AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide scientific and theoretical competencies concerning the relevance and validity of methods, procedures, and data analysis for training monitoring and the evaluation of different performance components, with particular emphasis on the clinical-pathological context and developmental age. The course delves into specific tools and methodologies for assessing and monitoring functional and motor capacities in individuals with pathological conditions and in developmental stages, supporting personalized, evidence-based interventions. 

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and evaluate the relevance and validity of various methods, procedures, and data analysis techniques applied to training monitoring in clinical-pathological and developmental contexts;
• Apply specific tools and techniques to monitor and assess functional and motor capacities in individuals with clinical-pathological conditions and during developmental stages;
• Interpret collected data to support the design of personalized interventions aimed at functional improvement and prevention of complications in clinical populations and individuals in developmental phases;
• Develop a critical and evidence-based approach to the management and monitoring of training in clinical and developmental settings.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of face-to-face lectures held in the classroom. These lectures are designed to deliver theoretical content and promote critical engagement with the topics covered. Active interaction between the lecturer and students is encouraged through discussions, case study analyses, and, where appropriate, interdisciplinary insights.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Function in Older Adults and Individuals with Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neuromuscular Conditions: In-depth analysis of the physiological principles underlying the evaluation of aerobic capacity in clinical populations. A comparison of major testing protocols will be presented, including laboratory-based tests (cycle ergometer, treadmill) and field tests (walking tests), highlighting selection criteria based on clinical condition, age, and the individual’s level of autonomy. Focus will be placed on identifying and interpreting cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and performance parameters obtained during testing, emphasizing their functional relevance and application in designing personalized intervention programs.

Functional Assessment of Neuromuscular Aspects in Older Adults and Individuals with Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neuromuscular Conditions: Study of the main neuromuscular changes associated with aging and chronic diseases, with particular attention to sarcopenia, strength loss, and deterioration in coordination and motor control. Tools and protocols for assessing muscle strength, power, and endurance will be explored, including instrumental tests (isometric and isokinetic dynamometry) and functional tests (Handgrip, Chair Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, Short Physical Performance Battery).

Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Function in the Developmental Age: Fundamental principles for evaluating cardiorespiratory capacity in children and adolescents, with particular focus on the specific characteristics of somatic growth, biological maturation, and functional adaptations. Key laboratory (cycle ergometer, treadmill) and field protocols (shuttle run test, walking test, step test) will be analyzed, outlining their advantages, limitations, and application criteria relative to age, maturation level, health status, and physical activity level. Emphasis will be on interpreting cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters (heart rate, oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, ventilatory efficiency) to enable early identification of functional limitations, fitness assessment, and the planning of preventive, educational, or tailored interventions.

Functional Assessment of Neuromuscular Aspects in the Developmental Age: Overview of evaluation methods and techniques specific to children and adolescents, focusing on maturation processes, motor coordination, muscle strength, balance, and postural control. Instrumental protocols and functional tests aimed at early detection of neuromuscular alterations and developmental motor delays will be covered. Data interpretation will support monitoring neuromotor development, clinical diagnosis, and the guidance of personalized educational and rehabilitative interventions.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slide 

Bibliografy: The scientific bibliography will be provided for each lecture

Book: Test per lo sport e l’attività sportiva. Linee guida per test fisiologico-sportivo e clinico-fisiologici. Calzetti-Mariucci.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons will take place in the 1st semester

The class schedule will be available at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it › portale studenti

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination for this teaching module will be conducted in written form and will consist of open-ended questions. This module is part of the integrated course “Biological and Biomechanical Aspects of Sports Performance 1”. Consequently, the examination for this module must be taken simultaneously with the other two modules of the integrated course on the same examination date.

The written test will comprise two open-ended questions and will have a duration of 20 minutes. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass this part of the examination.

The integrated course examination is considered passed only if all three individual modules achieve a minimum score of 18/30. The final grade for the integrated course will be calculated as the weighted average of the scores obtained in each of the three modules.

Students with certified learning disabilities (DSA), disabilities, or other special educational needs are entitled to accommodations in accordance with the University regulations on disability and DSA, available at: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disabilit%C3%A0-normativa.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written examination is designed to assess the acquisition of fundamental knowledge covered in the course. The questions will evaluate the student’s ability to apply this knowledge in a theoretical context. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the capacity to integrate and connect concepts presented during lectures with those developed through independent study. The examination will primarily focus on topics addressed during the lectures, encompassing both theoretical foundations. In addition to verifying basic knowledge, the test will also assess the candidate’s ability to critically analyze and reflect upon the issues discussed throughout the course.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Cases with a certified DSA, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact both the Departmental contact person, Prof. Nicola Girtler, and the lecturer at the beginning of lessons in order to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take account of individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory/exemptory tools recognised by the University DSA service.