Courses and Credits

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Tomohiro Gonjo, Heriot-Watt University Edinburg, Scotland

e-mail:T.Gonjo@hw.ac.uk

Learning goals: By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of Biomechanical terminologies.
2. Utilise open-source software to solve practical questions with Biomechanical methods.
3. Apply kinematic and kinetic theories into practice.
4. Explain movement performance differences using Biomechanical data and theories.

Overview of the course: The course consists of both theoretical and practical sessions. In the theoretical sessions, you will focus on learning fundamental knowledge in Biomechanics, such as the definitions of Biomechanical terminologies, common Biomechanical research devices and methods, Newton’s laws, and mathematical equations commonly used in Biomechanics. In the practical sessions, you will learn how to analyse human movements (mainly focusing on jump movements) using a single camera (two-dimensional analysis) and link kinematics and kinetics to solve practical questions.

Required pre-knowledge: You will be required to have basic mathematical knowledge and skills such as trigonometry, coordinate systems and Pythagorean theorem. Having a good understanding of Newtonian mechanics is not mandatory but advantageous.

Assessment: At the end of the course, you will be assigned an exam consisting of a wide range of questions such as multiple-choice questions, multiple-selection questions, numerical calculations, and data analysis questions, etc.

Instructor: Prof. Dr. David G. Behm, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

e-mail:dbehm@mun.ca        

Objectives:This course will examine how both resistance training and flexibility training can improve range of motion and strength. Different resistance training (e.g., traditional strength vs. plyometrics) and flexibility (e.g., static and dynamic stretching, foam rolling) techniques will be compared with an emphasis on understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying the training adaptations.

Course Content

1. Static stretching effects on ROM
2. Dynamic stretching effects on ROM
3. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) effects on ROM
4. Mechanisms underlying muscle stretch induced increases in flexibility
5. Foam rolling effects on ROM and mechanisms
6. Resistance training effects on ROM and mechanisms
7. Traditional resistance training effects on strength and power
8. Ballistic intent resistance training effects on strength and power
9. Plyometric resistance training effects on strength and power
10. Underlying mechanisms for the various resistance training techniques
11. Stretch training effects on strength and hypertrophy and mechanisms

Texts:

Behm DG. The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching: Implications and Applications in Sport Performance and Health. Routledge Publishers 2018

ISBN 978-1-138-08691-3                              www.routledge.com/9781138086913

Assessment:

a) Sectional exam (end of first week)                     25%

b) Stretch textbook chapter quizzes                       25%

c) Final exam  (cumulative)                                      50%

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Armin Kibele, University of Kassel, Germany       e-mail:akibele@uni-kassel.de   

Phone:  0049-561-804-5397

Objectives:

This course aims to introduce the student to traditional and recent approaches in the fields of motor learning and motor control. A special emphasis will be given to issues related to implicit learning and control processes and the corresponding meaning for verbal instructions. In particular, students will learn about recent approaches the implicit learning mode during the acquisition of motor skills in sports and the execution of fast motor responses in game sports and combat sports.

Course Content:

1. Instrumental and Operant Conditioning
2. Classical Conditioning and Motor Chaining
3. Observational Learning and Social Proof
4. Motor Program Theory
5. Closed-Theory and Schema-Theory of Motor Learning
6. Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off in Motor Control
7. Ironic Processes, Differential Learning, and Implicit Memory
8. Feedback and Contextual Interference
9. OPTIMAL-Theory of Motor Learning
10. Contemporary Theories of Implicit Motor Learning
11. Conscious Awareness and Instructions for Implicit Motor Learning

Materials:

Course materials (Internet-Links to reseach papers, pdf-copies) will available to students through an OpenMoodle-Platform. In addition, for selected topics, students will use chapers of the following textbooks:

1. Magill, R.A.: Motor Learning. Concepts and Applications (p. 40-53). Boston: McGraw-Hill 1998
2. Schmidt, R.A. & Lee, T.D. (1999). Motor Control and Learning. A Behavioral Emphasis (p. 131-169). Human Kinetics Publishers: Champaign, Ill.
3. Schmidt, R.A., Wrisberg, C.A. (2000). Motor learning and performance (p. 123-145). Human Kinetics Books.Champaign, IL 2^nd ed.

Assessment:

a) 3 Intermediate Online-Tests                             30%

b) Final exam (cumulative)                                   70%

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Edin Mujanović, Tuzla University, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Learning Goals: The Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) course aims to master the basics of managing a kayak or SUP on calm and flowing water, enough for safe paddling on lakes and calmer rivers and along the coast, and necessarily as a basis for further advancement. In addition to the practical part, course participants will have the opportunity to hear and learn more about the systematization of sports and the technical training process of this sports and recreational activity. Through outdoor activities, participants develop their self-sufficiency, that is, they realize that they can solve life's problems independently. Kayaking and SUP training trains the back, arms and shoulders, as these are the muscles that are stressed the most. However, there are also benefits to the core musculature due to the twisting of the torso during the stroke and the legs due to the pressure you apply to the footrests with each stroke. Rhythm is one of the most important characteristics of rowing technique. The optimal rhythm allows the rower to relax during the preparation and to preserve maximum working abilities during rowing. It is also an excellent aerobic exercise as it gets the heart rate up. In addition to all of the above, you should also pay attention to safety and potential dangers, because the ultimate goal of every trip and stay in nature is a happy return home.

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Amra Nožinović Mujanović, Tuzla University, Bosnia-Herzegovina

e-mail:n.m.amra@gmail.com

Learning Goals: The Bosnian dance course aims to provide the participants with opportunities to learn Bosnian traditional dance, named Kolo, and other Bosnian dance with their own style and characteristics. We will run a diverse range of folk songs, music, dance classes and talks. The course is designed for all, as also beginners who dont have any dance experience. The course ofer a mix group dance where you will learn how to guide, follow and improvise, but also gain a deeper understanding of Bosnian people and culture. The teacher have experience in education, provide a safe learning enviroment and pay careful attention to the group dinamici durnig the classes. Participants thus not only enjoy the dancing but also the relaxed Atmosphere and the human interaction during classes.

Instructor: Viktoria Schubert

E-Mail:  viktoriaschubert@gmx.de

Objectives: This course delves into a rich offer of fitness interventions and cultural exploration in Kassel. Participants will immerse themselves in diverse fitness modalities such as Yoga, HIIT-training, Orienteering, Tabata, and more, experiencing them firsthand at iconic locations across the city. Through these dynamic activities, international students will gain profound insights into Kassel's cultural landscape, fostering intercultural competence and meaningful connections with fellow participants. In addition, the fitness sessions will be complemented by theoretical inputs prepared by the students based on articles/texts, providing a scholarly foundation to their practical experiences and enhancing their critical understanding of fitness and cultural intersections. By intertwining fitness with cultural immersion, students will not only enhance their physical health but also deepen their understanding of holistic well-being. Through reflective discussions and practical applications, participants will acquire valuable knowledge and skills that extend beyond the course, promoting an active lifestyle and cultural engagement in their lives beyond Kassel.

Course Content:

1. Fundamentals of Fitness and Health (Location: Sports Institute)
2. Stair Training – “The Universal Tool for Interval Workouts” (Location: Bergpark)
3. HIIT Training – “What is it?” (Location: Orangerie)
4. Tabata – “How does it di@er from HIIT?” (Location: Brüder-Grimm-Gebäude)
5. Orienteering – “Running with Strategy” (Location: Auepark)
6. Forest Bathing – “Forms of Sensory Perception” (Location: Forest around Bergpark)
7. Yoga – “Physical and Mental Relaxation by the Water” (Location: Bootshaus Universität Kassel)
8. Stretching – “Enhancing Flexibility and Recovery” (Location: Park Schönfeld)
9. Alternative Training Locations – “How to transform the playground to a Gym” (Location: Abenteuer- und Wasserspielplatz Fuldaaue)
10. Seminar Conclusion and Assessment (Location: Sports Institute)

Assessment:

1. 70% of the grade is based on the theoretical input in the form of a brief presentation on assigned articles/texts from the Open Moodle course.
2. 30% of the grade is based on a short test in the final seminar session covering the collective knowledge acquired during the week.

Materials: Will be published in the Open Moodle course.

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Ricardo Fernandes and Profª. Drª. Susana Soares, Faculty of Sport at the University of Porto, Portugal

E-mail:ricfer@fade.up.pt and susana@fade.up.pt

Learning Goals:

Through a hands-on approach, this course will introduce the student to training control and evaluation tools in swimming that can be easily operated in the land and aquatic field, allowing to dispose of (almost) immediate results. Particular emphasis will be placed on the capacity to develop data acquisition and data treatment skills focusing on practical competencies.

Course contents:

Theoretical basis of the performance determinant factors evaluation and training control

Experimentation of land and water practical tests (e.g. incremental step test, two velocity test, critical velocity test, yo yo test, agility test, functional tests for assessing upper, mean and lower force), corresponding data treatment and reports elaboration. Use of simple devices for assessing physiological and biomechanical data (e.g. lactate analyser, speedometer and radar).

Course Materials:

Reference articles for each one of the tests performed:

• Beneke, R.; Duvillard S.P. (1996). Determination of maximal lactate steady state response in selected sports events. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 28 (2): 241-246
• Cardoso, F.; Monteiro, A.S.; Vilas-Boas, J. P.; Pinho, J.C.; Pyne, D. B.; Fernandes, R. J. (2022). Effects of wearing a 50% lower jaw advancement splint on biophysical and perceptual responses at low to severe running intensities. Life, 12, 253.
• Carvalho, D. D., Soares, S., Zacca, R., Sousa, J., Marinho, D. A., Silva, A. J., Vilas-Boas, J. P., & Fernandes, R. J. (2020). Anaerobic threshold biophysical characterisation of the four swimming techniques. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(5), 318–327.
• Cazorla, G. (1993). Tests specifiques d'evaluation du nageur. Cestas: Association pour la reserche et l'evaluation en activité physique et en sport.
• de Jesus, K., Sousa, A., de Jesus, K., Ribeiro, J., Machado, L., Rodríguez, F., Keskinen, K., Vilas-Boas, J. P., & Fernandes, R. J. (2015). The effects of intensity on V̇O2 kinetics during incremental free swimming. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 40, 918-923.
• Fernandes, R.; Vilas-Boas, J.P. (1999). Critical velocity as a criterion for estimating aerobic training pace in juvenile swimmers. In: K. Keskinen, P. Komi, P. Hollander (eds.), Proceedings of the VIII International Symposium of Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming, pp. 233-238. University of Jyvaskyla, Finland.  
• Fernandes, R; Sousa, M.; Pinheiro, A.; Vilar, S.; Colaço, P.; Vilas-Boas, JP. (2010). Assessment of individual anaerobic threshold and stroking parameters in swimmers aged 10-11 years. Eur J Sport Sci, 10 (5): 311-317.
• Fernandes, R.J.; de Jesus, K.; Carvalho, D.; Vilas-Boas, J.P.; de Jesus, K. (2018). A useful protocol for low to severe swimming intensities physiological and biomechanical characterization. In: R.J. Fernandes (edt.), The science of swimming and aquatic activities, pp. 227-244. Nova Science Publishers, Inc. New York, USA.
• Fernandes, R.J.; Carvalho, D.D.; Figueiredo, P. (2024). Training zones in competitive swimming: a biophysical approach. Front. Sports Act. Living 6:1363730.
• Mader, A.; Heck, H.; Hollman, W. (1978). Evaluation of lactic acid anaerobic energy
• contribution by determination of post exercise lactic acid concentration of ear capillary
• blood in middle-distance runners and swimmers. In F. Landry, W. Orban (Eds).
• Exercise physiology, pp. 187-200. Symposia Specialists, Miami.
• Neiva, H.P.; Fernandes, R.J.; Vilas-Boas, J.P. (2011). Anaerobic critical velocity in four swimming techniques. Int J Sports Med, 32: 195-198
• Pyne, D.; Maw, G.; Goldsmith, W. (2000). Protocols for the physiological assessment of swimmers. In C. J. Gore (Ed.), Physiological tests for elite athletes, pp. 372-382. Australia: Australian Sports Commission
• Zacca, R.; Azevedo, R.; Silveira, R.; Vilas-Boas, J.P.; Pyne, D.B.; de Castro, F.A.S.; Fernandes, R.J. (2019). Comparison of incremental intermittent and time trial testing in age-group swimmers. J Strength Cond Res, 33 (3): 801-810

Assessment:

a) Production of a performance report                       50%

b) Final exam                                                                    50%