Origine, evoluzione e attualità del concetto di motor competence

Over the past decades, the concept of motor competence (MC) has undergone a substantial epistemological shift, moving from a static, maturation-driven interpretation toward a dynamic, multidimensional construct. MC is now commonly framed as an emergent property of non-linear interactions among biological, cognitive, motivational, environmental, and socio-cultural factors, coherently with ecological and dynamic systems perspectives. This paper provides a critical historical overview of the theoretical milestones that shaped contemporary understandings of MC, highlighting key conceptual transitions from deterministic developmental accounts to models emphasizing adaptability, self-organization, and context-dependent motor behavior. The contribution also clarifies terminological overlaps with related constructs (e.g., motor proficiency, fundamental movement skills, motor coordination) and discusses MC as a core component of physical literacy, integrating technical performance with confidence, motivation, and meaningful participation. Particular attention is given to methodological implications for assessment, contrasting product-oriented approaches focused on performance outcomes with functional frameworks aimed at capturing the quality and contextual effectiveness of movement. Finally, the paper examines the Italian context, outlining the longstanding reliance on Eurofit testing and the emerging adoption of competence-based tools such as MOBAK, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive, validated measures and a shared conceptual language to enhance comparability across studies and guide educational and health-oriented interventions.