Chapter 1: Introduction to Kinesiology

Introduction to Kinesiology

An Open Educational Resources Publication by College of the Canyons and Lemoore College

Written by: Rodney Ragsdale and Emily Schaefer
Contributor: Jennifer Melena
Peer-reviewed by: Joel Rogers and Diana Meehan

Editors: Kyra Karatsu and Alexa Johnson
Cover image by Alan Calvert on Unsplash

Version 1.6.1
2025

The contents of this textbook were developed under an Open Textbooks Pilot grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), a program run by the U.S. Department of Education. However, this content does not necessarily reflect official Department of Education policy, and readers should not assume the federal government has endorsed it.

This content is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Kinesiology ......................................................... 2

Chapter 1: Introduction to Kinesiology ...................................... 6

• Physical Activity — 8
• Academic Paths — 11
• Introduction: eSport — 14
• Chapter 1 Resources — 16

Chapter 2: Philosophy of Physical Activity ................................ 17

• Overview — 17
• Notable Philosophies in Kinesiology — 18
• Research Methods — 20
• Incorporating Philosophy in Physical Education — 21
• Chapter 2 Resources — 24

Chapter 3: History of Physical Activity ..................................... 25

• Background of Physical Activity — 25
• From Ancient History to Modern Times — 26
• USA: How It Got Started — 30
• Chapter 3 Resources — 33

Chapter 4: Sociology of Physical Activity and Sport ................. 34

• The Use of Sociology in Physical Activity and Sport — 34
• History of Sociology in Physical Activity and Sport — 35
• Understanding the Significance of Sociology in Physical Activity and Sport — 36
• Wrap Up — 41
• Chapter 4 Resources — 43

Chapter 5: Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport ............... 44

• The Use of Psychology in Physical Activity and Sport — 44
• History of Psychology in Physical Activity and Sport — 45
• Understanding the Significance of Psychology in Sport and Exercise — 46
• Approaches to Research in Sport and Exercise Psychology — 49
• Wrap Up — 50
• Chapter 5 References — 52

Chapter 6: Motor Behavior ........................................................ 53

• The Use of Motor Behavior — 53
• The Study of Motor Behavior — 53
• History of Motor Behavior — 54
• Understanding Motor Development, Motor Control, and Motor Learning — 56
• Wrap Up — 60
• Chapter 6 Resources — 61

Chapter 7: Biomechanics of Physical Activity ........................... 62

• The Use of Biomechanics — 62
• History of Biomechanics — 63
• Understanding Biomechanics — 64
• How Biomechanics Is Useful in Careers in Kinesiology and Related Fields — 66
• Wrap Up — 71
• Chapter 7 References — 72

Chapter 8: Exercise Physiology ................................................. 73

• What Is Exercise Physiology? — 73
• History of Exercise Physiology — 73
• Exercise Physiology and Physical Activity — 74
• Research in Exercise Physiology — 75
• Understanding Physiology — 77
• Wrap Up — 79
• Chapter 8 Resources — 80

Chapter 9: Becoming a Physical Activity Professional ............... 81

• Professional Development — 82
• Complex Skills — 82
• Ethical Principles and Standards — 84
• Coursework Needed in College to Become a Professional — 85
• Chapter 9 Resources — 87

Chapter 10: Careers in Kinesiology ........................................... 88

• What We Do — 88
• Work Environment — 88
• How to Become a Kinesiologist — 89
• Kinesiology Earning Potential — 90
• Continuing Education — 92
• Careers — 93
• Chapter 10 Resources — 100

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Kinesiology

OBJECTIVES

• Discuss the field of kinesiology (the scientific study of human movement) and how it relates to physical activity.
• Explain what physical activity is and how it shapes the field of kinesiology.
• Help you understand what a profession is and what career pathways look like.

Have you ever assumed that kinesiology was only about sports and exercise? In reality, it opens the door to a huge range of careers that draw on the knowledge you gain from studying it. Beyond sports and exercise, kinesiology can lead to jobs such as exercise physiologist (a specialist who studies how the body responds to exercise), prosthetist (someone who designs and fits artificial limbs), sports medicine professional, teacher, coach, athletic trainer, and many other roles. Figuring out which career path you want to