What is Kinesiology?

“Kinesiology is the science of human movement, applying the latest evidenced-based research to improve health and wellness of people in all settings and populations.”

-- Ontario Kinesiology Association

Kinesiology combines the principels of anaotmy, phsiology and biomechaics to prevent the effects of chronic conditions through exercise. The key focus is optimal function by the prevention, management and/or improved performance of the human body.

What does a Kinesiologist do?

A kinesiologist specializes in the science of  human movement and can help you to manage and prevent injury and chronic disease, as well assist in the process of developing peak performance. They empower their clients to make positive changes for their own well-being and use evidence-based research to create programs that will provide lasting results. They focus on

• preventing injury

• mobility and performance

• improving worker productivity

• disease prevention and care

• posture, strength and flexibility

Kinesiologists can help to manage and decrease the risk of

• musculoskeletal disorders

• diabetes

• coronary heart disease

• some cancers

• Alzheimer's disease

• stroke

• mental health conditions

Where do kinesiologists work and what services do they provide?

Kinesiologists can work in a number of settings including

• Private health clinics

• Hospitals

• Research facilities

• Universities

• Fitness clubs

Self-employed kinesiologists create their own schedules and may work up to 6 hours in one location and travel to another. They provide the following services:

• Musculoskeletal assessments

• Postural assessments and education

• Rehabilitation: stroke, cardiovascular, sports injury, workplace injury, traumatic brain injury, and functional re-training

• Create, implement and supervise workplace wellness programs

• Management of automobile accident or disability claims

• Personal training

• Mental health management

• Diabetes management

• Aquatic therapy

• Specialized programs for medical disorders (cancer, diabetes, MS)

Is kinesiology a licensed health care professional?

Yes, on April 1, 2013 kinesiologists became recognized as regulated health care professionals.

What kind of education does a kinesiologist have?

Kinesiologists require a university four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, Kinathropology or in an equivalent program. After graduation, they are eligible to write an exam to become registered under the Ontario legislation. After passing the exams they are then considered a registered Kinesiologist. Every registered kinesiologist is required to take continuing education courses which are overseen by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. They are educated to help people reach their optimal level of fitness, prevent or manage injury, chronic disease as well as other health conditions. The courses focus on

• Human Anatomy

• Physiology

• Biomechanics

• Health Psychology

• Ergonomics

• Physical Activity and Sport

• Exercise

• Injury and Rehabilitation

What health conditions can kinesiology be used for?

Kinesiologists to provide care in the prevention, management and recovery of a number of conditions:

• Sports Injury and performance

• Nervous disorders

• Stress management

• Diabetes

• Stroke

• Back problems

• Injury from slips and falls (recovery and prevention)

• Depression and mental health management

• General wellbeing

Yes, on April 1, 2013 kinesiologists became recognized as regulated health care professionals. In Ontario, when a professional registers as a kinesiologist, the public should be able to expect a certain level of expertise and quality of service since they have a standard to uphold in practice and are being held accountable by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.
 

Assessments and Evaluations

Kinesiologists can perform a number of assessments including:  joint range of motion, musculoskeletal, and gait assessments, manual muscle testing, posture evaluations, functional abilities evaluations, and work-site evaluations. From the findings, in conjuction with quesitonnaires, the information can be used to create and manage the appropriate wellness programs.

Rehabilitation

Kinesiologists can aid patients in their physical recovery from sports injuries, workplace injury, a traumatic brain injury, and functional re-training. The goal for each patient may vary. For example, someone may see a kinesiologist to further develop the muscles in their hand so they can grip and pick up objects, or to recover from a back injury they suffered from lifting heavy objects at work.

Personal Training

Kinesiologists can assist in providing high atheltic performance and weight management by creating programs specifically to target the client's needs and adapting them when necessary. The evidence-based research that kinesiologists use to support methods of training have proven to provide results. 

Mental Health Management

Exercise is used as a tool in stress management and addictions treatment. 

Diabetes management

Exercise has been proven to imporove insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is especially beneficial for patients with joint problems because exercising in water helps to relieve stress on the joints.

Specialized Programs

Kinesiologists are regulated health professionals and thus can specialize in a related field. They can use their experitse to create training programs for patients with various medical disorders such as cancer, diabetes, or MS. 
 

Kinesiologists require a university four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, Kinathropology or in an equivalent program. After graduation, they are eligible to write an exam to become registered under the Ontario legislation. After passing the exams they are then considered a registered Kinesiologist. Every registered kinesiologist is required to take continuing education courses which are overseen by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. Their courses focus on

• Human Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Health Psychology
• Ergonomics
• Physical Activity and Sport
• Exercise
• Injury and Rehabilitation
   

• Coronary Heart Disease.
• Cut Down the Risk of Heart Attacks.
• Cut Down the Risk of Some Cancers.
• Incorrect Form for Simple or Complex Activities.
• Fatigue.
• Musculoskeletal Pain (Back, Neck, Knee).
• Chronic Pain (Arthritis, Fibromyalgia).
• Work Performance (Concentration, Productivity).
• Sport Performance (Training, Recovery, Competition).

Kinesiologists can work in a number of settings including: 

• Private health clinics
• Hospitals
• Research facilities
• Universities
• Fitness clubs

Self-employed kinesiologists create their own schedules and may work up to 6 hours, for example,  in one location and travel to another.