Assessing the relative perspective of the regulation of kinesiologists among other health professionals

Formerly a self-governed profession, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, kinesiology was designated a regulated profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the per- ceptions of current health delivery agents to the regulation of kinesiology. An 18-item survey was used to collect data, and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) frame- work was used for analysis. The data indicated that kinesiology provides a unique expertise adding to client and patient care and is a needed partner within the multidisciplinary health envi- ronment. Similarly, despite the need for the profession to clearly define, delineate, and pro- mote its scope of practice to professionals and to the public, there are increased opportunities that exist within the health care sector, particu- larly in chronic disease prevention. The addition of kinesiology as a regulated health profession was not considered to be a threat by existing key stakeholders.