Motor Development Patterns in Adulthood Based on the Type of Sport Practiced: A Comparative Study Between Locomotor and Non-Locomotor Sports

Abstrak

This study aims to examine patterns of motor development in adulthood based on the characteristics of sports practiced, with particular attention to locomotor- and non-locomotor-dominant activities. Motor development in adulthood is important because previously acquired movement abilities need to be maintained and adapted to changing physical conditions, training experiences, and sport-specific demands. This study uses a literature review method with a qualitative descriptive approach and does not involve direct field research, observation, interviews, or physical measurements. Relevant scientific articles published mainly between 2020 and 2025 were identified, selected, reviewed, and compared according to the focus of the study. The literature was analyzed based on motor competence, locomotor and non-locomotor movement patterns, coordination, balance, agility, strength, flexibility, physical activity, and factors affecting motor development. The reviewed literature indicates that sports dominated by locomotor movements provide repeated experience in body displacement, changes in direction, dynamic balance, agility, and spatial coordination. In contrast, activities dominated by non-locomotor movements place greater emphasis on postural control, balance, flexibility, coordination, stability, and precision of movement. Nevertheless, locomotor and non-locomotor components are not completely separated because most sports require a combination of movement patterns. The literature also shows that motor development in adulthood is associated with the frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise, physical condition, age, previous sport experience, and consistency of participation. Evidence concerning adults indicates that structured physical activity can support strength, balance, mobility, and functional movement, while aquatic exercise can provide useful training stimuli for strength and balance with different loading characteristics from land-based exercise. Therefore, the development and maintenance of motor skills in adulthood should be considered in relation to the characteristics of the sport and the individual’s needs rather than by treating one movement category as universally superior. The findings suggest that adult exercise programs should be planned progressively and adapted to movement goals, physical condition, training experience, and the dominant demands of the