Myology is the scientific study of muscles. Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. While they are related fields and there is some overlap between them, the two studies lead to different career paths. Myologists study conditions such as muscular dystrophy and inflammatory disease, mitochondrial diseases and inherited diseases of muscles. Kinesiologists study and measure human movement and their applications in sports, physical and occupational therapy.
Myology
Myologists study the structure, function and diseases of muscle tissue. They focus on the mechanics of muscles, how muscles work, how they develop, diseases of muscles and how these diseases affect other body systems, particularly the skeletal and neurological systems. They also study the connections between muscles and bones, which include tendons, connective tissue and aponeuroses, which are broad flat sheets of tendinous material.
Muscle Diseases
Myologists study the source of muscle diseases and how those diseases progress, as well as research new treatments and methods of preventing muscle diseases. Their study includes neuromuscular disorders in which the muscles can't work because of dysfunction in the central nervous system. They also study congenital muscular diseases and even ordinary muscle cramps and stiffness.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology, which is the scientific study of human movement, focuses on the study of how muscles work together. Kinesiologists focus on biomechanics, body movement, orthopedics, physical therapy and exercise. They analyze and test athletes, design sports equipment, and work with athletes as well as people with clinical issues, such as heart and lung disease.
Career Goals
Kinesiologists study physical activity and how the body adapts to different activities, including exercise, sports and motor skills. So, for instance, they might work on conditioning athletes to take them to a higher level of ability, or they might work with patients who have had a stroke or other illnesses that cause physical disabilities. Kinesiologists become coaches, personal trainers or physical education teachers. They pursue careers in sports medicine, sports psychology, geriatric exercise or rehabilitative exercise.
