MEDICINA DELLE ATTIVITA' MOTORIE E DEL BENESSERE 1

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and methodological principles underlying physical activity for health and well-being, developing practical and applied competencies aimed at translating theoretical knowledge into appropriate exercise interventions.

Specifically, students will develop the following competencies:

1. Knowledge and understanding: Acquire knowledge of the anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and neuromuscular principles underlying human movement, postural control, and physical exercise. Understand the main international physical activity recommendations, the fundamentals of body composition and somatotype, as well as the functional characteristics of the spine and the main postural alterations.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: Translate theoretical and methodological knowledge into practical skills through postural observation, functional assessment, and the administration of tests evaluating joint mobility, muscular strength, and balance. Apply the principles of motor control, proprioception, and respiratory mechanics to the selection and performance of exercises aimed at maintaining and improving functional capacity.
3. Making judgements: Develop the ability to critically interpret functional assessment findings, recognize individual movement characteristics and the main postural alterations. Identify appropriate exercise strategies according to individual functional characteristics, needs, and health-related goals, while recognizing the limits of their professional competencies.
4. Practical and methodological competencies: Acquire the skills required to organize, perform, and adapt physical activities aimed at promoting well-being, integrating postural exercises, proprioceptive and balance training, spinal mobility exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing techniques. Apply the fundamental principles of exercise progression, movement execution control, and safety during practical activities.
5. Communication and learning skills: Develop the ability to communicate scientific concepts and practical instructions using appropriate technical terminology, accurately describe assessment procedures and exercise techniques, and critically consult and interpret the main scientific evidence and international recommendations to continuously update their knowledge.

Overall, the course places particular emphasis on the integration of scientific and theoretical knowledge, functional assessment, and practical application, fostering the development of competencies that enable students to understand the principles underlying the main exercise methodologies and consciously translate them into physical activities aimed at promoting health, well-being, and the maintenance of motor function.

The course combines lectures and practical sessions aimed at applying theoretical knowledge, as well as laboratory activities. 

Practical activities will mainly involve individual, pair-based, and small-group exercises, allowing students to directly experience the main methodologies used in postural observation, functional assessment, and physical exercise for well-being. Particular attention will be devoted to postural, proprioceptive, and breathing exercises, as well as to learning basic exercise methodologies aimed at maintaining spinal function. The teaching approach will promote the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department.

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge required to understand the role of physical activity in health promotion and the maintenance of physical well-being. The course explores international physical activity recommendations, fundamental concepts of somatotype, the principles of posture, and the main methodologies used in functional assessment. Particular attention is devoted to proprioception, balance, and diaphragmatic breathing, as well as to the functional characteristics of the spine and major postural alterations, with specific emphasis on scoliosis.

Through lectures and practical sessions (ATP), students will acquire basic competencies in movement observation, functional test administration, and the execution of exercises aimed at promoting well-being and maintaining motor function.

1. ACSM Guidelines: Physical activity recommendations for health and fundamental principles of exercise prescription.
2. Somatotype and Body Composition: Morphological classification, anthropometric characteristics, and main methods of body composition assessment.
3. Posture and Postural Control: Principles of static and dynamic posture, body alignment, and postural control.
4. ATP in Postural Assessment: Postural observation and movement control.
5. Functional Assessment and Testing: Principles and methodologies for assessing mobility, strength, balance, and functional capacity.
6. ATP in Functional Testing: Administration and interpretation of the main functional tests.
7. Proprioception, Balance, and Coordination: Balance control systems and principles of proprioceptive and coordination training.
8. ATP in Proprioception, Balance, and Coordination: Performance of proprioceptive exercises, static and dynamic balance exercises, and coordination activities.
9. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Respiratory anatomy and mechanics, the role of the diaphragm, and breathing control.
10. ATP in Diaphragmatic Breathing: Breathing awareness exercises and coordination between breathing and movement.
11. Physical activity counseling: behavioral theories and approaches to improve adherence to physical activity.

• ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
• Somatotyping: Development and Applications
• Anatomy of Movement
• Motor Control: Translating Research into Clinical Practice
• Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals
• Senior Fitness Test Manual
• FallProof! A Comprehensive Balance and Mobility Training Program
• Anatomy of Breathing
• Three-Dimensional Treatment for Scoliosis

Assessment will aim to evaluate students' knowledge of the fundamental principles of physical activity for health, posture, and functional assessment, as well as their understanding of the main proprioceptive, breathing, and postural exercise methodologies. Particular attention will be devoted to students' ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications and to recognize the purposes of the main exercises and functional tests covered during the course.

The oral examination consists of an interview during which students will be asked questions covering different topics of the course programme. The examination aims to assess: I) the level of knowledge of the subject; II) clarity of presentation; III) appropriate use of medical and scientific terminology.

The final grade will be assigned according to the following criteria:

• Grade 29–30 and honours: The student demonstrates an IN-DEPTH knowledge of the subject, excellent communication skills, and full command of medical and scientific terminology.
• Grade 26–28: The student demonstrates a GOOD knowledge of the subject and presents the topics clearly, using appropriate medical and scientific terminology.
• Grade 22–25: The student demonstrates a SATISFACTORY knowledge of the subject, although mainly limited to the principal topics, and presents them with reasonable clarity and an adequate command of scientific terminology.
• Grade 18–21: The student demonstrates the MINIMUM required knowledge of the subject and presents the topics with sufficient clarity, although their command of scientific terminology is limited.
• Fail: The student DOES NOT DEMONSTRATE THE MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE of the main course contents. Their ability to use subject-specific terminology is extremely limited or absent, and they are unable to independently apply the knowledge acquired.

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Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the department.

• What are the main ACSM physical activity recommendations for adults?
• What is a somatotype, and what are its main categories?
• What are the main tests used in functional assessment?
• What is proprioception, and which exercises can be used to improve it?