AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides a sound theoretical basis on a range of pathologies including neurological, musculoskeletal, metabolic and physiological ageing. Explore methods and intervention strategies for adapted motor activity, highlighting the most effective techniques for each age group, from infancy to old age. Analyse and apply best practice through case studies and practical experience, promoting the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application. To promote an understanding of the importance of adapted motor activity in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities, with a focus on inclusion and active participation. To develop skills in the evaluation and monitoring of adapted exercise programmes with the aim of tailoring interventions to specific individual needs.
At the end of the course students will be able to understand the epidemiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of various neurological, orthopaedic and metabolic disorders. They will be able to identify and apply the most appropriate methods and intervention strategies for adapted motor activity. Students will integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in the analysis and application of case studies and practical experience. They will be able to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of adapted motor activity programmes and adapt interventions to individual needs. Finally, they will be able to structure a draft scientific article related to adapted motor activity, including data collection, critical analysis of sources, presentation of results and drafting of conclusions.

PREREQUISITES

A basic knowledge of exercise science and related disciplines is required to successfully complete the course. In particular, students should have a basic knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of human movement.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lesson and flipped classroom.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

How to read scientific literature: structure of a scientific paper, methodology used to analyse data and to rpesent the results. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of major neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease will be examined in detail. Orthopaedic pathologies, such as scoliosis and spinal cord injury, and metabolic pathologies, such as osteoporosis and diabetes, will also be addressed, along with the normal physiological processes associated with ageing. The physical and psychological responses to physical activity will be explored in relation to the different pathologies being treated, to understand how physical activity can positively or negatively affect patients depending on their specific condition. The planning of an adapted physical activity programme will be developed and planned for both the short and long term. Particular attention will be given to the selection of exercise types and load parameters such as intensity, volume, frequency and recovery to ensure effective and safe interventions. Finally, you will acquire the skills required to structure a scientific article on the effects of adapted physical activity. This includes learning the methods of data collection and analysis, as well as the ability to formulate and present the results of study projects in a clear and rigorous manner that meets the standards of scientific publication.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Michelini L. (2012) - Handicap e sport. Tecnica e medicina sportiva per atleti diversamente abili. Società Ed. Universo.

Gollin M. (2014) - Metodologia della preparazione fisica. Elika Ed.

ACSM (2021) - Linee guida per la valutazione funzionale e la prescrizione dell'esercizio fisico. Calzetti Mariucci Ed.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

AMBRA BISIO (President)

LUCA PUCE (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

I semester.

Class schedule

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR THE DISABLED

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final grade consists of three parts:
- evaluation of the activities carried out during the lessons involving the use of innovative teaching techniques (10%)
- in-progress quizzes (20%)
- final project to be handed in at least 10 days before the official date of the exam (70%).

On the date of the exam, the results of the in-session and project assessments will be announced and the project will be discussed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

It is advisable, at the beginning of the course, to subscribe to Aulaweb in order to receive and be kept up-to-date on teaching details.