ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the overview of relationship between physical activity and motor skill development across the lifespan. Fundamental movement skills are developed through the preschool years, laying the foundation for controlled sport-specific movements and the ability to carry out daily activities for self-care. There is an established correlation between reduced child participation in physical activity and deficiency in motor skills, however the causal relationship is not yet understood. The correlation is particularly significant for children engaging in regular moderate to high intensity physical activity. Further, motor skill performance can be improved through short, intense motor skill training interventions. Specificity of the motor skill training programme, as well as participant motivation have both been demonstrated to provide measureable improvements. These results support the use of games-based approaches to encourage increased participation and intensity of activity. Later in life, the benefits of regular and ongoing physical activity are evident with a reduced decline in motor performance in late adulthood.
