PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF MOTOR PERFORMANCE

Module MOVEMENT PHYSIOLOGY

The course aims to provide the student with knowledge of the functioning of organs and systems of the human body and to analyse the general principles underlying their physiological functions and the mechanisms of homeostatic control. The student will acquire the ability to describe the basic functioning of the musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems and the integration of their functions.

Knowledge and understanding

Particular attention and in-depth study will be devoted to motor control and the nervous system and their primary importance in physical exercise and sports performance. To know the fundamentals of cellular bioenergetics and the biochemical principles of nutrition. To know the morpho-functional organization of the systems and the mechanisms and processes that support the functioning of the organs of the human body; the dynamic integration of organs into systems; the general mechanisms of functional control under normal conditions.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

To understand the implications that knowledge of the human body and its functioning have with respect to the maintenance of homeostasis at rest and during physical activity.

To understand the levels of integration and increasing complexity of the human organism.

Autonomy of judgment

To be able to critically analyse scientific information and experimental data relating to human health.

To be able to formulate reasoned personal judgments to solve analytical and complex problems and to independently seek scientific information.

To be able to formulate informed hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate data, in order to solve simple problems related to human health.

Communication skills

Ability to listen carefully in order to extract and synthesize the most relevant information on the most common lifestyles and share information and potential suggestions with peers.

Learning skills

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the human sciences, being able to reflect on and discuss their influence on the science of kinesiology.

To collect, organize, and critically interpret new scientific knowledge.

Frontal lectures. If the course will be delivered via distance learning or mixed, the appropriate changes with respect to what was stated may be introduced in order to deliver the entire program reported in the syllabus.

Basic elements of chemistry, physics, biology, human anatomy and human physiology.

Mandatory, according to the regulations of the Degree Course.

Motor learning and movement control
Physiology of motor activity
Physical activity in extreme environments
Physiological adaptations to altitude training
Verbal - perceptual - observational learning
Metabolism and exercise
Hormones
Oxygen consumption
Respiratory adaptations to exercise
Cardiovascular adaptations to physical exercise
Anticipatory responses
Body temperature regulation
Physical exercise and metabolic, immune, cardiovascular and neurological diseases

- Course materials
- Human physiology: an integrated approach. 8 ed. Author: Silverthorn - Ed. Pearson

The final assessment consists of a single oral exam that the student can take in one of the exam sessions scheduled in the calendar. The final assessment may also be carried out remotely, should conditions require it. The exam allows verification of: i) the level of general knowledge and understanding of the subject; ii) the ability to apply such knowledge to solve specific problems and to develop autonomy of judgment; iii) clarity of exposition; iv) proper use of medical-scientific language.

Grade 29–30 cum laude: the student has an in-depth knowledge of the required topics, is able to promptly and correctly integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, independently solving even highly complex problems; has excellent communication skills and masters medical-scientific language.

Grade 26–28: the student has a good knowledge of the required topics, is able to integrate and critically and coherently analyse the situations presented, is able to solve fairly independently complex problems, and presents the topics clearly using appropriate medical-scientific language.

Grade 22–25: the student has a fair knowledge of the required topics, although limited to the main subjects; is able to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, though not always coherently, and presents the topics fairly clearly with a reasonable command of language.

Grade 18–21: the student has the minimum knowledge of the required topics, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, and presents the topics in a sufficiently clear manner, although language proficiency is poorly developed.

Exam not passed: the student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the main contents of the course. The ability to use specific language is very limited or absent, and the student is not able to independently apply the acquired knowledge.

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.

Describe the anticipatory responses
Cardiovascular adaptations to high altitude
Motor learning
Language and acquisition of the principles of the discipline will be taken into account.