23232 - PRESCRIPTION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Marc Terradellas Fernández

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 2

• Catalan

The prescription of therapeutic physical exercise in the treatment and prevention of different diseases, especially those of non-communicable origin, is supported by scientific evidence. The benefits of the regular practice of physical activity as well as the reduction of sedentary behavior are described in numerous articles, giving improvements at the level of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and neurological systems. Among the multiple benefits, we obtain the improvement of other aspects of the patients' daily life such as the quality of sleep, the improvement of mood, resulting in a better quality of life.

Currently, the population continues to not meet the minimum recommended by the WHO, this is due to the lack of resources, misinformation, barriers and physical and psychological barriers of people and the complexity of changing habits.

In this subject we will address the physiological benefits of physical exercise, the assessment methods, the general aspects of how to prescribe therapeutic physical activity in different diseases and special clinical populations.

It will also be necessary to address the aspects related to facilitators and barriers to achieve the change of behavior necessary to improve adherence and maintenance of the benefits obtained with the practice of physical activity.

The subject will combine theoretical classes where the master class methodology will be used, but also cooperative work and the flipped classroom concept with more theoretical-practical classes where students will be able to experience, analyze and debate previously acquired concepts.

The distribution of the theoretical and/or practical content of the subject can be consulted in the schedule and sections of the corresponding virtual classroom before it starts. 

This subject aims to introduce the gender perspective in its content and development. In addition, the objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or towards teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer prejudice from others.

1. Historical background of AF and ET for special populations.  
2. Introduction and evaluation of physical activity and therapeutic physical exercise. 
3. Introduction and assessment of sedentary behavior
4. Risk assessment for the practice of AF and ET 
5. Evaluation of the degree of motivation and adherence 
6. Assessment of basic physical abilities for the prescription of therapeutic physical activity and exercise
7. Prescription of AF and ET in special groups:
   1. Population with intellectual diversity
   2. Low physical condition 
   3. Neurodegenerative pathologies 
   4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
   5. Pathology of high prevalence and low complexity 
   6. Spinal cord injury 
   7. Oncological population 
   8. Brain damage
   9. Hormonal cycle
   10. Children with functional diversity
   11. Population with metabolic alterations

The evaluation of the subject will include several assessment systems, with the aim of comprehensively evaluating the student's learning process.

The evaluation procedure will be carried out as follows:

SE1. Portfolio 1: 10%

SE1. Portfolio 2: 10%

SE2. Oral presentation: 30%

SE3. Exam: 50%

To pass the subject, it is mandatory to attend at least 80% of the practical classes (excused absences include 20% of absences) and obtain a grade of 5/10 in the final exam.

Continuous assessment activities (SE1 and SE2) cannot be recovered.

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

The subjects will have evaluation and recovery activities in accordance with the teaching guide and the subject's learning plan, published in their virtual classroom and which will establish the necessary requirements to be able to participate.

In accordance with current UPF regulations, all students who, having participated in learning and assessment activities during the term, have obtained a failing grade for the corresponding subject in the quarterly assessment, may participate in the recovery process . Those who have not participated in the learning and assessment activities or who have waived the assessment will not be able to participate. If the grade is "not presented", you will not be able to opt for recovery and therefore the subject will have to be taken again in its entirety in the following academic year.

In the event of copying, plagiarism or illegitimate use of generative artificial intelligence in any assessment activity, you must consult the TecnoCampus University Center's Undergraduate and Master's Course Assessment Regulations.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in this subject is regulated. Students must declare in each activity whether they have used these tools, clearly indicating when, how and for what purpose. This declaration must be included in a specific section of the work or activity, with a brief description of the use made. The absence of this information, when AI has been used, will be considered a lack of academic honesty. In all cases, students remain responsible for the content, quality, veracity and originality of the material presented.

Gary Liguouri (2021). ACSM Guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (11th Edition)

Kisner, C. - Colby, L. (2005). Therapeutic exercise. Fundamentals and Techniques. Pan American Publishing

Liguori, Gary (Ed.). (2021). ACSM manual for exercise assessment and prescription (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN: 978-84-18563-34-8.

https://salutpublica.gencat.cat/ca/detalls/Article/Guia-de-prescripcio-dexercici-fisic-per-a-la-salut-Guia-PEFS

Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández, Pedro Jiménez-Reyes. (2014) Strength training. New Methodological Perspectives. ISBN-13: 978-84-616-7687-3. Available at: http://www.carlos-balsalobre.com/ Entrenamiento_de_Fuerza_Balsalobre&Jimenez.pdf

La Touche R. Prescription of therapeutic exercise in physiotherapy. The elementary bases of professional identity. YOMTS 2020; 2(1):m8

Pallarés JG; Morán-Navarro R. (2012). Methodological proposal for cardiorespiratory resistance training. J Sports Health Res 4(2):119-136