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Reconceptualizing and Operationalizing Seefeldt’s Proficiency Barrier: Applications and Future Directions

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Abstract

In 1980, Seefeldt introduced the concept of a motor skill “proficiency barrier” that provides a conceptual basis for understanding the importance of a motor skill barrier as it relates to critical public health initiatives. While the intent of Seefeldt’s proficiency barrier hypothesis had great potential to advance the field of motor development, the notion of a proficiency barrier was not empirically tested. Instead, this concept lay dormant for several decades. The purpose of this paper was to expand upon Seefeldt’s proficiency barrier concept in greater detail by addressing the following questions: (1) what constitutes a motor proficiency barrier? (2) how do we assess/measure the existence of a proficiency barrier? and (3) how do we break through the proficiency barrier in order to maximize the likelihood of participation in health-enhancing levels of physical activity later on in life? We conclude with a future research suggestion to explore the existence of the proficiency barrier.

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Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Adapted with permission from Haywood and Getchell [50]

Fig. 3

Adapted with permission from Haywood and Getchell [50]. Also adapted with permission from Clark and Phillips [40]

Fig. 4

Adapted with permission from Roberton and Halverson [80]. Also adapted with permission from Roberton and Halverson [44]

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  1. Ali Brian and Nancy Getchell are co-lead authors with equal contributions

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Education, University of South Carolina, 1300 Wheat St., Columbia, SC, USA

    Ali Brian, An De Meester & David F. Stodden

  2. Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA

    Nancy Getchell

  3. Department of Kinesiology and Dance, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA

    Larissa True

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Brian, A., Getchell, N., True, L. et al. Reconceptualizing and Operationalizing Seefeldt’s Proficiency Barrier: Applications and Future Directions. Sports Med 50, 1889–1900 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01332-6

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