OVERVIEW

Teaching, along with three other modules, is part of the Integrated Course 'Adapted Physical Activity in Internistic and Neurological Pathologies at Various Ages of Life'.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The educational objectives of the teaching are to deepen the effects of adapted physical activity in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders and to develop the ability to design individualized adapted physical activity programs for these disorders.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objective of the course is to deepen the understanding of the neurobiological and functional effects of adapted physical activity (APA) in the main diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system and in neuropsychiatric conditions.
The course aims to provide future AMPA Chinesiologists (Kinesiologists in Preventive and Adapted Physical Activity) with the necessary skills to:

• Evaluate residual motor skills in individuals with stabilized neurological disabilities.
• Design and plan individualized and group exercise protocols.
• Apply technical-practical methodologies aimed at maintaining independence and counteracting a sedentary lifestyle.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical and interactive lectures, onsite sessions with patients.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to neurological APA: difference between medical rehabilitation (acute phase) and adapted physical activity (chronic stabilized phase).

Neurodegenerative diseases and exercise:

• Parkinson's Disease: protocols for balance, counteracting freezing of gait, and rhythmic coordination.
• Multiple Sclerosis: management of fatigue, intensity modulation, and thermoregulation during exercise.

Outcomes of cerebrovascular diseases:

Stroke: management of stabilized hemiparesis, gait retraining, and recovery of postural symmetry.

Neuropsychiatric diseases and cognitive decline:

• Dementias and Alzheimer's Disease: physical exercise as a neuroplastic and cognitive stimulus.
• Depressive and anxiety spectrum disorders: effects of movement on neuroendocrine regulation and mental well-being.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

To pass the exam and deepen your understanding of evidence-based practical movement programming, studying the following reference texts is recommended:

• Main Textbook: Marin, L., Felisatti, M., & Pomidori, L. (Eds.). Adapted Physical Activity: From Theory to Practice (Volume 2) – Calzetti Mariucci Publishers. (Specific text for translating training programs from the field to pathology).
• International Guidelines: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription – Latest Italian edition, Calzetti Mariucci. (Essential for risk stratification criteria and workload dosing). 

Supplementary Material: lecture notes, indexed scientific articles (PubMed) provided by the professor, and clinical neurology scientific society guidelines for adapted physical exercise.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ALDA BOCCINI (President)

EMILIO GRASSO (President)

EMANUELA LUISA FAELLI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

2nd semester, March.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral interview to verify: Acquisition of minimum knowledge levels regarding adaptation, continuity, and workload dosing in the main types of physical activity programs, low and high disability, and potential exclusion procedures from APA (Adapted Physical Activity) programs.