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 goal of teaching is to deepen, in light of theoretical knowledge, the methodologies for applying adapted physical activity programs through technical and practical activities in neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.

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.

PREREQUISITES

Theoretical knowledge acquired through lectures.

TEACHING METHODS

The 20 mandatory hours of practical exercises are organized into field-based practical workshops focused on three macro-areas: Clinical-Functional Assessment, Disease-Specific Protocols, and Management of Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Module 1: Kinesiologic Functional Assessment (6 hours)

• Practical administration of tests: simulation and score calculation for evaluating balance, stability, and gait:
  • Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test to predict fall risk.
  • 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) to estimate cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance in stabilized neurological deficits.
  • Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for static and dynamic balance.
  • Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for lower limb efficiency.
• Data analysis: Interpretation of the scales to establish the motor baseline prior to drafting the workload plan.

Module 2: Operational Protocols for Neurological Diseases (10 hours)

• Parkinson's Disease Workshop:
  • Visual and acoustic cueing exercises (using a metronome or rhythmic tracks) to prevent and unblock freezing of gait episodes.
  • Motor strategies based on Dual-Task training (cognitive tasks combined with motor tasks) to simulate independence in daily life.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Workshop:
  • Programming circuit-based strength and aerobic endurance training, tailored to counteract chronic fatigue.
  • Pre- and post-exercise body cooling techniques to prevent transient worsening of symptoms due to heat (Uhthoff's phenomenon).
• Stroke Outcomes Workshop (Stabilized Hemiparesis):
  • Asymmetrical and symmetrical muscle conditioning exercises to rebalance postural loads.
  • Use of small equipment (mats, resistance bands, stability balls) to stimulate residual joint mobility and core stability.

Module 3: Exercise and Neuropsychiatric / Cognitive Diseases (4 hours)

• Cognitive Decline (Alzheimer's and Dementias):
  • Creation of motor circuits integrated with visual and mnemonic stimuli to encourage neural plasticity and spatial orientation.
• Anxiety and Depressive Disorders:
  • Group exercises focused on rhythm and social engagement, structured to maximize long-term compliance and optimize mood regulation.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, should contact the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific teaching methods so that the learning aims and outcomes may be met.

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.

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

The ATPs do not have an exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The evaluation of ATPs is based on the frequency and active participation.