updated: 2019-04-02
Disclosure: Currently the practice of kinesiology varies from one province to another. The information in this document may differ and not correspond with the provincial legislation. The main purpose of this document is to present the current portrait of kinesiology (definitions, fields of practice, acts, etc.) across Canada, with information regarding resources in the various fields of kinesiology, practical tools, the extent of its scope of practice and other potentially useful documents. This document is in perpetual revision as per the evolution of the practice of kinesiology in Canada. The CKA / ACK will not be held responsible for any consequences or damages that may occur as a result of the use, misuse, misinterpretation or abuse of the information found on its website. We emphasize that the aim of this document is to help guide you. Should anyone require guidance in interpreting any of the provided information, they should seek the advice of their provincial kinesiology association
Kinesiology is the study of the dynamics[1] of human movement, including all the components involved (anatomical, physiological, neurological, biochemical, biomechanical, neuromotor, psychological), as we interact with our environment. Kinesiology is also defined as human kinetics or the scientific study of how we move. The term is derived from the Greek kinesis, to move.
Kinesiology includes the following fields of study:
In Canada, these different fields are grouped together under the kinesiology umbrella, focusing on all aspects of human locomotion.
Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and physical abilities, and in many settings to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. Kinesiologists work with:
Kinesiologists help improve quality of life, often using interventions that include physical activity.
Kinesiology interventions are varied and target all Canadians, regardless of age and whether they are affected by health problems or not. Kinesiologists work in:
ASYMPTOMATIC (WITHOUT SYMPTOMS OR PATHOLOGY):
SYMPTOMATIC AND WITH CLINICAL CONDITIONS:
The health, and physical activity needs of any client include many factors. For this reason, an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach generally ensures a superior level of service. Kinesiologists often collaborate with other health professionals on multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary interventions, prevention, treatment, and to improve sport performance. They also support medical teams in evaluations and are involved in developing treatment and intervention plans.
Kinesiologists complement other healthcare professionals with the wide range of their knowledge and broad scope of their practice. Here are some examples of what kinesiologists can bring to the team:
Kinesiology is an evolving profession, continually adapting to changing client needs
The initial bachelor’s degree in kinesiology can be the basis for additional training, specialization, or a different professional practice. All training or specialization must meet the standards of the province you wish to practice in. Treatment methods are not regulated the same way in all provinces. The CKA recommends that you check with your provincial kinesiology association to see what services you can legally provide before you make any decisions:
Kinesiologists respect the expertise of their health partners. In areas beyond our scope of practice, we always refer clients to the appropriate, accredited, healthcare professionals. Kinesiologists are able to provide basic advice on different related subjects (like nutrition) based on their initial level of education. However, education and acquired competency in their own field of practice are not sufficient to incorporate all the nuances required to target specific needs. It can happen that the conveyed information, though exact and provided in good faith, can be unsuitable for a particular client. Which is why we prioritize interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work and refer clients to the appropriate healthcare expert whenever necessary.
Kinesiologists are specialists in the dynamics of human movement and its components. The primary means of intervention is physical activity. The scope of the practice, and underlying actions, are based on a wealth of science-based evidence that touches on prevention, fitness, rehabilitation, education, and performance.
Here is a list of the steps to intervention. Details of the steps can be found in this document.
Based on the results of the assessment, an intervention plan is executed with the following components:
Execution requires appropriate professional supervision with a critical focus on the kinesiologist’s intervention and an ongoing readiness to readjust the program in order to optimize the achievement of the client’s objectives while minimizing any risk of harm.
Professional intervention can begin at any time before, during, or after primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention, alone or in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team, in a medical or sports-performance situation. In addition to clinical intervention, kinesiologists also provide consulting expertise to facilitate the adoption and reinforcement of healthy lifestyle habits.
During an intervention, the following tasks may differ depending on the sector and the clientele.
Within the intervention plan, kinesiologists are called on to perform a number of tasks related to prescription and intervention depending on the setting or environment. They must always act ethically and responsibly throughout the process while maintaining a critical eye on their intervention.
Kinesiologists have full autonomy in using their clinical judgment to carry out their professional tasks competently and with integrity, particularly during evaluation, prescription, and intervention processes, regardless of the setting or environment. Their judgment is not used to make a medical diagnosis, but rather to identify the starting point of their interventions in meeting obligations to clients. In some provinces and in some of their practice settings, kinesiologists interact with colleagues in the healthcare field as part of an interdisciplinary framework. But even in this context, they have unequivocal and decisive autonomy in the execution of their professional tasks. Kinesiologists may also be asked to perform tasks that are not directly related to their profession, including management (administration, disability, health and safety), coordination (of a clinical team, with an insurer), research, and health promotion.
Kinesiologists must be the only signatory on their evaluations. General and direct supervision are an intradisciplinary process and they are solely responsible for their position or professional opinion, even in a medical context. The physician is the one who issues a medical prescription and specifies the restrictions. The physician remains in charge of the medical process, but the kinesiologist retains responsibility for their own actions within the limits of their competencies and legislative restrictions.
The scope of the kinesiologist’s practice may vary from province to province depending on initial training, permitted supplemental or ongoing professional development, and existing legislative framework. For example, while manual therapy, manipulations, and osteopathic techniques are not recognized as part of the kinesiological practice in Quebec, they are recognized in other provinces. That’s why it’s important to check and seek advice on specific applications and provincial legislation by contacting the Provincial Kinesiology Association or the CKA. .
[1] Dynamic theory adopts a more radical point of view, assuming that the behaviour of a complex system emerges from a network of constraints, related either to the task, the organism, or the environment (Newell, 1986). Adapted by the CKA from La théorie dynamique adopte un point de vue plus radical, postulant que le comportement d’un système complexe émerge d'un réseau de contraintes, liées soit à la tâche, soit à l’organisme, soit à l’environnement (Newell, 1986).