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

Module I

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

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

Module II

Analysis of human movement

Kinetic relationship between muscles and joints

Kinetic chains (open and closed)

Kinesiological analysis – description and analysis of motor events from a kinesiological point of view

Levers

Definitions, classes of lever

Joint physiology

Anatomical axes and their changes, muscles involved in movements of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, pelvic girdle, spine

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

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

Supplementary texts:

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

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

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

Teaching methods

Lectures. Practical group exercises

Assessment methods

Written preliminary exam 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

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.

Teaching tools

Lessons will be accompanied by visual aids

Office hours

See the website of David Neil Manners

See the website of Francesco Pegreffi