Kinesiology

Kinesiology is a health field which involves human movement and how it impacts fitness and health.  It is based on the Greek word ‘kinesis’ which means movement.  A kinesiologist will carry out movement assessment and testing and come up with solutions based on clients’ physiology, biomechanics, anatomy and motor skills.  The objectives of kinesiology are to assess the body condition(s), the impact of any injury on body function and lifestyle, to understand how the body heals and how to prevent injury, and to attain recovery and optimum health.

One of the early pioneers of human movement was a dance artist Rudolf Von Laban.  In 1947 he was particularly interested in distinctions between expressive and functional movement.  He looked at movement in terms of space, time, weight and flow.  The 1970’s brought a real fitness boon.  The study of kinesiology paved the way in the 1980’s for innovative devices and techniques such as kinesio taping which helps protect and treat muscles and tendons.

With increasing interest in health and fitness the study of kinesiology has increased over the years.  At Western University in Ontario the School of Kinesiology opened in 1948.  While there were only 3 graduates in 1950, the undergraduate population boasted 1300 students in 1999.   Here in BC, at the University of BC the first BA in physical education was offered in 1946.  Since then there has been increased interest in the science related to physical activity, the start of a sports medicine clinic, and growing enrollment.  Today the school is called the School of Kinesiology and there is both a BA and MA offered.

A typical session will take 45 minutes to 1 hour and will include consultation and movement assessments.  Generally speaking, related health approaches such as physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, rehabilitation specialists can be involved, and techniques such as Taping, Ocuupational Therapy, Massage Therapy, Ergonomic Assessment and Rehabilitation Therapy can be utilized.  The number of sessions will depend on the nature of the injury or body condition.