Writing in the Health Sciences ~ Revised

 

Writing in the Health Sciences: A Guide for Movement & Aging Disciplines

Welcome to your guide for writing effectively in the fields of kinesiology, physical therapy, and gerontology. Whether you’re preparing a research article, reflective blog, lab report, or patient handout, writing in this discipline demands clarity, evidence, and empathy. This guide offers practical strategies to help you communicate complex ideas with confidence, engage your readers, and meet academic or professional standards.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is designed for:

• Students (like me) studying kinesiology, PT, exercise science, or aging studies

• Emerging professionals writing clinical reports or public-facing content

• Writers communicating across academic, clinical, and community settings

Health sciences writing spans a wide spectrum: from peer-reviewed studies and grant proposals to blogs, educational pamphlets, and public health messaging. Regardless of genre, your goal remains the same, to translate movement and aging science into clear, compassionate, and credible writing.

Tone: Balancing Professionalism and Empathy 

Tone refers to how your writing “sounds” to readers. In health science writing, your tone should be:

• Professional: grounded in research, free from slang or bias

• Empathetic: respectful when discussing aging, disability, injury, or health decline

• Evidence-based: always rooted in credible studies or data, even in informal formats

• Accessible: avoid condescension; aim for clear communication, not complexity

Example (academic):
“Resistance training improves balance and reduces fall risk in older adults with sarcopenia (Nelson et al., 2007).”

Example (blog):
“Even a short daily walk can make a big difference in balance and energy levels for older adults.”

Avoid overly technical or robotic writing unless your audience demands it. Always tailor tone to who you’re writing for; a clinician, an older adult, or a grant reviewer.

Structure & Organization: Writing Across Genres

Common Formats You’ll Encounter:

Research Paper

• Abstract → Introduction → Methods → Results → Discussion → References
• Formal tone, APA formatting, heavy use of citations

Blog or Article

• Hook → Problem → Data/Insight → Personal Connection → Call to Action
• Informal tone, light citations, conversational structure

Clinical Note or Patient Handout

• Clear headings, short paragraphs, bolded keywords
• Simplified language, visuals, and step-by-step guides

Formatting Tips for All Genres:

• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence
• Use bullet points and bold headings to improve readability
• Write short paragraphs (3–5 sentences) to avoid reader fatigue
• Conclude with a takeaway that reinforces your message

Tip: When in doubt, outline first. Even casual formats benefit from pre-planned structure.

Citation & Attribution

Use APA (7th edition) for most health science writing.

Good Citation Practices:

• Paraphrase ideas instead of quoting when possible

• Always cite data, images, or infographics that aren’t your own

• Use DOIs or stable URLs when linking to online content

• Include citations even in blogs and informal pieces when referencing scientific data

Content & Methods: What You’re Writing About

Effective writing in health and movement disciplines relies on data-driven content, paired with clear, purposeful messaging. Whether you’re describing a clinical trial, fitness intervention, or theory of aging, your content should be:

• Rooted in evidence: cite relevant research and use measurable outcomes

• Practical: connect data to real-world implications (e.g., what a therapist or older adult should do next)

• Clear and concise: avoid fluff, filler, and overly complex sentences

Common Types of Content:

• Clinical studies (RCTs, meta-analyses, case reports)

• Public health data (e.g., CDC physical activity guidelines)

• Movement assessments (e.g., VO₂ max, balance tests, flexibility measures)

• Aging-related concepts (e.g., sarcopenia, ADLs, frailty, fall risk)

Use headings like “Methods”, “Findings”, or “Implications for Practice” to keep your content organized and reader-friendly.

Design & Visuals

Visual elements don't just decorate your writing, they clarify and amplify it!

Use Visuals to:

• Display Data: charts comparing balance scores before and after intervention 

• Illustrate Anatomy: labeled images of joint movement 

• Summarize Information:  infographics on fall prevention & so much more 

Tips:

• Label all visuals 
• Avoid overcrowded visuals or "busy" graphs and photos 
• Cite the source of your visual if it is not and original 

Visual Source 

Specialized Language

Every discipline has its own vocabulary but define it when needed!

Examples:

• Use: “VO₂ max (maximum oxygen uptake)”

• Say: “older adults,” not “the elderly”

• Avoid: unnecessary jargon or acronyms without explanations

When writing for clinicians or researchers, use technical terms confidently. When writing for the public, prioritize plain language and patient understanding.

Sample Sources Used in This Guide

Background Sources:

1. Writing Commons – Academic Writing Style Guide

2. Duke Writing Studio – Writing in the Health Professions

Sample Writing in the Field:

3. Gendron, T. (2022). Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It 

Combines research with narrative, ideal fir writing about aging population 

3. Phillips, P. (2025). Rethinking Fitness Goals After 65 link 

Student blog uses empathy and evidence to motivate older readers 

3. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity – Peer-reviewed structure and APA formatting model

Final Tips for Writing in Health & Aging Disciplines

• Know your audience: students, patients, or practitioners?
• Keep tone respectful and strengths-based
• Focus on evidence, but make it meaningful
• Format for clarity — white space, bolded headers, bullets
• Use inclusive and ethical language — especially around aging, disability, and gender

References:

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Physical activity and health. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm

Duke Writing Studio. (n.d.). Writing in the health professions. Duke University.  https://twp.duke.edu/twp-writing-studio

Gendron, T. (2022). Ageism unmasked: Exploring age bias and how to end it. Steerforth Press. 

Writing Commons. (n.d.). Academic writing style guide. https://writingcommons.org/section/style/writing-styles/academic-writing-style-guide/

Nelson, M. E., et al. (2007). Physical activity and public health in older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(8), 1435–1445. 

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/recovery/rotator-cuff-and-shoulder-conditioning-program/rotator-cuff-pdf/

A Personal Note from the Writer

As a student I've come to appreciate how powerful good writing can be. Whether we're explaining a mobility intervention, advocating for inclusivity, or simply translating research into action, our words matter! Especially to those who trust us to guide their care. 
I hope this guide not only helps you meet your academic goals but also reminds you of the real people behind every term paper, clinical note, or public health message. Writing in this field isn’t just technical, it’s human. 
— Peyton Phillips