Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Sports Nutrition, Biochemistry and Performance Support Strategies
Course Code
LSPA_631
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Nutrition
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Science; Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Jānis Leitis
Structure Unit Manager
Uģis Ciematnieks
Structural Unit
Department of Sports Theory
Contacts
LSPA, Brīvības gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006
About Study Course
Objective
To deepen understanding of the importance of nutrition in the context of exercise based on scientific evidence. The course analyses the body’s energy supply systems during exercise, the importance of nutrients and fluids for different types of exercise, as well as the methods of determining body composition and the principles of weight regulation for physically active people. Aspects of the use of sports supplements, anti-doping issues and dietary specificities for different populations are covered. The course promotes the ability to critically evaluate information related to sports nutrition and understand the limits of professional competence in the provision of nutrition advice.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, as well as understanding physiological aspects of exercise. A general understanding of basic dietary principles and the importance of key nutrients in the human body is desirable.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students will be able to name key mechanisms for producing and using energy in the body at rest and during physical exercise
2.Students know how to list different supplements and their potential impact on athletic outcomes
Individual work and tests
Exam
3.Students know how to describe different nutritional strategies to be used in weight adjustment in physically active people
4.Students will be able to analyse how intensity, duration of exercise and environmental factors (such as temperature, high mountain) affect energy metabolism and performance
Individual work and tests
Exam
Skills
1.Able to independently assess the nutritional needs of specific athletes taking into account the intensity, duration of training, the nature of the sport and the objectives to be achieved
2.Able to analyse and critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of ergogenic agents and food supplements in accordance with scientific evidence and the basic principles of anti-doping policies
3.Able to use critical thinking and scientific analysis skills in interpreting and evaluating scientific research in the field of sports nutrition
Individual work and tests
Presentation of sports nutrition
4.Able to develop and justify fluid admissions strategies by applying them to long-term physical activity and competitive situations
5.Able to plan and adapt nutrition strategies for different groups of athletes, including young athletes, seniors, pregnant athletes and athletes with chronic conditions, taking into account individual needs and health aspects.
Competences
1.Will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to explain the energy needs of different athletes and to justify nutritional strategies over different training cycles.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Case study
2.Able to identify situations where it is necessary to direct an athlete to a nutritionist
Individual work and tests
Exam
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Presentation of sports nutrition |
20.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Prepare a presentation on a topic related to sports nutrition. It will be necessary to use the latest scientific literature to prepare the presentation and critically evaluate it. A list of topics will be provided. Presentation preparation takes place individually. Presentations should be prepared for classes that will be after the last lecture |
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|
2.
Case study |
30.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
At the end of the course, students individually prepare and present a case study based on a fictional situation about an athlete. The purpose of the presentation is to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired in the study course by analysing and addressing a practical, sports-related situation. Presentations must be ready for the last two classes |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Exam |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
At the end of the study course, an exam is provided for, the aim of which is to verify students’ understanding of the topics acquired and to strengthen the acquired knowledge. The exam will be organised in an online (online) form in the university’s computer rooms. This will consist of 20 questions that will include different types of tasks - open questions, choice (correct answer) questions, as well as “true/false” type statements. |
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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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|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Energy metabolism and sports physiology
Description
Exploration of biochemical and physiological processes that govern energy production and utilization during physical activity |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Energy Requirements and Nutritional Challenges
Description
Understanding individual energy needs, factors affecting energy balance, and common challenges in meeting nutritional demands. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nutrients and their importance at exercise
Description
The role of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in optimizing training, recovery, and overall performance |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nutrients and their importance at exercise
Description
The role of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in optimizing training, recovery, and overall performance |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Hydration, electrolytes and fluid balance
Description
Principles of maintaining hydration and electrolyte homeostasis for health and performance in various environmental conditions |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Body Composition, Weight Management, and Disordered Eating
Description
Examination of sport-specific physique considerations, safe weight management strategies, and identification/prevention of disordered eating behaviors |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Body Composition, Weight Management, and Disordered Eating
Description
Examination of sport-specific physique considerations, safe weight management strategies, and identification/prevention of disordered eating behaviors |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ergogenic Aids and Anti-Doping Policies
Description
Overview of performance-enhancing substances, evidence-based ergogenic aids, and the ethical and regulatory framework of anti-doping |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nutrient Timing and Sport-Specific Nutrition Strategies
Description
Strategic planning of nutrient intake before, during, and after training or competition, tailored to sport type and performance goals |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
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Nutrition for Special Populations
Description
Nutritional strategies for specific groups, including young athletes, older adults, pregnant athletes, and athletes with chronic conditions such as diabetes |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ergogenic Aids and Anti-Doping Policies
Description
Overview of performance-enhancing substances, evidence-based ergogenic aids, and the ethical and regulatory framework of anti-doping |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Body Composition, Weight Management, and Disordered Eating
Description
Examination of sport-specific physique considerations, safe weight management strategies, and identification/prevention of disordered eating behaviors |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nutrient Timing and Sport-Specific Nutrition Strategies
Description
Strategic planning of nutrient intake before, during, and after training or competition, tailored to sport type and performance goals |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nutrition for Special Populations
Description
Nutritional strategies for specific groups, including young athletes, older adults, pregnant athletes, and athletes with chronic conditions such as diabetes |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Zariņš, Neimane, Bodnieks, Šantare, Šmite, Lazdiņa, … Latvijas Universitāte. Akadēmiskais apgāds. (2021). Uztura mācība / Zigurds Zariņš, Lolita Neimane, Edgars Bodnieks ; zinātniskie konsultanti: Daiga Šantare, Edgars Bodnieks ; redaktore Anna Šmite ; vāka dizainu veidojusi Baiba Lazdiņa. (Astotais, pārstrādātais un papildinātais izdevums.).
2.
Burke, L., Deakin, V., & Minehan, M. (2021). Clinical Sports Nutrition (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. Izmantotās lpp.: 67–77; 143–154; 163–176; 185–198; 313–326; 336–360; 375–404.Suitable for English stream
3.
Karpinski, C. (Ed.), & Rosenbloom, C. A. (Assistant Ed.). (2017). Sports nutrition: A handbook for professionals. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Izmantotās lpp.: 2–7; 21–35; 39–53; 60–76; 107–128; 133–147; 176–188; 191–212; 218–232; 387–414.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Jeukendrup, Gleeson, & Gleeson, Michael. (2019). Sport nutrition / Asker Jeukendrup, Michael Gleeson. 3rd edition.Suitable for English stream