Kinesiology is the study of the dynamics of human movement and its components (anatomical, physiological, neurological, biochemical, biomechanical, neuromotor, psychological) in interaction with the environment.
In simpler terms, we can say that kinesiology is also defined as human kinetics, or the scientific study of human movement. The term comes from the Greek word kinesis, which means "to move."
Kinesiology consists of several fields of study that, in their own right, could each form an independent profession (e.g., physiologist, biomechanist, neurologist, etc.). In Canada, we have chosen to group together all the professions that focus on aspects of human locomotion.
As university-educated health professionals, Kinesiologists apply exercise and movement science to promote health and well-being; prevent, manage and rehabilitate injuries; treat illness and chronic disease; restore function; and optimize human performance in the workplace, clinical settings, sport and fitness. Kinesiologists are the only human movement specialists that use science and research to offer movement as medicine, to any person with a health or fitness goal who wants a hands-on, personalized approach.
Physical activity is a movement performed by skeletal muscles that requires energy. In other words, any movement we do is, in fact, physical activity. Exercise, however, is planned, structured, repetitive and intentional movement designed to improve or maintain physical fitness. Exercise is a subcategory of physical activity. Research provides significant evidence that all physical activity contributes positively to health and well-being.
Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and physical abilities, in many settings, to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. Kinesiologists improve quality of life, often using interventions that include physical activity.
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