Kinesiology is an emerging career option in India.  Learn what kinesiology is, how to become a kinesiologist, the scope of kinesiology in India, and the top colleges where you can study kinesiology in India.

What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiology is the study of the science of human movement derived from the components of the human body, such as anatomical, neurological, physiological, biochemical, biomechanical, neuromotor, and psychological. It involves working with different fundamental sciences such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Biomechanics, Biomathematics, Biostatistics, Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Pathophysiology, Anatomy, Neuroscience, and Nutritional science to detect the dynamics of changing human movement with its performance and functionalities.
 

Who is a Kinesiologist?

Kinesiologists can treat people with the specific intent to treat their fitness or specialised body goals with their sheer expertise in human movement by using movement science and research as medicine. Kinesiologists use exercise and body movement science to treat injuries, illness, and chronic disease and restore function after injury. It also helps enhance human performance in the workplace, clinical settings, sports, and fitness settings.

Apart from promoting a healthy lifestyle and well-being, Kinesiologists work with all age groups and physical abilities to improve their quality of life by accomplishing patients' health and fitness goals.
 

What are the career options for Kinesiologists?

Apart from working as practising Kinesiologists, students studying at various levels of Kinesiology can choose any of the below options:
 

1. Personal trainers

Those holding a diploma or associate degree in kinesiology can work with clients to examine their current exercise goals and develop a fitness program to help them achieve their strength training, physical stamina, muscle growth, or weight loss goals.
 

2. Fitness consultant

Those holding a diploma or associate degree in kinesiology are more inclined to study the correlation between fitness and mental health. They can assist clients by mentoring workout and meal plans.
 

3. Exercise physiologist

Those with at least a bachelor's degree in kinesiology can design workout routines and other activities for their clients to help them alleviate pain, build back muscle mass, increase strength and endurance, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
 

4. Occupational therapists

Occupational therapists with master's degrees in kinesiology assist their patients in improving or regaining basic motor skills that are vital to their everyday lives, including holding objects, picking up items, brushing their teeth, using utensils, and getting dressed.
 

5. Physical therapists

Physical therapists are professionals with doctoral or master's degrees in kinesiology who assist patients recovering from injuries, ligament or tendon tears, and chronic illness pain, as well as helping individuals minimise pain. To achieve this, they teach patients how to exercise, stretch, and do at-home exercises that they should do every day.
 

6. Athletic trainer

An athletic trainer is a kinesiologist who works for high schools, colleges, sports and recreation facilities, and sports leagues. Athletic trainers provide first aid and medical assistance to athletes, as well as handling emergencies and injuries sustained during competition.
 

7. Prosthetist

Prosthetists specialise in designing and fitting orthopaedic and prosthetic devices for patients. Before designing a device for a patient, they will assess their physical activity and current health conditions.
 

8. Sports kinesiologist

In addition to diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries, a sports medicine doctor may also instruct athletes on preventative stretching and other methods designed to help them avoid injury in the future.
 

How to become a Kinesiologist?

To be a Kinesiologist, you must fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria: 

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and mathematics shall be part of your high school education, as the kinesiology courses at the college level need your proficiency in science and mathematics. 
• The next step is to earn a "bachelor's degree in kinesiology", which can strengthen the skills required for movement assessment, maintenance, and rehabilitation. There are specific educational standards a school must meet to obtain accreditation. Students should pay attention to each program's accreditation.
• To uplift their careers to advanced physical therapy and athletic training positions, students can opt for the master's program, which specialises in genetics, muscle physiology, professional practice, and health science statistics to measurement and instrumentation and biomechanical modelling.
   

After getting the Kinesiology credentials, students can opt for the practice or a job. Here is how they can develop their career:

• Be a registered Kinesiotherapist

For the Kinesiology practice, there is no standard kinesiologist licence requirement. Kinesiology professionals must, however, fulfil licensing requirements and obtain the necessary documents, depending on their practice location.

• Kinesiologist as a job role

Kinesiologists can work as Corporate Wellness Directors, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and Exercise Physiologists. They can also provide services in hospitals, health clinics, corporate offices, community recreation facilities, and schools.
 

What is the scope of Kinesiology in India?

Undoubtedly, the world's fastest-growing healthcare industry is Kinesiology. For people interested in working with human movement, health, and wellness, there are plenty of kinesiology jobs available. Below are the key points that define the scope of Kinesiology in India:

1. Awareness of health & fitness activities.
2. Enhancement of physical activities such as sports, outdoor activities, hiking, etc.
3. Increased demand for health care services such as physiotherapy clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres.
4. Opportunities for Academics and Researchers in Kinesiology in India.
5. The need for corporate wellness programs for employers and employees.
6. Embracing Kinesiology as the entrepreneurial path through owning fitness centres, wellness studios, or consultancies.
    

Top Colleges for Kinesiology in India

Below are the top colleges for Kinesiology in India:

FAQs

1. Where can I study Kinesiology in India?

Various colleges in India offer different Kinesiology programs; however, Annamalai University, AIIMS Delhi, Manipal University, DY Patil University and Mumbai University are known for their academic excellence.
 

2. What are the career opportunities in Kinesiology in India?

Students can work as sports trainers, coaches, fitness professionals, rehabilitation professionals, researchers, and academicians.
 

3. What is the difference between a Kinesiologist and a Physiotherapist?

Despite their similar focus on movement and musculoskeletal health, there are some critical differences between them. Kinesiologists specialise in movement analysis and corrective exercises. They may integrate nutrition and lifestyle counselling into their treatment plans as well. In contrast, physiotherapists use more hands-on techniques, such as massage, mobilisation, and heat/ice therapy, to help patients recover from injuries.
 

4. What are the different kinesiology degrees available in India?

Kinesiology degree options in India include:

• Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology
• Master's degree in Kinesiology
• Ph.D. in Kinesiology
   

5. What are the academic requirements for Kinesiology in India?

Candidates must have qualified for class 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks. However, students should check the admission requirements for the college they are interested in.