The field of disability requires the intervention of technicians from various specialties, acting in a coordinated and concerted manner to meet the needs of people with Special Needs (SN). In this context, the role of physical activity, when inserted in healthy lifestyles, deserves particular highlight as an essential tool for improving the physical condition, quality of life and well-being of people with disabilities.

The concept of physical activity in the population with disabilities is also associated with aspects such as rehabilitation, education, competition and recreation, being increasingly evident the emphasis placed on their physical, social and psychological benefits. Thus, adapted physical activity seems to contribute to trigger positive effects on the health of people with disabilities.

It is intended to analyse the terminology and concepts, the definition of population with SN, comparing this with the adapted physical activity; sports issues (part of education, competition and recreation). The conditions for school and sports integration, access conditions, membership or exclusion of individuals with SN and the approach of specific sports are also study.

The Intervention Mapping curricular unit has as main theme the planification and conception of programs for healthy lifestyles, considering the informations that come from research. These programs rely upon knowledge and pedagogical and technical skills, to increase their effectiveness.

This class will focus on methods and intruments for pre-exercise screening and to assess health related fitness, as well and the state of the art exercise prescription guidelines.

This course fits into the scope of the Social Sciences and Humanities, promoting the knowledge and skills of some cultural and expressive activities with approaches of diverse rhythmic structures in urban, traditional and social contexts (e.g. Hip-Hop, Kizomba, Folklore , Social Dances, etc...) providing the knowledge of the social and cultural environment own of the choreographic conceptions, social representations and pantomime associated, allowing the development of critical capacity, expression, creativity, spontaneity associated to the social movement represented and to the culture of the rhythmic and expressive activities.