Chapter 1: Meaning and Scope Kinesiology

Exercise Physiology

is the study of the effects of various physical demands, particularly exercise, on the structure and function of the body. Career opportunities in this field include personal trainers, fitness directors, strength and conditioning specialists, group exercise instructor, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

Sport Medicine/ Athletic Training

training is concerned with the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. Career opportunities in this field include athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, kinesiotherapist, physical therapist, nursing, doctor of osteopathy, and nutrition and diatetics.

Sport Biomechanics

applies the methods of physics and mechanics to the study of human motion and the motion of sport objects. The career specialists study the effect of various forces and laws (e.g., Newton’s laws of motion) on the body and sport objects. Career opportunities in this field include lab technician in gait analysis strength and flexibility; researcher; designer, and tester of sport companies, interfaces, and athletes.

Sport Philosophy

examines sport from many different perspectives. This discipline encompasses the study of the nature of reality, the structure of knowledge in sport, ethical and moral questions, and the aesthetics of movement. The career specialists critically examine the meaning of sport for all participants involved and enjoin us to question our beliefs and assumptions about sport. Career specialists engage in systematic reflection, use logic as a tool to advance knowledge and arrive at decisions, and seek to understand the relationship between the mind and the body. Sport philosophers debate questions of ethics, morals, and values. Career opportunities in this field include coach, sport journalist.

Sport History

history is the critical examination of the past, with a focus on events, people, and trends that influenced the development and direction of the field. This discipline is concerned with the who, what, when, where, how, and why of sport. These facts, when placed in the social context of the time, help us better understand the present and gain insight regarding the future. Careers opportunities in this field include sport historian, higher education faculty.

Sport Psychology

uses principles and scientific methods from a social science to study human behavior in sport. The career specialists help athletes improve their “mental game,” that is, develop and effectively apply skills and strategies that will enhance their performance. Achievement motivation, regulation of anxiety, self-confidence, rehabilitation adherence, cohesion, and leadership are among the topics studied by the career specialists. Career opportunities in this field academic and clinical, applied with sport teams and individuals participating in physical activity.

Motor Development

studies the factors that influence the development of abilities essential to movement. The specialist uses

longitudinal studies (i.e., studies that take place over a span of many years) to analyze the interaction of genetic and environmental factors that affect the ability of individuals to perform motor skills throughout their lifespan. study. Professionals use theories of development to design appropriate movement experiences for people of all ages, identities, and abilities. Career opportunities include physical/adapted physical education teacher, coach, rehabilitation specialist.

Motor Learning

is the study of changes in motor behavior that are primarily the result of practice and experience. The effect of the content,

frequency, and timing of feedback on skill learning is a critical area of study. The discipline is concerned with the stages an individual progresses through in moving from a beginner to a highly skilled performer. This field is

concerned with the neurophysiological and behavioral processes affecting the control of skilled movements. Career opportunities in this field include physical/adapted physical education teacher, coach, rehabilitation specialist.

Sport Sociology

is the study of the role of sport in society, its impact on participants in sport, and the relationship between sport and other societal institutions. The career specialists examine the influence of gender, race, and socioeconomic status on participation in sports and, more recently, physical activity. Drug abuse by athletes, aggression and violence, the effect of the media on sport, and player–coach relationships also interest the career specialists.

Physical Education (Pedagogy)

can be defined broadly to include the study of teaching and learning in school and nonschool settings. This field studies how physical educators and sport leaders provide an effective learning environment, achieve desired learning goals, and assess

program outcomes. It also seeks to determine the characteristics and skills possessed by effective teachers and coaches and

how these influence student/athlete activity and student/athlete learning. Career opportunities in this field include physical education teacher, coach.

Adapted Physical Education

is concerned with the preparation of teachers and sport leaders to provide programs and services for

individuals with disabilities. Specialists modify activities and sport to enable people with different abilities to participate. By federal law, the professionals have a role in designing an individualized educational plan (IEP) for students with

disabilities so that they can participate to the fullest extent they are able in school physical education. Advocacy to secure services and leadership to create more opportunities in physical education and sport are important aspects of this field. Career opportunities in this field include physical/adapted physical education teacher, coach, adapted physical activity director.

Sport Management

encompasses the many managerial aspects of sport. These include personnel management, budgeting, facility management, and programming. Other aspects of sport management are law, policy development, fundraising, and media relations. Knowledge from this area can be used by professionals in many different aspects of the sport enterprise, including interscholastic and intercollegiate sports, professional sports, fitness and health clubs, community sport and recreation programs, and sporting goods sales. Career opportunities in this field include account or event coordinator/ director, media and public relations specialist, sales representative, sport facility operations manager, sports marking director, sports information director, sport agent.

Profession

profession is an occupation requiring specialized training in an intellectual field of study that is dedicated to the betterment of society through service to others. Professionals provide services to others through the application of knowledge and skills to improve people’s well-being.

Sports

Athletics

Physical education