Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Sports for Health 2

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
LSPA_587
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Theory and History of Sports
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Communication Science; Dentistry; Information and Communication Science; Medical Services; Nursing Science; Pharmacy; Public Health; Rehabilitation; Social Welfare and Social Work
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
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 a specific type of exercise. Students use the acquired knowledge to apply different physical activities to their daily lives.

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.Demonstrate teamwork and be 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.

2.

Class attendance and learning materials

-
-
3.

Feedback on the study course

-
-

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Electronic multiple choice test

40.00% from total grade
10 points
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.

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.

4.

Examination

-
-

Electronic multiple choice test - 40%;

physical activity recommendation programme - 40%,

practical presentation, work in classes -20%

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

The latest research, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the role and use of physical activity and exercise in improving health and preventing various diseases. The latest technologies and their application in exercise intensity dosing, recording and evaluation. Aerobic capacity tests and their evaluation.
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.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Changes in physical activity and the latest fitness trends in recent years. Latest research on the use and effectiveness of high intensity interval training, sprint interval training, body weight and functional training, strength interval training and different 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)

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

General characteristics, main advantages and disadvantages of group activities. Specificity of physical activity for children, adolescents and young people. Specific features 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.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Causes of obesity and its negative effects on the human body. The role of exercise and the use of exercise in the prevention of obesity. The most effective forms of exercise and their application in reducing overweight 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

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Introduction and mobilising exercises – breathing, stretching and activating exercises for general preparation.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Exercises with your own body weight, their use in health sports.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Balance lesson using balance bases
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Circle training using various gym equipment.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Strength and endurance exercises with dumbbells
  1. 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.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Balance exercises with exercise balls – to improve stability and back health.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Functional training in health sports.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Gym
2

Topics

Interval training.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 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.

Ivuškāns A. 2016. Vingrinājumi muguras veselībai. Zvaigzne ABC.

4.

Myers T.W. 2021. Anatomy Trains: myofascial meridians for manual therapists and movement professionals. Elsevier.

Other Information Sources

1.

Sporta politikas pamatnostādnes 2021. - 2027. gadam

2.

SPKC aktualizēts 2023 Fizisko aktivitāšu ieteikumi Latvijas iedzīvotājiem

3.

Rekomendācijas fizisko aktivitāšu veicināšanai Latvijas iedzīvotājiem (VM, PVO 2020).