Other Names for the Discipline
Kinesiology draws upon all the core scientific disciplines such as anatomy, biology, physics, and even mathematics, and applies this knowledge to understanding human movement in all its complexity. A kinesiologist will not only have a sound knowledge of these scientific disciplines, but will also be grounded in the social and historical disciplines such as history, sociology, and psychology. Not unusually, he or she will likely have had a background in physical activity and sports, or at least a strong interest in them.
Depending on where you study it, the field of human movement is also known by several other names. The following four are the most common names for the discipline:
· Exercise Science.This is a popular term for the field as it puts a specific emphasis on a study of the human body while exercising. It can also include a study of the sociology of human activity that does not necessarily include sport—for example, leisure activities, recreation, and dance.
· Physical Education.This is the more traditional term for kinesiology. It carries with it the implication that “phys. ed.” is mainly about learning how to play a sport or learning sport skills, and as a result many people are starting to shy away from using it. However, especially in the United States, many universities still use the term “physical education” when describing the broad field of human movement studies.
· Sport Science (or Sport Studies).Again, these terms, with their obvious emphasis on “sport,” are generally less popular today—although many colleges and universities in the United Kingdom still refer to sport science or sport studies to describe the field.
· Human Kinetics.This term places the emphasis more on the actual mechanics of human movement, such as biomechanics. But many people who use this label to describe the field still include its physiological and sociocultural aspects.