Diversity, Individualization, and Enhancement in Motor Learning: Current Challenges and Future Directions From the First Theoretical and Applied Advances in Motor Learning Conference

Journal of Motor Learning and Development, vol. 14

Abstract

The field of motor learning faces a critical gap between foundational theory and real-world application. This editorial synthesizes expert discussions from the First Theoretical and Applied Advances in Motor Learning Conference to address key issues impeding further progress. We are hampered by the science of “averages,” characterized by an overreliance on data from homogenous, Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic populations and a flawed assumption of cognitive uniformity. This approach masks critical individual differences, limiting the translational potential of our science and leading to one-size-fits-all enhancement strategies. We propose a multitiered roadmap for the maturation of our field. The foundational priorities are structural: embracing co-creation with diverse communities; moving beyond Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic science; and implementing structured mentorship and active sponsorship to empower a new generation of scholars. Building on this, we advocate for technology-driven individualization like using advanced Mobile Brain/Body Imaging techniques for the development of neurophenotypes, to fulfill the potential of Brain–Computer Interfaces. Finally, we call for a precision-enhancement framework, shifting from “learning boosters” to a diagnostic-to-prescriptive model that targets specific, identified bottlenecks. This roadmap allows our field to build upon its foundational principles to create a more effective, accessible, and equitable motor learning science for all.

Authors 17

1. Russell Weili Chan

   University of Twente

   Affiliation as printed

   Section Cognition, Data and Education, Faculty of Behavioural Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands

2. Elger L. Abrahamse

   Tilburg University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Communication and Cognition, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands

3. Klaus Blischke

   Saarland University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Sport Science, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany

4. Raoul M. Bongers

   University Medical Center Groningen · University of Groningen

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

5. Arnaud Boutin

   Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies du numérique · Université Paris-Saclay · Complexité, Innovation et Activités Motrices et Sportives

   Affiliation as printed

   Université Paris-Saclay, INRIA, CIAMS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France

6. Friedhelm Christoph Hummel

   University of Geneva · Clinique Romande de Réadaptation · École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinical Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

   Neuro-X Institute (INX), EPFL Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland

   Neuro-X Institute (INX), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland

7. Maarten A. Immink

   Flinders University

   Affiliation as printed

   Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia

8. Katja Kornysheva

   University of Birmingham

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

9. Rob H. J. Van Der Lubbe

   University of Twente

   Affiliation as printed

   Section Cognition, Data and Education, Faculty of Behavioural Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands

10. Pablo Maceira-Elvira

    Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering

    Affiliation as printed

    Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland

11. Stefan Panzer

    Saarland University

    Affiliation as printed

    Institute of Sport Science, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany

12. Marit F. L. Ruitenberg Aachen Health Medical and Neuropsychology Unit Institute of Psychology, Leiden University Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition

    Leiden University

    Affiliation as printed

    Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands

13. Andreea Ioana Sburlea

    University of Groningen

    Affiliation as printed

    Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Modelling Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

14. Rachael D. Seidler

    University of Florida Health · University of Florida

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

15. Jordan A. Taylor

    Princeton University

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA

    Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA

16. David L. Wright

    Texas A&M University

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management Perception-action Dynamics Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA

17. Willem B. Verwey

    University of Twente

    Affiliation as printed

    Section Cognition, Data and Education, Faculty of Behavioural Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands