Sensitive and critical periods of motor co-ordination development and its relation to motor learning

The optimal age for motor learning is difficult to define. The conditions seem best up to early adulthood, however lifelong sensitivity allows motor learning process to continue throughout one’s life, in the presence of frequent repetitions and appropriate motivation, depending on the difficulty of the learning task. The periods before puberty are nevertheless to be used particularly intensively for appropriate stimuli (especially with regard to co-ordination and speed), because it makes sense to influence the maturing functions. It has been also proved that co-ordination abilities can be trained particularly well at this age. However this does not mean that no effects can be achieved at more advanced ages. Broad co-ordination seems to be favorable for later success in motor learning.