Motor Behavior science in Brazil: A 50-year journey of scientific progress and impact

Abstract

Motor Behavior (MB) has experienced remarkable growth in Brazil over the past 50 years, evolving from an emerging research area into a well-established scientific field. This article presents a historical review of the development of MB in Brazil, describing its origins, major milestones, scientific achievements, and future challenges. The narrative highlights the contributions of the pioneering researchers who introduced the field into the country following their graduate education abroad and established the first laboratories, research groups, and graduate training programs. Academic genealogy analyses demonstrate the enduring influence of the pioneers through successive generations of researchers, illustrating the consolidation and nationwide dissemination of the field. The article also describes the foundation of the Brazilian Society of Motor Behavior (SOCIBRACOM) and the creation of its official journal, the Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior (BJMB), both of which have played central roles in strengthening scientific collaboration, promoting knowledge dissemination, and increasing the international visibility of Brazilian MB research. To understand the development and consolidation of MB research in Brazil, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to characterize the scientific production, impact, collaboration patterns, and thematic trends of research conducted by Brazilian researchers affiliated with Brazilian institutions. Finally, the article discusses future challenges for the field and for SOCIBRACOM. Together, these achievements demonstrate the maturity of MB in Brazil and provide a foundation for its continued development over the coming decades.