Children need adequate motor skills for successful participation in physical activity and sports. A physically active lifestyle impacts children's cognitive and social-emotional development and their physical and mental health. Special attention is given to children who tend to be less active nowadays, as well as to children with developmental problems, such as behavioural or learning problems. In this topic we aim to understand motor development from an (social) ecological perspective. In addition, we study how aspects of motor development and physical activity are intertwined with cognitive development and mental health throughout childhood. We use these insights and theoretical frameworks for behavioural change to develop, evaluate and implement school-based interventions. In science, we contribute to the development of knowledge about child development in sports and exercise. Additionally, we aim to impact society by providing all children with opportunities to adopt an active lifestyle. We seek to raise awareness of the importance of this among the children themselves, as well as their parents, school professionals and policymakers.
Fit en Vaardig op School (Physically active learning at school)
Physically active learning matters in special needs education. Physically active learning (PAL) is an innovative approach to education that breaks the routine of students sitting still during the school day, without losing valuable instructional time. The evidence-based curriculum "Fit en Vaardig op School" allows students in regular primary education to engage in active learning during math and language lessons. To date, there is no active learning program specifically designed for students in special primary education (SBO). For these students, who often have low physical activity levels, learning challenges, and limited motor skills, PAL could provide a solution to enhance both their academic performance and learning behavior, while also boosting their physical activity levels. The goal of this study is to develop and test active learning lessons for children in SBO, in co-creation with professionals from the education field.
More information? Contact Esther Hartman.
Unique in your motor skills
Motor skills in typically developing children have declined in recent decades. These skills are an important factor in developing a physically active lifestyle. In this study, we identify risk or enabling factors for childhood motor performance. Additionally, we investigate the development of the quality of motor skills in typically developing children as well as in children from special populations. The results provide valuable insights that can be used for the development of targeted motor interventions.
Uniek in je Motoriek
More information? Contact Esther Hartman or Marina Schoemaker.
Lifestyle of Our Kids (LOOK) - project on personalized connected health in children
Large proportions of children in European countries do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations and spend a lot of time sedentary. There is a value in enhancing awareness of PA behavior and its determinants in children and their parents in order to change PA behavior, as it is an essential precursor to behavioral change itself. The current study explores the subjective perceptions and experiences of assessments related to PA and its underlying determinants in children and their parents, and how they value feedback on these aspects.
More information? Contact Esther Hartman.
