Abstract:

It is well established that sport contexts provide a structured educational environment for the development of motor skills, fundamental movement abilities, and lifelong engagement in physical activity (PA). Scientific evidence suggests that during childhood and adolescence, participation in sport contributes to the refinement of motor competences and the development of Fundamental Movement Skills (FMSs), which represent core motor abilities underlying overall motor competence. Among FMSs, jumping tasks and related performance scores are particularly relevant and have recently been identified as effective models for assessing movement quality. For example, the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a validated scoring system widely recognised as a sensitive indicator of neuromotor function and physical competence in both training and injury prevention contexts. Such tools enable the early identification of atypical movement patterns that may limit performance, increase the risk of injury, or contribute to neuromotor deficits, potentially leading to early dropout from sport participation. Within this perspective, movement assessment through jumping tasks allows FMSs to be interpreted in relation to health outcomes within the framework of Physical Literacy (PL). Assessing FMSs, particularly jumping tasks, within a PL framework redefines evaluation not only as a measure of motor competence but also as a strategic approach to promoting safe and sustained participation in physical activity and sport. Integrating FMSs assessment into sport practice also contributes to broadening the concept of sustainability in sport, by providing coaches and educators with a structured framework to identify functional limitations, design targeted interventions, and support reflective learning processes.

This approach promotes a holistic biopsychosocial perspective in which motor competence, functional autonomy, and movement self-awareness are interconnected with the educational development of each participant. Such a perspective is consistent with the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasise health promotion, well-being, and lifelong participation in PA as key elements of a sustainable and healthy society.

Through a technology-enhanced approach, the present study uses OpenCap, an open-source markerless motion capture platform developed at Stanford University, to collect three-dimensional kinematic and dynamic data from simple video recordings captured using commercial cameras or smartphones. OpenCap applies pose estimation algorithms, deep learning techniques, and biomechanical modelling to reconstruct human movement and analyse joint and muscle function. Specifically, OpenCap analyses jumping tasks by measuring parameters such as jump height, take-off and landing mechanics, joint kinematics, and force distribution, thereby providing objective indicators of movement quality and neuromotor control. These data offer actionable insights to guide individualized training programmes, provide feedback to athletes, and support reflective learning processes within the educational context of sport practice.

Keywords:

Fudamental movement skills, Physical Literacy, Sport, Jump, Markerless motion capture, Education.