The movement
In order to understand and describe athletic movements, the term movement must first be explained in more detail. In general we understand a movement as the pure appearance. We look at movement only from the outside and dispense with internal laws.
Structure:
- Everyday movement: everyday movements, such as walking/jogging, are automated movements that do not require any thought processes. – Work movements: such as assembly line work are everyday movements that serve the work in a repetitive process. – Target – purpose movements refer to the product of sports movement (running to lose weight or for health)
- Sports movements are forms of simple, combined or complex competition movements. – Expressive movements in the form of facial expressions and gestures of a movement serve to express moods and to communicate.
Further differentiation within the sporting movement
- Fast and slow movements (somersault vs. walking)
- General and special movements (running vs. hand support rollover)
- Open and closed movements (stroke throw in handball vs. hurdles)
- Coarse motor and fine motor movements (beginners vs. advanced)
- Large motor and small motor movements (serve in tennis vs. darts)
- Conscious and automated movements (goal shot football vs. walking)
The term motor skills
In the biological field, motor skills is called the study of movement factors of the human body. Motor function is everything that is not seen in a movement. A typical example, where the difference between motoricity and movement becomes visible, is the crosshang in gymnastics.
For the musculature, the crosshang means the highest stress, although a movement is not visible from the outside. The motor function contains neurocybernetic characteristics that also include consciousness. Movement, on the other hand, is an objective manifestation of the change of location of body mass in space and time.
What is the applied science of movement?
The Bachelor’s degree in Applied Movement Sciences is a separate course of study. It is offered at the University of Regensburg and the Chemnitz University of Technology, among others. The main focus of the course is the transfer of knowledge from the science of movement to actual application, for example the development of training, sport and movement programmes. The training enables the graduates to work in many institutions, such as spa and rehabilitation clinics, sports clubs, health centres or educational institutions.
What is a movement scientist?
Movement scientists deal on a scientific as well as practical level with the functioning of human motor functions and various aspects of movement. They develop scientifically based movement therapy programmes in the context of prevention, training and rehabilitation. Movement scientists work closely with other professionals in the fields of sports, health and nutrition and develop, evaluate and optimise movement concepts for a wide range of target groups.
Kinesiologists can work scientifically and drive forward the research and development of programmes, but they can also work in practice, for example in health clinics, rehabilitation centres, sports clubs, senior citizens’ or nursing homes, or work independently as trainers and consultants. The training as a movement scientist usually includes a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree. The movement science course is completed with the attainment of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Although both courses of study are very similar in content, there are subtle differences in the weighting of, for example, artistic and scientific aspects. In addition, there are numerous other courses of study that focus on the content of Human Movement Science, such as the course of study in Sports Science. For details, you should take a closer look at the courses offered by the various colleges and universities.
In general, the standard period of study in the degree programme in Human Movement Sciences is six semesters. The requirements for applicants are determined by the universities; in most cases a sports aptitude test and/or a cognitive test is a prerequisite for admission. The course of study provides for an exploration of various topics in the science of movement, including biomechanics, training science, sports medicine, sports physiology, psychology, pedagogy and others. The bachelor’s degree already enables graduates to carry out a profession in the field of movement science, and also enables them to continue their scientific education in a master’s degree programme.
