Motor Behavior Center

Research conducted in the Motor Behavior Center investigates the roles of cognitive factors in the learning and control of human movements. Processes such as feedback, perception, attention, motivation, and response programming are examined to determine how skillful movements are acquired and performed.

Research from the Motor Learning and Motor Development Laboratories within the Center is also geared toward promoting motor and sport skill development as well as the motivation to participate in life-long physical activity. Over the past 10 years, researchers from the Kinesiology Motor Behavior Center have provided empirical support for high autonomy educational climates (i.e., mastery motivational physical play environments) that drive young children to learn to move (i.e., improve fundamental motor skills, increase perceived competence) and engage in healthy behavior (i.e., increase in physical activity - heart rate and PAR<50; increase in stress response (i.e., positive change in cortisol salivary response). External funding is being sought to implement a School-Based Mastery Climate Physical Education - Early Childhood Program to reduce childhood obesity.

(associated faculty: Fischman, Robinson, Rudisill)

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2011