At the end of the course, the student will be able to: • understand the fundamental principles of human movement biomechanics; • qualitatively and quantitatively describe the main kinematic and dynamic models applied to sports performance; • model the athlete–equipment interaction based on principles of applied mechanics; • understand and use the main wearable technologies and motion capture systems for performance monitoring; • analyze and interpret biomechanical data using simulation tools and dedicated software, adopting a quantitative and data-driven approach; • understand the functional principles of smart materials and e-textiles applied to sports performance; • identify the energy transfer systems involved in force production and understand their adaptation to training; • understand the mechanisms of muscle force modulation under voluntary and electrically induced contraction conditions; • acquire, process, and interpret surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals; • recognize the influence of environmental and ergonomic factors on sports performance.

No prerequisites are required.

1. Fundamentals of Human Movement Biomechanics (25 hours) • Review of kinematics and dynamics of rigid body systems applied to the human body • Modeling of the human body as an articulated multisegmental system • Kinematic analysis of athletic movement (position, linear and angular velocity, linear and angular acceleration) • Dynamic analysis: internal and external forces, joint moments, and reaction forces • Introduction to inverse dynamics and calculation of joint moments • Concepts of mechanical work, power, and energy transfer in sports movements • Intersegmental coordination and motor strategies for performance optimization • Mechanical efficiency and biomechanical criteria for optimizing sports technique • Introduction to experimental motion analysis: fundamentals of kinematic data acquisition and processing 2. Modeling Athlete–Equipment Interaction (15 hours) • Principles of contact mechanics and energy transfer • Mechanical analysis of sports systems • Mechanical parameters relevant to performance • Smart materials and e-materials for sports applications: mechanical and functional properties relevant to performance • Integration of e-textiles and sensorized systems into equipment and technical apparel for performance monitoring and comfort enhancement 3. Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscle Fatigue (10 hours) • Introduction to the physiology of muscle contraction and muscle metabolism • Electrical stimulation systems and electromyographic signal acquisition • Analysis of muscle fatigue under isometric and dynamic conditions 4. Environmental and Ergonomic Factors Influencing Performance (10 hours) • Meteorology, sport, and performance: what are the connections? • Advantages in designing training programs for elite athletes based on knowledge of meteorological and environmental dynamics • Advantages in managing sporting events based on knowledge of meteorological and environmental dynamics • The relationship between meteorology, environment, and safety in sports practice • Climate indices • Introduction to biometeorology • Acclimatization and climate crisis (athlete performance under different environmental temperature conditions

• Theoretical lectures • Case study analysis • Seminars with industry experts • Practical activities and discussion of scientific articles • Data collection and processing

• McGinnis, P. – Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise • Winter, D. – Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement • Articoli scientifici selezionati forniti durante il corso • Materiale didattico predisposto dal docente

Lecture slides; Lecture notes; Exercises; Multimedia materials;

Exam: Check; Individual project;

Assessment will take into account the student’s ability to: • Apply biomechanical models • Interpret experimental data • Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.