Chapter 1 & 2

• What is kinesiology?


  The study of anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of body movement, especially in humans
• Why the change?

  1990 American Academy of Physical education looked to idenify a common name due to the fact that more than 100 different names were used for academic and administration units related to human movement. Basic conceptual frame work for the area varied from University to University. There was a multitude of degree titles; program names etc that lead to confusion regarding the study of human movement
• Scope of Kinesiology?

  • increase recognition of the importance of health related and skill related human movement
  • relationship of health and human movement are intertwined
  • the correlation between being phyically active and healthy is proven and well established
• Scope of Kinesiology: Health Performance?

  • increasing recognition of kinesiology graduates in health related and medical professions as well as performance enhancement and teaching
  • more proactive approach to health rather than reactive approach of looking at the treatment of disease
  • wellness: a combination of health and happiness in a balanced state of well being
• What are the six dimensions of health?

  Health is dimensional, the following are considered the dimensions of health: Physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental.
• Scope of Kinesiology: Health Performance?

  includes human movement with varying degrees of vigor and involves both fine and gross motor skills

  • it fluctuates from creative freedom of play of structured modes of organized competition played at all levels by all age groups with varying degrees of seriousness
• Scope of Kinesiology: Skill Related Performance?

  Competition varies from team sports such as hockey, basketball, soccer to a wide range of dividual challenges:

  • one vs. self (ex. rowing, cycing, etc)
  • one vs. another (tennis, badminton)
  • one vs. many (marathon, triathlon)
  • one vs. standards (distance or time)
  • one vs. nature (rock climbing)
• Combined Program of Study?

  Health related movement and skill related physical activity provide for a considerable scope of study and a vast array of potential professions in and through kinesiology
• Signifance of Kinesiology?

  Potential to help answer many of the major questions facing the global community. Topics addressed include:

  • personal, public, and environmental health
  • teaching and learning based on motor development and skill acquistion
  • sport performance from beginner to elite
  • issues in sport and the cultural phenomenon of elite sport
  • biophysical bases of kinesiology such as exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics attracts many to the field
  • sociocultural, behavioral, and philosopical complexities of sport attract even more students to this area of study
• Experiencing the body of Knowledge in Kinesiology: Personal Applications

  • immediate bearing on lifestyle and well being decisions
  • athletic performance enhancement of self or others
  • access to cutting edge research and equipment
  • applicability to medical, paramedical professions
• Experiencing the Body Knowledge in Kinesiology: Public Applications:

  • education and dispersal of knowledge can help towards eradication of many modern day diseases globally
  • the cutting edge research and equipment can help human performance reach levels never being imagined
• Careers in Kinesiology?

  Health and Fitness:

  • worksite programs (onsite gyms and consultants)
  • commercial programs (shapes, goodlife)
  • clinical programs (hospital, general medical, etc)
  • community programs (facility manager, pools or rinks, recreation coordinator, seniors complex)
  • therapy and rehabilitation (AT, PT, OT, MT, Vocational Therapist, Prosthetic and Orthotics, Cardiac Rehabilitation)
  • Teaching and coaching
  • sport management and administration
  • medicine and medical science
  • various other fields (police, firefighter customer service, pharmaceutical sales)