Ecological dynamics perspective on the role of physical activity in enhancing creative thinking and motor creativity in students

Abstract

Recent research highlights the importance of physical activity (PA) in fostering creative thinking and motor creativity in children. The ecological dynamic approach provides a powerful framework for understanding the complex relationship between creativity, motor responses, and constraints imposed by individuals, tasks, and the environment. This study examines, from an ecological dynamics perspective, the effect of physical activity on creativity in children and elucidates the most effective methodologies and educational strategies for promoting these abilities. A comprehensive literature search was performed across Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies published between January 2011 and June 2024. The search strategy used the following keywords: "physical activity," "children," and "motor creativity." This review encompasses both experimental studies and narrative reviews. Of the 15 articles included in this review, 7 focused on creative thinking, 4 on motor creativity, and 4 on both creative thinking and motor creativity. Most studies were performed in school settings, with participants ranging in age from 4 to 17 years. The findings of this review suggest that PA programs based on the ecological dynamic approach can considerably enhance children's originality of thought, fluidity of movement, and flexibility of motor skills. These programs leverage the interaction between individual characteristics, task requirements, and environmental factors to create rich, diverse, and adaptable learning experiences. The reviewed studies advocate for methodologies that prioritize variability, exploration, and adaptability, which are key principles of the ecological dynamic approach. In conclusion, further research is warranted, particularly in collaboration with educational institutions, to refine and expand the most effective methodological and educational strategies in the theoretical framework of the ecological dynamic approach. Such studies could substantially enhance the fostering of children's creative potential by promoting environments that facilitate ongoing interaction and adaptation between learners and their surroundings.