Life Span Motor Development, Seventh Edition, uses the model of constraints in discussing reasons for changes in movement throughout the life span. It encourages students to examine how the interactions of the individual, environment, and task bring about changes in a person’s movements.

Part I. Introduction to Motor DevelopmentChapter 1. Fundamental Concepts Defining Motor Development Constraints: A Model for Studying Motor Development How Do We Know It Is Change? A Developmental Paradox: Universality Versus Variability Summary and SynthesisChapter 2. Theoretical Perspectives in Motor Development Maturational Perspective Information Processing Perspective Ecological Perspective Current Interests Summary and SynthesisChapter 3. Principles of Motion and Stability Understanding the Principles of Motion and Stability Using the Principles of Motion and Stability to Detect and Correct Errors Summary and SynthesisPart II. Development of Motor Skills Across the Life SpanChapter 4. Early Motor Development How Do Infants Move? Why Do Infants Move? The Purpose of Reflexes Motor Milestones: The Pathway to Voluntary Movements Development of Postural Control and Balance in Infancy Summary and SynthesisChapter 5. Development of Human Locomotion The First Voluntary Locomotor Efforts: Creeping and Crawling Walking Across the Life Span Running Across the Life Span Other Locomotor Skills Summary and SynthesisChapter 6. Development of Ballistic Skills Overarm Throwing Kicking Punting Sidearm Striking Overarm Striking Interventions Summary and SynthesisChapter 7. Development of Manipulative Skills Grasping and Reaching Catching Anticipation Summary and SynthesisPart III. Physical Growth and AgingChapter 8. Physical Growth, Maturation, and Aging Prenatal Development Postnatal Development Summary and SynthesisChapter 9. Development and Aging of Body Systems Systems Development During the Prenatal Period Systems Development During Childhood and Adolescence Systems Development During Adulthood Summary and SynthesisPart IV. Development of Physical FitnessChapter 10. Development of Cardiorespiratory Endurance Physiological Responses to Short-Term Exercise Physiological Responses to Prolonged Exercise Summary and SynthesisChapter 11. Development of Strength and Flexibility Muscle Mass and Strength Development of Flexibility Summary and SynthesisChapter 12. Weight Status, Fitness, and Motor Competence A Model of Interrelationships Body Composition Obesity Motor Competence, Activity, Fitness, and Body Composition Summary and SynthesisPart V. Perceptual-Motor DevelopmentChapter 13. Sensory-Perceptual Development Visual Development Kinesthetic Development Auditory Development Intermodal Perception Summary and SynthesisChapter 14. Perception and Action in Development The Role of Action in Perception Postural Control and Balance Summary and SynthesisPart VI. Functional Constraints in Motor DevelopmentChapter 15. Social and Cultural Constraints in Motor Development Social and Cultural Influences as Environmental Constraints Other Sociocultural Constraints: Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Summary and SynthesisChapter 16. Psychosocial Constraints in Motor Development Self-Esteem The Link Between Perceived and Actual Motor Competency Motivation Summary and SynthesisChapter 17. Developmental Motor Learning Unpacking the Definition of “Motor Learning” A Brief History of Developmental Motor Learning Stages of Learning and the Development of Expertise Practice and Motor Learning Augmented Feedback and Motor Learning Other Factors that Impact Motor Learning Summary and SynthesisChapter 18. Conclusion: Interactions Among Constraints Using Constraints to Enhance Learning in Physical Activity Settings Interacting Constraints: Case Studies Summary and SynthesisAppendix. Skinfold, Body Mass Index, and Head Circumference Charts