Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Kinesiology, as the scientific study of human movement, has undergone substantial conceptual and structural changes over the past decades. According to Mraković, kinesiology is defined as an empirical, experimentally based science that studies the laws, principles, and patterns of controlled and purposeful physical activity and its effects on the human organism. This definition highlights the scientific and systematic nature of the discipline. The aim of this review paper is to examine the development of kinesiology in the 21st century, with particular emphasis on its paradigm shift from a practice-oriented field toward an interdisciplinary scientific discipline. The analysis is based on foundational and contemporary literature, including empirical and systematic studies . The findings suggest that kinesiology has evolved into a comprehensive field integrating biological, social, and behavioural sciences. Modern kinesiology focuses on health, performance, and human development, addressing global challenges such as physical inactivity and chronic disease. The discipline is increasingly recognised as a central scientific framework for understanding human movement in the 21st century. The review further demonstrates that the future development of kinesiology will depend on interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological standardization, international scientific cooperation, and the integration of emerging technologies such as wearable sensors, artificial intelligence, motion analysis systems, and precision exercise medicine. These developments position kinesiology as a central scientific discipline for addressing contemporary challenges in health, human performance, and physical activity across the lifespan.
DOI: 10.55860/venp9211
Authors: Naim Ćeleš, Jasmin Budimlić, Nijaz Skender, Natalija Kurtović, Marjan Ninčević, Goran Sporis, Mate Vukoja, Boriss Bazanov, Ivica Franjko, Ahmet Naci Dilek, Maki Grle, Jerko Prlić, Dejan Tiric, Bozenka Galic Tiric, Tolga Tek, Patrik Kramarić, Ivan Duroci, Besnik Morina, Davor Ljesević, Ernest Šabić, Davorin Antonić, Dražen Čular, Ivica Franjko, Ivan Duroci, Davor Ljesević, Hrvoje Ajman, Željko Širić, Zeljko Kovacevic, Besnik Morina, Milan Milošević, Veljko Vukicevic
Institutions: University of Bihać, University of Zagreb, Tallinn University, University of Osijek, Bartin University, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, University of Mostar, Selçuk University, University of Priština - Kosovska Mitrovica, University of Prishtina, University of Split, University of Novi Sad
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204158651