Introducing Our Fellows:
Dr. David F. Stodden, University of South Carolina (USA)
"Reframing motor competence as the engine of physical literacy, participation, and health."
I-MDRC is proud to spotlight Dr. David F. Stodden, Professor at the University of South Carolina , current I-MDRC President, and one of the most influential scholars in promoting the impact that motor development has on multiple domains across the lifespan.
At the core of Dr. Stodden’s work is a question that continues to guide international inquiry: How does motor competence shape lifelong physical activity, health, and well-being?
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Dr. Stodden is perhaps best known for his foundational work developing the Conceptual Model of Motor Competence, first published in Quest (2008). This model not only reframed how we understand the relationship between motor skills, physical activity, and weight status, but it also catalyzed a new generation of research focused on the dynamic, reciprocal relationships between motor competence, perceived competence, fitness, and activity behavior, particularly during the critical window of childhood. The model outcomes have also has been extended to include cognitive, mental health, and motivational domains.
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His work bridges developmental theory and real-world application, translating research into practice across public schools, community programs, and clinical settings. He has led and collaborated on several large-scale, school-based interventions, most recently helping to evaluate longitudinal pathways of physical literacy and motor skill development. His recent contributions, including a 2021 article focusing on “exploration” as a unifying theme for promoting early childhood development and a 2023 holistic development article demonstrate his continued leadership in shaping how the field thinks about timing, opportunity, and equity in movement development.
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Beyond research, Dr. Stodden has served as a mentor to numerous doctoral students and emerging scholars in motor behavior, and he remains a sought-after advisor and invited speaker. His passion for developing translational frameworks has helped educators, pediatric practitioners, and policymakers better understand how to intervene early, before inactivity and low competence become entrenched.
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We are honored to highlight Dr. Stodden this month and recognize his continuing contributions to research, mentorship, and the collective impact of the I-MDRC community.
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