MEDICINE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND WELL-BEING

Module PLANNING OF PHISICAL ACTIVITIES AND WELL-BEING

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired advanced knowledge of the scientific and methodological principles of preventive and adapted physical activity, developing competencies in postural and functional assessment, as well as in the design and delivery of individualized exercise programmes for individuals with different characteristics and health conditions.

The course explores the integration of anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and neuromuscular knowledge and its application to exercise prescription, with particular attention to spinal disorders, scoliosis, low back pain, and major chronic conditions. Special emphasis is placed on the use of technologies for movement assessment, the selection of exercise methodologies, and the organization of physical activity in professional settings.

Specifically, students will develop the following competencies:

1. Knowledge and understanding: acquire advanced knowledge of the biomechanical and neuromuscular principles underlying postural control and human movement, the main postural alterations, and the functional implications of musculoskeletal and chronic conditions. Understand the scientific principles of assessment and adapted exercise prescription, particularly in relation to scoliosis and low back pain, as well as the characteristics, potential applications, and limitations of the main technologies used for movement and functional assessment.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: translate theoretical and scientific knowledge into the assessment of individual postural and functional characteristics, the selection of appropriate tests and instruments, and the design of individualized exercise interventions. Apply the principles of adapted exercise prescription by integrating mobility, flexibility, strength, motor control, balance, and breathing exercises according to individual characteristics, functional limitations, and intervention goals.

3. Making judgements: develop the ability to critically interpret information obtained from postural observation, functional assessment, and instrumental methodologies, identifying individual needs and intervention priorities. Evaluate the appropriateness of different exercise methodologies, selecting strategies consistent with scientific evidence, clinical recommendations, and professional competencies, while recognizing situations requiring further assessment or the involvement of other healthcare professionals.

4. Practical and methodological skills: acquire the skills required to design, organize, deliver, and monitor postural exercise and adapted physical activity programmes. Develop competencies in selecting and using equipment, organizing exercise facilities, structuring exercise sessions, and managing individual and group activities. Apply principles of exercise progression, regression, and adaptation through practical exercises, teamwork activities, and simulated interventions involving individuals with different functional conditions.

5. Communication and learning skills: develop the ability to communicate scientific information, assessment results, and practical instructions using appropriate technical terminology. Acquire competencies in leading physical activity sessions, explaining and demonstrating exercises, managing participants, and collaborating with other professionals. Furthermore, develop teamwork skills, the ability to present and discuss applied projects, and the capacity to critically review scientific literature, guidelines, and international recommendations.

Overall, the course emphasizes the development of an integrated approach to exercise assessment and prescription, promoting the transition from theoretical and scientific knowledge to the design and delivery of individualized physical activity interventions. Through practical, laboratory-based, and group activities, students will progressively develop advanced competencies for working in preventive and adapted physical activity settings, in accordance with scientific evidence and professional scope of practice.

The course includes lectures, technical and practical activities (TPA), and laboratory sessions aimed at integrating theoretical and scientific knowledge with the applied competencies required in preventive and adapted physical activity.

Teaching activities will follow a progressive approach, beginning with an in-depth examination of postural and functional assessment principles, followed by the analysis of major musculoskeletal and chronic conditions, and culminating in the application of acquired knowledge to the design and delivery of exercise programmes.

Particular attention will be devoted to individual, pair-based, and small-group practical activities, allowing students to experience assessment methodologies, postural and functional exercises, and strategies for adapting physical activity. Case-based exercises will also be provided to develop methodological reasoning and the ability to select and organize appropriate interventions.

Laboratory activities will enable students to become familiar with and experience the main technologies used for human movement assessment, particularly surface electromyography, three-dimensional motion analysis systems, and other instrumental methodologies for investigating posture and motor function, depending on equipment availability.

Part of the practical activities will focus on the design and delivery of postural exercise and adapted physical activity sessions. Working in groups, students will develop exercise programmes based on specific functional profiles and deliver the sessions to their peers under the lecturer's supervision.

Particular emphasis will also be placed on teamwork activities, during which students, organized into small groups, will develop an applied project concerning the design of an adapted physical activity programme. The project will include the analysis of a specific clinical and functional profile, the identification of intervention goals, exercise selection, and the planning of programme delivery and progression. Each group will present its project, explaining and justifying the methodological choices adopted. This activity aims to develop collaboration, problem-solving, critical reasoning, and scientific communication skills, promoting the integration of theoretical knowledge and professional applications.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLDs): To ensure equal opportunities and in accordance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the departmental CInAP representative (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Disability and Specific Learning Disorder Services).

The course explores the scientific and methodological principles of postural and functional assessment and preventive and adapted exercise prescription. Particular attention is devoted to spinal alterations, spinal pain, scoliosis, and major chronic conditions, integrating theoretical knowledge, assessment methodologies, and practical applications.

Through lectures, technical and practical activities, and laboratory sessions, students will develop competencies in the use of movement analysis technologies, the organization of postural exercise facilities, and the design and delivery of individualized exercise programmes.

1. Advanced postural assessment and spinal alterations: biomechanical and neuromuscular principles of static and dynamic posture, body alignment, postural control, major postural alterations, and assessment methodologies.

2. TPA on postural assessment: observation and assessment of static and dynamic posture, identification of major postural alterations, and functional movement analysis through individual and pair-based practical exercises.

3. Spinal pain and scoliosis: characteristics and classification of major spinal pain conditions, with particular reference to low back pain, and scoliosis. Functional assessment, principles of exercise prescription, and adapted exercise methodologies.

4. TPA on spinal pain and scoliosis: practical application of the main exercise methodologies for spinal function, with particular attention to mobility, stabilization, motor control, and scoliosis-specific exercises. Exercise selection and adaptation according to individual functional characteristics.

5. Adapted physical activity for chronic conditions: exercise prescription for major metabolic, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal conditions. Application of FITT-VP principles and physical activity adaptations.

6. Technologies for postural and functional assessment: surface electromyography, three-dimensional motion analysis, inertial measurement systems, force platforms, and stabilometry. Applications, data interpretation, and methodological limitations.

7. TPA – Movement Assessment Laboratory 1: application of technologies for kinematic analysis of movement and posture. Acquisition and interpretation of data relating to joint kinematics and functional movement performance.

8. TPA – Movement Assessment Laboratory 2: application of neuromuscular and balance assessment methodologies. Acquisition and analysis of electromyographic signals and stabilometric parameters during motor and postural activities.

9. Organization of postural exercise facilities: space planning, equipment selection and use, organization of activities, and safety principles.

10. Methodology for exercise programme design: functional assessment, goal setting, exercise selection, dosage, progression, and intervention monitoring.

11. TPA on exercise selection and adaptation: performance and adaptation of mobility, stretching, strength, motor control, balance, and breathing exercises according to individual functional characteristics.

12. TPA on postural exercise session design: development of individualized programmes based on different clinical and functional profiles through teamwork and intervention planning.

13. TPA on the delivery of adapted physical activity sessions: delivery of complete exercise sessions, group activities, project presentations, and critical discussion of the methodologies applied.

• ACSM – Linee guida per la valutazione funzionale e la prescrizione dell'esercizio fisico.
• L'intelligenza nel movimento — EDI-ERMES.
• Meridiani Miofasciali — Tecniche Nuove.
• Anatomia per il benessere della schiena — ELIKA.
• Il libro del mal di schiena — ELIKA.
• Rieducazione delle scoliosi e delle lombalgie — EDI-ERMES.
• Chinesiologia rieducativa nelle scoliosi — Idelson Gnocchi.
• Prehabilitation — Calzetti & Mariucci.
• Guida teorico-pratica alla propriocezione — Calzetti & Mariucci.

The assessment aims to evaluate students' advanced knowledge of the scientific and methodological principles of postural and functional assessment and preventive and adapted exercise prescription.

Particular attention will be devoted to students' ability to interpret individual functional characteristics, identify intervention goals, and select appropriate exercise methodologies, with reference to major postural alterations, scoliosis, low back pain, and chronic conditions.

The assessment will also evaluate knowledge of the main technologies used for movement assessment, the organization of postural exercise facilities and equipment, and the principles of designing and delivering adapted physical activity sessions.

Students' ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical competencies will be assessed, particularly their capacity to justify methodological choices and describe exercise adaptation, progression, and monitoring strategies for different functional profiles.

The oral examination consists of an interview covering different topics included in the syllabus. It aims to assess:

I) the level and depth of subject knowledge;

II) the ability to integrate theoretical and scientific knowledge with practical applications;

III) methodological reasoning in exercise assessment and prescription;

IV) clarity of presentation and 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 EXCELLENT and in-depth knowledge of the subject, outstanding ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, independent reasoning in exercise programme design, and excellent command of medical and scientific terminology.

• Grade 26-28: the student demonstrates GOOD knowledge of the subject, correctly connects theoretical and practical aspects, and presents the topics clearly using appropriate medical and scientific terminology.

• Grade 22-25: the student demonstrates FAIR knowledge of the subject and understands the main methodological and practical aspects, although with some limitations in the depth and integration of knowledge.

• Grade 18-21: the student demonstrates MINIMUM knowledge of the fundamental course contents, limited ability to apply the acquired knowledge, and sufficient, although not advanced, use of appropriate terminology.

• Examination not passed: the student DOES NOT DEMONSTRATE THE MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE of the main course contents, lacks adequate ability to connect theory and practice, and is unable to independently describe the fundamental principles of exercise assessment and prescription.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLDs): To ensure equal opportunities and in accordance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the departmental CInAP representative (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Disability and Specific Learning Disorder Services).

1. What are the main elements to consider when assessing an individual's posture and functional capacity, and how can these inform the design of an exercise programme?

2. What are the main characteristics of scoliosis, and which scientific principles guide exercise selection and prescription?

3. Which exercise methodologies can be used in the management of chronic low back pain, and what criteria guide exercise selection and progression?

4. How can FITT-VP principles be applied when designing an adapted physical activity programme for an individual with a chronic condition?

5. What information can be obtained through surface electromyography and three-dimensional motion analysis systems? What are the main applications and limitations of these methodologies?