of adaptation of the organism and determinants of performance in different types of sports loads, to master basic knowledge of morphological and physiological changes in the growing and ageing organism, about the sensitive periods of development of physical characteristics, skills, and competences in evaluation of physical development of a person and some physiological characteristics of sports performance.
Preliminary Knowledge
Knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired in the Latvian Academy of Sports Education in the first year and the autumn semester of the second year of studies in the Human Functioning course. The acquisition of the present study course is parallel with the course of Biochemistry.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describes the energy sources for working muscles under physical loads of different lengths and intensities.
Individual work and tests
Preparation for mid-semester examinations • Test 1 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • A written exam.
2.Differentiates between functional changes in the body during sport-specific conditions and different intensity sports loads.
Individual work and tests
A written exam. • Test 1 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Preparation for mid-semester examinations
3.Explains the physiological justification for developing physical characteristics and acquiring movement skills.
Individual work and tests
Preparation for mid-semester examinations • Test 1 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • A written exam.
4.Compares the body’s working capacity under different external environmental conditions.
Individual work and tests
A written exam. • Preparation for mid-semester examinations • Test 2 in Developmental and Sports Physiology
5.Describes aging periodization.
Individual work and tests
Test 3 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Preparation for mid-semester examinations • A written exam.
6.Describes the anatomical and physiological characteristics of growing children and adolescents in certain stages of age.
Individual work and tests
A written exam. • Preparation for mid-semester examinations • Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Test 3 in Developmental and Sports Physiology
7.Describes changes in body structure and function as a person ages.
Individual work and tests
Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Preparation for mid-semester examinations • A written exam.
8.Justifies the role of physical exercises in the promotion, development and maintenance of physical development.
Individual work and tests
A written exam. • Preparation for mid-semester examinations • Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Test 3 in Developmental and Sports Physiology
Skills
1.Measures human anthropometric parameters.
Individual work and tests
Laboratory work • Anthropometry methods.
2.Determines a person’s physical capacity through tests of strength, speed, speed, aerobic ability, balance, flexibility.
Individual work and tests
A written exam. • Test 2 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Determination of strength characteristics. • Determination of aerobic endurance. • Laboratory work • Test 1 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Sensory systems for mobility skills acquisition.
Competences
1.Analyse physical characteristics and compare with literature data.
Individual work and tests
Determination of strength characteristics. • Sensory systems for mobility skills acquisition. • Laboratory work • Test 2 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Determination of aerobic endurance. • Anthropometry methods.
2.Evaluates the level of training of the athlete’s cardiorespiratory system.
Individual work and tests
Determination of aerobic endurance. • Laboratory work
3.Use sports physiology knowledge in practical activity: assess physical development and fitness of children, adolescents and adults.
Individual work and tests
Test 3 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology
4.Justifies the duration of the planned load and recovery so that the workout has maximum effect.
Individual work and tests
Test 1 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • A written exam.
5.Approximately estimates the biological age of students and the degree of sexual development of adolescents.
Individual work and tests
A written exam. • Test 3 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology
6.Justifies the selection of the best sports load and training method for each age stage, the selection of appropriate exercises for the elderly.
Individual work and tests
Test 3 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology • A written exam.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Preparation for mid-semester examinations |
-
|
-
|
|
Four knowledge test tests on the topics of the course are planned for the study course. Students prepare for the tests using course lecture and harm materials, self-assessment tests in the E-learning environment, as well as literature sources and interactive learning materials. |
||
|
2.
Laboratory work |
-
|
-
|
|
In the study course, students develop four laboratory works in accordance with the minutes placed in the E-learning environment. The works are developed in small groups (3-4 people) and the minutes are submitted at the end of the practical class. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test 1 in Developmental and Sports Physiology |
12.50% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Muscle energy sources, physiological conditions specific to sport and physiological background for the development of motor skills, physiological background for the development of strength, strength endurance, power, speed characteristics |
||
|
2.
Test 2 in Developmental and Sports Physiology |
12.50% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Aerobic endurance, its characteristics, and physiological background for training. Adaptation and acclimatization of the organism to various external environmental conditions: heat, cold, mountains, and the aquatic environment. |
||
|
3.
Test 3 in Developmental and Sports Physiology |
12.50% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Peculiarities of human growth and development, morphological changes in the body at different age stages, physiological characterization of children of early, first, and second childhood age. |
||
|
4.
Test 4 in Developmental and Sports Physiology |
12.50% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Physiological characterization of adolescents and young people, physiological changes in organisms due to aging. |
||
|
5.
Sensory systems for mobility skills acquisition. |
-
|
Test
|
|
Determination of proprioceptive sense acuity and vestibular stability. |
||
|
6.
Determination of strength characteristics. |
-
|
Test
|
|
Determination of maximal isometric strength, vertical jump height, and power. |
||
|
7.
Determination of aerobic endurance. |
-
|
Test
|
|
Determination of aerobic endurance by performing a load test on a bicycle ergometer. |
||
|
8.
Anthropometry methods. |
-
|
Test
|
|
Determination of body mass index, waist/hip circumference ratio, and fat percentage (measuring 7 fat folds at 7 locations). |
||
|
9.
A written exam. |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
At the end of the study course, they must pass a written exam on all the course topics. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Developmental and Sports Physiology
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Energy sources of muscle work at physical loads of varying intensity and duration.
Description
The role of ATF recovery reactions (creatine kinase, anaerobic glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation) in sports loads of varying duration and intensity. Opportunities to prolong these reactions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological changes in the body in sports-specific conditions.
Description
Characteristics of pre-start conditions, warm-up, incorporation, stable condition, fatigue, recovery period, super compensation, and overtraining. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological background for the acquisition of motor skills.
Description
Sensory systems which participate in the acquisition of motor skills. The role of the cerebellum in fulfilling movement skills. Dynamic motion stereotype and its formation stages. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Assessment of vestibular stability and proprioceptive senses acuity.
Description
Laboratory work: qualitatively assess vestibular stability after rotation in the Baranji chair. Determine the accuracy of the range of movement sensation and the force differentiation ability. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological background for the development of strength and strength endurance.
Description
Methods for measuring muscle strength. The regimens of muscle work and types of contractions. Active and passive force. Absolute and relative strength. Measurement and development of maximal muscle strength. Strength endurance determination and development. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological background for the development of muscle power and speed characteristics.
Description
Physiological background for muscle power, measurement methods, and development. Expressions of speed: latency of a simple reaction time, speed of sole movement, frequency of movement, and possibilities for their development. Maximal anaerobic power. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Determination of the maximal isometric strength, vertical jump height, and power.
Description
Laboratory work: measure and assess the absolute and relative maximal isometric handgrip and back extensor muscle strength. Determine and evaluate the height and power of the vertical jump. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Muscle energy sources, sports-specific conditions, physiological background for motor skills development. Physiological background for the strength, strength endurance, power, and speed physical characteristics development.
Description
Test. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Aerobic endurance, its physiological characteristics. Assessment methods.
Description
Factors determining aerobic endurance. Maximal oxygen consumption. Anaerobic threshold. Aerobic threshold. Methods for determining them. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological background for aerobic endurance training. Changes in organ systems due to regular aerobic endurance training.
Description
Aerobic endurance training principles. Physiological background of the training loads' intensity, duration, and frequency. Changes in blood composition, heart, circulation, breathing, nervous systems, thermoregulation, and body mass composition due to endurance training. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Determination of aerobic endurance by performing a load test on a bicycle ergometer.
Description
Laboratory work: determination of cardiovascular system performance by using a load test on a bicycle ergometer to a heart rate of 170 beats per minute. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Adaptation and acclimatization of the body for heat and cold. Bio-rhythms.
Description
Body adaptation reactions to heat and cold, acclimatization. The importance of body hydration. Circadian bio-rhythms. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Adaptation and acclimatisation of the organism to mountain conditions and the aquatic environment.
Description
Rapid and slow organism adaptation reactions to mountain conditions. Middle and Highland. Conditions hazardous to health in the mountains. Characteristics of the aquatic environment. Swimming and diving. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Aerobic endurance, its characteristics, and physiological background for training. Adaptation and acclimatization of the organism to various external environmental conditions: heat, cold, the mountains, and the aquatic environment.
Description
Test. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Growth and development peculiarities, and morphological changes in the body in different age groups.
Description
The periodization of human life. The peculiarities of growth. Factors determining physical development. Acceleration and retardation, their causes. Methods for determining physical development. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
|
Anthropometry methods.
Description
Laboratory work: determination of body mass index and waist/hip circumference ratio. Determining the body fat percentage by measuring the skinfold thickness in 7 sites. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological characterisation of children of early, first and second childhood age.
Description
Development of organ systems in childhood, differences from adolescents and adults. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Musculoskeletal system in childhood. Opportunities to develop physical characteristics in children.
Description
The characteristics of skeleton and muscles in childhood. Opportunities to develop coordination, flexibility, strength endurance, power, and aerobic endurance. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Growth and development peculiarities, morphological changes in the body in people of different ages, physiological characterization of children of early, first, and second childhood age.
Description
Test. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological characterisation of adolescents and young people.
Description
Growth spurt in adolescents. Primary and secondary sex characteristics, assessment of the degree of sexual maturation. Changes in the organ system in adolescents and young adults. Opportunities to develop physical performance characteristics in adolescents and young adults. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological changes in the body due to ageing.
Description
Changes in organ systems and physical characteristics in the elderly. Opportunities to develop physical characteristics in old age. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological characterization of adolescents and young people, physiological changes in the body due to aging.
Description
Test. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Written exam.
Description
In the exam, students must answer the topics of the entire Developmental and Sports Physiology study course. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
36 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Developmental and Sports Physiology
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Energy sources of muscle work at physical loads of varying intensity and duration.
Description
The role of ATF recovery reactions (creatine kinase, anaerobic glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation) in sports loads of varying duration and intensity. Opportunities to prolong these reactions. |
|
Physiological background for the acquisition of motor skills.
Description
Sensory systems which participate in the acquisition of motor skills. The role of the cerebellum in fulfilling movement skills. Dynamic motion stereotype and its formation stages. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological changes in the body in sports-specific conditions.
Description
Characteristics of pre-start conditions, warm-up, incorporation, stable condition, fatigue, recovery period, super compensation, and overtraining. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological background for the development of strength and strength endurance.
Description
Methods for measuring muscle strength. The regimens of muscle work and types of contractions. Active and passive force. Absolute and relative strength. Measurement and development of maximal muscle strength. Strength endurance determination and development. |
|
Physiological background for the development of muscle power and speed characteristics.
Description
Physiological background for muscle power, measurement methods, and development. Expressions of speed: latency of a simple reaction time, speed of sole movement, frequency of movement, and possibilities for their development. Maximal anaerobic power. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Aerobic endurance, its physiological characteristics. Assessment methods.
Description
Factors determining aerobic endurance. Maximal oxygen consumption. Anaerobic threshold. Aerobic threshold. Methods for determining them. |
|
Physiological background for aerobic endurance training. Changes in organ systems due to regular aerobic endurance training.
Description
Aerobic endurance training principles. Physiological background of the training loads' intensity, duration, and frequency. Changes in blood composition, heart, circulation, breathing, nervous systems, thermoregulation, and body mass composition due to endurance training. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Adaptation and acclimatization of the body for heat and cold. Bio-rhythms.
Description
Body adaptation reactions to heat and cold, acclimatization. The importance of body hydration. Circadian bio-rhythms. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
-
|
2
|
Topics
|
Adaptation and acclimatisation of the organism to mountain conditions and the aquatic environment.
Description
Rapid and slow organism adaptation reactions to mountain conditions. Middle and Highland. Conditions hazardous to health in the mountains. Characteristics of the aquatic environment. Swimming and diving. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Muscle energy sources, sports-specific conditions, physiological background for motor skills development. Physiological background for the strength, strength endurance, power, and speed physical characteristics development.
Description
Test. |
|
Aerobic endurance, its characteristics, and physiological background for training. Adaptation and acclimatization of the organism to various external environmental conditions: heat, cold, the mountains, and the aquatic environment.
Description
Test. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Growth and development peculiarities, and morphological changes in the body in different age groups.
Description
The periodization of human life. The peculiarities of growth. Factors determining physical development. Acceleration and retardation, their causes. Methods for determining physical development. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological characterisation of children of early, first and second childhood age.
Description
Development of organ systems in childhood, differences from adolescents and adults. |
|
Musculoskeletal system in childhood. Opportunities to develop physical characteristics in children.
Description
The characteristics of skeleton and muscles in childhood. Opportunities to develop coordination, flexibility, strength endurance, power, and aerobic endurance. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological characterisation of adolescents and young people.
Description
Growth spurt in adolescents. Primary and secondary sex characteristics, assessment of the degree of sexual maturation. Changes in the organ system in adolescents and young adults. Opportunities to develop physical performance characteristics in adolescents and young adults. |
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiological changes in the body due to ageing.
Description
Changes in organ systems and physical characteristics in the elderly. Opportunities to develop physical characteristics in old age. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Written exam.
Description
In the exam, students must answer the topics of the entire Developmental and Sports Physiology study course. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Pontaga I. Spēka, spēka izturības, ātrspēka un ātruma attīstīšanas fizioloģiskais pamatojums. 1. daļa. Mācību līdzeklis LSPA studentiem. LSPA, Rīga, 2023., 81 lpp. (akcpetējams izdevums)
2.
Pontaga I. Spēka, spēka izturības, ātrspēka un ātruma attīstīšanas fizioloģiskais pamatojums. 2. daļa. Mācību līdzeklis LSPA studentiem. LSPA, Rīga, 2023., 54 lpp.
3.
Kenney W.L., Wilmore J.H., Costill D.L. Physiology of Sport and Exercise. 8th edition. Human Kinetics, 2025, printed in UK, 672 p.Suitable for English stream
4.
Pontaga I. Aerobās izturības attīstīšanas fizioloģiskais pamatojums. Mācību līdzeklis LSPA studentiem. LSPA, Rīga, 2014., 44 lpp. (akcpetējams izdevums)
5.
Pontaga I.Vecumposmu fizioloģija. 1.daļa. Māc. līdzeklis LSPA studentiem. LSPA, Rīga, 2012, 87 lpp. (akcpetējams izdevums)
6.
Pontaga I. Vecumposmu fizioloģija. 2.daļa. Māc.līdzeklis LSPA studentiem. LSPA, Rīga, 2012, 36 lpp. (akcpetējams izdevums)
Additional Reading
1.
McArdle W.D., Katch F.I. Katch V.L. Exercise Physiology. Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance. 9th edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2023, printed in China, 1176 p.Suitable for English stream
2.
Pontaga I., Ūdre V. Bērnu un pusaudžu fizisko spēju attīstīšanas bioloģiskais pamatojums. Bērnu un pusaudžu trenera rokasgrāmata (Galv. redaktors J.Žīdens), Latvijas Treneru tālākizglītības centrs, Rīga, 2008.g., 54. – 69. lpp.
3.
Malina R.M., Bouchard C., Bar-Or O. Growth, Maturation, and Physical Activity. 2nd edition. Human Kinetics, 2025, 728 p.Suitable for English stream
Other Information Sources
1.
ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (ed. Cemal O.). 12th edition, Wolters & Kluwer, 2025Suitable for English stream
2.
Growth, Somatic Maturation and Their Impact on Physical Health and Sports Performance (eds. Campa F.& Greco G.). A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health". Editorial Office MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 2022, 148 p.Suitable for English stream