- TEMPORARY AND LONG-TERM ADAPTATIONS INDUCED BY PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN ADULT AND ELDERLY POPULATIONS
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND THE AGING PROCESS
- ADAPTED MOTOR ACTIVITY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE
STUDY, EXPERIMENTATION, AND VALIDATION OF PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS METHODOLOGIES
- EXPERIMENTATION OF NEW METHODOLOGICAL PROTOCOLS AND TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS
TEMPORARY AND LONG-TERM ADAPTATIONS INDUCED BY PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN ADULT AND ELDERLY POPULATIONS
The effects of compensatory responses to physical exertion have been investigated in sedentary and physically active subjects, of both sexes and various age groups, with particular focus on neuromuscular components and oxygen (O₂) transport and consumption. The aim was to determine appropriate workload and intensity levels targeted at educational, preventive, fitness, recovery, and training objectives related to motor activities. Special attention has been given to the impact of hypokinetic syndrome in the elderly, highlighting the critical role of physical inactivity in the development of morphofunctional alterations associated with functional impairments. In this context, adapted motor activity has been recognized as an essential tool for personalizing interventions to ensure safety, effectiveness, and adherence in subjects with specific functional limitations and comorbid conditions.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LIFESTYLE ERRORS AND THE AGING PROCESS
Aging, combined with sedentary behavior and unhealthy lifestyles, is linked to numerous chronic degenerative diseases that compromise quality of life and increase the risk of disability and mortality. Longevity and good quality of life result from a complex interaction between genetic, environmental, nutritional, and physical activity factors. The progressive functional decline of major organ systems, frequent comorbidities, and occupational and social demands often contribute to the abandonment of physical activity, promoting sedentary behavior. Methodological approaches have been developed and validated to make physical activity accessible and safe for populations with varying risk profiles, fostering meaningful lifestyle changes. Within this framework, adapted motor activity represents a fundamental therapeutic-educational approach to modulate workload, prevent complications, and improve functional capacity and quality of life.
STUDY, EXPERIMENTATION, AND VALIDATION OF PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS METHODOLOGIES
Non-invasive methodologies have been developed, optimized, and experimentally validated for the evaluation of morphofunctional parameters underlying motor performance. The use of advanced technologies has enabled the implementation of submaximal tests, such as the Test Of Performance (TOP), applicable to a broad population spectrum to accurately delineate individual functional profiles. Additionally, a submaximal protocol has been developed for assessing power variation relative to target heart rate zones (W/FCt). The integrated system ASSAI (Simultaneous Acquisition of Analog Signals and Images) allows the simultaneous collection of morphological, structural, and biomechanical data, facilitating an integrated and detailed analysis of performance capabilities. This enables precise workload modulation and monitoring of adaptive responses. These methodologies are particularly valuable in the context of adapted motor activity, supporting personalized and safe intervention strategies.
EXPERIMENTATION OF NEW METHODOLOGICAL PROTOCOLS AND TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS
Innovative protocols such as isokinetic training, proprioceptive training, and excitomotor electrostimulation have been evaluated and applied, integrated with traditional methodologies to optimize intervention effectiveness. State-of-the-art equipment (isotonic devices, muscle stimulators, Dyna Biopsy, Delos Equilibrium Board, Spinal Mouse, posturometers, stabilometers, and baropodometers) has been tested and validated for analyzing conditional, coordinative, and proprioceptive qualities, as well as for comprehensive postural assessment and rational planning of training and rehabilitation programs. These tools are also applied within the domain of adapted motor activity, supporting personalized interventions aimed at improving neuromuscular functionality and slowing the functional decline characteristic of advanced age
