Motor Behaviour: Control, Learning and Development

Motor Behavior: Control, Learning and Development explores the realm of Motor Behavior, a field intricately examining human action and movement across a lifetime - from their initial acquisition to refinement and evolution. This discipline provides a profound lens through which we comprehend the complex dynamics of human physicality.

Presented across four sections, each progressively guiding the reader from fundamental insights into the workings of the human body to more intricate subjects pertaining to motor control and learning, Motor Behavior: Control, Learning and Development equips readers with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing the human body during movement. Additionally, this book clarifies current perspectives on control and learning. Recognizing the perpetual evolution of science, there are short stories interspersed throughout the text. These narratives contextualize the unfolding tapestry of scientific knowledge, encouraging readers to adopt an open-minded stance toward the topic.

Tailored for students navigating the academic terrain in both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, this cutting-edge new textbook is essential reading for all students in Motor Control, Motor Learning, Motor Development, Skill Acquisition courses, and related modules.

João Barreiros holds an academic background in Human Movement Sciences and obtained his PhD in 1992. He currently serves as a Full Professor at the Faculty of Human Kinetics at the University of Lisbon, where he imparts knowledge in Motor Control and Learning, as well as Human Motor Development. His research primarily revolves around the effects of practice on learning processes and the development of perception and action, particularly during infancy and childhood. Motivated by a passion for golf, he has explored the nuances of learning within the sport and the injuries that may arise from its practice. Additionally, he has taken the lead on various scientific projects centered around movement control, child development, and safety research. Through sustained collaborations, he has cultivated partnerships with universities in Europe, Brazil, and China. Since 2013, he has held the role of vice-rector at the University of Lisbon, where he oversees responsibilities related to Planning and Finance.

Pedro Passos is an Associate Professor at the Faculdade de Motricidade Humana/UL, where he teaches courses in Motor Control and Learning and Scientific Research Methods. Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Laboratory of Motor Behaviour. His primary research area is interpersonal coordination, and he has numerous papers published in international journals, along with books and book chapters. Pedro’s academic journey includes earning a Degree in Physical Education and Sport in 1995, a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology in 1999, and a Doctorate in Sport Sciences in 2008, all from FMH/UL. In the coaching realm, he worked as a Gymnastics and as a Rugby coach. Additionally, he contributed to the physical conditioning of motorcycle riders and worked as an Alpine Ski instructor. In his leisure time, he enjoys surfing, mountain biking, and stand-up paddling.