Adapted Physical Activity and Sport
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Module in adapted physical and sports activities for people with disabilities
The course will introduce students to a sector-specific reflection on the evolution of language and the historical development of disability. Particular attention will be given to the post-World War II period, with an overview of the establishment and distinctive features of sports organizations. Furthermore, the study of various sports disciplines will be contextualized within a holistic educational framework, aiming to equip future professionals with the knowledge and critical awareness necessary to engage with, educate, and coach individuals with disabilities throughout their careers.
Module in adapted physical activity for neurological disorders
The student will be introduced to the study of major Chronic Neurological Diseases (such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, stroke sequelae, etc.), both from a pathophysiological perspective and in relation to the role of adapted physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of these conditions.
The course will introduce students to a sector-specific reflection on the evolution of language and the historical development of disability. Particular attention will be given to the post-World War II period, with an overview of the establishment and distinctive features of sports organizations. Furthermore, the study of various sports disciplines will be contextualized within a holistic educational framework, aiming to equip future professionals with the knowledge and critical awareness necessary to engage with, educate, and coach individuals with disabilities throughout their careers.
Module in adapted physical activity for neurological disorders
The student will be introduced to the study of major Chronic Neurological Diseases (such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, stroke sequelae, etc.), both from a pathophysiological perspective and in relation to the role of adapted physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of these conditions.
Expected learning outcomes
Module in adapted physical and sports activities for people with disabilities
The student will be expected to develop the ability to design, implement, and manage adapted physical activity protocols both in the context of Paralympic sports and within educational settings. In particular, the student should be able to articulate general definitions and foundational concepts related to play and sport, and to critically relate these to psychological, pedagogical, and educational dimensions within the context of disability.
Module in adapted physical activity for neurological disorders
The student will be expected to design adapted physical activity programs for individuals with neuromotor dysfunctions, with particular attention to the emotional, cognitive, and relational dimensions of people living with chronic neurological diseases.
The student will be expected to develop the ability to design, implement, and manage adapted physical activity protocols both in the context of Paralympic sports and within educational settings. In particular, the student should be able to articulate general definitions and foundational concepts related to play and sport, and to critically relate these to psychological, pedagogical, and educational dimensions within the context of disability.
Module in adapted physical activity for neurological disorders
The student will be expected to design adapted physical activity programs for individuals with neuromotor dysfunctions, with particular attention to the emotional, cognitive, and relational dimensions of people living with chronic neurological diseases.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE PARALYMPIC MOVEMENT
History of disability
Origins and structure of the paralympic sport movement
Sports organizations and federations for athletes with disabilities
Language and communication in schools and sports clubs
Classification of disabilities
Adapted physical activity and paralympic sports in educational settings
ADAPTED SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PRACTICAL PROPOSALS
Basketball (wheelchair basketball; baskin; integrated basketball)
Track and field (track events; road races; jumps; throws; pentathlon) - with reflections on the use of prosthetics and doping issues
Baseball for blind and visually impaired individuals, with specific focus on its use in schools
Racquet sports (wheelchair tennis; wheelchair pickleball; blind tennis)
Five-a-side football (category b1) for blind athletes
School sports for the visually impaired: showdown, torball, goalball
LEARNING, TRAINING, AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PARALYMPIC SPORTS
Principle of adaptation to the athlete's physical characteristics
Principle of individualization
Principle of solidarity
Congenital vs. acquired disabilities
Psychological aspects
Benefits of inclusive activities with non-disabled peers
Effects of aging
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC OVERVIEW OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Functional anatomy of the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and autonomic nervous system
NEUROLOGICAL SEMEIOTICS
Higher functions
Sensory and motor syndromes
The 12 cranial nerves
CHRONIC DISORDERS OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Adapted physical activity and exercise for major clinical presentations
CEREBRAL STROKE
Risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical features
Adapted physical activity for stroke rehabilitation
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Pathophysiology and clinical presentation
Adapted physical activity with rhythmic cueing
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation
Cognitive-motor stimulation strategies
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS
Clinical features and functional anatomy
Adapted physical activity interventions
HEADACHES AND FACIAL PAIN
Etiopathogenesis and clinical features
Adapted physical activity strategies
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Neuropathology and clinical features
Recommendations for fall-related injuries during sessions
VERTIGO
Peripheral and central vertigo
Preventive adapted physical activity interventions
HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE PARALYMPIC MOVEMENT
History of disability
Origins and structure of the paralympic sport movement
Sports organizations and federations for athletes with disabilities
Language and communication in schools and sports clubs
Classification of disabilities
Adapted physical activity and paralympic sports in educational settings
ADAPTED SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PRACTICAL PROPOSALS
Basketball (wheelchair basketball; baskin; integrated basketball)
Track and field (track events; road races; jumps; throws; pentathlon) - with reflections on the use of prosthetics and doping issues
Baseball for blind and visually impaired individuals, with specific focus on its use in schools
Racquet sports (wheelchair tennis; wheelchair pickleball; blind tennis)
Five-a-side football (category b1) for blind athletes
School sports for the visually impaired: showdown, torball, goalball
LEARNING, TRAINING, AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PARALYMPIC SPORTS
Principle of adaptation to the athlete's physical characteristics
Principle of individualization
Principle of solidarity
Congenital vs. acquired disabilities
Psychological aspects
Benefits of inclusive activities with non-disabled peers
Effects of aging
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC OVERVIEW OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Functional anatomy of the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and autonomic nervous system
NEUROLOGICAL SEMEIOTICS
Higher functions
Sensory and motor syndromes
The 12 cranial nerves
CHRONIC DISORDERS OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Adapted physical activity and exercise for major clinical presentations
CEREBRAL STROKE
Risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical features
Adapted physical activity for stroke rehabilitation
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Pathophysiology and clinical presentation
Adapted physical activity with rhythmic cueing
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation
Cognitive-motor stimulation strategies
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS
Clinical features and functional anatomy
Adapted physical activity interventions
HEADACHES AND FACIAL PAIN
Etiopathogenesis and clinical features
Adapted physical activity strategies
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Neuropathology and clinical features
Recommendations for fall-related injuries during sessions
VERTIGO
Peripheral and central vertigo
Preventive adapted physical activity interventions
Prerequisites for admission
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Students are encouraged to share their prior knowledge and experiences related to motor and sports activities in the field of adapted physical activity, particularly if they have undertaken practical internships in sports associations that promote sports for individuals with disabilities. Moreover, students are expected to possess basic knowledge of sports ethics and to understand the underlying motivations for the development of ethical codes within amateur, professional, and recreational sports organizations.
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Students must have a solid background in anatomy and physiology, particularly regarding the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the neurophysiological mechanisms that regulate movement. Furthermore, it is important that students possess a good understanding of kinesiology and biomechanics, disciplines that allow for the analysis of human movement and the assessment of motor and postural control. These skills are essential for designing and adapting personalized motor programs for individuals with neurological disabilities.
Students are encouraged to share their prior knowledge and experiences related to motor and sports activities in the field of adapted physical activity, particularly if they have undertaken practical internships in sports associations that promote sports for individuals with disabilities. Moreover, students are expected to possess basic knowledge of sports ethics and to understand the underlying motivations for the development of ethical codes within amateur, professional, and recreational sports organizations.
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Students must have a solid background in anatomy and physiology, particularly regarding the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the neurophysiological mechanisms that regulate movement. Furthermore, it is important that students possess a good understanding of kinesiology and biomechanics, disciplines that allow for the analysis of human movement and the assessment of motor and postural control. These skills are essential for designing and adapting personalized motor programs for individuals with neurological disabilities.
Teaching methods
The course will include classroom lectures and group practical exercises.
Teaching Resources
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Teaching materials will include lecture handouts, presentation slides, and video resources.
Daniela Senarega, Educazione inclusiva e attività motorie, edizioni Libero di Scrivere, Genova 2014.
Daniela Senarega, Attività motorie-sportive e disabilità, edizioni Libero di Scrivere, Genova 2014.
Marco Drabeni e Luca Eid, L'attività fisica adattata per i disabili, Libreria dello sport, Milano 2008.
Erminio Fronzo e Sergio Giuntini, Senza ostacoli. Storia dello sport paralimpico in Italia, Lab DFG, Latina 2024.
Roberto Riccardi, Un cuore da campione. Storia di Ludwig Guttmann, inventore delle Paralimpiadi, Giuntina, Firenze 2021.
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Teaching materials will include lecture handouts, presentation slides, and video resources.
Blumenfeld M.D. Neuroanatomy through clinical cases, Ed Sinauer Associated, Washington, 2014.
Bressan L. C. Neurologia per i professionisti dell'area sociosanitaria e gli osteopati, Ediz. Libreria Cortina, Milano, 2019.;
Teaching materials will include lecture handouts, presentation slides, and video resources.
Daniela Senarega, Educazione inclusiva e attività motorie, edizioni Libero di Scrivere, Genova 2014.
Daniela Senarega, Attività motorie-sportive e disabilità, edizioni Libero di Scrivere, Genova 2014.
Marco Drabeni e Luca Eid, L'attività fisica adattata per i disabili, Libreria dello sport, Milano 2008.
Erminio Fronzo e Sergio Giuntini, Senza ostacoli. Storia dello sport paralimpico in Italia, Lab DFG, Latina 2024.
Roberto Riccardi, Un cuore da campione. Storia di Ludwig Guttmann, inventore delle Paralimpiadi, Giuntina, Firenze 2021.
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Teaching materials will include lecture handouts, presentation slides, and video resources.
Blumenfeld M.D. Neuroanatomy through clinical cases, Ed Sinauer Associated, Washington, 2014.
Bressan L. C. Neurologia per i professionisti dell'area sociosanitaria e gli osteopati, Ediz. Libreria Cortina, Milano, 2019.;
Assessment methods and Criteria
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The assessment procedures require the submission of a written report, to be delivered one week prior to the scheduled examination date, addressing one of the topics covered during the lecture series. This will be followed by an oral examination focusing on the theoretical and practical content discussed throughout the course.
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
The assessment is conducted through a written examination consisting of 10 multiple-choice items and three open-response questions.
The assessment procedures require the submission of a written report, to be delivered one week prior to the scheduled examination date, addressing one of the topics covered during the lecture series. This will be followed by an oral examination focusing on the theoretical and practical content discussed throughout the course.
MODULE IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
The assessment is conducted through a written examination consisting of 10 multiple-choice items and three open-response questions.
M-EDF/01 - PHYSICAL TRAINING SCIENCES AND METHODOLOGY - University credits: 3
M-EDF/02 - SPORT SCIENCES AND METHODOLOGY - University credits: 3
M-EDF/02 - SPORT SCIENCES AND METHODOLOGY - University credits: 3
: 72 hours
Professor:
Zaninelli Mario
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)