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History of Kinesiology
Eric Daluz Sousa
3/3/16
EXS 100-602

Karl Newell has used his study of physical activity to further explain the history
of Kinesiology. In his first text titled, Physical Education in Higher Education: Chaos
out of Order, Newell focuses on the field of physical education and how it has been
adapted. At first physical education was generalized based on the study of teacher
training. Newell focuses on the chaos that has been derived from the sudden expansion of
the field within the last 25 years. This expansion was seen in higher education, as there
was a new interest on other aspects of the field rather than just teacher training. Since the
1930s, the chaos has lead to individuals taking part in the more professional and
educational influence of the field.
In Newells second text titled, Physical Activity, Knowledge Types, & Degree
Programs, this change within the field is more understood. The expansion of the field
caused for the changing of degree programs, as there was now a larger spectrum to the
study of physical activity. The field itself has expanded to correlate further studies such as
more exercise and sport related subdivisions. In the United States, there is a more
prevalent study of physical education shown in both males and females. Males tend to
seek knowledge in the more exercise and sports related subdivisions, as females tend to
focus on the study of human movement. The exercise and sport related aspects of the

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field were heightened due to the sporadic lifestyle change of many. The health and fitness
boom caused for this as many saw great opportunity within it.
The term kinesiology is understood as the study of physical movement and
activity. In Newells third text titled, Kinesiology: The Label For the Study of Physical
Activity in Higher Education, he further explains why this term is understood to be the
label for the field itself. Kinesiology is the term that can bring all the different
applications of physical activity into one general idea. This new labeling caused for great
controversy, as many believed it wasnt necessary. Those who thought of it in this way
were being ignorant because the term actually greatens the bigger picture of physical
activity. The labeling of the study of physical activity known as physical education
realistically narrows this bigger picture as it minimizes the fields potential. As
kinesiology was derived, the field was strengthened in a number of ways. Now that
kinesiology labeled the ultimate study of physical activity, all the different subcategories
of the field can come together and impact society in a greater way. One of the only
downfalls on the label change, is that the new term itself isnt as recognized. This being
one of the only negative reasons, the change is still positive because as the field grows so
does its recognition.
The history of kinesiology is quite interesting. In Newells fourth text titled, The
Philology of Kinesiology, the history of the term itself is further explained. Greek
grammar significantly impacted the term as it was essentially derived from the root word
kin. This root word kin has been the impact on the terms use in modern day. The suffix
logy is found in many scientific terms of study but as seen in kinesiology, the suffix is
essentially derived from English language. Newell focuses on the impact of the Iliad and

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western culture on the terms meaning today. The root word kin was socially established
in western civilization to take part in some form of action. Ultimately those kinesiology
enthusiasts of today pay great respect to the Ancient Greeks for their cultural impact on
the terms history.
Newell also focuses on some great texts that have had an impact on the history of
the study. Gymnastic kinesiology was one of the first studies that consisted of the term
and some popular textbooks had a large impact on the history of kinesiology as well.
Baron Posses textbook titled, The Special kinesiology of Educational Gymnastics, was
one of the first textbooks involving the greater field and was used as a precedent ever
since then. Latter on in the nineteenth century another textbook was published by William
Skarstrom titled, Gymnastic Kinesiology, which also had a great influence for the field.
As kinesiology is the study of physical movement and activity, there are many
sub-disciplines involved. Here at SUNY Cortland, there are five different majors under
the kinesiology department including; athletic training, coaching, exercise science, fitness
development, and sport studies. Athletic trainers are the individuals on the field that
regulate sports related injuries. They seek to care for and manage acute injuries. While
enduring this major, one will learn how to prepare for the National Athletic Trainers
Association Board of Certification exam. While doing so one will complete four
semesters of both hands on experience with athletes, and theory related courses. In order
to be an efficient Athletic trainer, one must know how to handle and access and injury
through both observations and palpation exams.
The coaching major entails a knowledge experiencing pertaining what it takes to
become a successful coach. These individuals will learn how to improve ones skills in

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either a team or individual related sport. Coaches also must have experience in building
relationships with their players, as they are a key aspect to the individuals motivation
and success within the sport. One who aspires to become a coach must have great
communication skills, and effective teaching skills.
Exercise science is the kinesiology major, which greatly emphasizes the scientific
method behind physical activity and how the body processes. This major is quite
elaborate and involves other studies that ultimately puts one on the track to graduate
school for practices such as physical therapy.
Fitness development is the major under kinesiology that puts one in the position
to take part in the fitness field. These individuals will be trained to promote ones health
through exercise and physical activity. Commercial fitness is one area in particular that
these fitness development students may take part in after earning their degree. Some
specific career choices related to this major includes but is not limited to strength and
conditioning coach, community wellness program director and many more.
The last major offered here at SUNY Cortland under the kinesiology department
is sports studies. Within this major one will learn how to analyze sports in a historical,
sociology and psychology perspective. While doing such, one will also engage in the
understanding of how sports affect society. Future career goals for a student of such a
major include sports sociologist, youth sports director, and many more.
As an exercise science major here at SUNY Cortland, I aspire to become a
successful physical therapist. As I learned that kinesiology unifies all the sub-disciplines
of physical activity, I now know not to limit myself. I would like to be the CEO of a
physical activity corporation that incorporates multiple sub-disciplines of kinesiology

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into one bounded association. This may include a multi-oriented facility where most
kinesiology career members can work together and ultimately promote societys wellbeing.

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References
Kinesiology Department. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2016, from
http://www2.cortland.edu/departments/kinesiology/
Newell, K.M. (1990). Kinesiology: The label for the study of physical activity in higher
education. Quest, 42, 269-278.
Newell, K.M. (1990).Physical Activity, Knowledge Types, and Degree Programs. Quest,
42, 243-268.
Newell, K.M. (1990). Physical education in higher education: Chaos out of order. Quest,
42, 227-242.
Newell, K.M. (1990). The Philosophy of Kinesiology. Quest, 42, 279-296.