Overall objectives:

1 - The CU intends to be a logical sequence with respect to Physical Ed. and Sport degree, in particular to the CU of Health and Exercise Prescription. More specifically, it aims to equip the student with skills and practical experience in assessment and exercise prescription in special populations with particular conditions, case of the children and the elderly, or chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cancer, among others. The theoretical course aims to deepen the knowledge of the particular characteristics of those conditions, as well as the special considerations to take into account in the process of both assessment and prescription of those populations. On a practical level, it is recommended the experimentation and operationalization of exercises and methodologies relating to procedures either of evaluation of physical and physiological fitness, or of exercise prescription for those populations.

Syllabus:

1 - For each one of the conditions and diseases considered, it will be done a general framework, statistics, prevalence, and an analysis of the main risk factors and the role of physical exercise as a behaviour of therapeutic nature. Subsequently, a management approach of exercise oriented to the problem with its five steps will be taken: (1) collection of subjective data, (2) collection of objective data, (3) evaluation and production of a list of problems, (4) formulating a diagnostic plan, therapeutic plan (or both), and (5) periodic evaluation (monitoring).
2 - The evaluation of physical and physiological fitness and exercise prescription in these populations. Special considerations and specific programs to prevent and/or change the pathological conditions installed.
3 - The process of risk stratification and decision making in accordance. Laboratory and field tests for the evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, muscular strength and resistance.
4 - The different techniques of prescription by metabolic, heart rate, and subjective perception of exertion methods and respective adaptations to these special populations.
5 - Procedures and practical assessment of physiological parameters in rest and in exercise. Theoretical and practical problem solving of exercise prescription.

Literature/Sources:

ACSM , 2010 , Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription , Williams & Wilkins
Durstine, J.L., & G.E. Moore , 2016 , ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities , Human Kinetics
Howley, E.T., Franks, B.D. , 2007 , Fitness Professional's Handbook (5th Edition) , Human Kinetics
Teixeira, P., Sardinha, L., Barata, J.L. , 2008 , Nutrição, Exercício e Saúde , Lidel
Teixeira, P., Silva, M. , 2009 , Repensar o peso: Princípios e Métodos Testados para Controlar o seu Peso , Lidel

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The content of courses is taught in theoretical, theoretical-practical and laboratory practice sessions. To the students is encouraged its interventive ability and clarified the doubts raised. For the evaluation of theoretical and theoretical-practical content mastery, it is made a written test (theoretical - 32.5 % and theoretical-practical - 17.5 %). The systematic work of research done by the students concerning the various chronic diseases in study, is assessed through presentations in plenary sessions for the remaining class (50 %). In this work is encouraged not only the mastery of contents but also the capacity of synthesis, oral communication and domain of techniques and methodologies related, as well as appropriate computing tools. The laboratory practice in the field of assessment either of physical fitness or of several physiological parameters in exercise, taking into account the characteristics and limitations of these special populations, is also strongly stimulated.