Sport physiology A - L

The course is intented to develop the student’s ability to understand the principles of operation of the human body. The cellular mechanisms and integrated functions of the main organs and systems aimed at maintaining body homeostasis in the context of the different sport activities will be analyzed. The course provides a basic knowledge of fundamental and necessary for the subsequent disciplines applied to the physical exercise. 

Lectures and theoretical-practical exercises. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Must have passed the Physiology exam.

Attendance is mandatory.

FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MUSCLE. The sarcomere. The muscle cells. Motor units. Mode of contractions. Tension, length and speed in muscle contraction. EMG derivations.

MUSCULAR EXERCISE. Energetic bases of muscular work. Aerobiosis and anaerobiosis. The analysis of the motor patterns. Mechanical properties of the muscle. Acute fatigue. Chronic fatigue and overtraining. The training and its effects on the musculoskeletal system.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM. Cardiovascular adaptations to physical exercise. The effects of training on the cardiovascular apparatus. Methods for assessing the cardio-circulatory function.

RESPIRATORY FUNCTION. The breathing in normal conditions and in particular environments. Effects of diving on the respiratory system. Respiratory response to the muscular exercise. Methods for evaluating respiratory function. Artificial respiration.

THEMOREGULATION. Thermogenesis and heat dispersion. The central regulation of body temperature. The response to heat and cold. The adaptations to the heat and cold. The fever.

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM. The role of hormones in sport performance.

ALIMENTATION OF ATHLETE. The requirement of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. Regulation of food intake. Influence of physical activity on digestion and absorption of food. Principles of dietary applied to sport.

McArdle, Katch, Katch - Fisiologia applicata allo sport - Aspetti energetici, nutrizionali e performance - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.

McArdle, Katch, Katch - Fisiologia dell'esercizio. L'essenziale - Casa Piccin, Padova.

Ongoing assessments, final oral exam. The learning assessment may also be carried out electronically, if conditions so require.

Muscle cells. Motor units. Contraction modes. Energy bases of muscular work. Aerobiosis and Anaerobiosis. Training and its effects on the musculoskeletal system. Regulation of body temperature. The role of hormones in sports performance. Regulation of food intake. Principles of dietetics applied to sport. Cardiocirculatory adaptations to physical exercise. The effects of training on the cardiovascular system Respiratory response to muscular exercise. Maximum oxygen consumption. Oxygen debt. Recovery. Detraining.