The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the literature on video modeling to support physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specific aims were to (1) identify the targeted skills and behaviors of interest, (2) identify the type of video modeling procedure implemented, and (3) examine the effects of video…

In previous studies, the acute effects of movement constraints on the countermovement jump performance are investigated; however, the longitudinal effects of implementing the constraint in a training regimen are not well studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the phenomenon of motor learning development due to application of task…

Learning to descend stairs requires motor and cognitive capacities on the part of infants and opportunities for practice and assurance of safety offered by caregivers. The American Academy of Pediatrics prescribes the age strategy to teach toddlers to safely descend stairs but without much consideration for individual differences in infants'…

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating role of adaptive behavior on the pathways connecting motor competence, physical activity, and health-related fitness in 7-12 year old children with ASD (N = 27). Results demonstrate that motor competence and health-related fitness were positively related (r = 0.42, p < 0.05), and this…

The present study aimed to compare the effect of a land-based and a swimming-based exercise program on balance abilities in children with autism. Thirty children were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to karate exercise, aquatic training and control groups. Participants practiced for 10 weeks, 2 sessions of 60 min per week. Before and…

The overarm throw is a difficult multi-limb task because the overarm throw requires synchronized dexterity of the entire body. Research has determined that the inability to throw hinders children's participation in physical activities. The dynamic systems theory, which describes the interactions and processes that manipulate development, framed…

Purpose: A vertical jump (VJ) is a common task performed in several sports, with the height achieved correlated to skilled performance. Loaded VJs are often used in the training of recreational and professional athletes. The bilateral deficit (BLD), which refers to the difference between the heights achieved by a bilateral jump and the sum of two…

Physical activity plays an important role in individuals' physical and psychological health. However, there is scarce evidence on how physical activity is associated with socioemotional aspects in gifted students. This is of special importance since previous research showed that gifted students scored significantly lower on physical self-concept…

Expectancies for success and autonomy support have been shown to facilitate motor learning and enhance motor performance. The purpose of the study was to examine whether we replicated (a) enhanced expectancies and autonomy support intervention enhanced motor skill learning in children, and (b) identified the underlying psychological mechanism.…

The purpose of this article is to highlight how a community partnership between a Northeastern U.S. university and a racially/socioeconomically diverse local elementary school (58.3% students on free/reduced lunch) impacted learners in both physical education programs. Based on the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program model, community…

Purpose: Framed in self-determination theory, the aim of this study was to explore students' perceptions of learning in a fundamental movement skills (FMS)-focused physical education program that incorporated student voice. Methods: Participants included 13 females attending a designated disadvantaged post primary school (13-14 years old).…

Ice skating, also called figure skating, can be categorized as a lifetime fitness endeavor. Figure skating has many benefits that allow skaters opportunities to learn and understand motor skill movement and patterns on the ice. The purpose of this article is to share best practices when teaching the fundamentals of figure skating. Included in…

Structured motor tasks may affect cognitive development by creating a cognitively challenging "enriched environment', giving opportunity for social cooperation, increasing the joy to learn through play, improving the sense of mastery and competence. The study investigated the association between motor and cognitive exercises, through a…

This longitudinal study aimed to investigate infants' spontaneous object interactions during naturalistic longitudinal observations in a day care centre in Japan. Infants' and caregivers' interactions during free play time were videotaped. The main focus related to how infants' object interactions changed during locomotor development. Observations…

Much research has been executed to investigate how altering focus of attention impacts performance and feelings of fatigue. Using a within-participant design, the present study examined how an associative and dissociative attentional in addition to an internal and external attentional dimension influenced the running economy of nonprofessional…