Biokineticist Career Description
Biokineticists are exercise specialists who improve people's, physical condition and quality of life by means of physical
assessment and the prescription of healthy exercise habits.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
A biokineticist's day consists of three types of activities: evaluating a person's physical condition, prescribing safe physical activity programmes and compiling rehabilitation exercise programmes with the doctor and other members of the medical team.
In the evaluation of a person's condition the biokineticist uses scientific methods and instruments, such as a treadmill, bicycle ergometer, pulse frequency monitors etc. Exercise risks are identified in a person and the different basic components of fitness, namely the heart and respiratory systems, muscle strength, muscle and joint flexibility, speed of movement, skill, co-ordination and posture are assessed. Athletes who, for example, were injured and wish to determine whether they have fully recovered, would undergo such evaluations.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Biokineticists should enjoy working with people and should be able to motivate people. They should be prepared to work long and irregular hours as they work with people who take part in exercise programmes before and after normal working hours. They should also be prepared to work within a joint medical team. Interest in sport and physical activities is also important.
Where can I 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. Biokineticists are involved in the development of specialised physical training programmes at institutions such as the National Defence Force, Police Service and the Correctional Service. Several big 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. Some technikons employ biokineticists to offer a service to their students and staff.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
On completion of the internship and registration, biokineticists can open their own practices. The layout of such a centre can be expensive. Those in private practice usually operate in close co-operation with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, etc. to be able to offer a comprehensive health service to the public.
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