Ateneo - UPO

• Sports Physiology: Physiological, Metabolic, and Pathological Aspects
• Physiology of Hyperbarism: Free Diving and Scuba Diving. Physiological Adaptations and Potential Risks
• Physiology of Hypobarism: Descending to High and Very High Altitudes. Adaptations, Acclimatization, and Hazards

William D. Mcardle

Frank I. Katch

Victor l. Katch

Fisiologia applicata allo sport

Aspetti Energetici, Nutrizionali e Performance

Zanichelli

Guido Ferretti, Carlo Capelli

Dagli abissi allo spazio

Ambienti e limiti umani

edi ermes

The course aims to provide advanced knowledge of the physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that enable organisms to maintain homeostasis and adapt to extreme environmental conditions. Particular attention will be given to the integration of responses from the major physiological systems and to short- and long-term acclimatization and adaptation processes.

By the end of the course, s

• understand the mechanisms of physiological adaptation to environmental stresses, with particular reference to hypoxia and high altitude, hyperbaric conditions and diving, extreme temperatures, microgravity, and other extreme environments;
• analyze the integrated responses of the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal, and musculoskeletal systems involved in maintaining homeostasis;
• understand the cellular and molecular bases of adaptive responses, including the signaling pathways involved in the perception of and response to environmental stresses;
• distinguish physiological adaptation processes from pathophysiological alterations associated with exposure to extreme environments;
• become familiar with the main experimental models and methodologies used in the study of the physiology of environmental adaptations;
• critically interpret experimental data and international scientific literature, developing analytical and synthesis skills;
• to understand the biological, biomedical, and evolutionary implications of physiological adaptation processes and their impact on human health and species conservation.

Good knowledge of introductory physiology, with particular emphasis on muscle physiology, transport and excitability, synaptic function, and endocrine control. Excellent knowledge of systemic physiology and biochemistry. Familiarity with the most common pathways of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Basic knowledge of physics

Lectures in the classroom. Short videos on covered topics 

Female and male students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and resources designed for them by contacting the Career Development and Coordination and Student Services Staff and consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/ it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilità-e-dsa. Once you have contacted the University staff, you may contact the course instructor regarding the specific exam arrangements and teaching-related matters

The final assessment for this course consists of a PowerPoint presentation on a topic of the student’s choice. The instructor may ask a few general questions about the topics covered in class. In detail:

30-30 L Excellent Excellent and detailed knowledge of biological mechanisms. Outstanding ability to make interdisciplinary connections, scientific rigor, and impeccable use of specialized terminology. Demonstrates critical thinking and independent judgment.
27–29 Very Good In-depth knowledge of the subject matter. Good ability to analyze and synthesize biological processes. Clear, logically structured presentation using appropriate scientific terminology.
24–26 Good Good knowledge of fundamental topics, but with some limitations regarding details or complex connections. Correct presentation with mostly appropriate use of scientific language.
21–23 Fair Fair but largely rote or descriptive knowledge of biological concepts. Limited ability to apply concepts to problems or case studies. Simple but correct language.
19–20 More than sufficient Minimal and fragmented knowledge of the course content. Difficulty understanding the implications of the biological mechanisms covered. Uncertain or limited scientific language.
18 Sufficient The student demonstrates only a descriptive, fragmented, and basic knowledge of the essential biological concepts in the curriculum. Critical thinking skills are absent or severely limited; there is a clear difficulty in connecting biological mechanisms to one another or applying them to complex contexts. The language is understandable but contains uncertainties, terminological inaccuracies, and a limited use of the specialized scientific vocabulary required at the master’s level.

Sports Physiology

• Effects of training on the brain and cerebral metabolism
• Skeletal muscle: morphofunctional aspects, types of contraction, muscle metabolism, types of contraction
• Cardiovascular system: athlete’s heart, cardiac adaptations to exercise, changes in stroke volume, cardiac output, heart rate. Vascular changes: vasoconstricted and vasodilated regions; influencing factors. Venous return
• Respiratory system: adaptations of pulmonary ventilation. Chemical and nervous control of ventilation
• Excretory system: changes in renal function during exercise
• Endocrine system: changes in hormonal balance in response to exercise
• Thermoregulation: thermal stress during physical exercise

Physiology at High Altitude

• Concepts of high and very high altitude
• Adaptation and acclimatization
• Consequences of hypoxia
• Changes in the hemoglobin saturation curve
• Cheyne-Stokes respiration
• Wind chill and thermoregulation
• Fluid and nutritional balance
• HIF-1 factor
• Oxidative stress
• Hematopoiesis
• Changes in cardiac output and heart rate
• Altitude sickness
• HAPE and HACE

Hyperbaric physiology

• Diving risks: nitrogen narcosis, sensory disturbances, thermal shock, hypoxic blackout, barotrauma, and decompression sickness
• p-V relationship
• Hyperbaric sensors: diving reflex
• Japanese ama divers: a model for free diving
• Hypercapnia and hypoxia
• Blood shift in free diving
• Hyperventilation: What Are the Limits?
• Diving with Auxiliary Equipment: Gas Mixtures
• Decompression
• Barotrauma
• EAG
• MDD
• Hydrocution

Incorporating a Gender Perspective

One lecture will be dedicated to the gender aspects of sports physiology

By the end of the course, female and male students should be able to:

• To understand the physiological and molecular mechanisms that enable the maintenance of homeostasis under extreme environmental conditions.
• To evaluate the consequences of acute responses and chronic adaptations of the major physiological systems (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal, and musculoskeletal) in response to environmental stresses such as high altitude, hypoxia, immersion, hyperbaric environments, heat, cold, microgravity, and confined spaces.
• Understand the interactions among the various physiological systems that enable the body to adapt to adverse environmental conditions.
  
• Understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of the major conditions associated with extreme environments, distinguishing between physiological adaptations and pathological alterations.
• Critically analyze experimental data and scientific studies concerning the physiology of adaptation to environmental stresses.
  
• Evaluate the influence of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors on individual adaptive capacity.
• Apply the principles of integrated physiology to the interpretation of biological, biomedical, and environmental issues related to exposure to extreme conditions.
• Communicate the physiological mechanisms of adaptation clearly and accurately, using appropriate scientific terminology.
• The ability to present, in a PowerPoint presentation, a clear and well-structured case study of an extreme environmental condition, including relevant considerations regarding adaptation measures, potential health risks, and precautions