The Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA) has announced the launch of a new series of tools compiling clinical evidence, best practice guidelines, assessment forms and tools for OKA members into one easy-to-access place.
The new Kinesiology Evidence & Engagement Network (KEEN) is a database of resources compiled from existing peer-reviewed scientific literature and consensus documents. The information is sorted into an easily searchable cache of information, allowing OKA members to search through guidelines and assessment tools to inform their practice.
“KEEN is a great resource for learning, teaching and future practice,” says Scott Thomas, a professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. “With free access to KEEN, our students will be able to find evidence for using exercise to improve health, watch videos on how to do assessments and hear conversations between practicing kinesiologists. Not only will KEEN improve kinesiology practice, but it will open up opportunities for research.”
KPE has been involved with KEEN through contributions by faculty members, as well as students in the Masters of Professional Kinesiology (MPK) program, who did their placements at OKA. Savita Bhola assisted KEEN’S project coordinator Cheryl Beech with the initial launch of the network, providing reviews, feedback and curating content for various topics.
“I am currently working on expanding content in the best practice guidelines section and developing road maps for evidenced based webinars to help teach kinesiologists about various topics and clinical skills that may arise in their practice,” says Bhola.
In addition to the best practice guidelines, which include overviews, assessments, interventions and research on everything from Alzheimer disease and related dementias to multiple upper extremity conditions, KEEN also includes 147 assessment forms and tools, from the 4-item dynamic gait index to Wilson’s test used to detect the presence of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.
Through 2020/21, OKA plans to roll out additional elements of KEEN, including an engagement resource hub, which will include a library of video-based demonstrations, peer-to-peer webinars, panel discussions and mentoring moments.
In a press release issued by OKA, Professor Steve Fischer of the University of Waterloo described KEEN as “the Google for kinesiologists” that will allow members quick and easy access to the latest best practices.
“To witness a group of like-minded individuals coming together from all over Ontario to first dream up such a large concept and then work together to create a usable product has been truly inspirational,” says Bhola. “My time with OKA working on KEEN has opened my mind to the possibilities of the field, and I feel will continue to open doors to grow my professional career and Kinesiology advocacy efforts.”
KEEN is supported in part by seed donations from the University of Toronto, University of Guelph-Humber, York University, University of Windsor and Queen’s University, as well as base funding from the OKA and a grant from the University of Guelph Humber.