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SHMD 239 KinesiologyUnit 1

Introduction to Kinesiology & Biomechanics

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Definition of Kinesiology:

The discipline or body of knowledge that studies physical activity through

performance, scholarly analysis and professional practice

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The Focus of Kinesiology:

Kinesiology focuses on two general categories or forms of physical activity:

1. Exercise

2. Skilled Movement

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The Focus of Kinesiology (continues)

Exercise:

Improve or regain performance,

Health, or

Body appearance

Exercise can be divided into 3 major categories:

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1. Training

Exercise performed for the express purpose of conditioning your body to improve athletic or other types

of performance

Careers: Conditioning specialists with university or professional sport teams

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2. Health Related

Exercise specifically to develop or maintain a sound working body, free of disease and able to perform daily

tasks and deal with emergencies

Careers: Fitness leaders and personal trainers

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3. Therapeutic

Exercise performed to restore capacities previously acquired or developed that have been lost because of

injury, disease, or behavioural patterns

Careers: Athletic trainers, physical therapists, or biokineticists

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The Focus of Kinesiology (continues)

Skilled Movement:

Accuracy of direction

Force

Rhythm or timing

Skilled movement can be divided into 2 categories:

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1. Sport

A form of physical activity in which a person performs

skilled movements to achieve a goal in a manner specified by rules, usually in competitive

contexts

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2. Developmental Skills

Skills performed in non-sport settings

Skipping, throwing, hopping, etc.

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Definition of Biomechanics:

Biomechanics is concerned with internal & external forces acting on the human body and on implements used during sport (bats, balls, etc.)

and the effects produced by these forces

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What is biomechanics used for?

Analyse sports techniques

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Why?

It allows athletes or coaches to improve performance or avoid

injury

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How?

Observing performance Evaluating & comparing Instructing on improvement

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End of Unit