Disability and Motor Behavior
Practical Applications
Will be published approx. on 6. August 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
472 pages
978-1-5381-9161-3 (ISBN)
Description
This book explores the intersection of motor behavior, disability, and inclusive practice across the lifespan. The book integrates foundational theories of motor development with applied approaches to assessment, instruction, and intervention for individuals with disabilities. The book provides both conceptual frameworks and actionable strategies grounded in empirical research. Drawing upon interdisciplinary expertise from leaders in the fields of motor development, therapy, and adapted physical education, this text offers a comprehensive examination of motor behavior as it relates to disability, function, and participation. The book's structure progresses logically from theory and assessment to applied practice and lifelong activity engagement, promoting a holistic understanding of movement across the lifespan.
Reviews / Votes
Dr. Brian and Dr. Beach's Disability and Motor Behavior is an insightful and timely contribution. As it fills a long-standing gap at the intersection of motor behavior, kinesiology, and disability scholarship. As a first-of-its-kind handbook, this text provides a strong foundation of research spanning a wide range of disability groups while also offering clear rationale for the motor behavior practices that have shaped the field's work with disabled individuals. Importantly, the book bridges theory, evidence, and application in a way that strengthens both scholarly understanding and professional practice. This handbook will be an invaluable resource for graduate students, practitioners, and researchers, supporting deeper reflection and more informed dialogue about how motor behavior concepts can advance meaningful, equitable outcomes in disability-related movement contexts. -- Scott McNamara * Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Illustrations
28 b/w images, 26 textboxes
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5381-9161-3 (9781538191613)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 07/2026
Bloomsbury Academic
€32.99
Available for download
E-Book
approx. 07/2026
Bloomsbury Academic
€32.99
Available for download
Persons
Ali S. Brian, Ph.D., is the associate dean for research in the College of Education and a professor in the areas of motor behavior and adapted physical education/activity in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Brian is a Certified Adapted Physical Educator and is the director of the Physical and Developmental Disabilities Research Lab at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Brian's research agenda focuses on underlying mechanisms that support positive developmental trajectories for whole-child health, including early intervention efforts, for preschoolers with and without disabilities as well as for youth with visual impairments.
Pamela Beach, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar and educator in the field of motor behavior, currently serving as a Professor of Motor Behavior and Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is also a Co-Director of the Institute on Movement Studies for Individuals with Visual Impairments. Her research focuses on motor behavior and balance across the lifespan in individuals with sensory impairments. She has served on the American Kinesiology Association Board and currently holds the position of Vice President of the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities.
Pamela Beach, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar and educator in the field of motor behavior, currently serving as a Professor of Motor Behavior and Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is also a Co-Director of the Institute on Movement Studies for Individuals with Visual Impairments. Her research focuses on motor behavior and balance across the lifespan in individuals with sensory impairments. She has served on the American Kinesiology Association Board and currently holds the position of Vice President of the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities.
Content
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Perspectives in Motor Behavior
Pamela Beach, Deborah Shapiro, Wellington De Luna-Vazquez, E. Kip Webster
Chapter 2: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations for Understanding and Studying Motor Development
Adam Pennell, Deborah Shapiro, Wellington DeLuna-Vazquez, & E. Kip Webster
Chapter 3: Applying Perspectives in Motor Behavior
Adam Pennell
Chapter 4: Assessment
Andrew Pitchford
Chapter 5: Infant Motor Development and Disabilities
Daniela Corbetta and Beth A. Smith
Chapter 6: Early childhood Development; Differential Effects of Disability
Shea Ferguson, Angela Starrett, Ali Brian
Chapter 7: Developmental Coordination Disorder: Towards the Diagnostic Process in Occupational Therapy
Matthias Wagner
Chapter 8: Gross Motor Development and Delays: Applications for Interventions and Programs from Infancy Through Early Childhood
Candace Howard-Smith
Chapter 9: Individual and Environmental Constraints in School-Aged Youth
Andrea Taliaferro, Michael Ertel, & Ali Brian
Chapter 10: Pre-Practice Considerations
Melanie Perreault and Jennifer Heebink
Chapter 11: Practice Schedules and Feedback
Catherine M. Capio and Kathlynne F. Eguia
Chapter 12: Case Studies and Practical Applications
Catherine Murphy, Alex Stribing, Alysha Croke, Emily Weber, Lauren Kling, and Michelle Sousa
Chapter 13: The Path from Robustness Towards Frailty and Physical Disability: A Constraints-Led Approach to Functional Mobility
Nadja Schott
Chapter 14: Functional and Physical Assessments for Adults with Disabilities
Iva Obrusnikova & Cora Firkin
Chapter 15: Lifelong Physical Activity for Disability
John Foley, Stephanie Field & Cathy MacDonald
Chapter 1: Perspectives in Motor Behavior
Pamela Beach, Deborah Shapiro, Wellington De Luna-Vazquez, E. Kip Webster
Chapter 2: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations for Understanding and Studying Motor Development
Adam Pennell, Deborah Shapiro, Wellington DeLuna-Vazquez, & E. Kip Webster
Chapter 3: Applying Perspectives in Motor Behavior
Adam Pennell
Chapter 4: Assessment
Andrew Pitchford
Chapter 5: Infant Motor Development and Disabilities
Daniela Corbetta and Beth A. Smith
Chapter 6: Early childhood Development; Differential Effects of Disability
Shea Ferguson, Angela Starrett, Ali Brian
Chapter 7: Developmental Coordination Disorder: Towards the Diagnostic Process in Occupational Therapy
Matthias Wagner
Chapter 8: Gross Motor Development and Delays: Applications for Interventions and Programs from Infancy Through Early Childhood
Candace Howard-Smith
Chapter 9: Individual and Environmental Constraints in School-Aged Youth
Andrea Taliaferro, Michael Ertel, & Ali Brian
Chapter 10: Pre-Practice Considerations
Melanie Perreault and Jennifer Heebink
Chapter 11: Practice Schedules and Feedback
Catherine M. Capio and Kathlynne F. Eguia
Chapter 12: Case Studies and Practical Applications
Catherine Murphy, Alex Stribing, Alysha Croke, Emily Weber, Lauren Kling, and Michelle Sousa
Chapter 13: The Path from Robustness Towards Frailty and Physical Disability: A Constraints-Led Approach to Functional Mobility
Nadja Schott
Chapter 14: Functional and Physical Assessments for Adults with Disabilities
Iva Obrusnikova & Cora Firkin
Chapter 15: Lifelong Physical Activity for Disability
John Foley, Stephanie Field & Cathy MacDonald