Introduction to
Kinesiology &
Biomechanics
SHMD 239 Kinesiology
Unit 1
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Definition of Kinesiology:
The discipline or body of knowledge that
studies physical activity through
performance, scholarly analysis and
professional practice
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The Focus of Kinesiology:
 Kinesiology focuses on two general categories or forms of
physical activity:
1.
Exercise
2.
Skilled Movement
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The Focus of Kinesiology
(continues)
Exercise:

Improve or regain performance,

Health, or

Body appearance
Exercise can be divided into 3 major categories:
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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:
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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
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2. Developmental Skills
Skills performed in non-sport settings
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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
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What is biomechanics used for?
Analyse sports techniques
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Why?
It allows athletes or coaches to
improve performance or avoid
injury
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How?
 Observing
performance
 Evaluating & comparing
 Instructing on improvement
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End of Unit
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