Applying sequences of combinations of movements based on motor development stages principles to elite athletes: conceptual foundations and testable hypothese

Objectives This article proposes a specific program of sequences of combinations of movements (SCM) based on motor development stages (MDS) to optimize the sports performance of elite professional athletes (EPAs). Design Narrative literature review. Method Information on MDS, including biomechanical, physiological, psychological skills, prevention, recovery, and training programs of EPAs, was extracted from 57 conceptually relevant references. Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched using terms such as motor development, neuroplasticity, sensorimotor coordination, and sports performance. Background The literature shows consistent evidence supporting the relevance of motor development stage–derived movement patterns for athletic performance. MDS are described as sequential postural and movement patterns emerging during early neuromotor maturation. They are widely applied in neurological rehabilitation, where studies report improvements in motor control and coordination, although transfer to elite athletes remains untested. Performance-related dimensions (posture, balance, mobility, coordination) are linked to central nervous system organization and neuroplasticity. Structured developmental movement sequences may enhance sensorimotor integration and motor refinement. Biomechanical and neurocognitive evidence suggests that SCM based on MDS could improve movement quality, neuromuscular efficiency, and adaptability. Some studies also associate motor learning with psychological factors such as attention and resilience, though evidence remains indirect. Overall, SCM appears as a promising multidimensional training approach, but lacks direct experimental validation in elite sport. Conclusions With SCM, coaches, trainers, and scientists could design training and competition programs tailored to athletes’ individual needs, including warm-up routines, injury prevention, recovery, and adaptation to intense training and competitive situations. However, studies examining the acute and chronic effects of SCM on the biomechanical, physiological, and psychological responses of EPAs, including neuroplasticity, are needed to confirm this hypothesis and clarify its potential benefits across athletic domains.