Scope, Qualifications and Study
BIO + KINETICS = LIFE + MOVEMENT = LIFE THROUGH MOVEMENT
The Science of Movement and the application of exercise in rehabilitative treatment of performance. Biokinetics’ primary function is to improve physical functioning and health care through exercise as modality. Biokinetics is the profession concerned with health promotion, the maintenance of physical abilities and final phase rehabilitation, by means of scientifically-based physical activity program prescription. A Biokineticist is a clinical exercise specialist who: Functions within professional alliance to health and medicine, and is recognised by and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Improves a person’s physical wellbeing and quality of life through individualised scientific assessment and the prescription of exercise in rehabilitative treatment to prevent or intervene with certain ailments and the enhancement of performance (sport and work). Evaluates and measures body posture, body composition, blood pressure, heart rate, fitness, muscle strength, endurance, power, flexibility and other health screenings. Is a health professional who through health promotion and wellness creates a better quality of life for people they work with. Records general history with a view to determining the risks of exercise (if any) for the individual. Determines through evaluation an effective and safe exercise level for an exercise program prescription using the following tests: (i) Monitoring of heart rate with a heart rate monitor during multi-stage workloads. (ii) Measurements of blood pressure and other physiological responses before, during and after work. (iv) Evaluation of body posture and body composition. Functional ergological assessment: The assessment of the affected limb or body part to determine the functional limitations with the aid of the following: Specific history of the condition, previous treatment and a general medical history. Specific assessment of the affected limb or body part. This includes the manual determination of range of motion, muscle strength and flexibility. Specialised tests for muscle strength, muscle exhaustion and range of motion of joints by means of the assessment of muscle, work and bilateral comparisons with regard to work, range of motion and extent and position of restriction resulting from injury or deviation. Biokinetics training entails four years of academic education (degree study) and two years of professional (internship) exposure. In the process, five years of training is required prior to registration as a Biokineticist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
