[J. E. Purkinje and sports medicine]

Work which preceded contemporary sports medicine remains in the shadow of major discoveries made by J. E. Purkynĕ. The author draws therefore attention to some of Purkynĕ's original ideas and methods which quite rightly can be considered the basis of sports medicine. Purkynĕ was probably the first who followed up the response to exercise manifested in the circulation and other functions of the organism. He was also the author of some examination procedures which together with modern laboratory technique are the basis of functional diagnosis. In Purkynĕ's work we find also suggestions for the solution of problems of prevention, so frequently discussed nowadays. He considered advisable physical exercise an integral part of the perspective of good health of man. It is remarkable how much foresight he had more than 150 years ago not only in theory but also from the practical aspect as regards the lifestyle of modern man.