Aims

The journal of Physical Activity in Children (PACH) is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of physical activity, sport, and movement in pediatric populations. Our primary aim is to serve as a premier, multi-disciplinary platform for disseminating high-quality, evidence-based research that informs best practices for the health, development, and well-being of children and adolescents.

We strive to bridge the gap between empirical research and practical application, fostering a holistic approach that integrates physiology, psychology, pedagogy, and motor behavior. By promoting rigorous scientific inquiry, PACH seeks to influence policy, enhance coaching and teaching methodologies, and contribute to the development of effective physical activity interventions that support lifelong health and motor competence.

Our specific objectives are to:

• Publish groundbreaking original research and comprehensive reviews that push the boundaries of knowledge in child-focused sport and exercise science.

• Uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity through a meticulous, double-blind peer-review process involving statistical and subject-matter experts.

• Facilitate international collaboration and knowledge exchange among scientists, educators, coaches, and clinicians dedicated to improving children's lives through physical activity.

Scopes

The journal of Physical Activity in Children (PACH) encompasses a broad, multidisciplinary scope, welcoming submissions that explore all facets of physical activity and sport in children. We publish original research articles and review papers that contribute to the scientific literature in the following areas (but not limited to):

• Sport and Children: The physiological, psychological, and sociological impacts of organized and recreational sports participation on pediatric populations.

• Physical Activity in Children: Population-level physical activity patterns, determinants, correlates, and health outcomes (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, bone health) in children and adolescents.

• Motor Development: The ontogenetic and phylogenetic study of motor skill acquisition, progression, and regression from infancy through adolescence.

• Motor Learning: Cognitive and neuromuscular processes underlying the acquisition, retention, and transfer of motor skills in developing children.

• Physical Education (PE) and PE Teaching: Curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, and instructional design that optimize learning and participation in school-based physical education settings.

• Play: The role of structured and unstructured play in physical, cognitive, and social development.

• Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS): Research on the assessment, proficiency, and intervention strategies related to locomotor, object control, and stability skills.

• Sport Psychology: Mental, emotional, and behavioral factors affecting young athletes, including motivation, anxiety, self-esteem, and group dynamics.

• Educational Sport Psychology: Applied psychological principles and interventions designed to enhance learning, performance, and personal growth within physical activity and sport contexts.

• Coaching in Children: Effective coaching practices, talent identification, athlete development, and safety protocols in youth sport.

• Related Areas: All interdisciplinary topics connected to physical activity and sports in children, including but not limited to anthropometry, exercise physiology, injury prevention, physical literacy, adapted physical activity, and public health interventions.