ABOUT KINESIOLOGISTS
Kinesiology is the scientific study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement and function.
Kinesiologists are university educated health professionals. They apply exercise and movement science in order to promote general health and wellbeing, prevent, manage and rehabilitate injuries, treat illness and chronic disease, restore function, and optimize human performance in clinical settings, the workplace, or for sport and fitness.
Learn more about their academic background.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Kinesiologists provide unique services through the application of the science of human movement and deliver quality solutions through prevention, assessment, and intervention.
In New Brunswick, the area of practice for Kinesiologists include, but not limited to:
- Ergonomics
- Rehabilitation
- Strength and Conditioning
- Human Performance
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Activities of Daily Living
- Chronic Disease Prevention
- Disability Management
- Health and Wellness
- Etc.
Kinesiologists have three major categories they often work under, including Prevention, Rehabilitation/Ergonomics/Health Care, and Human Performance. For prevention: Kinesiologists specialize in prevention of injury and chronic disease through the use of exercise as prevention. For rehabilitation/ergonomics/health care, kinesiologists have a wide range of knowledge in assessment, prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders, chronic disease, etc. For performance, Kinesiologists can be seen helping to improve physical performance in sport, recreation, work, and activities of daily living.
Kinesiologists can either work independently or with a team. They often work in rehabilitation clinics along with other healthcare professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Athletic Therapists, Chiropractors, Dietitians, or Physical Therapists. Independently, they are commonly seen working with different clients to develop different types of training programs.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) for 2011 from Statistics Canada places Kinesiologists under Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (3144).
They define the main duties of a Kinesiologist as:
- Assess patients and review reports from physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, counsellors, teachers and other professionals to determine patients’ current and potential functioning level
- Prepare individualized and group treatment plans either independently or through a multidisciplinary team approach, based on health concerns and on recommendations from physicians or other health professionals
- Design specialized therapy programs to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement, musculoskeletal functioning and performance in sports, work and recreation
- Implement treatment plans by carrying out specialized therapy sessions employing approaches and techniques such as art, drama and music therapy or dance, recreational, sports or other movement therapy
- Observe, record observations and analyze patients during treatment sessions, write progress reports on patient outcomes and consult with other health professionals to evaluate treatment plans
- May provide education to clients regarding health promotion and injury prevention, management and treatment
- May conduct research in respective field of specialization.
WHY CHOOSE A KINESIOLOGIST?
Kinesiologists are specialists in human movement and physical activity. By choosing a certified member in kinesiology, you are assuring yourself a confident health professional. Kinesiologists are required to complete mandatory continuing education credits to stay current in the field of kinesiology and to remain certified.
What are the Competencies of a Kinesiologist?
Kinesiology is the study of the dynamics of human movement, including physiological, neurological, biochemical, biomechanical, neuromotor and psychological components, as we interact with our environment.
In Canada, the following fields are grouped together under the kinesiology umbrella, focusing on all aspects of human locomotion:
- Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Neurology
- Mobility
- Anatomy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Posturology
- Anthropometry
Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and physical abilities, regardless of age or if they have health problems or not. They help improve quality of life, often using interventions that include physical activity and in many settings help people to achieve health and wellness goals.
Find a kinesiologist
By choosing a certified kinesiologist, you are ensuring that you have a competent health professional who will help guide you towards a healthier you through their expertise in physical activity and movement.
In fact, certified kinesiologists are university educated health professionals who must participate in continuing education initiatives in order to maintain their certification. This process ensures that they stay current after their graduation.
Find a certified kinesiologist in your region by searching the member directory of certified kinesiologists in New Brunswick on the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance web page listed below.
MORE PAGES
Publications
About Kinesiologists
Who we are
National kinesiology week
