Aim will be the understanding of the scientific basis of motor learning and of the plastic changes induced by exercise and inactivity. The student will learn the neurological and biomechanical basis of posture and balance control as well as gait. A special emphasis will be given to the healthy effects of physical exercise in the elderly and to the fall risk in the same population. Further, the student will learn the clinical and instrumental basis of posture and gait evaluation. The rehabilitation projects and programs of neurological diseases will be described focusing on therapeutic exercise to reduce disability through aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening and balance and gait training.
Course Prerequisites
The student must know the basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
Teaching Methods
The course is based on lessons with PowerPoint presentations, integrated by independent study of suggested texts or articles.
Assessment Methods
Written exam made of 15 questions with multiple choice. The global score ranges from 0 to 30. Students who reach the evaluation of 30/30 at the written examination may ask for an oral examination to reach the evaluation of 30 lode.
Texts
Calogero Foti e Marco Monticone. Manuale di Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa. 2021 EDRA SpA, Milano
Contents
Introduction to rehabilitation. Physical therapies. Motor learning. Adapted physical activity. Therapeutic exercise. Postural control. Normal and pathological gait. Instrumental evaluation of balance and gait. Falls in the elderlies. The health effects of physical activity. Osteoporosis. Scoliosis. Cervical and lumbar spine. Osteoarthritis, hip and knee arthroplasty. Spinal cord lesions. Immobilization syndrome. Cancer-related fatigue. Clinical scales of balance and gait. Rehabilitation of neurological, orthopedic, rheumatologic and metabolic diseases. Insertional tendinopathies. Shoulder pain. Sport injuries and rehabilitation. Telerehabilitation.
