Motor Competence/Autonomy, Physical Activity and Child Development: Assessment, Intervention and Inclusive Practice

Motor competence/autonomy and physical activity are fundamental pillars of healthy child development, influencing physical, cognitive, emotional and social outcomes throughout childhood and adolescence. Children with higher levels of motor competence/autonomy are generally more physically active, healthier and better prepared for lifelong participation in movement, while children experiencing motor difficulties or developmental disorders often face barriers that limit participation, learning and overall well-being.In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward understanding the complex interactions among motor competence/autonomy, physical activity, physical fitness, motor learning and developmental health. At the same time, there is growing recognition that scientific evidence must be translated into effective educational, clinical and community-based practices capable of supporting all children, including those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental conditions. This Research Topic aims to bring together interdisciplinary research that advances our understanding of child development through movement while promoting inclusive, evidence-based approaches applicable across educational, healthcare and sport settings. We welcome contributions spanning the continuum from fundamental research to practical applications, with particular emphasis on assessment, intervention and the promotion of active lifestyles.We welcome submissions addressing topics including, but not limited to:● Motor competence/autonomy and motor development;● Physical activity, physical fitness and health-related outcomes;● Motor learning and motor control;● Fundamental movement skills;● Assessment and validation of motor competence/autonomy and physical activity measures;● Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions;● Adapted physical activity and inclusive physical education;● School-, family- and community-based interventions;● Technology, wearable devices and artificial intelligence in movement assessment;● Longitudinal studies of motor competence/autonomy and physical activity;● Translation of research into educational, clinical and public health practice.● Sport Initiation, Sport Sampling and Early Sport Specialization. Topic editors: Bojan Masanovic, Milos Petrovic, José A. Barela, Thordis Gisladottir Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84774/motor-competenceautonomy-physical-activity-and-child-development-assessment-intervention-and-inclusive-practice