Getting on Top of Chronic Disease With Kinesiology

Heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – these are examples of chronic diseases that can affect all parts of life. Following a diagnosis, you’re often introduced to various medical tests and prescriptions, and changes to your eating patterns. But what about exercise?

Kinesiologists are regulated health professionals who understand human movement and performance, and its rehabilitation and management. Registered kinesiologists assess an individual, develop a clear understanding of conditions impacting health, and prescribe exercise and other lifestyle changes to address health issues that assist you in achieving realistic goals.

Working with a registered kinesiologist helps ensure that you are exercising at an appropriate intensity that is safe for you. This is guided by an understanding of your medical history, current level of physical activity, and by completing baseline exercise testing such as a cardiopulmonary assessment and functional fitness tests. Kinesiologists can also provide education and advice for management of your risk factors to help ensure you get the care necessary to support your recovery and to improve your condition.

Kinesiologists working in Ontario are regulated by the College of Kinesiologists. The College sets and enforces standards for practice and creates registration requirements for entry to the profession so that only qualified individuals can practise kinesiology. A registered kinesiologist has completed a science-based education program offered at the university level and participates yearly in professional development to enhance their practice. These measures help protect your rights to competent, safe and ethical kinesiology services from qualified individuals.

Only people registered with the College can call themselves kinesiologists. Even more importantly, registered kinesiologists are accountable to the College for the services that they provide to you. If you have concerns about the services that you receive from a registered kinesiologist, you can contact the College and they will investigate.

Regaining strength and mobility while coping with chronic disease is challenging. To find a registered kinesiologist in your area, visit www.coko.ca and use the “Find a Kinesiologist” tool to verify that your practitioner is registered and in good standing.