Kinesiology’s Tower of Babel: Advancing the Field with Consistent Nomenclature

ABSTRACT

The knowledge base of kinesiology can be compared to the construction of a fragmented, diffuse tower. Much of the lack of identity and progress of kinesiology as the leader in the study of human physical activity may result from inconsistent nomenclature. Several examples of improper and inconsistent use of kinesiology nomenclature are noted and three solutions are proposed. A call to action for kinesiology organizations, editorial boards of kinesiology journals, and individual scholars on standardizing kinesiology terminology is presented to advance kinesiology knowledge and recognition of the field, and to support integrated, interdisciplinary scholarship.

KEYWORDS:

• Communication
• evidence
• knowledge
• SI units

Notes

¹ This article minimizes the citation of specific research reports as examples of poor or inaccurate use of well-known scientific terms in kinesiology. Over the years, there are numerous reviews and commentaries that are cited in the article as evidence for this problem which do reference numerous specific examples. A few very recent specific examples cited, therefore, are somewhat arbitrary and driven by anonymous reviewer request. These specific examples are not alone in their errors and neither is citation in this article meant as positive recognition of contribution that is often ascribed to being cited.