Frequently Asked Questions About Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a profession focused on human movement, physical activity, exercise and function. Kinesiologists use their education in exercise science and human movement to help people improve physical function, manage health conditions, recover from injury, prevent future health problems and participate more fully in their daily lives.
But what exactly does a kinesiologist do? How is kinesiology different from physiotherapy or personal training? Do you need a referral? What does it take to become a kinesiologist? And where do kinesiologists fit within Alberta's health care system?
We've answered some of the most common questions below.
Understanding Kinesiology
What is kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the study and application of human movement.
Kinesiologists use knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, psychology and behaviour change to understand how people move and how movement can be used to support health, function and quality of life.
In practice, kinesiology can involve assessment of physical function, exercise prescription, movement education, rehabilitation, physical activity promotion, conditioning and strategies to help people safely participate in work, recreation and daily life.
Kinesiologists work with people across the lifespan and with a wide range of health, functional and performance goals.
[Learn more about Kinesiology →]
What does a kinesiologist do?
The specific services provided by a kinesiologist depend on their education, training, experience and practice setting.
Kinesiologists may assess physical function and activity levels, develop individualized exercise programs, provide progressive exercise and rehabilitation, support behaviour change, and help people return to work, recreation or other meaningful activities.
Their work may include helping someone recover after an injury, improve strength and mobility, manage a chronic condition, rebuild physical capacity after illness or surgery, prevent injury, or maintain independence as they age.
Kinesiologists can work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside other health and wellness professionals.
[Learn more about Kinesiology Areas of Practice →]
Is kinesiology a health profession?
Kinesiology is a health and human movement profession. Kinesiologists contribute to health promotion, prevention, rehabilitation, chronic disease management and functional recovery in a variety of settings.
However, kinesiology is not currently regulated under Alberta's Health Professions Act.
The Alberta Kinesiology Association is advocating for regulation of the profession to establish consistent standards of education, competence, professional accountability and public protection.
[Learn more about Regulation and Public Protection →]
Is a kinesiologist the same as a personal trainer?
No, although there is some overlap between the two professions.
Both kinesiologists and personal trainers may use exercise and physical activity to help people improve their health, fitness and physical abilities. The primary difference is the breadth of education, professional preparation, and the populations and settings in which they may work.
Kinesiologists complete a minimum of a four-year, university-level degree focused on human movement and exercise science. Their education encompasses areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, chronic disease, behaviour change and physical function.
Depending on their training and practice setting, kinesiologists may work with people living with injuries, chronic health conditions, disabilities or functional limitations and may work alongside other health professionals.
Personal trainers generally focus on fitness, exercise instruction and helping clients achieve fitness, wellness or performance goals. Education and certification requirements for personal trainers can vary considerably between organizations.
Both professions have an important role to play. A personal trainer may be a good choice for someone looking for general fitness support, while a kinesiologist may be appropriate when exercise is being used within a broader health, rehabilitation, or functional-care context.
Is a kinesiologist the same as a physiotherapist?
No. Kinesiologists and physiotherapists are distinct professions, although there can be meaningful overlap in the services they provide.
Both professionals may use exercise, movement education and rehabilitation to help people improve physical function. Both may work with people recovering from injury, surgery or illness, and both may contribute to chronic disease management, workplace rehabilitation, and healthy aging.
The differences are primarily related to education, professional regulation, scope of practice, and the specific training and competencies of the individual practitioner.
Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession in Alberta. Physiotherapists are regulated by the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta and have a legislated scope of practice that includes specific restricted activities.
Kinesiology is not currently regulated under Alberta's Health Professions Act.
A kinesiologist and physiotherapist may also work together. For example, a physiotherapist may assess and treat an injury while a kinesiologist supports the individual's longer-term exercise progression, conditioning and return to activity. The appropriate provider depends on the individual's needs, the practitioner's competencies and the setting in which care is being provided.
Learn more: College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
Seeing a Kinesiologist
Do I need a referral to see a kinesiologist?
In many settings, no.
Kinesiologists may accept clients directly without a physician or other health professional referral. However, referral or authorization may be required by a particular insurance provider, employer, rehabilitation program, clinic or other funding organization.
If you are planning to use extended health benefits or another funding program, check with your insurer or program administrator before booking an appointment.
What conditions can a kinesiologist help with?
Kinesiologists work with people with a wide range of health and functional needs. The services an individual kinesiologist provides will depend on their education, training, experience and scope of practice.
Examples may include:
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Musculoskeletal injuries and pain
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Workplace injuries and disability
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Chronic pain
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Arthritis and osteoporosis
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Cardiovascular and metabolic conditions
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Diabetes
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Neurological conditions
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Cancer-related deconditioning and recovery
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Concussion and post-concussion rehabilitation
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Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation
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Physical deconditioning following illness or hospitalization
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Healthy aging and fall prevention
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Mobility and functional limitations
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Return-to-work and workplace rehabilitation
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General physical activity and exercise participation
Kinesiologists may also support people who do not have a specific diagnosis but want to improve their physical function, maintain independence, prevent injury or establish a sustainable exercise routine.
[Learn more about Kinesiology Areas of Practice →]
Can a kinesiologist help with chronic disease?
Yes. Exercise and physical activity are important components of prevention and management for many chronic health conditions.
Kinesiologists can help people develop individualized, progressive exercise programs that take into account their health status, physical abilities, goals and preferences.
Depending on the individual's needs, this may involve cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, mobility work, balance training, functional activities, education and strategies to support long-term adherence.
Kinesiologists may work independently or as part of a broader health-care team managing a person's condition.
Can a kinesiologist help after surgery or an injury?
Yes. Kinesiologists can support recovery following injury, illness or surgery when exercise-based rehabilitation is appropriate and within their individual competencies.
Their role may include rebuilding strength and endurance, improving mobility and physical capacity, progressing activity safely, and helping an individual return to work, recreation or other meaningful activities.
The timing and type of kinesiology intervention will depend on the individual's condition and treatment plan. Kinesiologists may collaborate with physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other professionals throughout the recovery process.
Can a kinesiologist help me return to work?
Yes. Workplace rehabilitation is an important area of kinesiology practice.
Kinesiologists may help assess functional abilities, develop conditioning programs, gradually build physical tolerances and support an individual's transition back to the physical and cognitive demands of their job.
They may also work with employers, insurers, case managers and other health professionals to support safe and sustainable return-to-work planning.
Can a kinesiologist help with healthy aging?
Yes.
Maintaining strength, mobility, balance and cardiovascular fitness can help people remain active and independent throughout the aging process.
Kinesiologists may develop exercise programs focused on strength, balance, mobility, functional capacity and fall prevention. They can also help older adults adapt exercise to changing abilities, health conditions and personal goals.
Kinesiology can therefore play a role in helping Albertans remain active and engaged in their homes and communities as they age.
Can I see a kinesiologist if I am generally healthy?
Absolutely.
Kinesiology is not limited to rehabilitation.
Kinesiologists may work with healthy individuals who want to improve their physical fitness, maintain function, prevent injury, prepare for a physical goal, or establish sustainable physical activity habits.
The difference is that kinesiologists bring a university-level background in human movement and exercise science to the development of individualized movement and exercise programs.
Paying for Kinesiology
Are kinesiology services covered by insurance?
Coverage varies.
Some extended health plans, workplace insurers, automobile insurers and rehabilitation programs provide coverage for kinesiology services, while others do not.
Coverage can also depend on the specific policy, the practitioner's credentials and the reason for treatment.
If you are considering kinesiology services, contact your insurer or benefits provider to confirm whether kinesiology is covered under your plan and whether a referral or pre-authorization is required.
Why isn't kinesiology covered by every extended health plan?
Coverage decisions are made by individual insurers and benefit plan sponsors.
Because kinesiology is not currently a regulated health profession in Alberta, insurers may use different eligibility requirements or definitions when determining whether kinesiology services are covered.
The Alberta Kinesiology Association is advocating for greater recognition and access to kinesiology services as part of a broader effort to improve access to evidence-informed movement and exercise care. If you’d like to assist in these advocacy efforts:
[Learn more about our Advocacy Letters →]
Where Kinesiologists Work
Where do kinesiologists work?
Kinesiologists work across a wide range of settings, including:
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Rehabilitation clinics
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Private practices
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Hospitals and health-care programs
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Primary care and multidisciplinary clinics
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Community health programs
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Chronic disease management programs
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Workplace health and rehabilitation
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Disability management
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Insurance and rehabilitation programs
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Senior living and continuing-care environments
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Fitness and wellness facilities
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Sport and performance environments
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Research
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Education
The profession is diverse, and two kinesiologists may have very different areas of practice depending on their education, experience and career interests.
[Learn more about Kinesiology Areas of Practice →]
Do kinesiologists work in hospitals?
Yes.
Kinesiologists can work in hospital and health-care environments in roles involving rehabilitation, exercise, physical conditioning, functional recovery and patient education.
Their role may vary depending on the hospital, program and individual practitioner's competencies.
As Alberta continues to develop new models of care, there may also be opportunities to expand the role of kinesiologists within rehabilitation, recovery, prevention and community-transition pathways.
Do kinesiologists work with other health professionals?
Yes.
Kinesiologists frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams.
Depending on the setting, they may collaborate with physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, chiropractors, athletic therapists, social workers, case managers and other professionals.
Effective team-based care depends on each professional understanding their role, competencies and responsibilities, while communicating appropriately with the rest of the care team.
Becoming a Kinesiologist
What education do you need to become a kinesiologist?
Kinesiologists typically complete a university degree in kinesiology or a related field of human movement and exercise science.
University kinesiology programs commonly include coursework in areas such as:
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Anatomy
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Physiology
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Biomechanics
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Exercise physiology
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Motor control and learning
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Exercise prescription
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Health promotion
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Psychology and behaviour change
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Chronic disease
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Physical activity and health
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Research methods
Programs may also include laboratory, practicum or experiential learning opportunities.
Students interested in kinesiology should review the specific admission requirements and curriculum of the university program they are considering.
[Learn more about Kinesiology Application Requirements →]
Where can I study kinesiology in Alberta?
Several Alberta post-secondary institutions offer kinesiology or related undergraduate programs.
Students should compare programs based on curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, areas of specialization, admission requirements and the types of careers graduates pursue.
[Explore Alberta kinesiology education programs →]
What can I do with a kinesiology degree?
Kinesiology graduates pursue a wide range of careers.
Depending on their additional education, training and experience, graduates may work in rehabilitation, health promotion, exercise programming, workplace health, disability management, sport and performance, community health, research, education, fitness and wellness.
A kinesiology degree can also provide a foundation for further professional education in areas such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medicine, education or other health-related fields.
[Learn more about Kinesiology Areas of Practice →]
Do all kinesiologists do the same thing?
No.
Kinesiology is a broad field, and practitioners can develop different areas of expertise throughout their careers.
One kinesiologist may specialize in workplace rehabilitation, while another may focus on chronic disease management, sport performance, older adults, clinical rehabilitation or community health.
A practitioner's services should reflect their education, training, experience and demonstrated competencies.
Employers & Health-Care Organizations
Why would an employer hire a kinesiologist?
Kinesiologists can provide expertise in human movement, exercise, physical capacity and functional performance.
Employers may benefit from kinesiology expertise in areas such as workplace injury prevention, physical demands analysis, conditioning, return-to-work planning, disability management, ergonomic education and employee wellness.
Kinesiologists can also help organizations develop programs that support employees in maintaining physical capacity and participating safely in their work.
[Learn more about Kinesiology Areas of Practice →]
How can kinesiologists contribute to Alberta's health-care system?
Kinesiologists can support Alberta's health-care priorities across prevention, primary care, rehabilitation, chronic disease management, healthy aging and community-based care.
Their work can help bridge the gap between clinical treatment and long-term function by helping Albertans build the physical capacity and confidence needed to return to daily activities, work and community participation.
As Alberta continues to shift toward integrated and community-based models of care, there may be opportunities to more intentionally incorporate kinesiologists into multidisciplinary teams and rehabilitation pathways.
[Learn more: Kinesiology and Alberta's Evolving Health Care System →]
Could kinesiologists be part of primary care teams?
Yes.
Kinesiologists can complement multidisciplinary primary care by providing expertise in exercise, physical activity, physical function and movement-based interventions.
Potential applications include chronic disease management, musculoskeletal care, physical activity promotion, healthy aging, prevention and rehabilitation.
The appropriate role for kinesiology will depend on the needs of the population, the structure of the care team and the competencies of the individual practitioner.
For Future Kinesiologists
What skills are important for a career in kinesiology?
Successful kinesiologists need more than knowledge of exercise.
The profession requires strong communication, critical thinking, assessment and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to adapt exercise and movement strategies to different individuals and environments.
Kinesiologists may also need skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, behaviour change, documentation, professional ethics and evidence-informed practice.
Is kinesiology a good career for someone interested in health care?
Kinesiology can be a strong option for students interested in health, movement and helping people improve their function and quality of life.
It can provide opportunities to work directly with clients, collaborate with health professionals, contribute to prevention and rehabilitation, or pursue further education.
Students should understand that kinesiology is a broad profession and explore the different career pathways available before choosing a program.
Still Have Questions?
Kinesiology is a broad and evolving profession, and the best answer to a question about a kinesiologist's role may depend on the practitioner's education, competencies, practice setting and the needs of the individual.
The Alberta Kinesiology Association is here to help Albertans, employers, students, educators and health-system partners better understand kinesiology and its role in Alberta.
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