Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.8
2.1
Journals
Children
Special Issues
Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence
share announcement

Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Neurology & Neurodevelopmental Disorders".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 8981

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dario Colella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Università del Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: motor learning; teaching styles; teaching–learning of motor competencies; sport and physical education in school; motor assessment of process and product; teaching education (PETE)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Domenico Monacis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Humanities, Università Telematica Pegaso, Naples, Italy
Interests: teaching–learning styles applied to physical education teaching; quality of physical education (QPE); enriched teaching and technologies for teaching in physical education; models and methods of motor assessment; relationship between physical activity, motor development, and related factors; multicomponent projects in primary and secondary school; health-promoting schools; relationship between lifestyles, overweight and obesity, and physical fitness in childhood

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The contribution of motor experience to children’s growth in developmental age has been widely supported by numerous scientific evidence and good practices. However, complex socio-cultural transformations—i.e., the increased use of digital tools and devices among infants and children—are generating new opportunities for accessing knowledge and, consequently, different ways of learning and interacting with peers.

This Special Issue aims to address this topic with a particular emphasis on pedagogical and educational models related to lifespan motor development. It may include studies aimed at presenting a new synthesis about the complex, fluid, and context-dependent nature of developmental change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of perception, action, cognition, physical fitness, and factors related to the practice of physical activity. From novel advancement in motor development, this Special Issue aims to showcase the links between scientific and methodological approaches applied in contexts (i.e., sport, physical education, free time, etc.), translating theory into practice and enhancing the transformative nature of motor development in different ages.

Prof. Dr. Dario Colella
Dr. Domenico Monacis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • motor development
  • learning of motor competence
  • physical literacy in children and adolescents
  • health-related physical fitness components
  • skill-related physical fitness components
  • multidisciplinary approaches
  • dynamic systems theory

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 1399 KB  
Article
Effects of the SmartACT Intervention on Motor and Psychological Variables in Adolescent Athletes: A Controlled Trial Using BlazePod and Microgate
by Barabási Madár Timea, Costea-Bărluţiu Carmen, Ordean Mircea Nicolae, Mancini Nicola, Grosu Vlad Teodor, Sabău Anca Maria, Popovici Cornelia, Carlos Hervás-Gómez, Grosu Emilia Florina and Monea Dan
Children 2025, 12(10), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101338 - 5 Oct 2025
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Agility and reaction speed are critical components of sports performance and are influenced by both physical conditioning and psychological state. Interventions such as SmartACT, which integrate mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment, guided imagery and hypnosis techniques are still underexplored in high-performance sport, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Agility and reaction speed are critical components of sports performance and are influenced by both physical conditioning and psychological state. Interventions such as SmartACT, which integrate mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment, guided imagery and hypnosis techniques are still underexplored in high-performance sport, despite their potential to affect both psychological and motor dimensions. Methods: This 7-week controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of SmartACT in reducing psychological and somatic symptoms and enhancing motor performance in adolescent athletes. A total of 193 athletes aged 15–18 years were assigned to three groups: SmartACT (n = 69), MAC (Mindfulness–Acceptance–Commitment, the standardized Gardner & Moore protocol; n = 65), and a control group (n = 59). Agility was measured using the T-Drill Agility Test with Microgate electronic timing, and reaction speed was assessed using BlazePod devices. Psychological and somatic symptoms were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Ghent Multidimensional Somatic Complaints Scale (GMSCS). Results: The SmartACT group showed significantly improved agility (MD = −1.07 s, p < 0.001, d = 2.50, 95% CI [1.79, 3.35]), faster reaction times (MD = −643.75 ms, p < 0.001, d = 0.85, 95% CI [0.35, 1.41]), and a higher number of BlazePod touches (MD = +2.53, p < 0.001, d = 1.43, 95% CI [0.87, 2.07]). Psychological symptoms (DASS-21) and somatic complaints (GMSCS) decreased significantly more than in the MAC and control groups. Conclusions: SmartACT appears to be an effective hybrid psychological intervention to simultaneously improve physical performance and reduce psychological and psychosomatic distress in adolescent athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 287 KB  
Article
The Role of Capoeira in Improving Motor and Social Skills in Children with Autism
by Roei Lev-Ari, Meir Lotan and Liat Korn
Children 2025, 12(10), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101305 - 27 Sep 2025
Viewed by 445
Abstract
Background: Children with Autism often face motor, sensory and communicational challenges that can hinder their participation in meaningful physical and social activities. This study explores the potential of Capoeira to support their development across these domains. Methods: This qualitative pilot study used semi-structured [...] Read more.
Background: Children with Autism often face motor, sensory and communicational challenges that can hinder their participation in meaningful physical and social activities. This study explores the potential of Capoeira to support their development across these domains. Methods: This qualitative pilot study used semi-structured interviews with parents of children aged 7–15 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who participated in group Capoeira programs. Data were analyzed through content categorization, leading to the development of thematic constructs. Results: Three central domains emerged regarding the perceived impact of Capoeira training on children with Autism: 1. Improvements in areas commonly affected in Autism, including sensory and auditory regulation, motor coordination, bodily awareness, compliance, and social communication. 2. Increased motivation, independence, sense of belonging and integration into mixed peer groups of typically developing (TD) children and children with ASD. 3. Broader developmental gains were also reported, such as increased self-confidence, initiative, awareness of others, and transfer of skills beyond the training context. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Capoeira may serve as an effective integrated intervention model, supporting physical and social development in children with ASD. Capoeira was reported to be associated with improved coordination, balance, body awareness, and gains in nonverbal interaction and social engagement, all within a collaborative, non-competitive framework. Future studies should explore the short and long-term impact of such interventions through quantitative outcome measures, as well as clarify the mechanisms that promote successful integration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence)
13 pages, 348 KB  
Article
Validation of the Italian Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2 (CAPL-2) Questionnaire for Children
by Alice Iannaccone, Alessandro Cudicio, Lavinia Falese, Bruno Federico, Matteo Crotti, Nicola Lovecchio, Simone Digennaro and Valeria Agosti
Children 2025, 12(10), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101290 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physical literacy is a holistic concept promoting lifelong health by considering an individual’s lived experience within their cultural context. This necessitates context-specific conceptualizations and pedagogies, highlighting the need for valid assessment tools for physical and sport educators. The Canadian Assessment of Physical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Physical literacy is a holistic concept promoting lifelong health by considering an individual’s lived experience within their cultural context. This necessitates context-specific conceptualizations and pedagogies, highlighting the need for valid assessment tools for physical and sport educators. The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL-2) is a well-known validated tool. This study aimed to validate the Italian translation and cultural adaptation of the CAPL-2 questionnaire for children aged 8–12. Methods: The CAPL-2 questionnaire was translated using a forward–backward procedure by bilingual experts. Subsequently, 111 Italian children (57 females, mean BMI 17.9 kg/m2) completed the adapted CAPL-2 questionnaire twice over 10 days under supervision. The internal consistency of CAPL-2 was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha. ROC curve analysis and AUC evaluated the CAPL-2’s ability to predict adherence to WHO physical activity guidelines based on self-reported activity. Results: Results showed high internal consistency for the motivation and confidence domain (Cronbach’s α: 0.88–0.97) but lower consistency for the knowledge and understanding domain (Cronbach’s α: 0.20–0.34). Despite this, the CAPL-2 questionnaire demonstrated high predictive performance in identifying children active for at least 5 days (AUC: 0.95) or 6 days (AUC: 0.89). Conclusions: The Italian version of CAPL-2 is a reliable tool for assessing physical literacy in Italian children aged 8 to 12, addressing key aspects such as motivation, confidence, physical skills, understanding of physical activity, and daily habits. It offers a valuable and culturally adapted instrument for trainers, teachers and educators in physical activity and sport contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 248 KB  
Article
An Assessment of Motor Skills in Infants at Risk of Atypical Psychomotor Development Using the Vojta Method
by Robert Podstawski, Katarzyna Balewska-Juras, Krzysztof Borysławski, Attila Szabo and Jadwiga Snarska
Children 2025, 12(8), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12080976 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 918
Abstract
Background: Some neonates are assessed for the risk of atypical psychomotor development at birth and are referred for reflex locomotion therapy using the Vojta method. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between spontaneous motor activity (SMA), [...] Read more.
Background: Some neonates are assessed for the risk of atypical psychomotor development at birth and are referred for reflex locomotion therapy using the Vojta method. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between spontaneous motor activity (SMA), ideal movement patterns (IMPs), central coordination disorders (CCDs), vital signs at birth, involuntary reflexes, and postural asymmetry in infants. Methods: This study involved 90 female and 107 male subjects in the age interval of 1–16 months (4.15 ± 2.18). Their psychomotor development was assessed using the Vojta method. Age-appropriate involuntary reflexes were evaluated, and both parameters were correlated with perinatal risk factors. Results: Males scored significantly higher than females (difference of −0.7, p = 0.022) in the SMA test. In both genders, SMA (p < 0.001 in both genders) and IMP scores improved significantly with age. In male infants, higher CCD scores were associated with significantly lower SMA and IMP scores (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). Significantly higher CCD scores were noted in female subjects with the Moro reflex and postural asymmetry (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). In males, the Moro reflex was significantly correlated with the Vojta reaction (p = 0.012) and the Collis vertical suspension reflex (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vital signs at birth, including birth weight, Apgar score, and type of delivery, can predict motor development disorders but do not clearly differentiate infants that require neurodevelopmental therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence)
16 pages, 2282 KB  
Article
Exploring Self-Reported Physical Activity Levels and Physical Fitness in Italian Children: A Mediation and Moderation Analysis
by Domenico Monacis, Italo Sannicandro and Dario Colella
Children 2025, 12(2), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020204 - 8 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1410
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Skill-related physical fitness is a crucial factor influencing health status during childhood. Starting from the lack of knowledge in the field of skill-related physical fitness and levels of physical activity in Southern Italy, this cross-sectional study aims to explore the mediating and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Skill-related physical fitness is a crucial factor influencing health status during childhood. Starting from the lack of knowledge in the field of skill-related physical fitness and levels of physical activity in Southern Italy, this cross-sectional study aims to explore the mediating and moderating influence of PAL on the association between BMI and skill-related physical fitness. Methods: The sample (N = 387 students; male = 196, age = 12.2 ± 0.87 yrs; female = 191, age = 12.3 ± 0.93) was recruited from schools in the Apulia Region. The assessment included standing long jump (SLJ), 2 kg medicine ball throw (MBT) and 10 × 5 shuttle run (10 × 5) as indicators of physical fitness, and a self-report for measuring daily physical activity (PAL). A 2 (gender) × 3 (BMI cutoff)-factorial ANOVA was performed to highlight differences between groups for physical fitness components and PAL. Then, mediation and moderation models were created, establishing BMI as the independent variable, physical fitness tests as dependent variables, and PAL as the mediator and moderator variable. Results: The findings showed higher physical fitness and PAL in male and female normal-weight groups than in those who were overweight and obese. Mediation analysis revealed that higher PAL improved performance in SLJ (b = 0.091, p < 0.01, R2 = 17.16%), led to a modest understanding of the variation in MBT (ΔR2 = 0.026), and significantly reduced the time spent to perform 10 × 5 (p < 0.0, R2 = 10.72%). Conclusions: Despite the obtained results, future research is needed to further understand the association between physical fitness and the sociocultural determinants of physical activity to guide institutional policies and interventions to prevent poor health habits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 792 KB  
Review
Parental Perspectives and Infant Motor Development: An Integrated Ecological Model
by Ran An and Klaus Libertus
Children 2025, 12(6), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12060724 - 31 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4274
Abstract
Infant motor development has traditionally been studied through child-centered frameworks that often overlook the vital role parents play in shaping early outcomes. This paper provides a renewed ecological approach, foregrounding parental perspectives—knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, theories, and expectations—and examining how they directly and indirectly [...] Read more.
Infant motor development has traditionally been studied through child-centered frameworks that often overlook the vital role parents play in shaping early outcomes. This paper provides a renewed ecological approach, foregrounding parental perspectives—knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, theories, and expectations—and examining how they directly and indirectly guide infants’ motor trajectories. Drawing on cross-cultural evidence, we illustrate how differences in parental priorities and caregiving behaviors can either accelerate or delay the emergence of crucial motor skills. We also highlight the reciprocal relationship between parent and child: while parental views shape caregiving practices, children’s developing abilities and behaviors can, in turn, alter their parents’ perspectives. Building on existing theories, including Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and dynamic systems theory, our integrated model situates the parent–child dyad within broader socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental contexts. This model shows the dynamic, ever-evolving interplay between parents and children and demonstrates the importance of aligning parental cognition with targeted interventions to optimize motor development. By examining how cultural norms, individual experiences, and contextual factors converge, this paper offers both a theoretical framework and practical implications for supporting infants’ growth. This paper will inform future research by encouraging parent-focused developmental studies and guiding practitioners to design culturally informed interventions in the field of motor development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Children’s Motor Development: From Birth to Adolescence)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop