Kinesiologist

Kinesiologists study all aspects (psychological, physiological, biomechanical, historical and sociological) of human movement in home, work, sport and recreational environments.

Duties and responsibilities vary considerably from one position to another in this multi-disciplinary field. For example, kinesiologists may:

• design athletic equipment
• manage sport facilities
• provide assistance in sport management and promotion
• work with athletes to improve their fitness and performance levels
• coach or train amateur or professional athletes 
• provide leadership in community wellness programs
• teach in schools
• conduct fitness and mobility testing and assessments to reduce and prevent accidents among the elderly
• assess client fitness levels and assist in developing appropriate physical activity programs
• assess cardiac patients and recommend appropriate levels of exercise
• develop rehabilitation programs for people who have movement disorders
• conduct workplace assessments to reduce losses due to injury and to increase worker productivity.

Kinesiologists working in research may:

• monitor patients while they go through an exercise intervention program to ensure the program produces the desired effect
• use various forms of technology (for example, electrocardiographs, metabolic systems, electromyography, biofeedback machines, slow-motion film and videotapes) to conduct assessments and testing
• study the physiological requirements of exercise and related performance and health outcomes
• study the biomechanics and motor control of human movement
• study factors that affect adherence to fitness and rehabilitation programs.

Kinesiologists often work closely with other health and sport professionals.

Kinesiologists work in a wide variety of environments outdoors and indoors (in offices, laboratories, recreation facilities, hospitals, schools and residential facilities). The work can be physically demanding and involve lifting up to 20 kilograms. For example, kinesiologists may do exercises with patients or be required to move or lift patients who cannot exercise alone.

Research activities may involve long hours of studying computer analyses, collecting data and monitoring exercise programs.

Kinesiologists need the following characteristics:

• self-confidence combined with leadership and critical thinking skills
• oral and written communication skills
• patience, tolerance and flexibility in their relationships with others
• an interest in keeping up to date with new technology
• teamwork skills
• creativity and adaptability to changing demands
• an interest in scientific research.

They should enjoy working with people, using equipment and solving problems.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Kinesiologists are employed by:

• government facilities for special needs populations
• athletic equipment companies
• elementary and secondary schools
• rehabilitation and occupational health departments
• sport and fitness centres
• professional and amateur sport organizations
• hospitals and primary health care settings 
• post-secondary education institutions
• sport governing bodies.

Some self-employed kinesiologists work on a contract basis for more than one employer.

Kinesiologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4167: Recreation, sports and fitness program supervisors and consultants. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Public Administration (PDF)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)
• Other Services (PDF)
• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 2,100 Albertans are employed in the Recreation, sports and fitness program supervisors and consultants occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 40 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As kinesiologists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for kinesiologists.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Kinesiology Association (AKA) website: albertakinesiology.ca

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) website: www.csep.ca

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.