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1º Semestre

Biologia da Actividade Física

6.0

Maria de Fátima Marcelina Baptista

This course is aimed to study the design and implementation of exercise programs in the health and well-being of the older adult. The content taught seek to address major changes that occur with aging and can be prevented or delayed with physical activity, such as prevention of falls and functional dependence, of osteopenia of sarcopenia, metabolic syndrome, and dementia.

Lecture component:
Demographics of aging in Portugal and in other countries
Mechanisms underlying cellular aging
Age-related changes in cardio-pulmonary, muscle-skeletal and sensory functions
Physical activity, fitness, health and longevity
Types and benefits of exercise programs
Exercise prescription for the elderly, for frail elders and masters athletes
Solutions to increase physical activity among elderly people
Lecture/Practical component:
Planning and implementing screening and assessment: medical history and risk factor assessment, physical fitness, balance and mobility tests, and interpretation of test results
Planning and implementing exercise programs to improve: balance control, gait pattern, strength, flexibility and aerobic capabilities

The program is divided into theoretical course and theoretical-practical (TP) course for the presentation of relevant information and skills training in the assessment, prescription and implementation of exercise programs for older people, respectively. The classification results from the average of the written and the TP examination, which includes the implementation of an exercise session for older people with different levels of functional fitness (16 points); and the participation on TP classes (4 values). It is mandatory to obtain at least 50% of the maximum score in each of the components of evaluation and the frequency of at least 2/3 of TP classes. An additional value is obtained in case of participation in events in the community level. The oral examination is compulsory for all students who obtain > 16 in the written examination and for all students with at least 9.5 in the final written exam, who have not attended at least 2/3 of the TPs.

Spirduso, W.W, Francis, K.L. MacRae P.G. Physical Dimensions of Aging. Champaign: Human Kinetics, 2005
Baptista, F., & Sardinha L.B. Avaliação da Aptidão Física e do Equilíbrio de Pessoas Idosas. Lisboa, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, 2005.
Rose, D.J. Fall Proof: A Comprehensive Balance and Mobility Training Program. Champaign: Human Kinetics, 2003.