The History of the Study of Human Movement

1
The History of the Study of Human Movement

• Chapter 2

2
Table of Contents

• Why Study the History of Human Movement?
• Past Influences
• Enduring Themes
• Modern European Themes
• Modern North American Themes

3
Objectives

• Having a historical frame of reference is
  important for understanding kinesiology
• Describe the major historical landmarks in the
  evolution of the study of human movement
• Describe cultural attitudes and practices,
  individuals, and events that have most influenced
  the study of human movement in higher education

4
Why Study the History of Movement?
5
The History of Human Movement

• Kinesiology students can
• gain a historical frame of reference
• understand the impact of early events on current
  affairs
• predict future trends

6
Past Influences on the Study of Human Movement in
Higher Education
7
Early Influences

• Movements were culturally specific
• Physical abilities were used to engage in useful
  activities
• gathering of food
• hunting
• necessary physical labor for survival

8
Early Influences

• New activities begin to emerge
• hunting and fighting become complex
• now require training and preparation
• rhythmic movement at festivals
• communal dances
• trials of strength and combative ability

9
Early Influences

• Simple forms of sporting contests in pastoral and
  agricultural societies

• running races
• wrestling
• boxing
• shooting contests
• fencing with various weapons
• jumping

• throwing
• swimming
• rowing
• riding animals
• chariot racing
• various ball games

10
The Greek Influence

• 6th to 9th century B.C.
• daily activities balanced
• sport played large role in everyday life
• By the 9th century
• physical activities extended beyond battle
• gymnasiums and wrestling schools built

11
The Greek Influence

• Early 6th century B.C.
• Panhellenic games established
• the Isthmian, the Pythian, the Nemean
• games also held at the religious sanctuary of
  Olympia
• register dates back to 776 B.C.

12
The Greek Influence

• Athletic emphasis at games
• foot racing
• the pentathlon
• jumping
• discus
• javelin
• a one-stage foot race
• wrestling
• heavy events
• boxing
• wrestling
• pankration
• combined wrestling and boxing
• chariot racing

13
The Greek Influence

• All games featured balance between athletics,
  music, poetry, and drama
• Fostered political democracy
• citizen athletes could improve their upward
  mobility
• Competitive activity accompanied by rhythm and
  harmony of music and dance

14
The Roman Age

• Emphasis on the physical centered on strength and
  hardiness
• Roman emperors promoted games and festivals
• purpose was to occupy and appease Roman subjects
• often brutal, spectator-oriented