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

Basics of Health Sports

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
LSPA_606
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Sport Pedagogy
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 5
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Individual and Team Sports
Contacts

Riga, 3 Cigorinu Street, suuk@rsu.lv, +371 67611559

About Study Course

Objective

Acquire knowledge and skills on the use of physical exercises to strengthen health, increase physical fitness and prevent diseases, prepare to work with clients of different ages and levels of fitness in the field of health sports.

Preliminary Knowledge

Basic knowledge of human anatomy, basic knowledge of sports physiology and biochemistry. Knowledge of English at a sufficient level to be able to read the scientific literature of the sector and learn terminology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Recognises the basic concepts and terms of health sports in Latvian and English, compares the goals and functions of health and competition sports.

Individual work and tests

Development of training health sports training programmes Development of a health sports training program Individual work Electronic test Test theory knowledge

2.Describes health sports history and trends in the 20th-21st century.

Individual work and tests

Test theory knowledge Electronic test

3.Describe the underlying health and lifestyle factors affecting human health.

Individual work and tests

Electronic test Test theory knowledge

4.Identify and describe the basic principles and types of exercise (aerobic, strength, stretching, etc.) of the health-promoting exercise.

Individual work and tests

Test theory knowledge Electronic test Individual work Development of training health sports training programmes Development of a health sports training program

5.Differentiates between physical activity characteristics for different age groups (children, young people, seniors) and persons with disabilities.

Individual work and tests

Development of training health sports training programmes Development of a health sports training program Electronic test Individual work Test theory knowledge

Skills

1.Select and apply appropriate exercises and workloads for clients of different ages and preparedness to strengthen health and prevent disease.

Individual work and tests

Test theory knowledge Electronic test Individual work Development of a health sports training program Development of training health sports training programmes

2.Plan and organise simple health sports classes in accordance with the basic principles and safety requirements of the training.

Individual work and tests

Development of training health sports training programmes Development of a health sports training program Individual work

3.Draw up a basic training programme for individual clients or small groups, taking into account health conditions and objectives.

Individual work and tests

Individual work Development of a health sports training program

4.Use appropriate professional terminology in Latvian and English, presenting and explaining types of exercise and training principles.

Individual work and tests

Development of training health sports training programmes Test theory knowledge

Competences

1.Able to develop and justify recommendations for physical activity for the needs of different clients.

Individual work and tests

Test theory knowledge Individual work Development of training health sports training programmes

2.Participates in teamwork, working with other health and sports specialists.

Individual work and tests

Development of training health sports training programmes

3.Educates the public about the role physical exercise plays in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Individual work and tests

Development of training health sports training programmes Development of a health sports training program Test theory knowledge Individual work

4.Demonstrate the ability to use health sports terminology in Latvian and English in professional activities and communication.

Individual work and tests

Individual work Test theory knowledge Development of training health sports training programmes Development of a health sports training program

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Development of training health sports training programmes

-
-

Students in small groups (2-3 students) shall develop a training programme in conjunction with the sample programme provided by the teaching staff and present it in one of the course classes.

2.

Individual work

-
-

To independently study different course topics according to the literature sources indicated by the lecturer. Compilation of one-month health fitness training programs for an individual using aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises, including age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, fitness, health, and goals to achieve through physical exercise.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Development of a health sports training program

30.00% from total grade
10 points

Students individually develop a health sports training program according to the sample. The program is designed for a client defined by the teaching staff, taking into account the customer’s goals and physical fitness.

2.

Electronic test

40.00% from total grade
10 points

Students complete an electronic multiple choice test on course theory issues within a limited time.

3.

Test theory knowledge

30.00% from total grade
10 points

Students shall, within a limited time period, prepare a written reply to one of the theoretical questions defined at the beginning of the course, which shall be drawn before the exam.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Sport, physical activity and health. The role of healthy lifestyle and exercise in maintaining and strengthening health. Latest scientific research and tendencies.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

A brief historical overview and development of health sports. Characteristics of human physical activity and the development of health sports in the 21st century. Development of health sports in Latvia.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Exercises used in health sports, their general characteristics and application. Aerobic exercises, their general characteristics. Specificity of different aerobic exercises. Recommended aerobic load. Aerobic exercise intensity criteria, exercise planning and dosing.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Exercises used in health sports, their general characteristics and application. Aerobic exercises, their general characteristics. Specificity of different aerobic exercises. Recommended aerobic load. Aerobic exercise intensity criteria, exercise planning and dosing.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

High intensity interval training, their significance and application in health sports. Breakdown of AIIT. An overview of the latest scientific research on the effects of various AIITs on aerobic performance, peak power and body composition.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

High intensity interval training, their significance and application in health sports. Breakdown of AIIT. An overview of the latest scientific research on the effects of various AIITs on aerobic performance, peak power and body composition.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Strength exercises, their application and impact on the human body. The role of strength training in strengthening health and preventing various diseases.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Strength exercises, their application and impact on the human body. The role of strength training in strengthening health and preventing various diseases.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

General development exercises, their application and impact on the human body. General characteristics, main advantages and disadvantages of group activities.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basic principles of health promoting training, their application in health sports classes.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Specificity of physical activities of children, adolescents and young people. Peculiarities of physical activity for seniors.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Causes and adverse effects of obesity on the human body, importance of physical activity and exercise to prevent obesity. The role and application of physical exercise in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
36 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Sport, physical activity and health. The role of healthy lifestyle and exercise in maintaining and strengthening health. Latest scientific research and tendencies.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

A brief historical overview and development of health sports. Characteristics of human physical activity and the development of health sports in the 21st century. Development of health sports in Latvia.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Exercises used in health sports, their general characteristics and application. Aerobic exercises, their general characteristics. Specificity of different aerobic exercises. Recommended aerobic load. Aerobic exercise intensity criteria, exercise planning and dosing.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

High intensity interval training, their significance and application in health sports. Breakdown of AIIT. An overview of the latest scientific research on the effects of various AIITs on aerobic performance, peak power and body composition.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Strength exercises, their application and impact on the human body. The role of strength training in strengthening health and preventing various diseases.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

General development exercises, their application and impact on the human body. General characteristics, main advantages and disadvantages of group activities.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basic principles of health promoting training, their application in health sports classes.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Specificity of physical activities of children, adolescents and young people. Peculiarities of physical activity for seniors.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Causes and adverse effects of obesity on the human body, importance of physical activity and exercise to prevent obesity. The role and application of physical exercise in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation and analysis of the developed training programs.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Studiju kursa laikā jāstrādā ar e-studiju vidē ievietotajiem lekciju materiāliem un docētāja norādītajiem zinātniskajiem rakstiem.

2.

Fizisko aktivitāšu ieteikumi Latvijas iedzīvotājiem, 2024.

3.

Rekomendācijas fizisko aktivitāšu veicināšanai Latvijas iedzīvotājiem

4.

Sporta politikas pamatnostādnes 2021.-2027. gadiem

5.

Sporta klubs veselībai (Sports Club for Health). Eiropas Komisijas finansētā projekta mācību materiāls (infografikas un zināšanu pārbaudes testi)

Additional Reading

1.

WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour

2.

Developing Power-2nd Edition NSCA -National Strength & Conditioning Association ISBN: 9781718220461*©2025 Page Count:* 360 Ebook

3.

Developing Endurance-2nd Edition Author: NSCA -National Strength & Conditioning Association, Ben Reuter ISBN: 9781718206960 ©2025 Page Count: 352 eBook

4.

4.Motivating People to Be Physically Active 3rd Edition epub Author: Bess H. Marcus, Dori Pekmezi ISBN: 9781718217010©2025Page Count: 224 Ebook

5.

Circuit Training For Complete Beginners: Your Home Workout Guide to Weight Loss and Fitness Success | Jumpstart Your-Health Journey with Effective Circuit-Training-Workouts Paperback – October 17, 2023

6.

HIIT - Understanding Anatomy: Using Exercises for High-Intensity Interval Training Paperback – 6 Oct 2022 by Ingrid S. Clay (Author), Anke Wellner-Kempf (Translator)

7.

Strength Training – The Encyclopedia: Over 380 exercises and 135 training programs for optimal muscle building, maximum strength increase and fat loss. Expanded and Updated New Edition Paperback – 16 July 2024

8.

Ockerman, Stephanie Mastering professional scrum : coaches' notes for busting myths, solving challenges, and growing agility / Boston : Addison-Wesley, [2020].

9.

Bompa, Tudor O., Periodization : theory and methodology of training / Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics

10.

Ungaro, Alycea 15-minute Pilates : four 15-minute workouts for strength, stretch, and control / New York : DK Publishing,