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Internationalization in higher education is essential, and although active learning methodologies are increasing and allow students to develop transversal skills, most still have a very local scope. In this context, the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) methodology is an interesting approach to benefit the students' development. It consists of an online program that involves creating multicultural teams to develop a specific learning project. Although this methodology is expanding, its use in physiology is still scarce. This paper aims to show an example of applying COIL methodology in physiology topics to enhance higher-education students' innovation and business skills. Our example project developed a sports-assessment service concept focused on physiology and biomechanics assessments. The program involved teams from Brazil, Germany, and Spain, comprising undergraduate and master students. Over 7 weeks, these teams, mentored by professors and researchers, engaged in workshops covering COIL methodology, business model design, executive summary planning, economic analyses, and communication techniques. Key outcomes included learning new concepts, developing soft skills, building confidence in innovative solution proposals, and experiencing diverse cultures. Challenges faced were language barriers, scheduling, task complexity, and logistical issues. This experience confirms the effectiveness of incorporating programs using COIL methodology into educational curriculums. Doing so exposes physiology students to innovation, entrepreneurship, and business creation while strengthening their professional connections and opening up postgraduation opportunities.

RESUMOIntrodução:A repetibilidade e a variabilidade da pressão plantar em avaliações da marcha são componentes importantes na avaliação clínica do idoso. Contudo, pouco é conhecido sobre a consistência dos padrões de pressão plantar em idosos.Objetivo:Analisar a variabilidade e repetibilidade da pressão plantar durante da marcha de idosos, considerando valores médios, picos e assimetrias.Métodos:A pressão plantar foi avaliada em quatro diferentes dias em 10 idosos (cinco mulheres), com idade média ± desvio-padrão de 73 ± 6 anos, durante o andar descalço em velocidade preferida. Os dados de pressão plantar foram comparados entre as pisadas em cada dia e entre os diferentes dias de avaliação.Resultados:Dados de pressão média e pico foram similares entre os diferentes dias de avaliação. Os índices de assimetria observados foram similares entre os diferentes dias avaliados.Conclusão:A pressão plantar (média e pico) apresentou um padrão consistente nos idosos. Contudo, os índices de assimetria observados sugerem que idosos estejam sistematicamente expostos a cargas assimétricas durante a locomoção. Essa observação requer futuras investigações, especialmente em relação ao impacto dessas assimetrias na origem de doenças articulares.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Subjects with sensorial losses present balance deficits. Although such condition is often observed among elderly, there is discussion concerning the dependence on sensorial information for body sway control in the elderly without sensorial losses. Purpose: We investigated the effects of foot sensitivity manipulation on postural control during upright standing in young adults and independent elderly (n = 19/group). Methods: Plantar sensitivity was evaluated by esthesiometry, and speed of center of pressure shift data during upright posture were evaluated for each foot using a baropodometer while the subjects were standing with eyes open or closed. The young adult group was evaluated for center of pressure in normal conditions and after plantar sensitivity disturbance, by immersing their feet in water and ice. Results: Young adults did not show alterations in their center of pressure after sensorial perturbation and presented, even under sensorial perturbation, better postural control than elderly subjects. The elderly showed lower foot sensitivity and greater center of pressure oscillation than young adults. Conclusion: Elderly subjects seem to rely more on foot sensitivity for control of body sway than young adults. In the elderly, a clinical intervention to improve foot sensitivity may help in upright posture maintenance.