Subject: Exercise in Special Populations

Scientific Area:

Sport

Workload:

56 Hours

Number of ECTS:

4 ECTS

Language:

Portuguese

Overall objectives:

This subject aims to provide the student with skills and practical experience in evaluating and prescribing exercise in special populations with particular conditions, such as children and the elderly, or chronic health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia , metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, asthma and cancer. The theoretical course aims to deepen knowledge of the particular characteristics of those conditions, as well as the special considerations to be taken into account in the processes of both assessment and prescription for those populations. On a practical level, it is recommended the experimentation and operationalization of exercises and methodologies relating to the processes of both assessing physical and physiological fitness and prescribing exercise to those populations.

Syllabus:

? For each of the conditions and pathologies considered, a general framework, statistical data, incidence and prevalence will be provided, as well as an analysis of the main risk factors, pathophysiological processes and their development.
? Assessment of physical and physiological fitness and exercise prescription in these populations.
? Special considerations and specific programs to prevent and/or change existing pathological conditions.
? The risk stratification process and decision-making accordingly.
? Cardiorespiratory fitness assessment tests, laboratory and field.
? Equations for calculating metabolic and caloric equivalents based on different modes of activity.
? The different prescription techniques using metabolic methods, heart rate and subjective perception of exertion and respective adaptations to these special populations.
? Procedures and practice for evaluating physiological parameters at rest and during exercise.
? Resolution of theoretical-practical prescription problems.

Literature/Sources:

Durstine, J.L., & G.E. Moore (Eds.). ACSM?s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities-4rd Edition. Human Kinetics, Champaign, 2016.

American College of Sports Medicine. Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.  Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Tenth Edition, 2018.

Teixeira, P., Sardinha, L., Barata, J.L. Nutrição, Exercício e Saúde. Lidel ? Edições técnicas, Lda. Lisboa, 2008.

Teixeira, P., Silva, M. Repensar o peso: Princípios e Métodos Testados para Controlar o seu Peso. Lidel ? Edições técnicas, Lda. Lisboa, 2009.

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Students will be assessed through a theoretical test at the end of the semester.