Motor Learning in the Ecological-Dynamic Approach: A Systematic Review

Motor learning is a central domain in sport science and physical education, involving dynamic interactions between perception, action and environment. In recent decades, ecological dynamics has emerged as a prominent framework for understanding skill acquisition, emphasizing perception–action coupling, constraint interaction and representative learning design. This narrative review critically examines the theoretical foundations and pedagogical implications of the ecological-dynamic approach to motor learning, drawing on influential contributions published between 2000 and 2025. The analysis synthesizes key principles related to the constraints-led approach, nonlinear pedagogy and variability of practice, while addressing methodological and conceptual challenges concerning the assessment of learning and transfer across contexts. Ecological dynamics offers a coherent and promising framework for rethinking motor learning in educational and sport settings; however, further empirical refinement is needed to strengthen its application across diverse populations and instructional environments.