Biokineticists are human-movement and exercise specialists. They assist in improving people's physical condition and quality of life by means of physical assessment and the prescription of healthy exercise habits.
Firstly, evaluation of a person's physical condition is necessary. Scientific methods and instruments such as the treadmill, bicycle ergometer, pulse frequency monitor, etc. are used for this. Exercise risks are identified in the client and the different basic components of fitness, namely the heart and respiratory systems, muscle strength, muscle and joint flexibility, speed of movement, skill, coordination and posture, are assessed. Injured athletes consult biokineticists to find out whether a sports injury has healed.
The biokineticist then prescribes safe physical activity and rehabilitation exercise routines, either as preventative health measures or to correct health problems, such as sport injuries or recovery from diseases or illnesses. They work closely with doctors and other medical practitioners.
They usually work indoors, in offices and gymnasia and sometimes they work irregular hours since people often attend gymnasia before or after work. Several big companies employ biokineticists to develop and recommend exercise programmes for their employees to improve their quality of life and to increase their life expectancy and energy levels. Some municipalities have also established biokinetic centres, where the biokineticist offers a professional service to the community.
Biokineticists at universities are involved in research and the training of students in Biokinetics.
Schooling & School Subjects
National Senior Certificate (matric), or equivalent with a Bachelor's Degree pass
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
In addition, check the university admission requirements to see if you qualify for the programme you want to do.
Degree: Biokinetics courses are offered at NWU, UV and UP. Alternately, after students have obtained a BA or BSc degree in Human Movement Science - UFS, UZ, NMMU, they enrol for the Honours degree in Human Movement Science and specialise in Biokinetics. This is a full-time one-year course, offered by most universities.
Post-Graduate Training: After the honours degree has been obtained, biokineticists must do a one-year internship at an accredited centre, before they may register as biokineticists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa(HPCSA).
All Biokineticists must be registered with the HPCSA before they may practise. Refer to the Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Biokinetics Board of the HPCSA for further relevant information.
Biokinetics Association of SA
Office No 18, Norma Jean Square
244 Jean Avenue, Centurion (Lyttleton)
Tel: (012) 644-1506
https://www.biokineticssa.org.za/
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
(553) of Hamilton and
Madiba Streets,
Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: (012) 338-9300
www.hpcsa.co.za
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