Abstract
Nervous and psychic stresses on the drivers’ body as a result of intense analytical and synthesizing mental activity cause corresponding physiological responses and require a high level of functional preparedness. Investigating the frequency of cardiac contractions in the drivers - representatives of motor sport – during races show that its average (160-180 contraction/min.) and maximum (200-220 contraction/min.) values significantly exceed those calculated by oxygen consumption per minute, which indicates a high psychological pressure of a such kind of professional activity. One of the main causes of accidents is drivers’ fatigue, which leads to a decrease in concentration of attention; therefore, the proper level of their functional readiness for nervous and psychic occupational stress can significantly increase the level of active traffic safety. The results of complex studies show that many years of professional activity of drivers leads to a significant decrease in a number of their motor function indices, which requires constant physical training aimed at the prevention of injuries and drivers’ functional capabilities. The endurance necessary for drivers is recommended to be developed by non-stop and uniform running or jogging without rest, skiing, swimming, cycling or rowing for at least 30 minutes. However, considering the constant vertical overload on the drivers’ spinal column, running along a hard track and riding a bike through rugged country are worth limiting in favor of swimming which combines the functional load on the cardio respiratory system and an even moderate load on all muscle groups with unloading and restoration of the spinal column.
To increase the level of the drivers’ physical fitness, to prevent overweight and to treat obesity, we recommend a complex of simple exercises consisting of walking with the knees pressed to the chest, the torso of the trunk forward, touching the toes from the initial position standing legs apart, hands on hips, lifting of the trunk with bending forward from the initial position lying on the back and bending and unbending the arms lying down. Each exercise should be performed at a maximum pace for 30 seconds with a further 30-second rest. The daily performance of this complex significantly improves the functionality of the cardiovascular system. This complex is convenient to do during morning gymnastics, in terms of lack of time or in terms of limited opportunity for special physical training.