Exploring Knowledge, Perceptions, and Awareness of the Emerging Role of Basic Kinesiologists among Internal and External Stakeholders in Italy

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare knowledge, perceptions, and awareness between internal and external stakeholders regarding the figure of the basic kinesiologist. Furthermore, the aim was to verify if the qualification possessed by stakeholders could influence the perception on the adequacy of their training to perform the basic kinesiologist. Methods: Participants were 95 stakeholders divided in two groups: 63 internal stakeholders, composed of ex-athletes, trainers, technicians, or other management figures who practice their profession in the sports field; 32 external stakeholders, composed of bachelor’s degree students in Exercise and Sports Sciences. An ad-hoc questionnaire was prepared with Google Form and administered to participants via e-mail. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi Square was used to analyze difference in perceptions among participants. Results: Generally, the knowledge on the introduction of the professional figure of kinesiologist was sufficient. The qualification possessed by stakeholders influenced their perceptions on the adequacy of their training to perform the different activities of the basic kinesiologist (P< .05). Chi Square revealed significant differences between internal and external stakeholders (P< .05) regarding the educational qualification (P= .00), the perception of the adequacy of their training to perform the basic kinesiologist (P= .00), to conduct, manage and evaluate activities to improve the quality of life through exercise (P= .00), to perform the personal training activities (P= .01) and the possession of the qualification issued by Federations and promotion bodies (P= .00). Conclusions: The study revealed, on one hand, the incomplete adequacy and coherence of university and sports training for working as a kinesiologist, with some differences between internal and external stakeholder, and thus the need to revise L22 curricula; on the other hand, a greater adequacy of training for working as a kinesiologist perceived by those with an L22 degree with an external qualification.