Beyond Boundaries: Data Sharing in Motor Development Research-Best Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities

Claudia Niessner; Nicholas E. Fears; Katja Keller; Tanja Eberhardt; Hannah Zimmermann; Priscila M. Tamplain; Haylie L. Miller

doi:10.1123/jmld.2025-0052

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Beyond Boundaries: Data Sharing in Motor Development Research-Best Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Beyond Boundaries: Data Sharing in Motor Development Research-Best Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities

Claudia Niessner, Nicholas E. Fears, Katja Keller, Tanja Eberhardt, Hannah Zimmermann, Priscila M. Tamplain and Haylie L. Miller

Journal of motor learning and development, Vol.14(1), jmld.2025-0052

01/01/2026

DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2025-0052

PMID: 42158810

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Abstract

Data sharing is increasingly recognized as a critical practice in scientific research, facilitating transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration. In motor development research, the exchange of data holds particular potential for advancing knowledge and improving methodologies, especially because data collection in motor development research is resource intensive and costly, often requiring specialized equipment, standardized protocols, and longitudinal tracking. However, high data protection requirements, due to the personal nature of the data, pose significant challenges to data sharing. Many motor performance assessments involve children and adolescents, making privacy concerns even more pronounced due to ethical considerations surrounding vulnerable populations. The fragmentation of data sets, the variety of assessment tools, and inconsistencies in data collection methods further complicate large-scale data sharing in motor development research. Addressing these challenges requires the implementation of structured data-sharing frameworks, the development of technical infrastructures, and a shift toward standardized protocols. This research note outlines best practices for data sharing, highlights two prominent projects- MO|RE data (MOtor REsearch data repository) and the COMBINE Project (The Consortium for Motor Behavior in Neurodivergence)-and discusses key challenges and opportunities. The note concludes with implications for researchers aiming to implement data-sharing practices effectively.

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Psychology

Psychology, Developmental

Psychology, Experimental

Science & Technology

Social Sciences

Sport Sciences

Details

Title: Subtitle: Beyond Boundaries: Data Sharing in Motor Development Research-Best Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities
Creators: Claudia Niessner - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Nicholas E. Fears - Louisiana State University
Katja Keller - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Tanja Eberhardt - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Hannah Zimmermann - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Priscila M. Tamplain - The University of Texas at Arlington
Haylie L. Miller - University of Michigan
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of motor learning and development, Vol.14(1), jmld.2025-0052
DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2025-0052
PMID: 42158810
NLM abbreviation: J Mot Learn Dev
ISSN: 2325-3193
eISSN: 2325-3215
Publisher: Human Kinetics Publ Inc
Number of pages: 10
Language: English
Date published: 01/01/2026
Academic Unit: Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
Record Identifier: 9985219302302771

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