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

Authors

    tiziana d'isanto Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy
    giuseppe giardullo Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy
    pompilio cusano * Research Center of Physical Education and Exercise, University of Pegaso, Italy. pompilio.cusano@unipegaso.it
    manuele taleb Research center of Physical education and exercise, digital Pegaso University, Naples, Italy
    Luca Molinaro Department of Applied Science and Technology, eCampus University, Italy
    Giuseppe Di Lascio Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Italy.

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: 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.

 Results: 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.

Graphical Abstract

Published

2026-05-03

Issue

2026: In Press

Section

Articles

How to Cite

d'isanto, tiziana, giardullo , giuseppe ., cusano, pompilio, taleb, manuele, Molinaro, L. ., & Di Lascio , G. . (2026). Motor Learning in the Ecological-Dynamic Approach: A systematic Review. International Journal of Sport Studies for Health. https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/Intjssh/article/view/5212