Introduction to Kinesiology

Discover the fundamentals of kinesiology.

Introduction to Kinesiology: Studying Physical Activity, Seventh Edition, stimulates curiosity about the vast field of kinesiology and generates awareness of the long-standing and current issues that kinesiology professionals seek to understand and solve. This engaging, full-color introductory text offers students a comprehensive overview of the field of kinesiology and explores major subdisciplinary fields of study, common career paths, and emerging ideas that are part of this dynamic and expanding discipline.

The seventh edition includes refreshed opening scenarios and photos, and it integrates the latest research results. This updated edition explores current topics such as the payment of college student athletes, issues in equitable services, competition, and emerging professions in high-performance sport. Hot Topic sidebars―new to this edition―highlight trending areas of kinesiology research in each subdiscipline. Related online learning tools delivered through HKPropel offer interactive opportunities for students to engage with and better understand the content.

Introduction to Kinesiology, Seventh Edition, features a three-section structure that has always been a strength of this leading introductory textbook. Pedagogical aids such as chapter objectives, opening scenarios, key terms, key points, review questions, suggested readings, and wrap-ups help students reinforce key knowledge.

• Part I examines the diversity of physical activity and kinesiology and summarizes the importance of knowledge gained through physical activity experiences.
• Part II delves into the seven major subdisciplines of kinesiology, with an overview of major historical events, research methods, professional work and application, and ideas for career advancement in each.
• Part III elaborates on professionalism, evidence-based practice, and five major areas of career opportunities.

Related online learning activities delivered through HKPropel include interactive Check Your Understanding activities, practice scenarios with questions, Explore the Topic activities, Kinesiology Colleagues online reflections, flash cards, key term quizzes, and key point reviews. Most of the activities can be assigned, and progress tracked, directly through HKPropel. Chapter quizzes, which are automatically graded, can also be assigned to test comprehension of critical concepts.

Introduction to Kinesiology provides essential knowledge for students embarking on their study of kinesiology and the science of sport and exercise. The updated seventh edition sets them up for success in major courses and a future career.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all new print books.

Duane V. Knudson, PhD, is a Regents’ Professor and University Distinguished Professor in the department of health and human performance at Texas State University, where he teaches biomechanics and statistics. He earned his PhD in biomechanics from the University of Wisconsin and has held tenured positions at three universities. His research focuses on the biomechanics of tennis, stretching, qualitative movement diagnosis, learning biomechanical concepts, and research quality.

Knudson has published over 190 peer-reviewed articles, 29 chapters, and three books: Fundamentals of Biomechanics, Qualitative Diagnosis of Human Movement, and Biomechanical Principles of Tennis Technique. He has received numerous national and international scholarly awards and is a fellow of four scholarly societies, including the prestigious National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK) and the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports. Knudson was picked by Stanford University and Elsevier for the World’s Top 2% Scientists list in the subfield of sport sciences by in 2023 and 2024. He was also named by ScholarGPS to the Highly Ranked Scholars list (top 0.5% over the last five years in kinesiology) for 2022 and 2024. He has served as department chair, associate dean, and president of both the American Kinesiology Association (AKA) and the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports, and he was secretary-treasurer for NAK from 2025 to 2026. He received the Jerry R. Thomas Distinguished Leadership Award from the AKA in 2017.

Timothy A. Brusseau, PhD, is a professor and chair of the department of health and kinesiology at the University of Utah. Dr. Brusseau is a fellow in the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK), Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), American College of Sports Medicine, National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE), and the International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education. Brusseau is a national expert on youth physical activity, physical activity measurement, and school-based multicomponent physical activity interventions.

He has 171 peer-reviewed publications and has made more than 200 conference and invited presentations. He is a coauthor of Dynamic Physical Education for Secondary School Students, and he coedited the Routledge Handbook of Youth Physical Activity. He is the leadership institute director for NAKHE and is currently serving as president of the American Kinesiology Association (AKA).