Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding
knowledge of the neurological structures involved in motor and postural control
Applying knowledge and understanding
This knowledge must be applied to adapted physical activity programming
Making judgements
Students are expected to be able to base a physical activity program on anthropometric data
Communication skills
Students are expected to use a proper technical language
Learning skills
Students are expected to be able to summarize a technical text
Course unit content
Neuroanatomy: neuronal histology. Anatomy of the spinal reflexes. The upper structures that control muscle tone and posture: cerebellum. Structures modulating the motor system: motor cortical areas, the basal ganglia. Anatomy of the visual and vestibular systems.
Applied Anthropometry.
Auxology: concept of auxological tables and indexes, and their current applications.
Prevention: assessment of body composition in the prevention of obesity; concept of lifestyle; concept of the rule of maintaining health. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the motor activity in primary prevention.
Anthropometry applied to Sport: understanding and assessment of the constitutional human variability in its main aspects. Basic methodologies for sport counselling. Variability of anthropometric characteristics with respect to age, sex, and sport activities. Body fat, lean mass and hydration status in relation to age, sex and sport activities.
Ergonomics: work spaces and body size; anthropometric applications in ergonomic.
Anthropometry: Definition of Anthropometry; development of the study of human constitution, the concept of "type" and its applications. Variable anthropometric characters (concept of normality and anatomical and / or functional variation). Basic statistical parameters applicable in anthropometry: frequency distribution, percentiles, two variables populations, lines of tendency. Anatomical and functional characteristics involved in the growth and at the various age: childhood, pre-puberal, post-puberal, adult age. The Anthropometric measures: absolutes and indexes; osteometry, somatometry, stature, weight, body indices, assessment of body composition. Axial and body plans and guidance plans. Definition of the anthropometric points of the body. Choice of the reference points for Anthropometric measurements. Definition of the method to be used for each type of anthropometric absolute measurement. Concept of Body Mass Index (BMI) and its practical applications. Analysis of some methods currently available for the assessment of body composition: two or three compartments systems, as DEXA, hydrodensitometry, plethysmography, bioimpedentiometry. Applicable tools in the assessment of body composition. The main body skinfolds. Design, sampling and organization of a data collection sheet. Anthropometric standards.
Bibliography
Anatomia dell'Uomo Antonio Delfino Ed
Trattato di Anatomia Umana, Apparato Locomotore (Anastasi et al.) Ed. Edi-Ermes;
Notes from the lectures
Assessment methods and criteria
oral examination: questions on the anatomy of nervous system involved in the postural control and questions on the body composition.