Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Sports for Health 2
Course Code
LSPA_607
Branch of Science
Health care sciences and services; Health sciences; Public and environmental health
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Indra Vīnberga
Structure Unit Manager
Renārs Līcis
Structural Unit
Department of Individual and Team Sports
Contacts
Riga, J. Asaru Street 5, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
To provide students with knowledge of the role of physical activity in health promotion and disease prevention, to develop understanding of different types of training and their impact on the human body, to develop skills to theoretically develop physical activity programmes and to demonstrate exercise complexes in practice based on specific types of classes and target audience. Students use the acquired knowledge to apply different physical activities to everyday life and professional activities.
Preliminary Knowledge
Physical activities background knowledge recommended, but the knowledge can also be obtained during the study course.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describes the importance of physical activity for health promotion and disease prevention.
Individual work and tests
Electronic multiple choice test
2.Is familiar with the effects of different types of training on the human body.
Individual work and tests
Electronic multiple choice test
3.Classifies exercises according to their purpose, intensity and application to different target groups.
Individual work and tests
Study of course topics and development of a physical activity programme
4.Describes the principles of exercise dosing.
Individual work and tests
Physical activity recommendations program
5.Review the latest fitness trends and research into their effectiveness.
Individual work and tests
Study of course topics and development of a physical activity programme
6.Understand the principles of exercise building and practical application in different types of training.
Individual work and tests
Study of course topics and development of a physical activity programme • Physical activity recommendations program
Skills
1.Explain what the best exercises are for strengthening health and preventing disease.
Individual work and tests
Electronic multiple choice test
2.Able to select and adapt physical activity to the needs of different target crops, taking into account health status and physical fitness.
Individual work and tests
Electronic multiple choice test • Practical presentation, working in classes.
3.Is able to prepare a physical activity programme in theory based on a specific target audience and class type.
Individual work and tests
Study of course topics and development of a physical activity programme
4.Create and customize physical activity apps for different audiences
Individual work and tests
Study of course topics and development of a physical activity programme • Physical activity recommendations program
5.Prepare and demonstrate exercises according to the type and purpose of the practical class.
Individual work and tests
Practical presentation, working in classes.
6.Independently select and apply exercises to improve their health and physical condation
Individual work and tests
Physical activity recommendations program
Competences
1.Able to design and present a physical activity programme tailored to the needs and physical fitness level of a particular individual
Individual work and tests
Physical activity recommendations program
2.Demonstrates teamwork and is able to tailor exercises to specific class shapes and participant needs
Individual work and tests
Practical presentation, working in classes.
3.Able to explain the role of physical activity in promoting public health and motivate others to engage in physical activity
Individual work and tests
Study of course topics and development of a physical activity programme
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Study of course topics and development of a physical activity programme |
-
|
-
|
|
Independently acquire various course topics from literature sources to prepare for a theory test and develop a physical activity recommendation program and other practical class tasks. |
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|
2.
Class attendance and learning materials |
-
|
-
|
|
’’ In accordance with Paragraph 3.9 of RSU academic Regulations I, attendance of classes is mandatory and recorded. ’ |
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|
3.
Feedback on the study course |
-
|
-
|
|
Student completes study course assessment questionnaire at end of study course |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Electronic multiple choice test |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The electronic multi-choice test is intended to test theoretical knowledge on topics acquired in lectures and self-acquired literature. The test is taken electronically during the examination period and consists of questions that cover the importance of physical activity, types of exercise, characteristics of target groups and exercise application. |
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|
2.
Physical activity recommendations program |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Develop a one-month programme of physical activity recommendations for a specific person, including aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. The programme shall indicate the age, sex, height, weight, BMI, level of physical activity, physical fitness and health status of the person. Also, list the main goals in the order of importance that a person wants to achieve through physical exercise. |
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|
3.
Practical presentation, working in classes. |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students prepare and demonstrate exercises by adapting them to the type and purpose of the specific practical class. Exercise selection, execution technique, tailoring to the target group, explanation skills, discussion are evaluated. |
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|
4.
Test |
-
|
-
|
|
Electronic multiple choice test - 40%; physical activity recommendation programme - 40%, practical presentation, working in classes 20% |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Recent studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the role and application of physical activity and exercise in strengthening health and preventing various diseases. Recent technologies and their application in the dosing, recording and evaluation of load intensity. Aerobic performance tests and evaluation thereof.
Description
The lecture will examine recent studies and meta-analyses on the role of physical activity in health promotion and prevention of various diseases, including the work carried out by Latvian researchers in the IMRSportsLV project will be analysed in the dosing, accounting and evaluation of the load intensity of modern technology, as well as practical examples of aerobic performance tests and their interpretation. Particular attention will be paid to a data-driven approach and personalised exercise planning. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Changes in physical activity and the latest fitness trends in recent years. Recent research on the application and effectiveness of high intensity interval training, sprint interval training, body weight and functional training, strength interval training and various strength training regimes.
Description
The lecture will look at the most significant changes in physical activity habits and fitness trends in recent years, including high intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint interval training (SIT), body weight and functional training, as well as various strength training regimes. Recent research and meta-analyses will be analysed on the effectiveness of these workouts for different target groups – from improving health to developing a sporty shape. Particular attention will be paid to improvements in VO ₂ max, changes in body composition and adjustments of training to different populations (including seniors and patients with chronic diseases) |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
General characteristics, main advantages and disadvantages of group classes. Specific physical activity of children, adolescents and young people. The specifics of physical activity for seniors.
Description
The lecture will provide a general description of group classes highlighting their main advantages – social interaction, motivation, structured approach – as well as potential disadvantages such as lack of individualisation and challenges of different levels of physical ability. The following will analyze the specifics of physical activity for different age groups: Children and adolescents: emphasis on the game, diversity of movement, coordination and building a positive attitude to physical activity. Young people: developing physical fitness, sports specificity, promoting motivation and self-efficacy. Seniors: attention to balance, muscle strength, joint mobility and safety, and prevention of chronic diseases and improving quality of life. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
The causes and negative effects of obesity on the human body. The importance of exercise and the application of exercise to prevent obesity. The most effective types of exercise and their application in reducing excess body weight and obesity.
Description
The lecture will analyse the most up-to-date data on the prevalence of obesity and its root causes – low-moving lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, as well as psychosocial and environmental factors. The adverse effects of obesity on the human body including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, joint problems and the risk of developing psychological disorders will be looked at |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction and mobilising exercises – breathing, stretching and activating exercises for general preparation.
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Body weight exercises .
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Balance classes using balance bases.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Circuit training for developing overall physical fitness.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
1.50
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Strength and endurance exercises with dumbbells
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Exercises in pairs and with gymnastic equipment – for developing cooperation, dynamic coordination and strength.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Balance exercises with exercise balls – to improve stability and back health.
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Functional exercises with additional equipment, TRX, dumbbells, resistance bands, medical balls, etc.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Interval training in health sports.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Student exercise presentations, present your exercise complex by selecting one of the learned topics.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Student exercise presentations, present your exercise complex by selecting one of the learned topics.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Gym
|
2
|
Topics
|
Student exercise presentations, present your exercise complex by selecting one of the learned topics.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
1.50
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Marcus, B. H., & Bess, H. 2025. Motivating people to be physically active. Human Kinetics.
2.
Cosgrove R. 2025. Age Strong. A.Womans’s Guide to Feeling Athletic and Fit After 40. Human Kinetics.
3.
Bander L. 2024. Vital Core Training: improve strength and reduce pain with funkcional movement. Human Kinetics.
4.
Grasis N. u.c. 2022. Trenera rokasgrāmata. Rīga, Jumava.
Additional Reading
1.
Comfort, P. (Ed.). 2024. Developing power. Human Kinetics.
2.
Stoppani, J. 2023. Jim stoppani's encyclopedia of muscle and strength. Human Kinetics.
3.
Myers T.W. 2021. Anatomy Trains: myofascial meridians for manual therapists and movement professionals. Elsevier.
4.
Ivuškāns, A. 2016. Vingrinājumi muguras veselībai. Zvaigzne ABC.
Other Information Sources
1.
Rekomendācijas fizisko aktivitāšu veicināšanai Latvijas iedzīvotājiem ( VM, PVO 2020).
2.
SPKC, 2023. Fizisko aktivitāšu ieteikumi Latvijas iedzīvotājiem.
3.
Sporta politikas pamatnostādnes 2021. - 2027. gadam.