Introduction to Kinesiology Biomechanics SHMD 239 Kinesiology Unit

Introduction to Kinesiology & Biomechanics SHMD 239 Kinesiology Unit 1 1

Definition of Kinesiology: The discipline or body of knowledge that studies physical activity through performance, scholarly analysis and professional practice 2

The Focus of Kinesiology: Kinesiology focuses on two general categories or forms of physical activity: 1. Exercise 2. Skilled Movement 3

The Focus of Kinesiology (continues) Exercise: Improve or regain performance, Health, or Body appearance Exercise can be divided into 3 major categories: 4

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 5 professional sport teams

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 6 Careers: Fitness leaders and personal trainers

3. Therapeutic Exercise performed to restore capacities previously acquired or developed that have been lost because of injury, disease, or behavioural patterns 7 Careers: Athletic trainers, physical therapists, or biokineticists

The Focus of Kinesiology (continues) Skilled Movement: Accuracy of direction Force Rhythm or timing Skilled movement can be divided into 2 categories: 8

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 9

2. Developmental Skills performed in non-sport settings 10 Skipping, throwing, hopping, etc.

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 11