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<p><i>Life Span Motor Development, Fifth Edition,</i>is the only introductory textbook to use the model of constraints (or dynamical systems) approach in discussing reasons for changes in movement throughout the life span. This fully updated edition encourages students to observe and examine how the interactions of the individual, environment, and task affect changes in a person''s movements. The principles of motor development are presented in a clear and accessible manner so that even readers with minimal movement science background will comprehend the material. <i>Life Span Motor Development, Fifth Edition,</i>will give readers the foundation for continued study and real-world practice.</p> <p>The text begins by introducing students to the basics: motor development, the model of constraints, and the theoretical perspectives relevant in motor development research. After laying the groundwork, the text describes the physical growth and maturation process from infancy to old age, including development and aging effects of specific body systems. Age-related changes in sensation and perception in the visual, kinesthetic, and auditory systems are also explained.</p> <p>The fifth edition contains several content changes to make the text more user friendly than ever. The inclusion of a chapter discussing the principles of biomechanics presents students with foundational knowledge to ground their understanding of the sequential changes in motor skills development. The text shows how the four components of physical fitness--cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition--interact to affect a person''s movements over the life span. It also describes how relevant social, cultural, psychosocial, and cognitive influences can affect a person''s movements.</p> <p><i>Life Span Motor Development, Fifth Edition,</i>not only provides students with the observational skills necessary for assessing motor development, but it also expertly ties the information t