A bachelor's degree in kinesiology can provide strong preparation for graduate study in medical school, biomedical research, as well as in professional programs.
Individuals with training in this area can teach physical education, work as personal trainers and sports coaches, provide consulting services, conduct research and develop policies related to rehabilitation, human motor performance, ergonomics, and occupational health and safety.
Many doctoral-level faculty in North American kinesiology programs received their doctoral training in related disciplines, such as neuroscience, mechanical engineering, psychology, and physiology.
[12][13][14] Therapeutic exercise has been shown to improve neuromotor control and motor capabilities in both normal[18] and pathological populations.
[27] Additionally, they can help to improve quality of life,[28] sleeping habits,[25] immune system function,[29] and body composition.
These interventions are shown to enhance motor function in paretic limbs[54][55][56] and stimulate cortical reorganization[57][58][59] in patients with brain damage.
Two distinct (but not incompatible) theories have emerged for how the nervous system coordinates redundant elements: simplification and optimization.
[78] The term Kinesiology is a literal translation to Greek+English from the original Swedish word Rörelselära, meaning "Movement Science".
[78] The new medical therapy created in Sweden was originally called Rörelselära (sv), and later in 1854 translated to the new and invented international word "Kinesiology".
Thus, the original classical and Traditional Kinesiology was not only a system of rehabilitation for the body, or biomechanics like in modern Academic Kinesiology, but also a new therapy for relieving and curing diseases, by affecting the autonomic nervous system, organs and glands in the body.,[78][79] In 1886, the Swedish Medical Gymnast Nils Posse (1862–1895) introduced the term kinesiology in the U.S.[80] Nils Posse was a graduate of the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute in Stockholm, Sweden and founder of the Posse Gymnasium in Boston, MA.
The academy's dual purpose is to encourage and promote the study and educational applications of the art and science of human movement and physical activity and to honor by election to its membership persons who have directly or indirectly contributed significantly to the study of and/or application of the art and science of human movement and physical activity.
[86][87] In 1973 the Federation Internationale de lʼ Activite Physique Adaptee (International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity - IFAPA) was formed and is described as a discipline/profession that purpose to facilitates physical activity across people with a wide range of individual differences, emphasizing in empowerment, self-determination and opportunities access.
[93] The APA is considered as (i) activities or service delivery, (ii) a profession, and (iii) an academic field of study with a unique body of knowledge that differs from terms such as adapted physical education or para-sport.
[95] Adaptation to physical activity opportunities is most often provided in the form of appropriately designed and modified equipment (prosthesis, wheelchairs, mono-ski, ball size), task criteria (e.g., modifying skill quality criteria or using a different skill), instructions (e.g., using personal supports, peer tutors, non-verbal instructions, motivational strategies), physical and social environments (e.g., increasing or decreasing court dimensions; segregated vs. inclusive; type of training climate: mastery-oriented, collaborative or competitive social environment; degree of peer and parental support), and rules (e.g., double bounce rule in wheelchair tennis).
[101] Furthermore, there is offered a Master of Adapted Physical Education in the North American region in Oregon State University (USA).
[102] In the South American Region, the San Sebastian University (Chile) offers a Master of Physical Activity and Adapted Sports.
[106] IFAPA was founded in 1973 in Quebec, Canada, presenting an original purpose declared "to give global focus to professionals who use adapted physical activities for instruction, recreation, remediation, and research".
IFAPA coordinates national, regional, and international functions (both governmental and nongovernmental) that pertain to sport, dance, aquatics, exercise, fitness, and wellness for individuals of all ages with disabilities or special needs.
Professor David Legg from Mount Royal University is the current president of the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA) since 2019 at the International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA) hosted by IFAPA Past President Martin Block at the University of Virginia.
[118] APE is the term used to refer to the physical education for individuals with disabilities that occurs primarily in elementary and secondary schools.
[120] APE is oriented to educate students to lifelong engagement in physical activities and to live a healthy lifestyle offering possibilities to exploit movements, games, and sports and at the same time personal development.
In the Paralympics Games, this is known as sport classification, a system that provides a framework for determining who can and who cannot participate according to the impact of the impairments on the outcome of the competition.
[126] The Invictus Games were designed to allow sport competitions between wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women (WIS).
The results from APA can help the practice of Physical medicine and rehabilitation, whereby the functional ability and quality of life is improved.
[128] Rehabilitation is helping the individual achieve the highest level of functioning, independence, participation, and quality of life possible.
[129] APA and sports are strongly recommended in rehabilitation programs due to the positive impact and health benefits in people with different disabilities.
The APA practitioner provides exercise and training regimens adapted for specific individual needs and works based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health of the World Health Organization, facilitating a common language with other rehabilitation professionals during the rehabilitation process.