HYPOTHESIS AND THEORY article
Front. Hum. Neurosci.
Sec. Motor Neuroscience
Volume 19 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2025.1631958
This article is part of the Research TopicHow cognitive functions interact with the motor system to shape motor behaviorView all 5 articles
Scaffolding Theory of Maturation, Cognition, Motor Performance, and Motor Skill Acquisition (SMART COMPASS): A Revised and Comprehensive Framework for Understanding Motor-Cognitive Interactions Across the Lifespan
Provisionally accepted
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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The Scaffolding Theory of Maturation, Cognition, Motor Performance, and Motor Skill Acquisition (SMART COMPASS) provides a revised, integrative framework for understanding the dynamic relationship between motor and cognitive systems across the lifespan. Integrating concepts from the Scaffolding Theory of Aging, the Integrated Framework for Cognitive and Motor Skill Development, and the OPTIMAL Theory of Motor Learning, the model demonstrates how neural, environmental, and behavioral factors jointly shape cognitive and motor performance. Its unique contribution lies in bridging neurobiological mechanisms (e.g., neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve), psychological drivers (e.g., autonomy, self-efficacy), and motor learning principles into a unified, lifespan-oriented approach. Unlike existing frameworks, SMART COMPASS explicitly links structured physical training and motor skill learning to long-term brain adaptability. The model is based on three core pillars: (1) Nature and Nurture, emphasizing the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental influences; (2) Structural-Functional Neurocognition, focusing on neuroplasticity, brain reserve, and compensatory Scaffolding; and (3) Motor Behavior, which explores the role of executive functions, representations, and autonomy in skill acquisition and learning efficiency. A key aspect of SMART COMPASS is emphasizing physical fitness and autonomy-supportive environments to promote cognitive-motor performance. For example, in aging populations, SMART COMPASS can guide tailored interventions combining cardiovascular training with task-specific motor learning to maintain executive function and reduce fall risk. Similarly, structured motor programs supporting autonomy and self-efficacy can enhance motor competence and academic performance in child development. It highlights how exercise, self-efficacy, and autonomy-supportive environments can enhance neuroplasticity and learning potential, providing practical insights for motor skill development, rehabilitation, and lifelong cognitive-motor optimization interventions.
Keywords: Scaffolding theory, neuroplasticity, Motor-Cognitive Interaction, fitness, motor learning, Autonomy and Motivation in Learning, cognitive enhancement, Dual task
Received: 20 May 2025; Accepted: 16 Jul 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Klotzbier and Schott. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Thomas Jürgen Klotzbier, Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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