Lecture to discuss importance of children physical education programmes

The importance of properly designed physical education programmes is the subject of a lecture on 27 March.

 The talk, Impact of growth and maturation on motor skill acquisition and development, will be delivered by Dr Fernando Naclerio, a specialist in sports nutrition at the university's Faculty of Engineering & Science.

 Dr Naclerio will be discussing the importance of teaching children physical education programmes involving essential motor skills. He says: "Research shows that developing skills such as running, cycling and swimming during childhood may be an important step toward establishing a lifelong commitment to physical activity.

 "Mastering these fundamental abilities at a young age can have health benefits such as lowering the risk of obesity and decreasing the chances of getting injured during exercise. These skills also form the foundation for many of the specialised skills required in popular sports."

 According to Dr Naclerio, programmes developing motor skills are most effective during childhood. He says: "As cognitive and motor capabilities are highly 'plastic' and amenable in early life, a well-designed programme could enable a child to develop these skills to a higher level than expected when they grow up."