72563 - Human Kinesiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has basic knowledge of analyzing and describing the mechanical effects of muscle activation in kinetic chains. He or she also knows the principles of skilled human performance, the basic elements of physical efficiency analysis, and the relationship between quality, physical capacity, and motor activity. In particular, he is able to consider the movements of the human body as a particular aspect of solid mechanics in its different components: kinematics, statics, dynamics. The student becomes aware that 'kinesiological information underlies all motor science and has the fundamental notions for all functional applications of movement.

Course contents

Kinesiology

• Definition of Kinesiology
  
  

Forces

• Static and dynamic effects of forces
• Forces involved in making movement and body attitude

Human movement

• Definitions
• Function of movement

Axes and planes of reference

Terminology and Components of Movement

• Postural patterns (stations, attitudes, attitudes)
• Basic motor patterns

The capacities

• Definition
• Classifications of motor skills
• Coordinative (general and special)
• Conditional

Skills

• Definition of skill
• Motor skill classifications

Types of movement (translatory, linear or straight, angular or rotational, curvilinear)

Levers

• Definition
  Degrees

  Forces

• Composition and decomposition

Muscle

• Muscle properties
• Types of muscle contractions
  
  

Joint physiology

• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Hip
• Knee
• Ankle
• Pelvic
• Spine

Posture

• Definition of Posture
• Factors affecting posture
• Posture assessment
• Incorrect postures

  Locomotion

• Locomotion and its elements

  Plantar Vault

• The plantar vault and its modifications

Thoracic cage

• Functions of the rib cage
  Kinesiology of breathing

Readings/Bibliography

• Anatomia funzionale Set 1, 2, 3 di Adalbert Ibrahim Kapandji [https://www.amazon.it/Adalbert-Ibrahim-Kapandji/e/B001IQXLMY/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1] – Monduzzi Editoriale

Recommended References r

• Le basi scientifiche del movimento umano umano B. A. Gowitzke , M. Milner – – seconda edizione EMSI-ROMA
• Lineamenti di teoria e metodologia del movimento umano - F. Casolo
• Chinesiologia - Testo AtlanteVanniniEdizione Picci

PDF of the slides used during the lectures will be available on the “Virtual” platform of the Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna.

It is recommended not to print the material well in advance of the reference lectures, as the lecturer may make changes to it.

Teaching methods

Lectures with multimedia aids. Lecture material presented in class will be available on the "Virtual" platform of the Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna.

Assessment methods

The final examination, integrated with the theoretical module of the course, consists of a two written examination and an individual oral examination designed to assess the overall level of knowledge and competence acquired by the student.

The final assessment will consider not only mastery of the theoretical content but also practical and methodological skills. In particular, the following aspects will be evaluated:

• consistency and completeness of the content;
• completeness of the report;
• clarity in defining objectives and operational methods.

The Integrated Course in Human Kinesiology consists of two written examinations and one oral examination.

All examinations are held in person. Online examinations will only be activated in the event of an emergency, following an official communication from the University of Bologna.

The written examinations may be taken during the same examination session or across two different sessions (January–February, June–July, or September).

First written examination: Movement Description Test ("Figure Examination")

This examination consists of three sections:

1. Definitions of movement terminology.
2. Description of body positions and movements (overall posture and attitude, body segment positions and movements, limb grips, and movements of individual joints).
3. Analysis of the movement axis and plane of two movement figures.

The examination consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. A score of 20 or higher is required to obtain a pass.

Questions concerning movement axes and planes are worth 2.39 points each, while all other questions are worth 0.79 points each.

No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions.

Second written examination: Technical–Practical Activities (TPA)

The Technical–Practical Activities examination consists of 15 multiple-choice questions. A score of 10 or higher is required to obtain a pass.

The examination lasts 10 minutes.

No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered answers.

The outcome of the written examinations is recorded as Pass or Fail. Passing both written examinations is required in order to sit the oral examination.

The written examinations are administered in person through the EOL platform of the University of Bologna, using a mobile phone, computer, or tablet.

The pass obtained in the written examinations remains valid for one year.

The results of the written examinations (Pass/Fail) will be published on the instructor's website under the Notices section.

Oral examination

Students may take the oral examination only after obtaining a PASS in the written examinations. The written examinations are qualifying assessments only and therefore do not contribute to the final numerical grade.

The oral examination consists of an interview covering all topics included in the course syllabus.

During the examination, students will also be assessed on:

• the depth of their understanding of the topics presented;
• knowledge of the remaining course content;
• the ability to establish logical connections among different topics;
• the overall understanding of the subjects covered during the course.

The instructor may ask additional questions to further evaluate the student's knowledge of the main topics. Assessment will consider:

• the ability to explain the required topics accurately, comprehensively, and critically;
• clarity of presentation;
• appropriate use of the specific terminology of the discipline.

Grading criteria

18–19: Knowledge limited to a very small number of topics; analytical skills demonstrated only with the instructor's guidance; generally adequate use of disciplinary terminology.

20–24: Knowledge of a limited number of topics; ability to carry out independent analysis of mainly practical or procedural issues; correct use of terminology.

25–29: Knowledge covering a broad range of topics; ability to perform independent critical analysis; good command of the subject-specific terminology.

30: Comprehensive knowledge of all course topics; independent critical thinking and ability to establish connections among different contents; full command of disciplinary terminology and strong argumentative and reflective skills.

30 with honours (30 cum laude): Comprehensive and integrated understanding of all course topics; critical and informed use of acquired knowledge; outstanding ability to establish complex conceptual connections; excellent communication skills and mastery of the discipline-specific terminology.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office well in advance:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it

The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Examination format

All examinations are held in person. Online examinations will only be activated in the event of an emergency, following an official communication from the University of Bologna.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during any assessment is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Examination registration

Students must register for examinations through AlmaEsami, strictly respecting the published registration deadlines. Registration closes two days before the beginning of each examination session.

During the academic year, there are ten examination dates:

• 4 in January–February;
• 4 in June–July;
• 2 in September.

Occasionally, an additional examination date may be scheduled during the December examination window. No examinations are scheduled during the Easter session.

The date, time, and location of both written and oral examinations are published on AlmaEsami.

There are no mandatory waiting periods between examination attempts.

The written and oral examinations may be taken during the same examination session or in different sessions (January–February, June–July, or September).

On examination days, students must arrive at the scheduled starting time. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from the examination. In the event of unavoidable delays (e.g., train disruptions), students must notify the instructor by email. At the scheduled starting time, the instructor will call the roll of registered candidates.

If a large number of students are registered, the instructor may send an email assigning students to different time slots. Students who do not receive such an email must report at the original starting time indicated for the examination.

Teaching tools

Digital projector and computer.

PDF files of presentations available on virtual

In-depth materials will be made available by the lecturer upon request of interested parties.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Bragonzoni