Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge relating to modifications of cardio-circulatory, respiratory and metabolic muscle parameters, in athletes engaged in different sports and at different levels. It will be studied the quantifiable factors affecting the performance. In particular, it will be examined the role of biomechanical and physiological factors in different sports competitions. The student will be able to formulate physiological models in order to predict the performance in competitions.
The course aims to deepen the bioenergetics of locomotion models and the concept of energy cost of locomotion (C), particularly interesting in sports (running, swimming and cycling). The main factors changing C and limiting the performance will be described. Subsequently physiological models will be developed to predict performance of some kind of competitions at different distances. It will be analyzed models to quantify the weight of the physiological factors affecting performance. The main adaptations induced by training on the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular system will be learnt. Finally, further knowledge will be provided students to understanding the phenomena of plasticity of skeletal muscle and of the nervous system during the physical training.

Program

• Energy cost of locomotion and its analysis as a factor affecting performance.
• Environmental, kinematic, biomechanical, morphological, functional and genetic factors that influence the energy cost of locomotion.
• Predictive models of performance over long distances, mid-distance race and in the sprint race.
• Energy cost of cycling; factors that influence the energy cost of cycling (frontal area, drag coefficient, friction coefficient, shape of the frame). Predictive models of performance in cycling on road and track.
• The physiological factors that influence the performance in running and cycling.
• • Energy cost of locomotion and its analysis as a factor affecting performance.
• Environmental, kinematic, biomechanical, morphological, functional and genetic factors that influence the energy cost of locomotion.
• Predictive models of performance over long distances, mid-distance race and in the sprint race.
• Energy cost of cycling; factors that influence the energy cost of cycling (frontal area, drag coefficient, friction coefficient, shape of the frame). Predictive models of performance in cycling on road and track.
• The physiological factors that influence the performance in running and cycling.
• Effects of aerobic training on the cardiovascular system (heart size, stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, O2 transport during submaximal and maximal exercise).
• Effect of disuse on the cardiovascular system (heart size, stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, O2 transport during submaximal and maximal exercise).
• Effects of aerobic and strength training on muscle fibers size and on the contractile properties of motor units.
• Training effects of peripheral blood flow limitations.
• The role of genetic factors and exercise on the control of gene expression of the different isoforms of contractile proteins in muscle fibers.
• Analysis of the performance limits in running, cycling, swimming, triathlon and weightlifting.

Examination Methods

The examination consists in:
1. Compilation and discussion of a thesis
2. Oral test