Introduction to Exercise Science

Introduction to Exercise Science With HKPropel Access offers students a comprehensive overview of the field of exercise science and explores the research and evidence-based practice within the subdisciplines that are part of this dynamic and expanding discipline. Taking inspiration from Introduction to Kinesiology, this text focuses on the major subdisciplines within the field of exercise prescription.

Introduction to Exercise Science features a full-color layout and a three-section structure to introduce students to the current issues that exercise science professionals seek to understand to promote better health and performance. Part I examines the scope of the field and summarizes the foundational knowledge needed, like basic musculoskeletal anatomy, measurement, and statistics. Part II delves into five major subdisciplines of exercise science: biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, sport and exercise psychology, and physical activity epidemiology. Part III elaborates on research methods, evidence-based practice, and professional application in various allied-health-related careers such as athletic training, physical therapy, and occupational therapy as well as sport performance careers such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, and sport analytics.

Introduction to Exercise Science is designed to stimulate student curiosity about the vast field of exercise science and common career paths. Throughout the text, sidebars featuring the latest research and best practices, professional issues and career opportunities, and trending topics in exercise science are used to engage students and reinforce important knowledge in evidence-based practice. Chapter objectives, summaries, key points, key terms, and review questions aid in knowledge retention. Opening scenarios at the beginning of each chapter feature a specific activity, exercise, or health promotion issue that serves to illustrate the importance of that area of knowledge to exercise science.

Related online learning activities include interactive flash cards, review questions, matching exercises, and scenario-based exercises to fully immerse students in the various aspects of exercise science. Students will learn how to read and evaluate research and will develop the ability to think critically to confront specific challenges. Most of the activities can be assigned, and progress tracked, directly through HKPropel. Chapter quizzes, which are automatically graded, may also be assigned to test comprehension of critical concepts.

Exercise science professionals require mastery of a complex body of theoretical knowledge about exercise and its application in evidence-based practice. Introduction to Exercise Science will give readers an understanding of how scientific tools and protocols and applied research can contribute to the health and performance of all people.

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

About the Author

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 research methods. He earned his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has held tenured faculty positions at three universities. His research areas are in the biomechanics of tennis, stretching, qualitative movement diagnosis, the learning of biomechanical concepts, and research quality.

Knudson has authored more than 168 peer-reviewed articles, 26 chapters, and three books: Fundamentals of Biomechanics, Qualitative Diagnosis of Human Movement, and Biomechanical Principles of Tennis Technique. He also coedited the top-selling text Introduction to Kinesiology.

He has received numerous state, regional, national, and international awards for his research and leadership, and he has been elected a fellow of four scholarly societies, including the prestigious National Academy of Kinesiology. He has served as department chair, associate dean, and president of the American Kinesiology Association and as president of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports.