What is Kinesiology?

Updated December 6, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Kinesiology refers to the study of both human or non-human movement. The subject is an all-inclusive examination of every factor that plays into the possibility of any inorganic or organic material being in motion. The different areas of focus that kinesiology-focused researchers examine to better dissect the concept of movement include biomechanics, psychology, and physiology. ...

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Kinesiology refers to the study of both human or non-human movement. The subject is an all-inclusive examination of every factor that plays into the possibility of any inorganic or organic material being in motion. The different areas of focus that kinesiology-focused researchers examine to better dissect the concept of movement include biomechanics, psychology, and physiology. The study of kinesiology lends itself towards a number of specific scientifically based disciplines such as sports psychology, athletic rehabilitation, physical therapy and more.

Functional Application Of Kinesiology

A thorough understanding of kinesiology lends itself to better understanding of the basic fundamentals of electrophysiology in neurological activity. Kinesiology is also what makes the practice of orthopedics possible. It is not simply a matter of understanding the movement of the limbs, but also the molecular function of brain waves that ultimately culminate into every minute physical manipulation of the human figure.

Kinesiology, as an umbrella term, represents an intersection between neuroscience, psychology, anatomy and biomechanics. Through the proper application of kinesiological principles, professionals in the field of rehabilitation and physical education are capable of exercising their skills in a well-advised manner.

Distinctions Between Comprehension And Clinical Practice

It is important to be aware of the fact that while kinesiology provides a strong foundation for understanding human movement, the comprehension of kinesiology alone is not sufficient enough to merit one as being prepared for clinical practice. Kinesiology is a in-depth scientific study area, but in order for professionals to be prepared for the clinical application of kinesiology, further training in a specific discipline that calls for it is necessary.

There is no specific professional designation of "kinesiologist," but there are many professional designations that borrow heavily from the core principles of kinesiology in order to be possible. Through a strong understanding of the scientific fundamentals of kinesiology, a very wide array of interdisciplinary sciences that relate heavily to human movement can be conducted with the best base of understanding.

Outside of a strictly clinical setting, effective kinesiology comprehension can lend itself towards the optimization of ergonomics. Proper ergonomics can be highly useful for the development of products made for human handling, from those meant for athletic performance to those that are simply meant to be handled on an everyday basis. Ergonomics can be a highly useful aspect of the construction of basic utensils used around the household, even if they aren't necessarily related to athletic competition.

Credentials And Education Levels

There is no standard entry-level education requirement for all of the different occupations that could benefit from the application of an understanding of kinesiology, as the field is simply too broad to encompass every single possible profession that it is relevant to under a single level of educational experience. Many who enter occupations that heavily rely on a strong base in kinesiology have a Bachelor of Science, though there are those who go further with the acquisition of a Master of Science or Doctorate of Philosophy.

In addition to kinesiology, doctoral programs that are heavily focused in the area of human movement are oftentimes supplemented by courses such as mechanical engineering, psychology and neuroscience.

See also: Top 10 Cheap Online Master's in Sports and Recreation Management Degree Programs

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