B9013 - ESERCIZIO FISICO ADATTATO

Learning outcomes

Adapted Physical Exercise (APE) is a structured, regular, and systematic form of physical activity in which key exercise prescription variables—including intensity, duration, frequency, and specificity—are assessed, planned, prescribed, and appropriately individualized. This type of exercise intervention is intended for individuals with health risk factors or stable pathological conditions and should generally be delivered through collaboration among healthcare professionals within an interdisciplinary framework.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

• Acquire knowledge of the primary role of Adapted Physical Exercise in addressing sedentary behaviour and the ageing process, with particular emphasis on the progressive decline in physical adaptability and functional performance associated with ageing.
• Understand the therapeutic role of physical exercise and its specialized applications through the study of evidence-based interventions aimed at improving lifestyles related to cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases.
• Be able to distinguish between preventive and compensatory interventions, apply teaching methodologies appropriate to different age groups and functional conditions, and translate theoretical knowledge into professional practice by designing individualized exercise programmes.

These topics are developed through an interdisciplinary approach, involving experts from different clinical fields and integrating current scientific evidence and research methodologies to support the acquisition of advanced professional competencies in Adapted Physical Exercise.

Course contents

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN CHRONIC DISEASES Course Contents General Principles

• Principles of Adapted Physical Exercise (APE) in the management of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs)
• Exercise prescription according to the major international guidelines (WHO, ACSM)
• Functional assessment and risk stratification
• Individualization of exercise programmes according to clinical condition, comorbidities, and functional capacity
• Monitoring exercise safety, physiological responses, and functional outcomes
• The role of the Exercise and Sport Scientist (APA specialist) in health promotion, non-pharmacological management, and long-term maintenance of health

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION Contents

• International guidelines and functional assessment
• Cardiovascular risk stratification
• Adapted exercise protocols for patients with cardiovascular disease
• Adapted Physical Exercise for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
• Case studies and critical appraisal of the scientific literature

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) Contents

• Functional assessment
• Adapted exercise programmes for individuals with COPD
• Case studies and critical appraisal of the scientific literature

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND METABOLIC DISORDERS Topics

• Hypertension
• Overweight and obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Metabolic syndrome

Contents

• International guidelines and functional assessment
• Adapted exercise prescription and programming
• Case studies and critical appraisal of the scientific literature

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND DEPRESSION Contents

• Physical activity and exercise guidelines
• Scientific evidence
• Therapeutic objectives and clinical applications

THE ROLE OF ADAPTED PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN CANCER PREVENTION AND PROGNOSIS Contents

• Functional assessment
• Physical activity and exercise guidelines
• Cancer-related fatigue
• Quality of life
• Survival outcomes
• Principles of Exercise Oncology

ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR THE FRAIL OLDER ADULT Contents

• International guidelines and functional assessment
• Overview of the role of adapted physical activity in frailty prevention and management

MANDATORY PRACTICAL TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES (MPTAs) Practical Sessions 1–2

• Differences between Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and Adapted Physical Exercise (APE)
• Physiological adaptations to aerobic endurance training
• Internal training-load parameters: oxygen consumption (VO₂) and heart rate (HR)
• Heart rate estimation using the Haskell–Fox, Tanaka, and Karvonen equations
• Heart rate monitoring using heart rate monitors
• Cardiovascular diseases: general overview and exercise management
• Submaximal exercise testing using ergometers:
  • One-Mile Walk Test
  • YMCA Cycle Ergometer Test
• Practical laboratory sessions using exercise equipment

Practical Sessions 3–4

• Submaximal field tests without ergometers:
  • 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
  • McArdle Step Test
  • 2-Minute Step Test
• Recovery assessment using the Ruffier–Dickson Index
• Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scales (CR10 and 6–20 RPE Scale)
• Determination of training load during endurance exercise
• Hypertension: general principles and exercise management
• Resistance training in cardiovascular disease and hypertension
• Practical laboratory sessions using exercise equipment

Practical Sessions 5–6

• Metabolic syndrome: diabetes mellitus and obesity
• General principles of dysmetabolic disease management
• Exercise prescription: dosage and international recommendations
• Flexibility and joint mobility training
• Circuit training as a metabolically oriented exercise modality
• Practical sessions involving bodyweight exercises and the use of both small and large exercise equipment

Practical Session 7

• Cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome: field experience in specialist rehabilitation centres
• The role of the Exercise and Sport Science graduate in Adapted Physical Exercise
• The importance of breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
• Practical laboratory activities

Readings/Bibliography

Students are advised that a comprehensive understanding of the course topics requires continuous updating in line with advances in assessment technologies and the latest scientific evidence concerning the various methodologies of Adapted Physical Exercise (APE).

For this reason, and given the breadth of the topics covered, lectures will be supported by presentation slides, which will serve as the primary reference for further study in conjunction with the recommended textbooks and relevant scientific publications.

To facilitate learning, students are encouraged to review the teaching materials made available during the previous academic year and integrate them with the content presented during the current lectures.

Recommended Reading

There is no mandatory textbook for this course. Students wishing to deepen their knowledge of the topics covered are encouraged to consult the following references:

• Marin, L., Felisatti, M., & Pomidori, L. (Eds.). Attività Motoria Adattata: Dalla Teoria alla Pratica. Volume 2. Calzetti Mariucci, 2026.
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Latest Italian edition published by Calzetti Mariucci, 2025.

Teaching methods

The course consists of face-to-face lectures covering the fundamental theoretical concepts, complemented by practical sessions conducted in organized small groups, designed to facilitate the application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the lectures.

In addition, the course includes seminars delivered by highly qualified healthcare professionals, researchers, and subject-matter experts, focusing on practical applications and topics of particular relevance to contemporary professional practice. The seminar content forms an integral part of the course syllabus and may be included in the final assessment.

Some seminars may be delivered online (synchronously), depending on the availability of the invited speakers and organizational requirements.

Assessment methods

To be eligible for the oral examination, students must:

• have attended at least 70% of the mandatory practical sessions;
• have successfully passed the written qualifying examination;
• have fulfilled the prerequisite requirement by successfully completing Module 1 of the course.

During the oral examination, students will be asked two main questions covering the topics included in the course syllabus. Additional questions may be asked to further assess and clarify aspects related to the principal topics.

Students will pass the examination by demonstrating a sound understanding of the key concepts presented during the course, together with the ability to apply them appropriately in professional contexts. Particular emphasis will be placed on the student's ability to understand and manage the complexity of Adapted Physical Exercise through evidence-based reasoning and appropriate methodological choices.

Higher marks will be awarded to students who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of all course contents, communicate using accurate scientific and technical terminology, integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, solve complex professional problems, and display a high level of analytical and operational competence.

Failure to pass the examination may result from insufficient knowledge of the key concepts, inadequate command of discipline-specific terminology, or an inability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical and professional contexts.

Only students who have officially registered for the examination within the deadlines established by the University are eligible to sit the examination.

During the academic year, seven examination sessions are scheduled as follows:

• First examination period (January–February): 3 examination dates
• Second examination period (June–August): 3 examination dates
• Third examination period (September): 1 examination date

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Temporary/Permanent Disabilities

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's Disability and SLD Support Office well in advance:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it

The Office will evaluate the supporting documentation and propose any appropriate examination accommodations. Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination date and are subject to approval based on their appropriateness and consistency with the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be supported by visual and audiovisual teaching resources to facilitate students' understanding of the theoretical concepts and to enhance the learning of the topics covered throughout the course.

During the practical sessions, students will use specialized equipment and assessment tools for functional evaluation and exercise instruction, with particular emphasis on Adapted Physical Exercise (APE). These practical activities provide an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic professional settings and to develop essential technical and operational competencies.

Course Materials

The teaching materials presented during the lectures—including slides and other supporting resources—will be made available to students in electronic format through the University's official online learning platforms.

These materials are intended to support individual study and further exploration of the course topics. However, they do not replace attendance at lectures, nor do they substitute the content presented and discussed during face-to-face teaching, which remains an essential and integral component of the learning process.

Links to further information

https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/pasqualino.maietta/avvisi

Office hours

See the website of Pasqualino Maietta Latessa