ASPECTS OF THE INFLUENCE OF SWIMMING ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF CEREBRAL HEMODYNAMICS

Abstract

Aim. This study aims at the enhancement of cerebral circulation in 1^st-year students through swimming. Materials and methods. Two groups of first-year students, 30 individuals each, participated in the study. All participants were aged 18-19 years and belonged to the main medical group according to medical indications. The groups followed different training programs: Group 1 had a special swimming program; Group 2 followed a standard university program. Cerebral hemodynamics was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the academic year using rheoencephalography (electrical impedance measurements of the brain) as the main study method. Results. Group 1 demonstrated increases in some amplitude and time domain values, reflecting decreased tone of large and middle arteries and enhanced vascular elasticity. The experiment demonstrated greater efficacy of special aquatic exercises for cerebral circulation as compared to land-based ones. This was confirmed by rheoencephalography data. Conclusion. The introduction of special swimming exercises in the physical education curriculum for first-year students contributes to the enhancement of cerebral circulation.