Specialization Exercise for the Older Adults I

Specialization / Direction

Knowledge Deepening / Consolidation

Knowledge Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Identify and describe the degenerative effects of aging on the human body, particularly on systems related to movement. • Describe the specific characteristics of the neuromuscular system in older adults. • Evaluate the physical condition and functional status of older individuals. • Recognize movement-related difficulties during motion execution. • Name and describe the sensory systems involved in balance control. • Explain the mechanisms underlying balance. Skills Students will be able to: • Design and implement exercise programs to improve balance and reduce fall risk. • Record, process, and present balance-related data using field tests and questionnaires. • Interpret measurement results related to balance. • Identify causes of balance loss and intervene appropriately. • Develop targeted and specialized exercise programs for older adults, taking into account existing pathologies. Competencies Upon completion of the course, students will have developed the ability to: • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical interventions for physical health in aging populations. • Propose appropriate solutions to movement-related problems in older adults. • Work autonomously and within teams to evaluate and improve functional capacity. • Communicate scientifically using oral presentations and written reports. • Adapt training programs to individual needs based on clinical or functional limitations.

Purpose and Description The course focuses on understanding the physiological and functional changes associated with aging, with particular emphasis on motor and balance systems. It combines theoretical instruction with practical training, as students design and implement exercise programs for older adults. Practical application takes place in community senior centers. Course Objectives • Understand the epidemiology of aging and indicators of quality of life • Analyze the effects of aging on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems • Assess physical condition, functionality, and balance in older adults • Practice alternative forms of exercise and training • Develop and implement specialized programs for fall prevention • Understand the theory and techniques of balance assessment • Analyze and adapt exercise programs for individuals with pathologies Course Structure (Contents) The course is delivered through lectures and seminars in the Department's auditorium as well as through praxis taking place at Elderly Protection Centre (Κ.Α.Π.Η.). Consequently, theory is put into practice as students design and organize workout programs for older people. Week 1 Content: Theory: Introduction: Epidemiology of aging. Quality of life indicators for older adults. Introduction to exercise for older adults. Basic principles, benefits, and adaptations. Learning Outcomes: Understanding fundamental concepts of aging and quality-of-life indicators (Knowledge). Understanding basic exercise principles for older adults (Knowledge). Week 2 Content: Theory: Degenerative effects of aging on functionality and autonomy. Learning Outcomes: Identification of degenerative effects and analysis of their impact on functionality (Knowledge). Week 3 Content: Theory: Principles governing exercise training programs for older adults. Learning Outcomes: Understanding fundamental training principles for older adults (Knowledge). Week 4 Content: Theory: Effects of aging on the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems – Physical fitness assessment. Learning Outcomes: Description of aging effects on the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems (Knowledge). Understanding system interactions and fitness assessment (Knowledge – Skill). Week 5 Content: Theory: Strength, muscular power, and endurance training programs. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Design and evaluation of basic programs (Skill – Competence). Week 6 Content: Theory: Flexibility, muscular power, and balance training programs. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Design and evaluation of basic programs (Skill – Competence). Week 7 Content: Theory: Fall prevention I: theory and research – Static & dynamic balance. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Analysis of fall prevention and balance mechanisms (Knowledge – Skill). Week 8 Content: Theory: Fall prevention II – Conditions affecting balance. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Description of conditions and identification of balance problems (Knowledge – Competence – Skill). Week 9 Content: Theory: Balance assessment: field tests, questionnaires, force platform & lab measurements. Methods to improve balance – Design of specialized programs. Lab: Data processing and recording. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Conducting balance assessment using different tools (Skill – Competence). Design and adaptation of balance improvement interventions (Skill – Competence). Week 10 Content: Theory: Methods to improve balance – Design of specialized programs. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Design and adaptation of balance improvement interventions (Skill – Competence). Week 11 Content: Theory: HIIT programs for older adults. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Design of specialized high-intensity programs with adaptations (Skill – Competence). Week 12 Content: Theory: Alternative forms of exercise. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Selection of exercise forms and practical program design (Skill – Competence). Week 13 Content: Theory: Presentation of results, quiz feedback, final reflections. Practical: Implementation of exercise programs at the Senior Center (KAPI). Learning Outcomes: Practical application, data presentation, and program evaluation (Competence – Skill). Teaching Methods • Lectures and seminars • Practical sessions in community senior centers • Case studies and research examples • Group work and presentations • Use of digital tools for data collection and analysis Learning Resources & Materials • Instructor’s notes and slides • Multimedia material (videos, animations, interactive models) • Textbooks and current scientific literature • Laboratory equipment (force platforms, plantar pressure systems, questionnaires)

Senescence, neuromuscular system, Pathologies, Age related adaptations, Exercise, Fall prevention, Balance, Balance evaluation

01-07-2025