ANALISI DELLA PERFOMANCE SPORTIVA 1

Module ANALISI DEL MOVIMENTO

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyze human movement as applied to athletic performance, deconstructing it into its kinematic phases and identifying the underlying anatomical and functional structures involved. They will be able to detect alterations in joint range of motion, distinguishing between hypomobility and hypermobility conditions.

Students will develop competencies in the differential assessment of active versus passive range of motion, interpreting any discrepancies in relation to muscle impairments attributable to active or passive insufficiency. They will also be expected to understand and appropriately apply the concepts of flexibility and laxity in the optimization of motor and sports performance.

Furthermore, students will be able to evaluate the biomechanical impact of repetitive movements, recognizing the mechanisms underlying functional overload and identifying early risk factors for injury development.

Particular emphasis will be placed on postural assessment: students will be required to identify the main postural patterns and related alterations, interpreting their implications in terms of overuse risk, joint dysfunction, and performance impairment.

In addition, students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the principal qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing the musculoskeletal system, with specific reference to muscle function evaluation.

Finally, they will acquire knowledge of the main biomedical technologies used in human movement analysis and will be able to contextualize their application across different settings (laboratory and field), understanding their strengths, limitations, and relevance in both clinical and sports environments.

The course will be delivered through a combination of different instructional approaches, including:

• traditional lectures focused on theoretical content
• interactive sessions encouraging active student participation
• collaborative learning activities
• guided discussion and analysis of case studies 

Students are expected to have foundational knowledge of the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the musculoskeletal system, with particular emphasis on the principles of human movement biomechanics.

A basic understanding of motor control processes, including both voluntary and automatic mechanisms, is also required, together with essential concepts of human physiology.

Students must have successfully acquired the competencies associated with the prerequisite courses as defined by the degree program regulations.

Teaching activities are delivered in person, with mandatory attendance in accordance with the regulations of the Degree Program in Sports Sciences.

Overview of human movement analysis: definition, objectives, and fields of application

Biomechanical and physiological variables of movement: measurable parameters and their interpretation

Qualitative and quantitative assessment methods:

• kinematic analysis (motion capture systems)
• kinetic analysis (force platforms, baropodometric systems)
• surface and intramuscular electromyography

Application settings: laboratory versus sports environment; strengths, limitations, and methodological constraints

Fundamentals of muscle function analysis

Identification and interpretation of muscle imbalances

Criteria for muscle strength grading

Assessment of muscle strength using the Medical Research Council scale (MRC) and other clinical grading systems

Concepts of active and passive muscle insufficiency

Adaptive muscle–tendon shortening

Evaluation of musculotendinous stiffness

Protective muscle spasm

Measurement of joint range of motion using goniometry

Posture analysis: definition, postural control systems, and compensatory strategies

Clinical and instrumental methods for postural assessment

Postural patterns and muscle imbalances: functional implications in movement and sports performance

Injury prevention: identification of risk factors and implementation of corrective exercise strategies

Common postural misalignments: flat back, sway back, kyphotic posture, kypho-lordotic posture, and text neck

Functional assessment of the shoulder complex

Clinical tests for evaluating mobility, muscle strength, and functional overload

Movement analysis in overhead athletes and management of related injuries

Strategies for preventing reinjury through movement analysis

Assessment of static and dynamic balance, endurance, and training load

Monitoring exercise intensity in endurance sports and in adapted physical activity programs for cardiorespiratory conditions

Main clinical and functional tests:

• Fukuda-Unterberger test
• Romberg test
• Babinski-Weil test
• Tandem gait
• Sit-to-Stand and its variants
• Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire Revised

Lower limb discrepancies: distinction between limb length discrepancy and asymmetry

Clinical and instrumental assessment methods (e.g., Weber-Barstow test)

Performance and neuromuscular control tests:

• Countermovement Jump
• Y Balance Test
• VASoL-S

Evaluation of functional capacity and exercise tolerance:

• Six Minute Walk Test
• Borg scale for dyspnea and perceived exertion

Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs): neurophysiological mechanisms, training, and relationship with performance

Gait analysis

Movement analysis in explosive tasks, with particular reference to jumping

Assessment of muscle tone and spasticity

Differentiation between plastic hypertonia and spastic hypertonia

Evaluation scales, including the Modified Ashworth Scale

Student evaluation may be conducted, at the instructor’s discretion, through a written examination, an oral examination, or a combination of both formats.

Describe the main scales used for the assessment of muscle strength, with particular reference to their clinical application criteria.

According to the Medical Research Council scale (MRC), how is a movement classified when it can be performed against gravity but not against external resistance?

What technologies and instruments are employed in the kinematic analysis of human movement?

Outline the principal postural patterns observed in clinical and functional assessment.

List and describe the most commonly used clinical tests for the evaluation of static and dynamic balance.

What is the purpose of the Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire Revised, and in which contexts is it typically applied?

What information does the Sit-to-Stand test provide, and what are its main clinical and functional applications?

Describe the protocol for administering the Six Minute Walk Test and discuss its primary applications in both clinical and sports settings.

What is the purpose of the VASoL-S, and which parameter does it assess?