Areas of Research
The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation study topics such as the effects of exercise and movement on cells and neurons; the use of physical activity to promote health and fight disease; ways in which people engage in recreation, leisure, and tourism; sport science, adapted physical activity; and, how society influences (and is influenced by) discourses, events, and current issues surrounding sport and physical activity.
Adapted Physical Activity
Adapted physical activity is a cross-disciplinary body of practical and theoretical knowledge inclusive of people who experience disability and is focused on impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions in physical activity. It is a service delivery profession and an academic field of study that supports an attitude of acceptance of differences, advocates access to active lifestyles and sport and promotes innovative and cooperative service delivery, supports and empowerment. Adapted physical activity includes, but is not limited to, physical education, sport, recreation, dance, creative arts, nutrition, medicine and rehabilitation.
Health Psychology + Behavioral Medicine
Health psychology and behavioral medicine combines concepts from medicine and psychology to examine relations between physical activity and health. Some of our researchers in this area also examine links between sedentary behaviour and health outcomes.
Coaching Studies + Sport Psychology
Researchers in this area study sport performance and participation across multiple levels of competition (from youth to college to elite), using psychological, management and sociocultural perspectives. We look at coaches, athletes, parents and sport systems.
Neuroscience + Movement
Researchers in this area study a broad range of topics, from biomechanics to basic neurophysiological processes required for movement and sensation, to the interaction between how the body moves and thinks.
Physiology
Our exercise physiologists examine mechanisms associated with physical activity in a range of different populations, including but not limited to athletes, pregnant women and individuals in physically demanding professions.
Recreation, Sport + Tourism
Our researchers in this area use a variety of disciplinary perspectives to study issues including sport tourism, outdoor recreation, conservation, and leisure behaviour.
Sociocultural
The sociocultural area includes a diverse group of researchers who study sociological concepts across a range of human movement contexts, including sport, physical activity, dance and recreation.