College contact persons: prof. Ilenia Bazzucchi, prof. Francesco Felici, prof. Massimo Sacchetti; Tutor: prof. Paola Sbriccoli

Lines of research concern the physiological mechanisms of adaptation of the human organism to exercise. Particular attention is paid to metabolic and neuromuscular adaptations, and much of the research involves interdisciplinary topics including the development of innovative investigative techniques.

The main lines of research are:

• motor control and neuromuscular adaptations to exercise in adult, sedentary, and athletic subjects, normals, and special populations (the elderly, individuals with orthopedic, metabolic, and neurological conditions);
• Characterization of the activity of motor units;
• Neuromuscular control in nonstationary activity;
• Noninvasive assessment of muscle damage and recovery;
• Effects of nutritional interventions on neuromuscular function and sports performance;
• Ventilatory control during exercise;
• Effect of exercise protocols on metabolic control in diabetic patients;
• Diabetes and neuromuscular function;
• Physiological aspects and performance in cycling;
• Neuromuscular control in combat activities;
• Optimization of performance during endurance activities in different exercise modes;
• Physiological determinants of human performance in different modes of exercise;
• Use of wearable sensors to monitor vital parameters and physical activity.

Methodologies and tools available to the laboratory: isometric and isokinetic dynamometry, surface, depth and high spatial resolution electromyography (HDsEMG), percutaneous nerve stimulation, calorimetry, motion analysis, posturography, laboratory and field tests for assessing and monitoring physiological adaptations to exercise, body composition analysis, blood energy substrate analysis, muscle biopsies.