C9253 - ATTIVITÀ FISICA ADATTATA

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will understand the importance of Adapted Physical Activity (APA), particularly for individuals with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders in clinically stable conditions. The course provides the knowledge and foundational understanding required to use individual and group-based adapted physical activity as an effective tool to promote functional independence, health, and well-being across the lifespan.

Students will also acquire specific competencies in the principles and methodologies used to assess the key parameters necessary for an accurate evaluation of an individual's current functional status, monitor their progress over time, and determine the effectiveness of an adapted physical exercise programme.

Course contents

FUNDAMENTALS OF ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH PROMOTION

Contents:

• Definition of Adapted Physical Activity (APA): characteristics and objectives
• Non-clinical exercise programs for individuals with stable chronic conditions
• Active lifestyle and reduction of sedentary behaviours
• Role of the Exercise and Sport Scientist (APA specialist): program design, implementation, monitoring, and communication
• Exercise is Medicine®
• Principles of exercise prescription (FITT-VP)
• Learning experience: Interdisciplinary approach to health promotion through physical exercise.

FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY

Contents:

• Principles of functional recovery
• Individualized functional reactivation pathways
• Exercise protocols for functional rehabilitation
• Exercise load progression
• Monitoring responses to exercise training
• Learning experience: Understanding how to design exercise interventions appropriate for post-acute and chronic phases.

FALL PREVENTION AND FALL RISK ASSESSMENT

Contents:

• Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors
• Frailty syndrome and loss of functional independence
• Evidence-based fall prevention protocols
• Fall risk assessment and intervention strategies
• Static and dynamic balance
• Dual-task training
• Main validated assessment tools:
  • Timed Up and Go (TUG)
  • Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
  • Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
  • Chair Stand Test
• Learning experience: Functional assessment, observation, and design of preventive exercise programs.

GAIT ANALYSIS AND POSTURAL CONTROL

Contents:

• Gait cycle: dynamic stability and postural control
• Concepts of the passenger unit and locomotor unit
• Muscular involvement during gait
• Qualitative and quantitative gait assessment methods
• Learning experience: Movement analysis and identification of gait and postural dysfunctions.

ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR STABLE NON-COMMUNICABLE CHRONIC DISEASES (NCDs)

General principles:

• Exercise prescription principles
• Exercise adaptation
• Contraindications
• Monitoring exercise response

Contents:

a) Adapted Physical Activity and Osteoporosis

• Pathophysiology, hormonal imbalance, and bone mineral density
• Low-impact, evidence-based exercise protocols

b) Adapted Physical Activity and Fibromyalgia

• Chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and stress
• Relaxation, aerobic, coordination, and flexibility exercises

c) Adapted Physical Activity and Stroke

• Residual mobility, muscle strength, and coordination
• Individualized post-stroke exercise rehabilitation
• Learning experience: Planning and adapting exercise interventions according to disease characteristics and the individual's level of functional independence.

ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Contents:

a) Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonism

• Progressive motor and cognitive dysfunction
• Individualized and group-based exercise interventions
• Rhythm, balance, gait, and spatial orientation training

b) Multiple Sclerosis

• Variable clinical manifestations, fatigue, and deconditioning
• Exercise as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy
• Benefits for physical and mental health

c) Adapted Physical Activity and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

• Multicomponent exercise programs integrating dual-task training
• Learning experience: Analysis of current clinical guidelines and safe management of exercise interventions according to disease-specific clinical characteristics.

Readings/Bibliography

Students are informed that a thorough understanding of the course topics requires continuous updating in line with emerging technologies and the latest scientific evidence related to the different application methodologies. For this reason, and considering the broad range of topics covered, lectures will be supported by presentation slides, which will serve as the primary reference for further study using the recommended textbooks and relevant scientific literature.

To facilitate participation in the course, students are advised to review the teaching materials made available during the previous academic year and integrate them with the content presented during classroom lectures.

Recommended Reading

There is no mandatory textbook for this course. Students wishing to explore the course topics in greater depth are encouraged to consult the following reference:

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities. Human Kinetics, latest available edition.

Teaching methods

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

In addition, the course includes seminars delivered by highly qualified professionals and experts, focusing on practical applications and topics of particular relevance to 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, depending on the availability of the invited speakers and organizational requirements.

Assessment methods

The examination is conducted in person.

The assessment is designed to evaluate whether students have achieved the learning outcomes of the course by verifying both their acquisition of theoretical knowledge and their ability to apply the principles of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) to the main clinical and preventive settings.

The written examination consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and a number of open-ended questions, designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and the student's ability to reason critically and apply the concepts covered during the course.

For the multiple-choice section, each correct answer is worth one point, while incorrect or unanswered questions receive no penalty. Open-ended questions are assessed based on scientific accuracy, completeness of the response, appropriate use of technical terminology, and the ability to integrate the knowledge acquired throughout the course. Some questions may refer to practical sessions, laboratory activities, and case studies discussed during the course.

The final grade is awarded on a 30-point scale, in accordance with the Italian university grading system. To pass the examination, students are expected to demonstrate an adequate level of knowledge across all topics included in the course syllabus.

Students may request an oral examination only if they have failed the written examination in two consecutive examination sessions. An oral examination cannot be requested simply because the student wishes to reject the grade obtained in the written examination.

Students are required to present a valid form of identification (University ID card or another official identity document) before the examination. If there is any uncertainty regarding a candidate's identity, the Examination Board may request additional identification.

During the examination, the use of smartphones, smartwatches, or any other electronic devices is strictly prohibited, as is any communication with other candidates. Any violation of the examination regulations or attempt at academic misconduct will result in the withdrawal of the examination paper and the cancellation of the assessment.

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

Students may review their corrected examination paper after they have either accepted or declined the final grade. Examination papers are not distributed by email.

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 of the examination (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The Office will assess the supporting documentation and recommend any appropriate examination accommodations.

Requests for examination accommodations must be submitted at least 15 days before the examination date and are subject to approval by the course instructor, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Teaching Methods and Supporting Materials

Lectures will be supported by multimedia teaching resources, including visual and audiovisual materials, to facilitate the learning of theoretical concepts and enhance the understanding of the practical applications of Adapted Physical Activity (APA).

Practical sessions will involve the use of equipment and assessment tools for functional evaluation, as well as for the design, implementation, and monitoring of Adapted Physical Activity programmes. These activities are intended to provide students with practical competencies through hands-on learning experiences.

Course Materials

The teaching materials used during the course—including lecture slides, supplementary reading materials, and any additional supporting resources—will be made available to students in electronic format through the University's official learning platforms.

These materials are intended to support independent study and further exploration of the topics covered during the course. However, they do not replace attendance at lectures or the study of the recommended bibliography.

Links to further information

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

Office hours

See the website of Pasqualino Maietta Latessa