What does kinesiology mean?
Kinesiology is the academic study of human movement and the biological, mechanical, and neurological processes that make movement possible. It draws on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and the study of exercise to explain how people walk, run, perform, recover from injury, and adapt to their environments. In universities, kinesiology is commonly offered as a degree programme and may lead to careers in research, physical education, sport science, rehabilitation, or occupational therapy. In clinical language, it can also denote the therapeutic application of movement and exercise, especially in rehabilitation and physical therapy. The word is consequently broader than a simple description of exercise classes: it treats movement as a subject of scientific inquiry as well as a practical means of maintaining health. Although "applied kinesiology" is an established phrase, some uses of that term are controversial and should be distinguished from kinesiology as an academic discipline. The word's combination of Greek roots neatly reflects its purpose: it is literally the study of movement.
nounThe scientific study of human movement, including the physiological, biomechanical, and neurological factors that produce and control it. In clinical settings, the term can also refer to the therapeutic use of exercise and movement to maintain or improve physical function.
- The academic discipline concerned with human movement and the physiological, biomechanical, and neurological factors that produce and control it.
- The clinical use of exercise, movement, and physical assessment to maintain or improve physical function.
"She studies kinesiology at university and is researching how movement patterns affect athletic performance."
"Her research in kinesiology examines the biomechanics of running."
"A physiotherapist with a background in clinical kinesiology designed a gradual rehabilitation program for him."
The plural is grammatically correct but rarely needed because the word usually names a single academic discipline.
"The two universities offer kinesiologies with different academic emphases."
Kinesiology literally means "the study of movement," placing everyday motion at the meeting point of biology, mechanics, and health.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kinesiology come from?
Kinesiology comes from New Latin and was formed from Greek kínēsis, meaning "movement," together with -logía, meaning "study of." Greek kínēsis is related to kínēto, "I move," and also underlies words such as kinetic, kinetics, and kinesis. The compound entered scientific English during the 19th century as interest in systematic study of movement and physical exercise expanded.
Related word forms
How kinesiology is actually used
The word is formal and academic in general use. In healthcare and fitness settings, "clinical kinesiology" and "applied kinesiology" are common, although the latter is also used for practices whose scientific basis may be disputed; the term should not by itself imply that a particular intervention is effective.
Easily confused with kinesiology
Kinesiology studies human movement and its biological and mechanical basis, whereas kinetics studies the forces and motion involved in physical and chemical systems more generally.