Sport physiology A - L

The expected learning outcomes are defined according to the European parameters described by the five Dublin descriptors.

1 Knowledge and Understanding

The student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding:

- the physiological mechanisms that regulate the functioning of the human body in relation to physical activity and sport.

- the maintenance of internal metabolic homeostasis through the integration of physiological responses to sport-related changes;

- the main organs and systems involved in sport activity;

2 Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

The student must be able to:

- apply acquired knowledge to understand the regulation of human body functions;

- apply physiological knowledge to understand the body's motor activity and sport characteristics.

3 Independent Judgment

The student must demonstrate:

 - the ability to critically analyze the mechanisms of integration of the various systems, evaluating the role of adaptation in physiological regulation processes.

 - the ability to independently interpret functional phenomena, integrating knowledge from different disciplinary fields (especially anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology).

4 Communication Skills

The student must be able to:

- clearly and rigorously describe the mechanisms of physiological adaptation to sports practice, using appropriate scientific terminology;

- accurately, and coherently present the theoretical content of the course;

- communicate complex concepts related to sports activities.

5 Learning Ability

The student must demonstrate:

- the ability to independently learn and re-elaborate the topics covered during the course;

- develop the critical study skills;

- update the knowledge through the reference texts and provided teaching materials.

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.

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.

The exam consists of a written and an oral exam. The written exam consists of 60 true/false questions covering various topics from the program. Each correct answer is worth 1 point, each incorrect answer is worth -1 point, and each unanswered question is worth zero points. The minimum passing grade is 27/60.

During the oral exam, three questions will be asked covering three different topics from the program (Physiological Aspects Related to Sports).

The exam assesses: 1) the student's level of knowledge regarding physiological mechanisms related to sports; 2) the student's ability to apply this knowledge to solve specific problems related to the functions of the human body and their potential physiopathological implications; 3) the student's independent judgment; and 4) their command of language and clarity of presentation.

The following criteria will be taken into account when assigning grades for the oral exam:

Grade 29-30 with laude: The student has a depth knowledge of the topics, is able to promptly and correctly integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, has excellent communication skills, and masters scientific language.

Grade 26-28: The student has a good knowledge of the topics, is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented in a linear and coherent manner, and is able to present the arguments using appropriate scientific language.

Grade 22-25: The student has a fair knowledge of the topics, although limited to the main ones; is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, but not always in a linear manner, and presents the arguments with reasonable command of the language.

Grade 18-21: The student has a modest knowledge of the topics, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, and presents the arguments sufficiently clearly, although his command of the language is less developed.

Exam failed: The student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the main course content. His ability to use specific language is very limited and is unable to independently apply the acquired knowledge.