A Rewarding Future
Kinesiologists utilize their scientific knowledge and training in human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology and exercise prescription to deliver high quality evidence-based solutions for disease prevention, improving physical functional/performance and maintaining mental health.
Typical workplace settings include: public recreation centres, multidisciplinary rehabilitation centres; hospitals, care homes; along with large employers including utilities, manufacturing companies, industry, construction, crown corporations, and others.
Kinesiologists serve important healthcare roles in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
The Roles of Kinesiologists
Physical Rehabilitation
Assessing and treating injuries through client education and active exercise therapy. WorkSafe BC, ICBC, and other large organizations and employers support active rehabilitation programs that help injured persons return-to-work and return to pre-injury activities. Kinesiologists work in a variety of settings from community care settings to interdisciplinary healthcare teams who develop and progress exercise therapy programs.
Fitness and Health Promotion
Many Kinesiologists work to help clients improve physical and mental fitness. Exercise and education are tools used to improve both aspects of human health. Jobs in this sector focus on employee wellness and can be found in medium to large organizations, such as industrial labour organizations, manufacturing, private companies, all levels of government, crown corporations and related agencies.
Ergonomics and Human Factors
Kinesiologists can assist clients through adaptations to their work and home environment to reduce the risk of injury. Assessing work spaces, applying practices & tools, and assessing the work tasks themselves can lead to improved worker safety and productivity, by keeping material within easy reach, working at the proper height, reducing unnecessary motion, reducing the need for excessive force and other factors.
Research
Kinesiologists perform valuable healthcare research through Master’s or Doctoral degree programs or as post-secondary researchers. Kinesiologists in professional practice can also contribute to best-practices research through case studies and collaborative research projects, where client outcomes are analyzed and in terms of various treatment methods and protocols, adding to best-practices research studies.
In the United States, the American Kinesiology Association has developed presentations on the value of obtaining a kinesiology education and the kinesiologists' impact on society. These are valuable resources for students considering a career in kinesiology or as a pathway to a related healthcare profession. Kinesiology and Public Health: How did we get here (YouTube Video)