AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, one should understand how the musculoskeletal system, sensorimotor system and executive functions change during ageing and know the effects of physical activity on these aspects.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures.

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

The neuromuscular system and motor performance in the elderly

1. Motor performance in the elderly
2. Structural and functional brain modifications
3. Impairment of central and peripheral nerve conduction
4. Impairment of proprioception

Executive functions and cognitive ageing

1. What are executive functions and what impact do they have on motor performance
2. The effects of ageing on attention, inhibition, working memory, processing speed, problem solving
3. Brain areas responsible for executive functions and their evolution during ageing

Physical activity, brain plasticity and cognitive performance in the elderly

1. Brain plasticity
2. The effects of physical activity on cognitive performance
3. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (NIBS) and their application in the cognitive domain

Motor learning and sensorimotor plasticity in the elderly

1. Brain plasticity of sensorimotor areas, how to assess and evoke it
2. Motor learning, effects of physical activity on the ability to learn a movement, innovative motor learning techniques and effects of ageing
3. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (NIBS) and their application in the motor field

Sarcopenia

1. Definition of sarcopenia
2. Age-associated physiological changes
3. Diagnosis of sarcopenia
4. Lifestyles that may promote sarcopenia
5. Hormonal causes of sarcopenia
6. Free radical damage
7. Muscle changes in the elderly
8. MRFs and satellite cells

Bone tissue

1. Bone metabolism
2. RANK/OPG ratio
3. Changes in calcium and phosphate metabolism in the elderly
4. Determinants of bone ageing
5. Age as a fracture risk factor

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides and scientific articles provided by lecturer.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

AMBRA BISIO (President)

FIAMMETTA MONACELLI (President)

SUSANNA PENCO (President)

GABRIELLA PIETRA (President)

PIERO RUGGERI (President)

ANNA FASSIO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Autumn semester.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination is written and is integrated with that of the 'Physiology of Ageing' teaching. T

he examination consists of 31 multiple choice questions (4 possible choices, one correct) balanced on the basis of the number of credits in each of the two modules. Each question is worth one point.

The duration is 40 minutes.

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.