In the Department of Sport and Movement Sciences research projects are focused around the biocultural approach of men in movement and the movements of men. In recent years this area of research is identified with the term kinesiology. Three research units are operational and deal with: physical education and sport psychology, sociocultural kinesiology and differential developmental kinesiology. The current research topics in each of these research units are briefly outlined: SPORT PEDAGOGY LAB: analysis of teacher and pupil behaviors and thoughts (Teacher Value Orientation, beliefs, attitudes). Teacher education (beginning teacher's problems and needs, use of port- folios in school practicum, teachers and school management). Curriculum goals and didactics of the Flemish topsport schools. SPORT PSYCHOLOGY LAB: Physical activity in adults (determinants, psychological effects, promotion). Personality of toplevel athletes (elaboration of a new intra-indivudal methodology). Goalorientation (task and ego orientation) in youth sports. Research projects in the research unit on SOCIAL AND CULTURAL KINESIOLOGY: 1. historical research on the development of sport, play and recreation as cultural expressions. Research focuses on the origin of traditional forms of human movement, the rise of modern sport and the development of sport and PE related science. 2. comparative research on sport and physical education in different social systems. 3. research on ethics of sport and physical education. 4. research on social participation, socialisation and social inequality in sport and physical activity. 5. longitudinal and time trend analysis of participation in sport and physical activity (includes joint projects with the research Center for Physical Development). 6. economic impact of amateur and professional sport. 7. analysis of management and marketing processes in public and private sport and recreation services. Research includes independent projects as well as contract research and collaborative projects with other European universities. DIFFERENTIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL KINESIOLOGY: Research is focused on the description and explanation of inter- individual variability in physical activity and physical fitness (anthropometry, body composition, maturity, motor function) in relation to health. Age-differences (growth, development, ageing process) as well asdifferences between specific groups (top-level and young athletes, students,...) are studied. Differences are explained in terms of the contribution of environmental factors (lifestyle, personal attributes, training, ...), genetic factors (contribution and identification of genetic characteristics) and their interaction.
