Kinesiologists study all aspects (psychological, physiological, biomechanical, historical, and sociological) of human movement in home, work, sport, and recreational settings.
Duties vary a lot in this field. In general, kinesiologists may:
- design athletic equipment and treatment plans (based on client needs)
- manage sports centres
- work in sports management and promotion
- work with athletes to improve their fitness and performance levels
- coach or train athletes on proper mechanics
- lead community health programs
- teach kinesiology
- test seniors’ fitness and mobility levels (to reduce and prevent accidents)
- test clients’ fitness levels (to develop physical activity programs)
- assess cardiac patients and recommend suitable levels of exercise (in consultation with a doctor)
- develop rehabilitation programs (for people with movement disorders)
- run workplace assessments (to reduce losses due to injury and to increase worker productivity).
Research kinesiologists may:
- monitor patients during exercise intervention programs (to make sure the program produces the desired results)
- use technology to run assessments and tests (such as electrocardiographs, metabolic systems, electromyography, biofeedback machines, slow-motion film, and videotapes)
- 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 people’s commitment to fitness and rehab programs.
Clinical kinesiologists may:
- assess body structures for problems (including muscular changes, cranial sutures, and spine and hip joints)
- look for neurological and digestive causes of problems
- identify the root causes of problems (to fix the problem and relieve symptoms)
- use hands-on treatments to restore and reset the body.
Kinesiologists often work closely with other health and sport professionals.
