Kinesiology is the study of human movement and physical activity. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including biomechanics, motor control, and learning, exercise physiology, sport psychology, and rehabilitation. Kinesiologists use scientific methods to study human movement and physical activity and apply this knowledge to improve physical performance, prevent injury, and promote health and wellness.

They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, and universities. Some common career paths for kinesiologists include working as a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or exercise scientist. Kinesiology is a rapidly growing field that is becoming increasingly important as the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes increases.

What science is kinesiology

Kinesiology is a scientific field that studies human movement and physical activity. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on concepts and methods from a variety of other sciences, including:

  • Biology: Kinesiologists study the structure and function of the human body and how it relates to movement and physical activity. This includes understanding the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.

  • Physics: Biomechanics is a subdiscipline of kinesiology that uses principles of physics to study the mechanics of human movement. This includes analyzing the forces and movements involved in activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

  • Psychology: Motor control and learning is a subdiscipline of kinesiology that examines the neural and cognitive processes that underlie movement. This includes understanding how the brain controls movement and how people learn new motor skills.

  • Exercise physiology and Sport Psychology: They focus on the physiological and psychological factors that influence physical activity and performance.

Kinesiology is a research-based field, and kinesiologists use a wide range of research methods, including observational studies, experiments, and computer simulations to study human movement and physical activity. They also use specialized equipment such as motion capture systems, force plates, and electromyography to measure and analyze movement.

In summary, Kinesiology is a scientific field that uses the methods and principles from various sciences such as biology, physics, psychology to study human movement and physical activity. With the knowledge gained from this field, it is aimed to improve physical performance, prevent injury, and promote health and wellness.

Kinesiology is a multidisciplinary field that draws on concepts and methods from a variety of other disciplines, such as biology, physics, and psychology. Biomechanics, for example, uses principles of physics to study the mechanics of human movement, while motor control and learning examine the neural and cognitive processes that underlie movement. Exercise physiology and sports psychology, on the other hand, focus on the physiological and psychological factors that influence physical activity and performance.

Kinesiologists also use a wide range of research methods to study human movement and physical activity. These methods include observational studies, experiments, and computer simulations. Kinesiologists may also use motion capture systems, force plates, and other specialized equipment to measure and analyze movement.

Careers

Kinesiologists can work in a variety of settings, depending on their interests and career goals. Some common settings include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, and universities. Physical therapists, for example, may work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, helping people recover from injuries and illnesses.

Athletic trainers may work with athletes at the high school, college, or professional level, providing care and rehabilitation services. Exercise scientists may work in research settings, conducting studies to understand the physiological and psychological effects of physical activity.

Kinesiology offers a wide range of career opportunities for people with an interest in human movement and physical activity. Some common career paths for kinesiologists include:

  • Physical Therapist: Physical therapists work with patients to help them recover from injuries and illnesses. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, stretching, and manual therapy, to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function.

  • Athletic Trainer: Athletic trainers work with athletes at all levels, providing care and rehabilitation services. They may work with teams or individual athletes, helping them to prevent injuries, recover from injuries, and improve performance.

  • Exercise Physiologist: Exercise physiologists study the physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity. They may work in research settings, conducting studies to understand the effects of physical activity on the body and mind, or they may work in clinical settings, helping people to improve their physical fitness and health.

  • Sport Psychologist: Sport psychologists work with athletes, coaches, and teams to help them perform at their best. They may help athletes to develop mental skills such as concentration, motivation, and self-confidence, and work with coaches and teams to create a positive and supportive environment.

  • Rehabilitation Specialist: Rehabilitation specialists work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, helping people recover from injuries and illnesses. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, stretching, and manual therapy, to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function.

  • Personal Trainer: Personal trainers work with clients to help them improve their physical fitness and achieve their health and fitness goals. They may work in gyms, fitness centers, or other settings, and may specialize in areas such as strength training, cardiovascular fitness, or weight loss.

  • Research Scientist/Professor in Universities: Kinesiologists can also work in Universities as researchers or professors. They conduct research on various aspects of human movement, physical activity, and health, and teach courses in kinesiology and related fields to undergraduate and graduate students.

What are exercise science, kinesiology, and exercise physiology?

Exercise Science, Kinesiology, and Exercise Physiology are all related fields that study human movement and physical activity. However, each field has a slightly different focus and approach:

  • Exercise Science is a broad field that encompasses the study of the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological responses to physical activity. Exercise scientists may study how physical activity affects the body and mind, and how to improve physical performance and prevent injury.

  • Kinesiology is a multidisciplinary field that studies human movement and physical activity. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including biomechanics, motor control and learning, sport psychology, and rehabilitation. Kinesiologists use scientific methods to study human movement and physical activity and apply this knowledge to improve physical performance, prevent injury, and promote health and wellness.

  • Exercise Physiology is a subdiscipline of kinesiology and exercise science. Exercise physiologists study the physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity. They may work in research settings, conducting studies to understand the effects of physical activity on the body and mind, or they may work in clinical settings, helping people to improve their physical fitness and health.

In summary, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, and Exercise Physiology are all fields that study human movement and physical activity, but they have slightly different focuses.

Exercise Science is a broad field that encompasses the study of the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological responses to physical activity, Kinesiology is a multidisciplinary field that studies human movement and physical activity from various perspectives, and Exercise Physiology is a subdiscipline of Kinesiology and Exercise Science that focuses on the physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity.

What is the primary difference between the study of exercise science and kinesiology? 

Exercise Science and Kinesiology are both fields that study human movement and physical activity, but there are some differences in their focus and approach.

The main difference between Exercise Science and Kinesiology is that Exercise Science is primarily focused on the physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity, while Kinesiology is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines related to human movement and physical activity.

Exercise Science is primarily focused on understanding the effects of physical activity on the body and mind and how to improve physical performance and prevent injury. Exercise scientists may study topics such as cardiovascular fitness, muscle physiology, metabolism, and exercise prescription.

Kinesiology, on the other hand, is a broader field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines related to human movement and physical activity, such as biomechanics, motor control and learning, sport psychology, and rehabilitation. Kinesiologists use scientific methods to study human movement and physical activity and apply this knowledge to improve physical performance, prevent injury, and promote health and wellness.

In summary, both Exercise Science and Kinesiology are fields that study human movement and physical activity, but Exercise Science is primarily focused on the physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity, while Kinesiology is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines related to human movement and physical activity.

Do most people with a bachelor’s degree in these fields go on to graduate school in a related field?

Many people with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology go on to graduate school in a related field. Pursuing a graduate degree can provide students with additional expertise and knowledge in a specific area of study, and also increase their career opportunities.

Some common graduate programs for people with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science include:

  • Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science,
  • Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Physical Activity and Public Health,
  • Master of Science (MS) in Sport and Exercise Psychology,
  • Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation Science,
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Similarly, for people with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, some common graduate programs include:

  • Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology,
  • Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science,
  • Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Physical Activity and Public Health,
  • Master of Science (MS) in Sport and Exercise Psychology,
  • Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation Science,
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

It is also worth noting that some students with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science may also choose to pursue graduate programs in related fields such as Medicine, Occupational therapy, Chiropractic and so on.

Overall, pursuing a graduate degree in a related field can provide students with additional expertise and knowledge in a specific area of study and also increase their career opportunities.

What kind of salary can one expect to earn with a degree in professions related to exercise science and kinesiology?

The salary for professionals in the field of Exercise Science and Kinesiology can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of job, level of education, years of experience, and location. However, in general, individuals with a degree in these fields can expect to earn a competitive salary.

Here are some examples of average salaries for some common careers in Exercise Science and Kinesiology:

  • Physical Therapist: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists in the United States was $87,930 in May 2021.

  • Athletic Trainer: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for athletic trainers in the United States was $48,440 in May 2022.

  • Exercise Physiologist: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for exercise physiologists in the United States was $48,040 in May 2020.

  • Sport Psychologist: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for sport psychologists in the United States was $75,000 in 2022.

  • Rehabilitation Specialist: According to Payscale, the average salary for a rehabilitation specialist is $47,279 per year.

  • Personal Trainer: According to Payscale, the average salary for a personal trainer is $46,924 per year.

It is worth noting that these are average salaries and can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of employer. Additionally, pursuing a graduate degree, such as a Master’s or Doctorate, can also lead to higher earning potential in the field of Exercise Science and Kinesiology.

It’s also important to know that the job outlook for professionals in Exercise Science and Kinesiology is positive, with projections for growth in jobs in the field. This is due to increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity and the aging population.

Where do graduates of exercise science programs work?

Exercise Science graduates can work in a variety of settings, depending on their interests and career goals. Some common workplaces for exercise science graduates include:

  • Hospitals: Exercise science graduates can work in hospitals as part of rehabilitation teams, helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses. They may work with patients who have had surgeries, have chronic conditions, or have suffered from a stroke, for example.

  • Fitness Centers/Gyms: Exercise Science graduates can work as personal trainers or fitness instructors in fitness centers or gyms. They can help clients to improve their physical fitness, achieve their health and fitness goals, and design exercise programs tailored to their specific needs.

  • Universities and research institutes: Exercise science graduates can also work in universities and research institutes as researchers or professors. They conduct research on various aspects of human movement, physical activity and health, and teach courses in exercise science and related fields to undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Sports teams and organizations: Exercise Science graduates can work with sports teams and organizations as strength and conditioning coaches or sport scientists. They design and implement training programs for athletes, monitor their performance, and work with other members of the team to help athletes achieve their best performance.

  • Corporate Wellness Programs: Exercise Science graduates can also work in corporate wellness programs where they design and implement health and wellness programs for employees.

  • Government agencies: Exercise Science graduates can work in government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), etc. These agencies conduct research on the health effects of physical activity and develop physical activity guidelines for the public.

These are just a few examples of the many career paths available to exercise science graduates. With the increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity and the aging population, the field of exercise science will continue to grow and offer many opportunities in the future.

How is kinesiology related to science?

Kinesiology is a scientific field that studies human movement and physical activity. It draws on concepts and methods from a variety of sciences, including:

  • Biology: Kinesiologists study the structure and function of the human body and how it relates to movement and physical activity. This includes understanding the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.

  • Physics: Biomechanics is a subdiscipline of kinesiology that uses principles of physics to study the mechanics of human movement. This includes analyzing the forces and movements involved in activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

  • Psychology: Motor control and learning is a subdiscipline of kinesiology that examines the neural and cognitive processes that underlie movement. This includes understanding how the brain controls movement and how people learn new motor skills.

  • Exercise Physiology: It is a subdiscipline of kinesiology that studies the physiological and biochemical responses to physical activity.

Kinesiology is a research-based field and kinesiologists use a wide range of research methods, including observational studies, experiments, and computer simulations to study human movement and physical activity. They also use specialized equipment such as motion capture systems, force plates, and electromyography to measure and analyze movement.

In summary, Kinesiology is a scientific field that uses methods and principles from various sciences such as biology, physics, and psychology to study human movement and physical activity. With the knowledge gained from this field, it is aimed to improve physical performance, prevent injury, and promote health and wellness.

Is kinesiology a part of physics?

Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on concepts and methods from a variety of sciences, including physics. Biomechanics is a subdiscipline of kinesiology that uses principles of physics to study the mechanics of human movement. Biomechanics is the study of the forces and movements involved in activities such as walking, running, jumping, and other forms of physical activity. Biomechanists use mathematical models and physical laws to analyze human movement and understand how the body moves and the impact of physical activity on the body. This knowledge is then applied to improve physical performance, prevent injury, and promote health and wellness.

So, in short, kinesiology is not a part of physics but it draws on principles of physics and uses them to study the human movement, hence it’s an interdisciplinary field.

The Final Note

In conclusion, Kinesiology is a diverse and rapidly growing field that offers a wide range of career opportunities for people with a passion for human movement and physical activity. Kinesiologists use scientific methods to study human movement and physical activity and apply this knowledge to improve physical performance, prevent injury, and promote health and wellness. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, and universities. With the increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity and the aging population, the field of kinesiology will continue to grow and offer many opportunities in the future.

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Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I've been writing articles for more than 12 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I'm currently writing for many websites and newspapers. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. All my years as a computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. You can contact me on our forum or by email at [email protected].