Beyond Boundaries: Data Sharing in Motor Development Research-Best Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities
Claudia Niessner1, Nicholas E Fears2, Katja Keller1
1Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Journal of Motor Learning and Development
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Sharing motor development data enhances research transparency and reproducibility. Challenges include data protection, diverse methods, and costs, requiring structured frameworks and standardized protocols for effective data exchange.
Area of Science:
- Motor Development Research
- Scientific Data Sharing
Background:
- Data sharing is crucial for scientific transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration.
- Motor development research faces unique challenges due to resource-intensive data collection and privacy concerns for child participants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline best practices for data sharing in motor development research.
- To highlight successful data-sharing initiatives and discuss challenges and opportunities.
Main Methods:
- Review of data sharing principles and challenges in motor development.
- Case study analysis of the MO|RE data repository and the COMBINE Project.
Main Results:
- Data sharing in motor development is hindered by privacy regulations, data fragmentation, and varied methodologies.
- Structured frameworks, technical infrastructure, and standardized protocols are essential for overcoming these barriers.
Conclusions:
- Effective data sharing in motor development requires strategic planning, technological solutions, and adherence to standardized protocols.
- Implementing best practices can significantly advance knowledge and improve methodologies in the field.
