Kinesiology is "The science of movement," it is an umbrella term that encompasses various disciplines. The primary focus of kinesiology practices are human physiology, biomechanics, and anatomy, by creating a foundation of understanding upon these disciplines kinesiology offers an understanding of the body's ability to move through space.
Types of Kinesiology
Kinesiology wears two masks. It is a discipline taught in at University level that explores the learning and performing of motor skills through the understanding the biomechanics and human anatomy. This type of kinesiology is mostly used to improve physical performance, strengthen muscular weakness, prevent injury and further research in human movement. The other mask of Kinesiology was developed by George Goodheart often referred to as Applied Kinesiology, focuses on using muscle testing to determine blockages and imbalances in the body.
Both types of Kinesiology use muscle testing to improve movement. All muscles have corresponding muscles in the body, when one is weak it is either due to injury (acute or chronic) or weaknesses that can be cause by improper posture, bad habits, trauma or lifestyle.
Kinesiology found in the University
There are many university courses that offer degrees that teach the principles of Kinesiology. These courses will offer a treasure of knowledge. Often they are integrated with other disciplines such as: biochemistry, psychology, neurophysiology, sociology, dynamic systems of movement, sport business and marketing concepts, and the mechanics of motion. The combinations of all these disciplines' provide a deep and intricate perspective of the movement capabilities of the human body.
After gaining a degree in the discipline of Kinesiology there are many career opportunities.
- Biomedical. This involves exploring new interventions that will help understand the movement of the body. Jobs in research, laboratories, medical equipment supply and consulting, pharmaceuticals and prosthetics are all available. Along with a deep understanding of Kinesiology these positions require substantial knowledge of the human structure and its functions, physiology and bio chemistry.
- Education. Becoming a professor. Teach new students how to improve their athletic performance, detect weaknesses and prevent injuries through the discipline of Kinesiology.
- Fitness and Health industry. There are many new opportunities in the health business, offering people advice on healthy life styles, exercise and injury prevention.
- Trainer. Using the principles of Kinesiology to help specific athletic groups; football players, swimmers, dancers, runners etc... to improve their performance and prevent injury.
Applied Kinesiology
As defined by the International College of Kinesiology "Applied Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary approach to health care which draws together the core elements of the complementary therapies, creating a more unified approach to the diagnosis and treatment of functional illness." Applied kinesiology should be used in conjunction with clinical diagnoses, history of patient, physical examinations and laboratory test to treat a patient. Since George Goodheart developed this type of Kinesiology in 1964 it has grown considerably and has been modified and improved upon throughout the years.
Applied Kinesiology uses a combination of examinations to treat patients:
- Muscle Testing
- Static Palpitation
- Postural Analysis
- Range of Motion
- Movement Analysis
These examinations are used to enhance clinical diagnosis. To administer these tests the practitioner must have a sound knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, and neurology of muscle function. The goals of the International College of Kinesiology are to:
Provide an interactive assessment of the functional health status of an individual which is not equipment intensive but does emphasize the importance of correlating findings with standard diagnostic procedures
- Restore postural balance, correct gait impairment, improve range of motion
- Restore normal afferentation to achieve proper neurologic control and/or organization of body function
- Achieve homeostasis of endocrine, immune, digestive, and other visceral function
- Intervene earlier in degenerative processes to prevent or delay the onset of frank pathologic processes
There are specialized schools of Kinesiology that teach Applied Kinesiology throughout the world. Before choosing a school, browse through some organizations of Kinesiology and increase your knowledge of the opportunities available.
•· International College of Applied Kinesiology, AK
http://www.icak.com/
•· International Kinesiology College, IKC - Touch for Health Kinesiology
http://www.ikc-info.org/ http://www.tfhka.org/
•· International Association of Specialized Kinesiology, IASK
http://www.iask.org/
