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
Uģis Ciematnieks
Structural Unit
Department of Sports Theory
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 operation of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory and muscular systems at rest and during exercise based on physiological and biochemical processes in the body.
Individual work and tests
Sports physiology and biochemistry colloquia
2.Name and explain short - 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.Identify, describe and compare different methods of assessing physical performance (e.g. VO ₂ max, submax tests, field tests).
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
4.Explains the physiological principles of peace metabolism and the causes of RED-S syndrome.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
5.Describe changes in biochemical parameters in exercise, overload and recovery processes.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
6.Describe different methods for evaluating anthropometric and body composition and explain their operating principles.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
7.Name different methods of recovery and explain their importance to 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.Integrate knowledge of physiological and biochemical processes by explaining tests for assessing an individual’s functional abilities, according to age and gender.
Individual work and tests
Sports physiology and biochemistry colloquia
2.Draw up an individual training and recovery plan based on the results of the functional capability assessment test.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
3.On the basis of data, health risks related to low energy availability or excessive load shall be assessed and training methodologies corrected.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
4.Assess the reliability and suitability of measurement data for a particular population.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
5.Different methods for long-term monitoring of athletes are used.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
6.Make science-based recommendations for improving physical performance.
Individual work and tests
Functional capability and physical performance assessment methods
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
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1.
Protocols |
-
|
Test
|
|
According to the topic of the week in question, students will be required to complete protocols after the seminar class and submit them within the time limit set. If the protocols count, students will be admitted to colloquiums. Execution of protocols is a necessary prerequisite for participation in colloquiums, but will not be included in the final assessment. |
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|
2.
Self-test tests |
-
|
-
|
|
According to the topic of the week in question, students will have the option to voluntarily complete self-examination tests. Self-examination tests are intended to strengthen knowledge and support preparation for colloquiums. Their execution is optional, is not a prerequisite for admission to colloquiums and is not included in the final assessment. |
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|
3.
Analysis of scientific literature |
-
|
-
|
|
Students are advised to familiarise themselves with the scientific literature according to the subject of the relevant class. The content and discussions of the seminars will be based on this material. Learning it will help students participate fully in seminars, but will not be included in the final assessment. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Sports physiology and biochemistry colloquia |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The colloquium shall include: (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
|
|
The colloquium shall include: (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
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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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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
|
-
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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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
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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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Use of submaximal physical performance tests for estimation of VO2max
|
-
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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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
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Topics
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Practical, easy day-to-day performance tests: the importance of micromonitoring in the training
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
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Recovery methods and strategies
|
-
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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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