Motor Learning in the Ecological-Dynamic Approach: A Systematic Review

Tiziana D'Isanto; Giuseppe  Giardullo; Pompilio Cusano; Manuele Taleb; Luca  Molinaro; Giuseppe  Di Lascio

Authors

Tiziana D'Isanto Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1441-8101
Giuseppe Giardullo Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9319-4077
Pompilio Cusano Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy. Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1619-9969
Manuele Taleb Research center of Physical education and exercise, digital Pegaso University, Naples, Italy Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3985-0617
Luca Molinaro Department of Applied Science and Technology, eCampus University, Italy Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9030-1998
Giuseppe Di Lascio Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Italy. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3628-184X

Keywords:

Ecological dynamics approach, Motor learning, Motor task, Skills, Transfer

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize recent evidence on the ecological dynamics approach in motor learning, with particular attention to its application in sport and educational contexts.

Methods and Materials: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2024. A total of 4,387 records were identified, and 11 studies were included in the final synthesis. The included literature comprised heterogeneous study designs, including empirical studies and conceptual contributions, addressing technical skill acquisition, adaptability, creativity, perceptual-cognitive development, and pedagogical applications.

Findings: Overall, the findings suggest that ecological dynamics-informed approaches may support adaptive motor learning and functional variability, although conclusions should be interpreted cautiously due to variability in study design and methodological quality.

Conclusion: The results highlight the practical relevance of constraint-based approaches for coaches and physical education teachers, while emphasizing the need for more rigorous and comparable empirical research.

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Author Biographies

Tiziana D'Isanto, Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy

Phd, Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy
Giuseppe Giardullo , Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy

PHD Student, Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy
Pompilio Cusano, Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy.

Researcher in Pegaso Telematic University
Manuele Taleb, Research center of Physical education and exercise, digital Pegaso University, Naples, Italy

Phd Student, Research center of Physical education and exercise, digital Pegaso University, Naples, Italy
Luca Molinaro, Department of Applied Science and Technology, eCampus University, Italy

Professor, Department of Applied Science and Technology, eCampus University, Italy
Giuseppe Di Lascio , Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Italy.

Phd student,

Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Italy.

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