PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY PLAY - THE NATURE AND FUNCTION OF A NEGLECTED ASPECT OF PLAY

In this review, we consider the nature and possible developmental func tions of physical activity play, defined as a playful context combined with a dimension of physical vigor. WE distinguish 3 kinds of physica l activity play, with consecutive age peaks: rhythmic stereotypies pea king in infancy, exercise play peaking during the preschool years, and rough-and-tumble play peaking in middle childhood. Gender differences (greater prevalence in males) characterize the latter 2 forms. Functi on is considered in terms of beneficial immediate and deferred consequ ences in physical, cognitive, and social domains. Whereas most theorie s assume that children's play has deferred benefits, we suggest hat fo rms of physical activity play serve primarily immediate developmental functions. Rhythmic stereotypies in infancy are hypothesized to improv e control of specific motor patterns. Exercise play is hypothesized to function primarily for strength and endurance training; less clear ev idence exists for possible benefits far fat reduction and thermoregula tion. Ln addition, there may be cognitive benefits of exercise play th at we hypothesize to be largely incidental to its playful or physical nature. Rough-and-tumble play has a distinctive social component; we h ypothesize that it serves primarily dominance functions; evidence for benefits to fighting skills or to emotional coding are more equivocal. Further research is indicated, given the potentially important implic ations for children's education, health, and development.