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Introduction to Kinesiology

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Definition of Kinesiology
Scope of Musculoskeletal Kinesiology
Base of Knowledge in Musculoskeletal Kinesiology

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Objectives¡G After studying this topic, the students will be able to
  1. describe the definition of Kinesiology and its importance to physical therapy and occupational therapy students
  2. identify the scope of kinesiological studies and their applications

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  1. Smith LK, Weiss EL, Don Lehmkuhl L (eds, 1996).  Brunstromm's Clinical Kinesiology, 5th ed.  Philadelphia: FA Davis.  Chapter 1,  pp. 1-2.
  2. Luttgens, K. & Hamilton, N., 2002: Chap1
  3. Neumann, DA (2002)¡GGetting Started.  in Neumann DA (ed)¡G Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System - Foundations for Physical Rehabilitation. Philadelphia¡G Mosby.  p.3

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Definition of Kinesiology

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Origin of the word of 'kinesiology'

  • kinesis (Greek) = to move
  • ology (Greek) = to study

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    Broad definition of kinesiology¡G the study of human motion, including
  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Control
  • Exercise Physiology

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    Limited definition of kinesiology¡G the study of human motion by focusing on the anatomic and biomechanical interactions within the musculoskeletal system

  • Kinematics¡G a branch of mechanics that describes the position and motion of a body in space
  • displacement
  • velocity
  • acceleration
  • Kinetics¡G a branch of mechanics that concerns with forces that produce, arrest, and modify motions of a body or bodies
  • f = ma
  • M = Ia
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     Purposes of studying Kinesiology

    1. to investigate the motions of and forces acting on the human body
    2. to manipulate these forces so that human performance may be improved or injury may be prevented
    3. safety
    4. effectiveness
    5. efficiency

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    Scope of Musculoskeletal Kinesiology

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    Description of the motor skill performance

  • primary purpose of the skill
  • movement phases
  • classification of the skill
  • simultaneous-sequential nature of the motion

    • Anatomical analysis

  • joint actions and segment motions
  • muscle participation and form of contraction
  • neuromuscular consideration
  • anatomical principles related effective and safe performance

    • Mechanical analysis

  • underlying mechanics
  • nature of forces causing or impeding motion
  • mechanical principles
  • violation of principles

    • Prescription for improvement of performance

  • clinicians: physical therapist, occupational therapist, or sports medicine doctor
  • coach or athletic trainer
  • ergonomist or biomechanics specialist
  • others¡G forensic science, arts, performance arts, animation

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    Base of Knowledge in Musculoskeletal Kinesiology

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  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Physiology
  • Anthropometrics
  • Biomechanics
  • Neurophysiology
  • Behavior Science

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    Established on 08/27/2002 and Last Updated 09/28/2004 © 2004 Huei-Ming Chai, PhD PT          All Right Reserved