Kinesiology is the study of human movement as it relates to sports, physical exercise and activities of daily living. Kinesiology findings can offer benefits such as improving sports performance, decreasing sports-related stress and anxiety, rehabilitating athletic injuries and increasing health and physical fitness.
Improve Sports Performance
One important goal of the study of kinesiology is to improve sports performance. By studying the way the body moves, kinesiologists can better understand the movements necessary for various sports skills. Biomechanics specialists can use special equipment to capture a movement and analyze it to see where improvements can be made. This technology allows for a greater understanding of the movements involved in exercise and sport and can allow for greater efficiency in athletic performance.
Sports Psychology
Sports psychology is a subset in the field of kinesiology and focuses on examining thoughts, feelings, and emotions of professional, amateur and recreational athletes. The study of sports psychology examines the effects of stress on athletic performance. Sport psychologists can discover new ways of reducing stress and anxiety to enhance physical ability, as well as determining what motivates athletes. Besides sport psychologists, athletic coaches can also benefit from this subset of kinesiology.
Prevent and Rehabilitate Injuries
Athletic trainers and physical therapists use kinesiology to determine the mode of treatment for athletic injuries. The biomechanics used in kinesiology can help us understand how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Kinesiologists also study the use of therapeutic modalities on the rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Modalities such as taping, range of motion and electrical stimulation are all used in the field of kinesiology to help heal sports-related injuries.
Improve Physical Fitness
A main purpose of kinesiology is to study the effects of physical activity on health and wellness. Among the benefits of physical activity are increased cardiovascular health, improved sense of well-being, obesity prevention and bone health. Kinesiology includes the study of cardiovascular exercises, muscular strength and endurance and balance and coordination to help improve the health of people of all ages.
