Kinesiology

Physical activity is “the willful exertion of the body or a portion thereof with the intent of achieving a desired
result, often performed repetitively.” It includes any change in the position of your body parts relative to each
other. The health profession that focuses on physical activity is called kinesiology. Kinesiology, also known as
human kinetics, is the science of human movement. It is regarded as an art form because it involves intuitions,
feelings and practice. It is also regarded as science because it has rules, methods, principles and logical tech-
niques.

Kinesiology is connected to research, the fitness industry, clinically, and in industrial environments. Kinesiolo-
gists apply sciences like physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, and motor learning to be able to assess the human
movement, fuction, and performance. Kinesiologists also provide consulting services, conduct research and
develop policies related to rehabilitation, human motor performance, ergonomics, and occupational health
and safety.

History

Kinesiology was first developed by an orthopedic surgeon, R.W.lovett in 1932. This technique however, was
improved upon by Florence and Henry Kendall in 1949. But the person who is considered to be the Father of
modern day Kinesiology is the chiropractor Dr. George Goodheart.

Goodheart discovered that each muscle in the body is related to an energy circuit and by testing the muscle
response, he was able to determine where there were discrepancies in the body. Later on, he discovered that
each muscle was not only related to an energy circuit, but each circuit was connected to an organ. These en-
ergy circuits are known as ‘meridians’ in traditional Chinese medicine.

With this new awareness, Goodheart was able to gather information on the state of a person’s body using
muscle response testing. He would then evaluate which type of treatment would be suitable to correct the im-
balances. As he was applying the information, the name given to this new form of therapy was ‘Applied Kinesi-
ology’. This type of therapy differs with each person. They will receive a unique treatment specifically for them
going on what information had been gathered about their own body.

Today there are many different forms of specialized Kinesiology and more are being introduced as new meth-
ods of what works and what doesn’t are found.

Scope of practice

The study of Kinesiology can lead to a variety of careers involving teaching, research, coaching and delivery of
services related to physical activity and fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation and sports medicine.

Health services
• Health Promotion
- Focuses on enhancing the health, fitness, and well-being of the individual
- Can be found working in fitness facilities, personal training/corporate wellness facilities, and industry
• Clinical/Rehabilitation
- Assists individuals with disabling conditions in regaining their optimal physical function
- Work with individuals in their home, fitness facilities, rehabilitation clinics, and at the worksite. They
also work alongside physiotherapists
• Ergonomics
- Assesses suitability of design of workstations and provide suggestions for modifications and assistive
devices
• Health and Safety
- Identifies hazards and provide recommendations and solutions to optimize the health and safety of
workers
• Disability Management/Case Coordination
- Recommends and provides a plan of action to return an injured individual to their optimal function in
all aspects of life.
• Management/Research/Administration/Health and Safety
- Fulfills roles in all the other areas that were mentioned, perform research, and manage business

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinesiology
http://www.kinesiology-uk.com/history-of-kinesiology.htm
http://www.holisticnaturalhealthcare.co.uk/kinesiology_history.html
http://kinesiology.rice.edu/what.cfm