Exercise Science: Disciplines, Sub-Disciplines And Specialty Areas

what disciplines sub disciplines and specialty areas constitute exercise science

Exercise science is a broad field that combines several disciplines, sub-disciplines, and specialty areas. The three primary disciplines of exercise science are biomechanics, physiology, and psychology. Exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, athletic training, sports medicine, and motor behaviour are some of the significant sub-disciplines. Exercise science's main specialty areas include exercise and health-sport performance, prevention and rehabilitation, and clinical and sport performance. The field of exercise science evolved from physical education in the twentieth century as colleges and universities developed specific health and physical activity-related courses. The Harvard Fatigue Laboratory played a pivotal role in its development, attracting renowned scientists and producing scholars and professionals who shaped the discipline.

Characteristics Values
Disciplines Biomechanics, Physiology, Psychology
Sub-disciplines Exercise Physiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology, Athletic Training and Sports Medicine, Motor Behavior
Specialty Areas Exercise and Health-Sport Performance, Prevention and Rehabilitation, Clinical and Sport Performance

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Exercise physiology

The undergraduate program includes courses in science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and psychology, with hands-on laboratories in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology. Students will also complete up to 480 hours of clinical or research internship with an emphasis on health and/or fitness. The program is rigorous and covers physiology, fitness, health, and management. Students will design a research topic, draft a proposal, collect and analyse data, and complete a two-semester hands-on practicum in a sport, fitness, health, or recreational area of their choice.

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Clinical exercise physiology

Clinical exercise physiologists are highly qualified professionals who often possess a master's degree in a related field. They are an integral part of healthcare teams, utilising their expertise to design and implement individualised patient education and behaviour change strategies. These strategies are tailored to address specific health needs and may include exercise and movement-based interventions.

The role of a clinical exercise physiologist is diverse and may involve primary and secondary prevention strategies, as well as rehabilitation. They work closely with patients to improve their overall health and well-being, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance their quality of life. This may include educating patients about the benefits of physical activity, providing guidance on exercise routines, and offering support to help individuals make positive behaviour changes.

The field of clinical exercise physiology has its roots in the research conducted at the Harvard Fatigue Laboratory, where pioneering work was done in exercise science, exercise physiology, and related areas such as nutrition, physical fitness, gerontology, and environmental physiology. The laboratory attracted renowned scientists and produced scholars who played a pivotal role in shaping the discipline. The legacy of the Harvard Fatigue Laboratory extended beyond its existence as its alumni established new laboratories, furthering the development and expansion of exercise science and its sub-disciplines worldwide.

In conclusion, clinical exercise physiology is a specialised field within exercise science that combines physiological knowledge with clinical practice. Clinical exercise physiologists play a crucial role in healthcare by empowering patients to take control of their health through education, behaviour modification, and tailored exercise programmes, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and independence.

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Biomechanics

Exercise science is a multidisciplinary field that combines knowledge from various disciplines, including biomechanics, physiology, and psychology. Biomechanics is a critical component of exercise science, focusing on the mechanics of human movement and performance.

In the context of exercise science, biomechanics helps optimise sports techniques and training systems. It aids in the development of efficient movement patterns, reducing the risk of injury. For example, in sports like tennis, biomechanics can explain how muscles create torque to rotate body segments during strokes. Additionally, it can guide the design of optimal sports equipment, such as shoes, to enhance performance and prevent injuries.

The study of biomechanics extends beyond human bodies and includes the examination of animal and plant biomechanics as well. In the realm of exercise science, biomechanics is applied to human performance in athletics, contributing to the understanding of movement mechanics during exercises and sports. This knowledge is then utilised to improve performance and develop injury rehabilitation techniques.

Furthermore, biomechanics is closely related to kinesiology, especially in the context of exercise. Kinesiology involves the study of human movement and performance, while biomechanics focuses on the mechanical aspects of movement. By combining these disciplines, practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of how exercises relate to specific body areas and how to strengthen muscles effectively and safely.

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Psychology

Exercise psychology involves the scientific study of the psychological factors associated with participation and performance in sports, exercise, and other types of physical activity. Applied sport psychologists are trained to identify, develop, and execute the mental and emotional knowledge, skills, and abilities required for excellence in athletic domains. They also work to understand, diagnose, and prevent psychological, cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and psychophysiological inhibitors of consistent and excellent performance. Additionally, they aim to improve athletic contexts to facilitate more efficient development, consistent execution, and positive experiences for athletes.

The field of exercise psychology is transitioning to dual-process models that acknowledge the importance of non-reflective processes. Current research suggests that the pleasure or displeasure experienced during exercise may influence subsequent physical activity. This indicates that making exercise and physical activity more enjoyable could potentially increase participation. However, despite considerable progress, research in this area has not yet yielded findings that can be translated into effective behaviour-change interventions.

Sport and exercise psychology, as applied social sciences, are driven by value-laden motives to positively impact society. The Psychology of Sport and Exercise is an international forum for scholarly reports in the psychology of sport and exercise, broadly defined. The journal accepts diverse methodological approaches and considers manuscripts that make substantive theoretical or methodological contributions.

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Athletic training and sports medicine

Sports medicine, meanwhile, is a specialised branch of medicine that combines medical knowledge with exercise science. It focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports and physical activity. Sports medicine professionals provide guidance on safe exercise intensity, duration, and appropriate monitoring for athletes, particularly as they age, to ensure cardiovascular well-being. They also offer psychological support and motivation to help athletes maintain their passion for sports and physical activity.

Sports medicine professionals design training programs to improve athletes' strength, power, speed, and endurance. For example, strength and power training target specific muscle groups and energy systems, often involving resistance training and plyometrics. Speed and agility training, on the other hand, focus on enhancing reaction time, acceleration, and deceleration through sport-specific movement simulations.

Overall, athletic training and sports medicine are crucial sub-disciplines of exercise science, focusing on the health, treatment, and performance of physically active individuals.

Frequently asked questions

The three major disciplines of exercise science are biomechanics, physiology, and psychology.

The major sub-disciplines of exercise science are exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, athletic training and sports medicine, and motor behavior.

The major specialty areas that constitute exercise science are exercise and health-sport performance, prevention and rehabilitation, and clinical and sport performance.

Training within liberal arts and sciences, coursework in physical activity, coursework in theoretical and applied theoretical knowledge in exercise science and kinesiology, and internship experiences at the worksite.

The Harvard Fatigue Laboratory was important in the development of exercise science as it attracted high-quality scientists from around the world, conducted research in numerous areas, and produced scholars and professionals who were instrumental in shaping the discipline.

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