- Docente: Pasqualino Maietta Latessa
- Credits: 6
- SSD: M-EDF/01
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Physical Activities (cod. 6781)
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student understands the importance of Adapted Physical Activity (APA), particularly aimed at individuals with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions in a relatively stable state. The course provides knowledge and a solid foundation for understanding how to use individual or group adapted physical activities as a tool to enhance and promote autonomy and well-being throughout the entire lifespan. The course also includes the acquisition of specific skills related to the principles and methodologies for assessing key parameters necessary for accurately determining the individual's current condition, monitoring progress, and evaluating the effectiveness of the physical training program.
Course contents
– FOUNDATIONS AND CONTEXT OF ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (APA)
Contents:
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Definition of Adapted Physical Activity: characteristics and goals
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Non-clinical programs for individuals with stabilized chronic conditions
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Active lifestyle and behavioral change from sedentary habits
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Role of the kinesiologist: planning, implementation, monitoring, and communication
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Learning experience: Interdisciplinary approach to health promotion through physical exercise
– FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY
Contents:
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Personalized motor reactivation programs
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Exercise protocols for functional recovery
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Learning experience: Understand how to structure interventions appropriate for post-acute and chronic phases
– FALL PREVENTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Contents:
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Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors
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Frailty syndrome, loss of autonomy
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Preventive protocols supported by scientific evidence
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Fall risk assessment and intervention strategies
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Learning experience: Observation, functional testing, and design of preventive exercises
– GAIT ANALYSIS AND POSTURAL CONTROL
Contents:
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Gait cycle: biomechanics, dynamic stability, posture
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Concepts of passenger and locomotor units
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Muscle involvement during gait
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Qualitative and quantitative assessment systems
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Learning experience: Movement analysis and identification of dysfunctions
– INTERVENTIONS FOR NON-COMMUNICABLE CHRONIC DISEASES
Contents:
a) APA and Osteoporosis
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Pathophysiology, hormonal imbalance, bone density
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Adapted protocols with reduced mechanical impact
b) APA and Fibromyalgia
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Chronic widespread pain, fatigue, stress
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Relaxation, aerobic, and coordination exercises
c) APA and Stroke
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Residual mobility, strength, and coordination
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Post-event motor rehabilitation with individualized planning
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Learning experience: Planning and adaptation of interventions based on the condition and residual autonomy
– APA AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
Contents:
a) Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonisms
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Progressive motor and cognitive dysfunction
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Individual and group interventions
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Rhythm, balance, spatial orientation
b) Multiple Sclerosis
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Variable outcomes, fatigue, and deconditioning
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Exercise as a safe and beneficial resource
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Benefits for both mental and physical health
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Learning experience: Study of guidelines and safe management of clinical variables
Readings/Bibliography
Students are informed that an in-depth understanding of the topics requires continuous updating in relation to new instrumental technologies and scientific evidence concerning the various application methodologies. For this reason, and due to the wide range of topics covered, lessons will be conducted using slides, which will serve as a reference for further study through recommended textbooks or scientific publications.
To follow the lectures effectively, it is recommended to refer to the teaching materials provided during the previous academic year and supplement them with the content delivered in class.
There is no single textbook for the course.
INFORMATION FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Independent study is strongly recommended, including:
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National guidelines on APA (Ministry of Health)
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Updated scientific articles (available through university databases)
Teaching methods
Lectures will cover the basic topics, supplemented by practical exercises in organized groups.
During the course, seminars will be held by highly qualified professionals, focusing on practical applications. The topics covered in these seminars will be an integral part of the course program and may be included in the exam content.
Some seminars may be conducted online.
Assessment methods
The examination will be conducted in person.
The written test is designed to assess a sufficient understanding of the basic concepts of the subject. The test will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions and some open-ended questions. Each correct answer to a multiple-choice question will be awarded 1 point, while incorrect or unanswered questions will receive no points. Some questions will also relate to the exercises carried out during the course.
An oral exam may only be requested if the written exam has not been passed in two consecutive sessions (it cannot be requested in case of a simple rejection of the grade).
Students must present a valid form of identification (university ID badge) during the exam. In cases of suspected irregularities, additional documentation proving the student's identity may be required.
Students are expected to follow the rules during the examination. It is strictly forbidden to cheat (use of smartphones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices is not allowed) or to communicate with other students. Any attempt at fraud will result in the test being withdrawn and the exam being voided.
Only students who have registered for the exam within the established deadlines will be allowed to take it.
Students may request to view their graded test (it will not be sent by email) after accepting or rejecting the grade.
There will be seven exam sessions throughout the academic year:
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Session I (January – February) – 3 exam dates
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Session II (June – August) – 3 exam dates
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Session III (September) – 1 exam date
STUDENTS with DSA or temporary or permanent disabilities:
Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) [file:///C:/Users/paola.taddei/Desktop/estate%202024/CdL%20FISIO%20COORDINATORE/20.6.25%20e%20segg%20MAILguideweb/(https:/site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students)] as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.
Teaching tools
Teaching Support Tools
Lectures will be accompanied by visual and audiovisual aids.
As part of the practical exercises, the course provides equipment for the assessment and instruction of motor activity in relation to Adapted Physical Activity (APA).
Teaching materials: The materials presented during lectures will be made available to students in electronic format via the internet. These materials will serve as guidelines for the in-depth topics covered during the lessons.
Links to further information
https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/pasqualino.maietta/avvisi
Office hours
See the website of Pasqualino Maietta Latessa