What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology is the academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, human performance, society, and quality of life.

Kinesiology, also known as Human Kinetics, is the science of human movement. It focuses on how the body functions and moves. A kinesiological approach applies scientific based medical principles towards the analysis, preservation and enhancement of human movement in all settings and populations.

Kinesiologists work in research, the fitness industry, clinically, and in industrial environments.It is not to be confused with Applied Kinesiology, a controversial alternative medicine technique. Studies on human motion may be supported by computer vision, using stereo camera systems for pose recognition and motion modeling.

Physical Activity

Physical activity includes activities of daily living, work, sport, dance, and play as well as exercise for improvement of health and physical fitness, rehabilitation from injury, disability, and disease, and conditioning and training for athletics and other high performance activities

The Knowledge Base of Kinesiology

Kinesiology integrates information gained through experiencing physical activity, through professional application, and through multi-dimensional scholarly approaches to the study of physical activity—biological, medical and health-related aspects, psychological, and social-humanistic.
Careers in Kinesiology

The study of kinesiology can lead to a variety of careers involving teaching, research, and delivery of services related to physical activity, fitness, sports management, physical education, coaching, health promotion, rehabilitation, athletic training, and sports medicine. Positions are found in a variety of settings including schools, colleges and universities, public and private agencies, clinical environments, government, business and the military.

Health Promotion: Kinesiologists working in the health promotion industry focus on working with individuals to enhance the health, fitness, and well-being of the individual. Kinesiologists can be found working in fitness facilities, personal training/corporate wellness facilities, and industry.

Clinical/Rehabilitation: Kinesiologists work with individuals with disabling conditions to assist in regaining their optimal physical function. They work with individuals in their home, fitness facilities, rehabilitation clinics, and at the worksite. They also work alongside physiotherapists.

Ergonomics: Kinesiologists work in industry to assess suitability of design of workstations and provide suggestions for modifications and assistive devices.

Health and Safety: Kinesiologists are involved in consulting with industry to identify hazards and provide recommendations and solutions to optimize the health and safety of workers.

Disability Management/Case Coordination: Kinesiologists recommend and provide a plan of action to return an injured individual to their optimal function in all aspects of life.