Testing Seefeldt’s Proficiency Barrier: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

The idea that proficiency in the fundamental movement skills (FMS) is necessary for the development of more complex motor skills (i.e., the proficiency barrier) and to promote health-enhancing physical activity and health-related physical fitness levels is widespread in the literature of motor development. Nonetheless, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study assessing whether children presenting proficiency below a specified proficiency barrier would demonstrate difficulty in improving performance in more complex skills—even when subjected to a period of practice in these complex skills. The present study tested this. Eighty-five normal children (44 boys) aged 7 to 10 years participated in the study. The intervention took place during 10 consecutive classes, once a week, lasting 40 min each. Six FMS (running, hopping, leaping, kicking, catching and stationary dribbling) and one transitional motor skill (TMS) (speed dribbling skill) were assessed. The results showed that only those who showed sufficient proficiency in running and stationary dribbling before the intervention were able to show high performance values in the TMS after intervention. In addition, in line with recent propositions, the results show that the basis for development of the TMS was specific critical components of the FMS and that the barrier can be captured through a logistic function. These results corroborate the proficiency barrier hypothesis and highlight that mastering the critical components of the FMS is a necessary condition for motor development.

Potential relevance of a motor skill “proficiency barrier” on health‐related fitness in youth

“…Individuals with low MC do not engage in adequate context‐specific practice and performance of the various skills needed to consistently promote advanced coordination and control across multiple skills (Brian et al, 2020; Costa et al, 2021; Pacheco et al, 2021; dos Santos et al, 2022); thus, limiting their opportunities for developing and sustaining MSF (Barnett et al, 2022; Costa et al, 2021; dos Santos et al, 2022; Stodden et al, 2008). This lack of experience in developing various motor skills is undoubtedly linked to a lack of participation in various moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activities (e.g.…”

“…sports and structured/non‐structured variants of object control/projection and stability/mobility skills). While this seemingly critical idea was postulated over four decades ago, research attempting to confirm this idea has been conducted only recently (Brian et al, 2020; Costa et al, 2021; Pacheco et al, 2021; dos Santos et al, 2022). If a proficiency barrier does exist, its importance relative to contemporary public health is emerging (Brian et al, 2020; De Meester et al, 2018; Stodden et al, 2013; Malina, 2014); although Haubenstricker and Seefeldt (1986) initially suggested that developing a certain level of competence would facilitate successful participation in a variety of physical activities, specifically vigorous activities.…”

May the Force Be with Youth: Foundational Strength for Lifelong Development

“…Years ago, Seefeldt (82) proposed that youth with poor movement skills would not be able to break through a so-called “proficiency barrier” and, therefore, would be limited in their ability to develop more mature movement patterns. Although empirical evidence supports Seefeldt's proficiency barrier hypothesis (33,83), it appears that weaker youth with poor resistive skills may be unable to overcome a strength barrier that would allow them to perform movement skills proficiently. Because a prerequisite level of muscular strength is needed to perform a movement task skillfully (84), weaker youth may be limited in their ability (both real and perceived) to engage in MVPA with confidence, competence, and motivation (3,16).…”

Exploring the motor skill proficiency barrier among children with intellectual disabilities: Analysis at a behavioural component level

“…It is hypothesised by Seefeldt [ 5 ] that children may need to meet a certain mastery level in FMS in order to progress and acquire more complex skills e.g. TMS and SSS [ 6 ]. Overcoming this proficiency barrier phenomenon is particularly important for CwID in order for them to gain the health enhancing benefits from lifelong physical activity participation and improve their overall quality of life.…”