Career Options in Kinesiology

Areas of Professional Practice

The following provides a list of areas in which CKA Affiliated Kinesiologists can be found practising. A qualified Kinesiologist acts in these fields of expertise and experience. Kinesiologists provide services through the application of the science of human movement and deliver quality solutions through prevention, objective assessment, and evidence-based intervention.

 

HEALTH PROMOTION

Kinesiologists in the health promotion industry work with individuals to enhance their health, fitness, and well-being. Kinesiologists play an integral role in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic conditions/diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiac disease. Moreover, Kinesiologists can be found working in fitness facilities, personal training/corporate wellness facilities, and industry.

Musculoskeletal Assessment
Musculoskeletal assessments evaluate baseline and post-treatment measures of physical function.

Strength and Endurance Testing
Kinesiologists examine an individual's muscular strength and endurance.

Strength and Endurance Exercises
Kinesiologists develop muscular strength and endurance exercises to improve the physical abilities of an individual.

Cardiorespiratory Exercises
Kinesiologists develop programs for increasing the cardiorespiratory fitness level of an individual.

Range of Motion Exercises
Kinesiologists develop programs to increase flexibility.

Hydrotherapy
Kinesiologists develop aquatic programs to increase fitness.

Education
Kinesiologists provide education sessions to help individuals improve their health status and prevent injury.

CLINICAL/REHABILITATION

Kinesiologists work with individuals with disabling conditions to help them regain optimal physical function. Settings include fitness facilities, rehabilitation clinics, work sites, and clients' homes.

Musculoskeletal Assessment
Kinesiologists evaluate baseline and post-treatment measures of physical function to formulate a treatment plan.

Strength and Endurance Testing
Kinesiologists examine an individual's muscular strength and endurance to formulate a training or treatment plan.

Functional Capacity Evaluation
Kinesiologists evaluate an individual's ability to perform functional tasks utilizing strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, as well as mobility and positional tolerance in order to determine their ability to function at home or at work.

Assistive Devices Prescription
Kinesiologists provide assessments and prescription of assistive devices to enhance physical performance of activities of normal living, work, recreation, or leisure.

Work Site/Physical Demands Analyses
Kinesiologists analyze the physical requirements of specific activities essential for employment or life tasks.

Ergonomic Assessment
Kinesiologists analyze the physical requirements of specific activities and provide recommendations to reduce physical strain.

Transferable Skills Analysis
Kinesiologists analyze the skills, knowledge, and abilities that may be transferred to alternative occupations.

Gait Assessment/Analysis
Kinesiologists analyze an individual's gait (walking) and provide recommendations to reduce pain or improve performance.

Biomechanical Analysis
Kinesiologists analyze the body mechanics of an individual to identify abnormalities in movement.

Psychomotor Testing
Kinesiologists evaluate the physical abilities required to perform higher cognitive demands and provide recommendations.

Therapeutic Exercise
Kinesiologists develop exercise programs specifically focused on helping an injured individual return to their pre-injury activities.

Cardiorespiratory Exercises
Kinesiologists develop programs for increasing the cardiorespiratory fitness level of an individual.

Range of Motion Exercises
Kinesiologists develop programs designed to increase flexibility.

Hydrotherapy
Kinesiologists develop rehabilitation aquatic programs for injured populations to help them return to their pre-injury abilities.

Education
Kinesiologists provide education sessions to help individuals improve their health status and their understanding of their injury.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Kinesiologists develop programs for cardiac clients to assist in reducing the risk of another cardiac event and improving their physical function.

Work Hardening
Kinesiologists develop programs focused on improving the functional abilities of injured persons so they are able to return to their pre-injury activities.

Work Conditioning
Kinesiologists develop programs focused on improving an individual's cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and strength so they can return to their pre-injury activities.

Chronic Pain Management
Kinesiologists develop programs to assist those living with chronic pain to maximize function and improve their quality of life.

Biofeedback, Surface EMG
Kinesiologists develop biofeedback programs using surface EMG to enhance an individual's physical abilities or improve performance.

ERGONOMICS

Kinesiologists work in industry to assess the suitability of workstation design and provide suggestions for modifications and assistive devices.

Work Site/Physical Demands Analyses
Kinesiologists analyze the physical requirements of specific activities essential for employment or life tasks.

Ergonomic Assessment
Kinesiologists analyze the physical requirements of specific activities and provide recommendations to reduce physical strain.

Adapted Design
Kinesiologists provide recommendations for developing barrier-free environments.

HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Kinesiologists are involved in consulting with industry to identify hazards and provide recommendations and solutions to optimize the health and safety of workers.

• Risk assessments: Kinesiologists analyze a work environment and provide recommendations to reduce risk.
• Safety audits: Kinesiologists analyze the work environment and provide recommendations to improve the safety of the workplace.
• Investigations: Kinesiologists are involved in investigating accidents and providing recommendations for prevention of further injuries. 

DISABILITY MANAGEMENT AND CASE COORDINATION

Kinesiologists provide a plan of action for returning an injured individual to their optimal function in all aspects of life.

• Medical and legal consultation: Kinesiologists provide expert opinion on various topics related to the profession of kinesiology. 

• Return to work program development: Through the review of medical and employment information, Kinesiologists develop injury recovery plans for injured workers.
• Case management: Kinesiologists provide comprehensive case management, facilitating service provision and optimal outcomes.
• Claims consultation: Kinesiologists review medical and employment information to provide professional opinions and recommendations.
• Job coaching/shadowing: Kinesiologists attend work sites with the injured worker to identify opportunities and strategies to effectively manage employment demands.

MANAGEMENT, RESEARCH, ADMINISTRATION

Kinesiologists frequently fulfill roles in all the above areas, perform research, and manage businesses.