Knowledge of swimming – the civilization need of modern man in preserving health

U radu su prikazani različiti učinci plivanja na zdravlje. Plivanje ima pozitivne učinke na zdravlje pluća, kardiovaskularni i kardiometabolički sustav, mišićno koštani sustav, neurološko zdravlje i dr. u općoj populaciji. Plivanje donosi prednosti i za određene društvene skupine, npr. osobe s invaliditetom, starije osobe i osobe ženskog spola. Međutim, određeni učinci plivanja na zdravlje još uvijek nisu dovoljno dobro istraženi. Plivanju se u znanstvenoj literaturi posvećuje znatno manje pažnje u odnosu na neke druge tjelesne aktivnosti, posebno trčanje i biciklizam. Voda posjeduje posebna fizička svojstva, stoga u poduzimanju određenih fizioloških mjerenja postoje i poteškoće. Određeni učinci plivanja na zdravlje počeli su se istraživati tek u novije vrijeme, stoga za neke učinke još uvijek ne postoje dokazi visoke razine. Plivanje ne donosi prednosti samo na individualnoj razini, već od aktivnosti i programa plivanja koristi mogu imati i čitave zajednice. Kako bi to bilo moguće, trebaju postojati određeni preduvjeti. Ovaj je rad ukazao na potrebu za daljnjim istraživanjima učinaka plivanja na zdravlje, koja u današnje vrijeme mogu biti pospješena upotrebom suvremene tehnologije. Suvremena saznanja o učincima plivanja potrebno je uključiti u programe prevencije i rehabilitacije, kao i rekreacije jer je pozitivan utjecaj tjelovježbe na opće zdravlje dobro poznat. Potrebno je i osnažiti kapacitete zajednice kako bi uopće postojali preduvjeti za bavljenje plivanjem kao tjelesnom ili sportskom aktivnosti.The paper presents various health effects of swimming. Swimming has positive effects on lung health, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic system, musculoskeletal system, neurological health, etc. in the general population. Swimming also brings benefits to certain social groups, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and women. However, certain health effects of swimming are still not well researched. Swimming is given much less attention in the scientific literature compared to some other physical activities, especially running and cycling. Water has special physical properties, so there are difficulties in taking certain physiological measurements. Certain effects of swimming on health have only recently begun to be investigated, so for some effects there is still no evidence of high levels. Swimming does not only bring benefits at the individual level, but entire communities can benefit from swimming activities and programs. In order for this to be possible, there must be certain preconditions. This paper pointed to the need for further research into the health effects of swimming, which today can be enhanced by the use of modern technology. Modern knowledge about the effects of swimming should be included in prevention and rehabilitation programs, as well as recreation, because the positive impact of exercise on general health is well known. It is also necessary to strengthen the capacity of the community so that there are prerequisites for swimming as a physical or sporting activity