What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the science of human movement. A kinesiologist studies the principals of prevention, management, and performance. It applies to sport psychology; biomechanics and orthopedics; methods of rehabilitation; strength and conditioning; health and wellness; athletics, and exercise.
How Do You Become a Kinesiologist?
In Canada, Kinesiology is a professional designation as well as an area of study. A Kinesiologist can begin their career after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from an accredited Canadian university. Kinesiologists must also register with their provincial Kinesiology association and abide by the standards set by that association.
The primary purpose of most Kinesiology programs is to prepare students for a wide variety of careers in health, fitness, wellness, and education-related fields. A Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology also serves as great preparation for graduate and professional study in Kinesiology, as well as complimentary fields such as medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractics.
Through the course of their Kinesiology education, students will study physiology, anatomy, fitness, and health assessment, gaining practical experience in the development of fitness, wellness, and nutrition programs. They will also learn about occupational ergonomics and intervention strategies that promote a healthy and balanced work environment.
What Can a Kinesiologist Do for Me?
As university-trained health professionals, Kinesiologists work with patients to apply the principles of anatomy, physiology, and movement to enhance quality of life through the promotion of physical activity and workplace health and safety. They also focus on the prevention and management of injury, disability, chronic disease, and the overall improvement of health, function, and performance.
Kinesiologists design and conduct health and wellness programs for all age groups and teach courses and workshops in health promotion, including general fitness, sport performance, athletic training, human nutrition, and general issues related to a person’s physical wellbeing.
Kinesiologists are experts in exercise and the body’s motion. Due to their education and training, they are excellent fitness trainers. A Kinesiologist will use their advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and movement to develop a personalized fitness program to help you meet your goals and achieve long-term results. A Kinesiologist can also apply their intermediate knowledge of biomechanics to take your training to the next level and break through training plateaus.
Kinesiologists also specialize in rehabilitation. They provide assessment and treatment services for the rehabilitation of people suffering from physical injuries sustained at work, in car accidents, in sports, and other physical activities. They can assist these individuals in regaining their optimal physical function and may work with individuals in their home, fitness facilities, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, and at the worksite. They also work alongside physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
People will often be referred to a Kinesiologist after seeing a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or occupational therapist to begin active rehabilitation, which consists of the assessment of physical function followed by the creation and implementation of a structured and personally tailored exercise program to enhance and promote the safe and consistent return to an individual’s normal physical function and daily activities.