One of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) subjects is postural control deficit, which is significant when somatosensory perception is affected. This study analyzed postural stability evolution after physical therapy exercises based on balance training. The study included 28 children with ASD (average age 8 years, average weight 32.18 kg). The rehabilitation program involved performing balance exercises twice a week for three months. Subject assessment was carried out using the RSScan platform. The parameters were the surface of the confidence ellipse (A) and the length of the curve (L) described by the pressure center, which were evaluated before and after the rehabilitation program. Following data processing, we observed a significant decrease in the surface of the confidence ellipse by 92% from EV1 to EV2. Additionally, a decrease of 42% in the curve length was observed from EV1 to EV2. A t test applied to the ellipse surface showed a p = 0.021 and a Cohen’s coefficient of 0.8 (very large effect size). A t test applied to the length L showed p = 0.029 and Cohen’s coefficient of 1.27 mm. Thus, the results show a significant improvement in the two parameters. The application of the program based on physical exercise led to an improvement in the balance of children with autism under complex evaluation conditions.

Background and Study Aim. Biomechanics is a fundamental component of Kinesiology, offering critical insights into the mechanics of human movement. As the demand for comprehensive educational programs in Kinesiology grows, understanding the role and effectiveness of biomechanics within these programs becomes increasingly important. The aim of the study is to investigate and highlight the role and importance of biomechanics in the context of higher education, with an emphasis on the discipline of Kinesiology. Material and Methods. This study involved 71 students from the Department of Physical Education and Sport at Pitești University Center. It included 43 students specializing in Physical Education and Sport (PES) and 28 in Sports and Motor Performance (SMP). The research utilized the university's e-learning platform to monitor teaching and evaluation activities within the Kinesiology discipline. The evaluation of fundamental Kinesiology knowledge was assessed through various indicators. Google Forms-Questionnaire sought to gauge student opinions on the thematic content of Biomechanics as applied to Kinesiology and to evaluate the teaching staff. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis Test was employed to analyze differences in means across the groups. Results. The study revealed a diverse interest in sports across the Physical Education and Sport (PES) and Sports and Motor Performance (SMP) programs. Soccer, basketball, and handball were the most popular among students. Comparative analysis of academic performance showed no significant differences between the groups in various assessments (p>0.05). The overall student feedback on the "Fundamentals of Biomechanics of Physical Activities and Sports" course was predominantly positive. Over 50% of the students rated it as very good. Areas for improvement in teaching methods were also identified to enhance the academic experience. Conclusions. This study highlights the effective integration of biomechanics within the Kinesiology discipline at the higher education level. Findings suggest that well-structured educational programs can enhance students' understanding and application of biomechanics. This contributes positively to their academic and professional development in sports sciences. Continuous curriculum assessment and refinement are crucial for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of such programs.

The purpose of the study was identified by the effort to complement the standard sports training programme with a portfolio of innovative means and methods to optimise the process of achieving performance in gymnastics competitions. The group of subjects investigated was female and consisted of 19 gymnasts, aged 10 - 12 years. They were tested initially and finally to determine the effects that going through the training program had on the analyzed indicators. The Matorin, Flamingo, Balance Plate Position Maintenance and the "Y" tests were used in the research. We used descriptive statistics (Arithmetic Mean, Standard Deviation, Median, Confidence Interval and Coefficient of Variation) and significance tests which were used to assess the statistical significance of the difference between the means for two sets of scores (STUDENT paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test). Based on the results recorded, we identified a significant difference between the mean values for the two tests. Following the results obtained, we can confirm that they help to form an overall picture from the perspective of motor skills on gymnasts and that there is a significant effectiveness of the motor intervention program in the sports training process.

Players in Romania. We have designed and administered a practice") to a sample of 75 female subjects, comprising 25 professional and 50 amateur soccer players in the Romanian league. The results obtained for the general score of the questionnaire show no relevant differences between the experimental group and the control group (p 0,05). However, the analysis of the scores for each motivational dimension shows that the experimental group obtained higher values for the dimensions "Self esteem" and "Necessity of movement" (p < 0,01). No relevant differences between the two groups were visible for the dimensions "Affiliation need" and "Combativeness; aggressivity". The control group scored better than the experimental group for the dimension "Competition interest". The analysis of the results indicates that, no matter which group they belong to, the players present a high level of motivation for soccer practice.

This study aimed to develop predictive equations for unilateral (1-leg) half-squat exercise loads that would elicit equivalent neuromuscular activation, velocity, and force outputs as bilateral (2-leg) half-squat exercise loads. Twelve male soccer players (age 22.9±1.8 y, stature 1.8±0.1 m, and body mass 76.5±6.2 kg) performed both 1-leg and 2-leg half-squats using a Smith-machine. Surface electromyography of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, barbell velocity and force outputs were measured across incremental loads. Linear regression analyses were conducted to develop predictive equations for 1-leg loads that would match 2-leg exercise outcomes. Three predictive equations were developed: (1) Equivalent muscle activation: 1-leg external load=50% of 2-leg external load –2 kg (r=0.923–0.997, p<0.05). (2) Equivalent barbell velocity: 1-leg external-load=71% of 2-leg external load –17.6 kg (r= –0.916 to 0.994, p<0.05). (3) Equivalent force-output: 1-leg external load=41% of 2-leg external load – 28 kg (r=0.937–0.998, p<0.05). This preliminary investigation provides initial predictive equations for equating unilateral and bilateral half-squat exercises, though validation on independent populations remains necessary. These tools enable practitioners to estimate equivalent loads between exercise modalities using a single one-repetition maximum assessment, facilitating targeted training and rehabilitation program development through accurate load prescription and performance comparisons. Further research is needed to validate these equations on large population and in different sports.