Disability and Motor Behavior

This book explores the intersection of motor behavior, disability, and inclusive practice across the lifespan. The book integrates foundational theories of motor development with applied approaches to assessment, instruction, and intervention for individuals with disabilities. The book provides both conceptual frameworks and actionable strategies grounded in empirical research. Drawing upon interdisciplinary expertise from leaders in the fields of motor development, therapy, and adapted physical education, this text offers a comprehensive examination of motor behavior as it relates to disability, function, and participation. The book's structure progresses logically from theory and assessment to applied practice and lifelong activity engagement, promoting a holistic understanding of movement across the lifespan.

Ali S. Brian, Ph.D., is the associate dean for research in the College of Education and a professor in the areas of motor behavior and adapted physical education/activity in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Brian is a Certified Adapted Physical Educator and is the director of the Physical and Developmental Disabilities Research Lab at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Brian's research agenda focuses on underlying mechanisms that support positive developmental trajectories for whole-child health, including early intervention efforts, for preschoolers with and without disabilities as well as for youth with visual impairments.
Pamela Beach, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar and educator in the field of motor behavior, currently serving as a Professor of Motor Behavior and Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is also a Co-Director of the Institute on Movement Studies for Individuals with Visual Impairments. Her research focuses on motor behavior and balance across the lifespan in individuals with sensory impairments. She has served on the American Kinesiology Association Board and currently holds the position of Vice President of the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities.

Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Perspectives in Motor Behavior Pamela Beach, Deborah Shapiro, Wellington De Luna-Vazquez, E. Kip Webster Chapter 2: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations for Understanding and Studying Motor Development Adam Pennell, Deborah Shapiro, Wellington DeLuna-Vazquez, & E. Kip Webster Chapter 3: Applying Perspectives in Motor Behavior Adam Pennell Chapter 4: Assessment Andrew Pitchford Chapter 5: Infant Motor Development and Disabilities Daniela Corbetta and Beth A. Smith Chapter 6: Early childhood Development; Differential Effects of Disability Shea Ferguson, Angela Starrett, Ali Brian Chapter 7: Developmental Coordination Disorder: Towards the Diagnostic Process in Occupational Therapy Matthias Wagner Chapter 8: Gross Motor Development and Delays: Applications for Interventions and Programs from Infancy Through Early Childhood Candace Howard-Smith Chapter 9: Individual and Environmental Constraints in School-Aged Youth Andrea Taliaferro, Michael Ertel, & Ali Brian Chapter 10: Pre-Practice Considerations Melanie Perreault and Jennifer Heebink Chapter 11: Practice Schedules and Feedback Catherine M. Capio and Kathlynne F. Eguia Chapter 12: Case Studies and Practical Applications Catherine Murphy, Alex Stribing, Alysha Croke, Emily Weber, Lauren Kling, and Michelle Sousa Chapter 13: The Path from Robustness Towards Frailty and Physical Disability: A Constraints-Led Approach to Functional Mobility Nadja Schott Chapter 14: Functional and Physical Assessments for Adults with Disabilities Iva Obrusnikova & Cora Firkin Chapter 15: Lifelong Physical Activity for Disability John Foley, Stephanie Field & Cathy MacDonald