The American Kinesiology Association promotes and enhances kinesiology as a unified field of study and advances its many applications. AKA does this by advocating for kinesiology at national and international levels as well as by supporting its member departments by providing resource materials and leadership and educational opportunities for university administrators in kinesiology.
Kinesiology is an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. It includes, but is not limited to, such areas of study as exercise science, sports management, athletic training and sports medicine, socio-cultural analyses of sports, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education-teacher education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health related fields.
AKA disseminates news concerning kinesiology departments, national trends in kinesiology, and other developments of vital interest to kinesiology faculty and the broader public. Through its comprehensive data base, website, newsletter (Kinesiology Today), formal surveys, and periodic communiqués member departments have access to position statements, career information, updates on research and instructional innovations, national developments affecting kinesiology departments, and other important materials. AKA assists departments in conducting regular program reviews and strategic planning, provides free advertising for faculty positions, and advocates for departments or programs targeted for elimination or integration with other departments. Through its workshops, web-based materials, and other forms of continuing education, AKA works to develop and improve leadership skills for administrators of kinesiology programs.
The academic discipline of kinesiology is taught and researched in colleges and universities and is to be differentiated from Applied Kinesiology and other fields that use the term “kinesiology” (dental, spiritual, holistic, bio-spiritual) some of which lack grounding in the scientific study of physical activity. The AKA supports the academic discipline of kinesiology.
AKA works to enhance the development, maintenance, and intra-organizational communication of specialized academic and professional societies that have a vested interest in the discipline of kinesiology. AKA is committed to cross-disciplinary study in kinesiology as well as cross-disciplinary application of knowledge to problems in the physical activity field.
AKA does not solicit or accept individual memberships, rather it is a department-member organization. Departments of Kinesiology or academic units that house kinesiology programs (including programs in exercise science, sport studies, human performance, sport management, etc.) are invited to join AKA. For additional information about membership and membership benefits click here.
