THE GREAT OUTDOORS, EXERCISE AND HEALTH
The ERASMUS+ programme includes the Blended Intensive Programme – BIP. The primary goal of our BIP is to use both theoretical and practical lessons to educate aspiring kinesiologists and health professionals on the benefits of outdoor exercise for human health, particularly for those with illnesses. The practical lessons will be grounded on the participant's own experience of the multifaceted impacts of the various elements of the great outdoors. The BIP will be realized in the European Green Region of Abruzzo, which will enable the testing of disciplines focused on mountaineering and the sea.
Except for Italian students, participation in the BIP is financed by ERASMUS+ funds that must be provided by the home university. The funds are flat-rate and include a portion dedicated to travel and a daily allowance. For more information about this, contact the ERASMUS office of your university.
The virtual component of our BIP provides foundational knowledge for the in-person sessions. It emphasizes the theoretical importance of outdoor physical activities.
Program
7th of May 2025
1. BIP Presentation
2. Psychophysical Effects of the Great Outdoors on Human Health
- Lecturers. Marika Berchicci and Andrea Di Blasio, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara
- Format. Theory
3. Adventure Activities to Build Resilience
- Lecturer. David Gaughran, Munster Technological University
- Format. Theory
13th May 2025
1. Adapted Physical Activity and Nature: Finnish Pedagogy and Experience
- Lecturer. Anna-Kaisa Hokkanen, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
- Format. Theory
2. Sustainability in Nature-Based Exercise
- Lecturer. Piia Soikkeli, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
- Format. Theory
3. The Sardinian Experience: The Great Outdoors, Exercise, and Health
- Lecturer. Lucia Cugusi, University of Sassari
- Format. Theory
The in-person component of the BIP aims to provide personal and practical experiences demonstrating the psychophysical benefits of physical activity and exercise in the great outdoors.
Program
2nd June 2025
Travel
3rd and 4th of June 2025
Venue: Marine Protected Area “Torre del Cerrano”
Google Maps Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Area+marina+protetta+Torre+del+Cerrano/@42.5849962,14.087638,576m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x1331bd30eb576657:0x3dfdcbf00a58b199!8m2!3d42.5849962!4d14.0902129!16s%2Fg%2F120zjffd?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Daily Lessons:
- Theoretical and practical sessions (8 hours per day)
Teachings:
1. Physical Activity and Health: A Literature Review
- Lecturer: David Sánchez Oliva, University of Extremadura
- Format: Theory, 45 minutes
2. The Power of Breathing
- Lecturers: David Cruz Díaz and Felipe León Morillas, University of Jaén
- Format: Theory, 45 minutes
3. Taijiquan (Practice at sunrise)
4. SUP and Adapted SUP (Theory and practice)
- The lesson ncludes persons with NCCD
5. Paddling and Adapted Paddling (Theory and practice)
- The lesson includes persons with NCCD
6. Freediving and Adapted Fin Swimming (Theory and practice)
- The lesson includes disabled participants
7. Yoga (Practice at sunset)
5th, 6th, and 7th of June 2025
Venue: Wolf Visitor Center at “Maiella National Park”
Google Maps Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Centro+Visita+del+Lupo/@42.1674658,13.8632383,580m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x133039d25a5eff5d:0x7b1a8a1f99a0aa99!8m2!3d42.1677123!4d13.8647189!16s%2Fg%2F12q4prp0n?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Daily Lessons:
- Theoretical and practical sessions (8 hours per day)
Teachings:
1. Taijiquan (Practice at sunrise)
2. Trekking (5th June 2025)
- Route. From the Wolf Visitor Center to “Fossa di Pentima”
- Additional Info. https://www.parcomajella.it/la-fossa-di-pentima-tra-i-colori-d-autunno.htm
3. Research Activities (5th June 2025)
- Part of the “Allenarsi per la Salute into the Wild” research project
4. Mountain Biking (6th June 2025). Practice in a mixed environment
5. Nature Interpretation (6th June 2025). Practice
6. Sunset Trekking and Stargazing (6th June 2025)
- Location. Monte Corvo
- The lesson includes a night in a mountain refuge and a theoretical session on astronomy
7. Canoeing (7th June 2025)
- Location. Tirino Valley
- The lesson includes participants with various diseases
8. Yoga (Practice at sunset)
7th of June 2025
Nightly social activities in Pescara
8th of June 2025
Travel
Methods
- Participants will personally experience the psychophysical effects of outdoor physical activities.
- Activities will include interaction with persons with NCCDs.
- Students will also observe research activities conducted by the hosting university.
Outcomes
- Knowledge of basic theories, assessed via an online written exam.
- Psychological effects quantified using validated questionnaires.
Important notes
Everything related to the practical in-person activities, including transportation from Pescara to the locations where the BIP will take place and transfer to Pescara on the final day, will be provided for free by the organizing University. In general, each participant will have to organize their own arrival trip to Pineto and the departure trip from Pescara, in addition to the last night of their stay in Pescara. The overnight stays related to the activities that will take place in Pineto and Popoli are organized by the host University in order to ensure that participants do not exceed the daily allowance guaranteed by the ERASMUS+ fund. The cost of food and accommodation related to the activities that will take place in Pineto and Popoli will be borne by each participant who will settle directly with the host facilities. Further information will be provided to participants.
THE FACULTY
Andrea Di Blasio and Marika Berchicci
“G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara
Lucia Cugusi
University of Sassari
David Gaughran
Munster Technological University
Anna-Kaisa Hokkanen and Piia Soikkeli
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
David Sánchez Oliva
University of Extremadura
David Cruz Díaz and Felipe León Morillas
University of Jaén
… as well as professionals in the fields and sports that the participants will encounter.