Background/Objectives: The main objective of this manuscript is to evaluate the effects of training, music, and movement intervention on motor functions, social engagement, and behaviors in autistic children. Methods: Twenty-one children with a diagnosis of mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with an age range of 5-to-13 years, were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 11). All participants were examined before (T0) and after the intervention (T1) to evaluate their motor functions (Bruininks–Oseretsky Motor Performance Test (BOT-2)), maladaptive behavior (RCS (Response to Challenge Scale)), and enjoyment and engagement (PACES (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale)). Results: Statistical analysis showed that music and movement intervention significantly improved motor functions such as balance and bilateral coordination (p < 0.0001), social engagement (p = 0.002), and adaptive behaviors (p = 0.005) in children with ASD. Our research supports the feasibility of music and movement intervention and documents the interest in participating in children with ASD. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the benefits of movement and music interventions and can be considered a useful way to manage autism spectrum disorders in the future.

Volleyball involves movements with and/or without horizontal approaches (i.e., spike jumps, jump setting, blocking). The 5-jump test (5JT) was suggested to assess lower limb explosive power of athletes competing in some disciplines (e.g., soccer, judo, running). It appears that no previous study has investigated the 5JT performance components in volleyball players. This study aimed to test the relationship between 5JT performance and two specific laboratory tests for explosive power (i.e., countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]). Forty volleyball players (boys, mean age: 12.4 ± 0.8 years) were tested for 5JT, CMJ, and SJ tests. 5JT performance was expressed in absolute terms (m), and relative to leg length (5JT_LL) and body mass (5JT_BM). The SJ and CMJ tests were evaluated using the optojump photoelectric cells and the following data were collected: peak power (Pp) of jump (W, W.kg^-0.67), peak jumping force (F_peak, N), peak jumping velocity (V_peak, m/s), peak heights of CMJ and SJ (CMJ_H and SJ_H, respectively, cm). Only significant ( p < .05) Pearson product-moment correlations ( r) > 0.30 were considered. 5JT performance was significantly correlated with SJ, V_peak ( r = 0.90), SJ_H ( r = 0.88), Pp [W.kg^-0.67 ( r = 0.86), W ( r = 0.72)], F_peak ( r = 0.45); and CMJ, V_peak ( r = 0.82), CMJ_H ( r = 0.80), Pp [W.kg^-0.67 ( r = 0.89), W ( r = 0.85)], F_peak ( r = 0.73). 5JT_LL values were significantly related to SJ, Pp [W ( r = 0.81), W.kg^-0.67 ( r = 0.74)], V_peak ( r = 0.82); and CMJ, Pp [W ( r = 0.73), W.kg^-0.67 ( r = 0.84)], V_peak ( r = 0.75), F_peak ( r = 0.67)]. 5JT_BM values were significantly related to SJ, Pp (W, r = −0.43). To conclude, in youth volleyball players, the 5JT may be viewed as an explosive strength diagnostic instrument under field circumstances.

This study examined leg muscle power of young male Tunisian black and white football players and extended the analysis to determine whether there is a relationship between cycling peak power output (PPO) and some field tests. A total of 113 children (white group (WG) = n = 56; black group (BG) = n = 57) participated in this investigation. Anthropometric data included age, body mass (BM), height, leg length (LL), body mass index (BMI), and leg muscle volume (LMV). Cycling PPO was measured including a force-velocity test. Peak power output (PPO; W and W/kg), Fopt (optimal braking force), and Vopt (optimal velocity) were significantly higher in the WG compared with the BG (p < 0.05). However, jump and sprint performances of the BG were significantly higher than the WG (p < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression with anthropometric variables and the extrapolated values of the force-velocity test as explanatory factors showed that 33% of the variance of PPO of BG was explained by qualitative factors that may be related to cycling skill, muscle composition, and socioeconomic and training status.

Background: Drop height has previously been used as an effective programming parameter in plyometric jump training. Less is known about the usage of maximal rebound jump height from a distinct drop height as a parameter for individualized plyometric jump training. Hence, the aim of this study was to contrast the effects of two different drop jump (DJ) training modalities using either the individualized maximal rebound height (MRHT) or a standard (SDHT) drop height on selected measures of physical fitness in young volleyball players. Methods: Thirty male young volleyball players aged 14 to 16 years were randomly assigned to an MRHT (n = 15) or an SDHT (n = 15) group. The MRHT group performed DJ exercises using a drop height according to the individual’s maximal rebound jump height from 30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm drop heights. The SDHT group performed DJs following a standardized drop height (30 cm) across the 8-week intervention period. The overall training volume was similar between MRHT and SDHT with one to three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions of DJ exercises per session. Before and after training, jump height and the reactive strength index (RSI) were taken as dependent variables from 30, 40, and 50 cm drop heights. In addition, dynamic balance (Y-balance test) as well as linear sprint and change-of-direction (CoD) speed were assessed. Results: Significant group × time interactions were found for jump height, balance, RSI, and linear sprint (p < 0.001; d = 0.12–3.42) but not CoD speed. Post hoc tests showed significant jump height improvements in favor of the MRHT group for drop heights from 30 cm (Δ20.4%, p < 0.001, d = 3.69), 40 cm (Δ20.3%, p < 0.001, d = 2.90), and 50 cm (Δ18.3%, p < 0.001, d = 3.37) and RSI50 (Δ30.14%, p < 0.001, d = 2.29). MRHT but not SDHT resulted in significant 5 m (Δ9.2%, p < 0.001, d = 1.32) and 20 m (Δ7.4%, p < 0.01, d = 2.30) linear sprint speed improvements. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that MRHT but not SDHT improved DJ height, RSI, and linear sprint speed. Due to the importance of vertical jumps and short accelerations for overall competitive performance in volleyball, our results suggest that young male players should perform MRHT as part of plyometric jump training if the goal is to improve acceleration, reactive strength, and vertical jump performance.

Introduction : Chez les jeunes volleyeurs, peu d'études ont exploré les relations entre le saut horizontal, les tests de vitesse et d'agilité, et les composantes du test force-vitesse (FVt). Objectif : Analyser les relations entre la puissance des membres inférieurs mesurée en laboratoire (FVt) et des tests de terrain (saut horizontal: test de 5 sauts (T5S), sprint sur 20 m, et changement de direction (CdD)). Méthodes : Trente et un jeunes volleyeurs masculins ont été évalués pour le CdD, le T5S, et la puissance pic des jambes absolue/relative (Ppic) durant le FVt. La vitesse (s) lors d’un sprint de 20 m a été mesurée aux distances de 5, 10 et 20 m (T5, T10, T20). Les performances au T5S ont été exprimées en valeurs absolues (T5SA, m), et en fonction de la longueur des jambes et du poids. Le coefficient de corrélation de Pearson (r) a été calculé entre les variables des tests FVt, sprint de 20 m, CdD et T5S.Le coefficient “r” a été considéré comme “élevé” lorsqu’il était > 0,70, “bon” lorsqu’il était compris entre 0,50 et 0,70, “moyen” entre 0,30 et 0,50, et “faible ou sans association” lorsqu’il était < 0,30. Résultats : Cette étude a identifié des i) Corrélations «fortes» entre FVtPpeak (W) et sprint 20 m [T5 (r = -0,858), T10 (r = -0,707), T20 (r = -0,762)] ainsi que le CdD (r= -0,745); ii) Corrélations «bonnes» entre FVtPpic (W·kg⁻¹) et T5SA (r=0,531); iii) Corrélations «modérées» entre FVtPpic ...( résumé tronqué à 250 mots).

Background:In youth volleyball players, no previous study has investigated the relationships between the components of the force-velocity test (FVt) and those of the horizontal jump approach, speed test, and agility test. We aimed to determine the relationships that exist between lower-body power measured via a laboratory test ( ie ; FVt) and some field tests [horizontal jump ( ie ; 5-jump test, speed test ( ie ; 20-m sprint) and agility test ( ie ; pro-agility shuttle)] in youth volleyball players.Methods:Thirty-one youth volleyball players were investigated for changing of direction (pro-agility shuttle), 5-jump test, and absolute/relative peak leg power (Ppeak) during the FVt. Speeds (s) during a 20-m sprint were measured at 5, 10, and 20 m (T₅, T₁₀and T₂₀, respectively). 5-jump test performance was expressed in absolute terms (5JT_A, m), and relative to leg length (5JT_LL) and body mass (5JT_BM).Results:This study identified i) “high” correlations between FVtP_peak(W) and 20-m sprint [T₅(r=-0.858), T₁₀(r=-0.707), and T₂₀(r=-0.762)], and pro-agility shuttle (r=-0.745), ii) “good” correlations between FVtP_peak(W.kg) and 5JT_A(r=0.531), and iii) “fair” correlations between FVtP_peak(W) and 5JT_A(r=0.499),between FVtP_peak(W.kg^-0.67) and 5JT_A(r=0.489), and 20-m sprint [T₅(r=-0.370), T₁₀(r=-0.364)].Conclusions:Tthe pro-agility shuttle, 20-m sprint, and 5JT can be used to evaluate lower limb explosive power in youth volleyball players.