31670 - Theory and Methodology of Human Motion

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have the basic knowledge required to analyse and describe the mechanical effects of muscle activation in the kinetic chain; they will know the principles of skilled human performance, the basic elements of the analysis of physical fitness and the relationship between qualities, physical abilities and motor activity.

Course contents

Terminology used to describe movement

Definitions. Function of movement. Reference axes and planes.

Components and structure of movement

Postural schema (stations and attitudes)

Basic motor schema

Dynamic motor schema

Skilled motor performance

Principles of skilled motor performance

Motor abilities: motor coordination abilities and physical performance capacity

Motor skills

Mechanics of movement

Types of movement (linear, rotational, curvilinear)

Units of measure

Composition and decomposition of forces, in particular musculo-skeletal forces

Biological levers

Analysis of human movement

Kinetic relationship between muscles and joints

Kinetic chains (open and closed)

Joint physiology

Properties of joints (mobility, stability, proprioception)

Axes, axes changes, muscles involved in movements of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, pelvis, spine

Muscle

Properties and structure of muscle

Mechanism of contraction

Types of muscle contraction

Metabolic processes related to muscle action

Neurological bases of movement

Role of central and peripheral nervous systems in control of movement

Proprioceptors and reflexes

Motor learning

Methodology relating to movement for specific purposes

Methods and techniques of evaluation of movement in various motor and sporting activities

Motor activity and physical fitness

Organization, programming, and role of exercise in physical education, rehabilitation, fitness and sports training

Practical exercises

Analysis of the movements of the human body and kinesiological evaluation of exercise; examination of static and dynamic posture, kinesiological “stations” and “attitudes”.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials made available online and notes taken during classes.

Suggested supplementary texts:

A.I. Kapandji - Anatomia funzionale (3 volumes). Maloine-Monduzzi

F. Casolo - Lineamenti di teoria e metodologia del movimento umano. Vita & Pensiero

B. A. Gowitzke , M. Milner - The scientific basis of human motion human - second ed. EMSI – ROME

R.A. Schmidt and C.A. Wrisberg - Apprendimento motorio e prestazione. Società Stampa Sportiva

Teaching methods

The course has been assigned 6 CFUs. It will be taught using lectures and practical exercises.

Practical group exercises

Practicals are undertaken by students divided into three groups. Each group participates in 4 practicals of 2 hours each.

They are held at the “Garden Sporting Center”, Rimini.

The timetable for practicals will be announced by the lecturer during classes.

Assessment methods

The student must pass a preliminary exam to register for the final exams of the integrated course 72562.

Written preliminary exam (60 minutes) to test knowledge of:

• definitions of movement terminology
• description of a figure (global posture and alignment, and relative position and movement of body segments, holds, movements of single joints)
• analysis of axes and planes of movement of a figure

Candidates who pass the preliminary exam will be allowed to take the final exam. The results of the preliminary exam (pass/fail) will be placed on the lecturer’s web official university website under the heading “Useful contents”.

Final written exam to test knowledge of material not tested by the preliminary exam, and to check students' comprehension of various aspects of the subject and their interconnections.

• Part 1 – Multiple choice quiz (18 questions; duration 45 minutes)

The student must respond correctly at least 9/18 questions in order to be allowed to take the oral exam.

• Part 2 – oral exam (31 points)

The student can obtain the maximum score by giving correct and complete answers to three general questions regarding the contents of the course.

The final mark will be the average of the marks given for the two component course (31670 and 72563) weighted by the relative number of CFUs assigned to each.

No examination aids other than a calculator will be permitted.

The date, time and place of examination for both the written and oral exams will be announced on the AlmaEsami website. Registration is obligatory. The registration list closes two days prior to the examination date.

Teaching tools

Lessons will be accompanied by PowerPoint presentations. All audiovisual material will be accessible via the website ‘Insegnamenti Online’ (IOL).

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Any students with specific learning difficulties are requested to contact the lecturer as early as possible, to discuss possible modifications or additions to teaching materials, as well as assessment methods.

Office hours

See the website of David Neil Manners