Official School of Record Musculoskeletal Health in Ageing: Osteoporosis, Sarcopenia and Fall Prevention
An interdisciplinary field-based course examining osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and fall prevention in ageing populations — combining academic study with site-based learning and engagement with rehabilitation specialists and health organizations in Athens.
Health Sciences · Public Health · Nutrition
Offered by the Hellenic Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and Research (HCISR)
School of Record: Arcadia Abroad
Why This Course and Why Now?
Greece is among the European countries experiencing significant population ageing, with increasing rates of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and fall-related injuries. These conditions are placing new and sustained demands on healthcare systems, rehabilitation services, and communities alike.
Musculoskeletal decline is a leading cause of disability and loss of independence in older adults — yet it is largely preventable. Only nutrition, physical activity, and evidence-informed clinical care working together can reduce the burden of bone fragility, muscle loss, and fall risk. This course uses Greece as a contemporary public health and lifestyle context to examine these dynamics from the ground up.
Learning Outcomes
Guided by expert faculty in rehabilitation medicine and clinical nutrition, students will develop a deep understanding of musculoskeletal health in ageing populations — through seminars, applied workshops, field visits, and case-based learning.
Analyze Biological Mechanisms
Examine the biological and physiological mechanisms contributing to osteoporosis and sarcopenia in ageing populations.
Evaluate Risk Factors & Assessment Tools
Evaluate risk factors and assessment approaches used to identify musculoskeletal decline and fall risk in older adults.
Apply Evidence-Informed Strategies
Apply evidence-informed strategies to support musculoskeletal health through nutrition, physical activity, and prevention approaches.
Interpret Rehabilitation Practices
Interpret musculoskeletal health practices observed in rehabilitation and clinical settings through field-based learning.
Who Is This Course For?
No specific prerequisites are required. The course is open to undergraduate students with an interest in health sciences, nutrition, rehabilitation, public health, or related fields.
Health Sciences & Nutrition Students
Seeking hands-on experience with musculoskeletal health, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and fall prevention in a real-world clinical and community context.
Rehabilitation & Public Health Students
Interested in evidence-informed approaches to musculoskeletal care, physical activity, and prevention strategies for ageing populations.
Study Abroad Participants
Looking to combine academic coursework with immersive experiential learning in Athens, Greece — including rehabilitation center visits and thermal wellness field studies.
Future Health & Allied Health Professionals
Preparing for careers in nutrition, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, or community health and preventive care.
Curriculum: 3 Modules, 12 Sessions
The course is organized into three thematic modules, moving from the biological foundations of musculoskeletal health, through prevention strategies and the Mediterranean lifestyle, to applied rehabilitation and integrative care.
Module 1 · Sessions 1–4
Biological Foundations & Clinical Assessment
Introduction to musculoskeletal health, bone biology and osteoporosis, muscle physiology and sarcopenia, and clinical assessment tools.
Module 2 · Sessions 5–8
Prevention Strategies & The Mediterranean Lifestyle
Mediterranean nutrition, medical and pharmacological management, physiology of exercise, and fall risk and prevention strategies.
Module 3 · Sessions 9–12
Applied Rehabilitation, Falls Prevention & Integrative Care
Rehabilitation settings, site visit to rehabilitation center, thermal wellness field study, and course synthesis and final evaluation.
Assignments
Assessment is designed to build progressively — from active participation and applied workshops to written case analysis and a final synthesis.
Participation & Engagement
Active participation in class discussions, seminars, workshops, and site visits. Includes preparation for class readings, contributions to discussions, and engagement during applied activities and observation visits.
Case Study Analysis
Short written analysis of a case related to musculoskeletal health in ageing populations (e.g., osteoporosis, sarcopenia, or fall risk). Focuses on identifying risk factors, interpreting assessment indicators, and discussing prevention or management approaches.
Reflective Field-Based Assignment
Short reflection connecting classroom concepts with real-world musculoskeletal care practices observed during the rehabilitation site visit and field-based learning activities.
Final Case Analysis
Short written analysis examining a musculoskeletal health challenge related to ageing populations. Students identify contributing factors and propose practical strategies related to nutrition, physical activity, fall prevention, or rehabilitation.
Program Experience
A rich, multi-format learning environment combining classroom instruction, applied workshops, and structured field visits across Athens and nearby regions of Greece.
Faculty-Led Seminars
12 structured academic sessions covering musculoskeletal health, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, fall prevention, nutrition, and rehabilitation.
Field Visit: Rehabilitation Center
Supervised visit to a rehabilitation center — direct observation of multidisciplinary musculoskeletal care in practice.
Thermal Wellness Field Study
Multi-day academic excursion to Loutraki and Nafplio exploring balneotherapy and mobility in ageing populations.
Applied Workshops
Hands-on workshops including Mediterranean nutrition cooking, resistance band training, and fall prevention field audit in Plaka.
Guest Lectures
Specialist guest lectures integrated throughout the program from practitioners in rehabilitation and nutrition.
Orientation & Welcome
Arrival, airport pickup, orientation at T16 Athens, Athens food walk, and welcome dinner on Day 1–2.
Meet the Faculty
Learn from experienced practitioners in rehabilitation medicine and clinical nutrition, embedded in the Greek health and academic landscape.
Dr. Yannis E. Dionyssiotis, MD, PhD
Faculty — Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine
Specialist in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; Fellow of the European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. PhD from the University of Athens. Former Scientific Director of KAFKA rehabilitation center. Board member (×3) of the International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions (ISMNI). Author of 4 books on osteoporosis and body composition.
Theano Talamagka, MSc
Faculty — Clinical Dietitian & PhD Candidate
Licensed Clinical Dietitian–Nutritionist and PhD Candidate with 10+ years of experience in clinical nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and community health. MSc in Metabolic Bone Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Expert in Mediterranean diet, healthy ageing, and nutrition for vulnerable populations. Teaching experience at IEK Alfa.
Course Details
- Course Code: HCISR_HSCI350_01012026
- Course Title: Musculoskeletal Health in Ageing: Osteoporosis, Sarcopenia and Fall Prevention
- Subject: Health Sciences, Public Health, Nutrition
- Credits: 3 undergraduate credits
- Contact Hours: 40
- Term: Summer 2027
- Dates: June 21 – July 17, 2027
- Location: Athens, Greece (with field trips to Loutraki, Nafplio, and Rehabilitation Center)
- Format: On-site, field-based
- School of Record: Arcadia Abroad (Arcadia University | The College of Global Studies)
- On-site Provider: HCISR — Hellenic Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and Research
Contact & Apply
This program is offered in partnership with Arcadia Abroad, the official School of Record, to support undergraduate students studying abroad in Athens.
HCISR | ASCLE+ ATHENS EXPERIENCE — SUMMER 2027
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