Antonio Dello Iacono

University of the West of Scotland | UWS · School of Health and Life Sciences

Background COVID-19 disease results in disparate responses between individuals and has led to the emergence of long coronavirus disease (Long-COVID), characterised by persistent and cyclical symptomology. To understand the complexity of Long-COVID, the importance of symptom surveillance and prospective longitudinal studies is evident. Methods A 9-...

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) mechanisms and responses have a long scientific history. However, to this day, there is still controversy regarding the mechanisms underlying enhanced performance following a conditioning activity. More recently, the term postactivation performance enhancement has been proposed with differing associated mechanisms...

Physical performance is an important determinant of elite youth soccer player development and can influence successful transition through the professional phase of the talent development pathway. In response to previous research highlighting key stakeholders’ perceptions that successful transitions within the club pathway are influenced by sprintin...

- It is unknown if coaches can accurately perceive their trainees' repetition velocity. - 20 coaches watched videos featuring trainees who performed two exercises with progressively heavier loads (45%, 65%, and 85% of 1RM), recorded from two points of view (front and side). - Their goal was to estimate at which repetition velocity decreased more...

Aims Flywheel resistance training has become more integrated within resistance training programs in a variety of sports due to the neuromuscular, strength, and task-specific enhancements reported with this training. This paper aimed to present the consensus reached by internationally recognized experts during a meeting on current definitions and gu...

Purpose: To examine the sex differences in performance and perceived fatigue during resistance training prescribed using traditional (TRA) and autoregulation rest redistribution training (ARRT) approaches. Methods: Twelve resistance-trained males and 12 females completed 2 sessions including the bench press exercise matched for load (75% of 1-repet...

Objectives: To evaluate the criterion and longitudinal validity of field- and laboratory-derived heart rate (HR) indices of resting and submaximal fitness tests (SMFTs) as measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. Design: Observational, repeated measures. Methods: Twenty-nine semi-professional footballers participated. Laboratory assessments took plac...

Background: COVID-19 disease results in disparate responses between individuals and has led to the emergence of Long-COVID, characterized by persistent and cyclical symptomology. To understand the complexity of Long-COVID, the importance of symptom surveillance and prospective longitudinal studies is evident. Methods: A 9-month longitudinal prospec...

Objectives: To evaluate the criterion and longitudinal validity of field- and laboratory-derived heart rate (HR) indices of resting and submaximal fitness tests (SMFTs) as measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. Design: Observational, repeated measures. Methods: Twenty-nine semi-professional footballers participated. Laboratory assessments took pl...

Background Flywheel resistance training has become more integrated within resistance training programs in a variety of sports due to the neuromuscular, strength, and task-specific enhancements reported with this training. Objective This paper aimed to present the consensus reached by internationally recognized experts during a meeting on current d...

The transition of elite youth footballers through academy systems towards the first team is highly complex, competitive, and often unsuccessful. A myriad of factors including technical competence, physical prowess, and the development environment combine to determine youth player progression. Current research has focused on broad investigations of...

It has recently been identified that the assessment of peak periods of activity better considers the stochastic nature of match-play and the influence that contextual factors have on these peak periods. Limited research exists attempting to link the tactical and physical aspects of performance, especially in female players. Therefore, the current s...

Purpose: To survey team-sport practitioners on current practices and perceptions of submaximal fitness tests (SMFTs). Methods: A convenience sample of team-sport practitioners completed an online survey (September to November 2021). Descriptive statistics were used to obtain information of frequencies. A mixed-model quantile (median) regression...

Purpose: To gain knowledge on the beliefs and practices of football practitioners applying high-speed and sprint running exposure programming strategies. Methods: One hundred two football practitioners from 22 different countries participated in a study consisting of a survey including 5 domains: demographic and professional characteristics (Who...

Purpose: This study examined the interday reliability of a predetermined and a self-determined isometric-squat test among youth soccer players. Familiarization effects were evaluated to determine the minimum number of trials necessary to obtain consistent outputs. Finally, differences between protocols were evaluated. Methods: Thirty-one youth s...

Purpose: To compare predetermined and autoregulated resistance training sessions on velocity loss and perceived fatigue. Methods: Twenty-six resistance-trained men completed 3 sessions including the back-squat and bench-press exercises matched for load (75% of 1-repetition maximum), volume (24 repetitions), and total rest (240 s). Sessions were...

Purpose: Velocity-based training is used to prescribe and monitor resistance training based on velocity outputs measured with tracking devices. When tracking devices are unavailable or impractical to use, perceived velocity loss (PVL) can be used as a substitute, assuming sufficient accuracy. Here, we investigated the accuracy of PVL equal to 20%...

Background: It remains unknown if flywheel-assisted squats can be reliably utilized to increase power outputs and if such outputs are related. Objectives: To compare assisted and unassisted flywheel squat peak power outputs, determine their reliability, and analyze the relationship of the delta difference between peak power outputs during the sq...

Purpose: To survey team-sports practitioners on current practices and perceptions of submaximal fitness tests (SMFT). Methods: A convenience sample of team-sports practitioners completed an online survey (September to November 2021). Descriptive statistics was used to obtain information of frequencies. A mixed-model quantile (median) regression was...

The aims of this systematic review were (1) to summarize the evidence on absolute velocity thresholds used to classify high-speed running and sprinting, (2) to examine the existing evidence about the individualized thresholds approach, (3) to describe high-speed and sprint running distance match demands, and (4) to provide training strategies for e...

Background Sided games (i.e., small sided, medium sided, large sided) involve tactical, technical, physical, and psychological elements and are commonly implemented in soccer training. Although soccer sided-games research is plentiful, a meta-analytical synthesis of external load exposure during sided games is lacking. Objective The objective of t...

Purpose: To compare predetermined and autoregulated resistance training sessions on velocity loss and perceived fatigue. Methods: Twenty-six resistance-trained men completed three experimental sessions including the back squat and bench press exercises matched for load (75% of 1 repetition maximum), volume (24 repetitions) and total rest (240 s). S...

Purpose: To investigate differences in athletes' knowledge, beliefs, and training practices during COVID-19 lockdowns with reference to sport classification and sex. This work extends an initial descriptive evaluation focusing on athlete classification. Methods: Athletes (12,526; 66% male; 142 countries) completed an online survey (May-July 2020...

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to examine the relationships between force outputs measured in the isometric horizontal push test (IHPT) and athletic performances; (ii) to compare IHPT outputs between football players and recreationally active controls. Thirty-two male subjects (football players, n = 16; university students, n = 16) complet...

The purpose of this study was to compare swing time and golf club angle parameters during golf swings using three, two dimensional (2D) low cost, Augmented-Video-based-Portable-Systems (AVPS) (Kinovea, SiliconCoach Pro, SiliconCoach Live). Twelve right-handed golfers performed three golf swings whilst being recorded by a high-speed 2D video camera....

Velocity-based training is used to prescribe and monitor resistance-training based on velocity outputs measured with tracking devices. Yet, perception of velocity drop (PVD) can be used as a substitute for velocity tracking devices, assuming sufficient accuracy. Twenty-six resistance-trained men performed four sets of the bench press exercise loade...

Background: Sided-games (i.e., small- [SSG], medium- [MSG], large-sided [LSG]) involve tactical, technical, physical and psychological elements and are commonly implemented in soccer training. Although soccer sided-games research is plentiful, a meta-analytical synthesis of external load exposure during sided-games is lacking. Objective: The objec...

Background There is a growing interest among the research community and clinical practitioners to investigate cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) procedures and protocols utilized in supine cycling. Materials and Methods The current study investigated the effects of posture on indicators of exercise intensity including gas exchange threshold (GET...

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gradient and speed on running variability (RV) and local dynamic stability (LDS) during uphill running. Hypotheses: (1) Both gradient and speed increase metabolic effort, in terms of heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (CR10), in line with the contemporary literature, and (2)...

The purpose of this study was to compare swing time and golf club angle parameters during golf swings using three, two dimensional (2D) low cost, Augmented-Video-based-Portable-Systems (AVPS) (Kinovea, SiliconCoach Pro, SiliconCoach Live). Twelve right-handed golfers performed three golf swings whilst being recorded by a high-speed 2D video camera....

Purpose: The optimal power load is defined as the load that maximizes power output in a given exercise. This load can be determined through the use of various instruments, under different testing protocols. Specifically, the "optimum power load" (OPL) is derived from the load-velocity relationship, using only bar force and bar velocity in the powe...

Objectives: Explore training-related knowledge, beliefs and practices of athletes and the influence of COVID-19-related lockdowns. Methods: Athletes [n = 12,526 classified: world-class (13%), international (21%), national (36%), state (24%), and recreational (6%)] completed an online survey (50 d; 17th May to 5th July 2020) exploring their trainin...

Background: Limited evidence exists regarding adverse modifications affecting cardiovascular and pulmonary function in physical active adults affected by COVID-19, especially in athletic populations. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in a cohort of competitive athletes, as well as spirometry and echocardiography findings a...

Purpose: To investigate the effects of motor imagery (MI) training on strength and power performances of professional athletes during a period of detraining caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Thirty male professional basketball players (age = 26.1 ± 6.2 years) were randomly assigned to three counterbalanced groups: two MI training groups, w...

Background Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass whose pathophysiology has been proposed to possibly involve mechanisms of altered inflammatory status and endocrine function. Adiponectin has been shown to modulate inflammatory status and muscle metabolism. However, the possible association between adiponectin levels and sarcopeni...

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to examine the relationships between force outputs measured in the isometric horizontal push test (IHPT) and athletic performances; (ii) to compare IHPT outputs between football players and recreationally active controls. Thirty-two male subjects (football players, n = 16; university students, n = 16) complet...

Purpose To investigate if perception of changes in bar velocity (PCV) can be used as a substitute for velocity tracking devices commonly used to monitor resistance-exercises. Methods Twenty-one professional male soccer athletes (21±4 years) first went through a load-power profile assessment to determine their optimal power load in the back-squat....

Purpose: To investigate if perception of changes in bar velocity (PCV) can be used as a substitute for velocity tracking devices commonly used to monitor resistance-exercises. Methods: Twenty-one professional male soccer athletes (21.1±4.3 years) first went through a load-power profile assessment to determine their optimal power load in the back-sq...

The aim of this study was to compare internal and external load profiles of different game profile-based training (GPBT) formats among elite young football players. Twenty-one participants (age: 18.7 ± 0.6 years) performed three sessions of three GPBT formats, which were matched for training volume but structured with different high-speed running a...

Purpose: To investigate whether providing athletes with a choice regarding the number of repetitions to complete in a potentiation protocol would enhance jumping performance compared with protocols in which the number of repetitions is predetermined. Methods: Fifteen male basketball players completed 4 testing sessions separated by 72 hours. In...

High-speed running and sprinting training play an important role in the development of physical capabilities, sport-specific performance and injury prevention among soccer players. This commentary aims to summarize the current evidence regarding high-speed running and sprinting training in professional soccer and to inform its implementation in res...

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate if choice over resistance training exercise order affects motor performance and psychological outcomes among elite youth hockey players. Methods. Seventeen elite hockey players (male, n = 14; female, n = 3, age: 15.1± 1.1 years) participated in this study. In the first session, individual optimum...

PurposeThe aims of this study were to compare mechanical outputs (i.e. power and impulse), physiological (i.e. heart rate) and perceptual (i.e. effort and fatigue) responses in older men to traditional-set or different cluster-set configuration resistance training protocols.Methods In a randomized cross-over design, 20 healthy old men (aged 67.2 ±...

word count: 200 13 Text-only word count: 4000 14 15 ABSTRACT 16 The aims of this study were to examine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the 17 flywheel (FW)-squat test. Twenty male amateur team sports athletes (mean±SD: age 23±3 18 years) completed one familiarization session and two similar testing sessions including: FW-19 sq...

To evaluate changes achieved in whole-body and regional (upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk) estimates of body composition, twenty professional male soccer players (7 defenders, 7 midfielders, 6 forwards) underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis at the beginning and end of pre-season. Measures included: mass, fat mass (FM), fat-fr...

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) mechanisms and responses have a long scientific history. However, to this day, there is still controversy regarding the mechanisms underlying enhanced performance following a conditioning activity. More recently, the term post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been proposed with differing associated me...

Background Long-term maintenance of sports participation is important for young men undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Identifying biomechanical characteristics in patients who achieve this goal can assist in elaborating rehabilitation programs and in identifying successful recovery, but this has rarely been investigated....

Velocity-based training is a method used to monitor resistance-training programs based on repetition velocities measured with tracking devices. Since velocity measuring devices can be expensive and impractical, trainee's perception of changes in velocity (PCV) may be used as a possible substitute. Here, 20 resistance-trained males first completed 1...

Purpose. To investigate if providing athletes with a choice regarding the number of repetitions to complete in a potentiation protocol would enhance jumping performance compared to protocols in which the number of repetitions is predetermined. Methods. Fifteen male basketball players completed four testing sessions separated by 72 hours. On the fir...

Velocity-based training is a method used to monitor resistance-training programs based on repetition velocities measured with tracking devices. Since velocity measuring devices can be expensive and impractical, trainee’s perception of velocity (POV) may be used as a possible substitute. Here, 20 resistance-trained males first completed 1RM tests in...

Purpose: To investigate the postactivation potentiation (PAP) effects of different eccentric overload (EOL) exercise volumes on countermovement-jump (CMJ) and standing-long-jump (LJ) performance. Methods: In total, 13 male university soccer players participated in a crossover design study following a familiarization period. Control (no PAP) CMJ...

Purpose: To compare the effects of 2 postactivation potentiation (PAP) protocols using traditional-set or cluster-set configurations on countermovement jump performance. Methods: Twenty-six male basketball players completed 3 testing sessions separated by 72 hours. On the first session, subjects performed barbell jump squats with progressively h...

Purpose: To summarize the evidence on postactivation potentiation (PAP) protocols using flywheel eccentric overload (EOL) exercises. Methods: Studies were searched using the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Institute for Scientific Information Web of Knowledge. Results: In total, 7 eligible studies were identified based on the followin...

Purpose: To investigate the test-retest reliability and criterion validity of the isometric horizontal push test (IHPT), a newly designed test that selectively measures the horizontal component of maximal isometric force. Methods: Twenty-four active males with ≥3 years of resistance training experience performed 2 testing sessions of the IHPT, s...

The present study was designed to investigate and compare the effects of game profile-based (GPBT) and small-sided games (SSGs) training on physical performances of elite youth soccer players during the in-season period. Twenty young soccer players (18.6 ± 0.6) were randomly assigned to either GPBT or SSGs protocols performed twice a week for 8 wee...

This study aimed to evaluate the postactivation potentiation (PAP) effects of an eccentric overload (EOL) exercise on vertical and horizontal jumps and change of direction (COD) performance. Twelve healthy physically active male subjects were involved in a crossover study. The subjects performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions of EOL half squats for maxima...

Purpose. To compare the acute effects of two post activation potentiation (PAP) protocols using traditional or cluster-set configurations on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Methods. Twenty-six male basketball players were evaluated on three occasions separated by 72 hours. On the first session, athletes performed barbell squat jumps with pr...

In the published article, there was an error in the affiliation for Zoran Grgantov. Instead of affiliation 6, “Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy,” the correct affiliation for Zoran Grgantov should be affiliation 7, “Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia”. The authors apologize for this error and state...

The aim of the investigation was to verify the validity and reliability of a low-end 50-Hz Global Navigation Satellite System receiver (GNSSr) for different soccer-specific run distances and average speed assessments. Six soccer players were assessed on two different days while performing eight different running paths with changes of direction for...

AccuKick is a new football passing test that measures passing accuracy and time to ball release (TTR) under time constrains. We examined AccuKick’s test-retest reliability, discriminate ability, and its relationships with jumping, sprinting, change-of-direction and intermittent running tests, among adolescent football players. Forty-seven players o...

First aim was describing Smith machine squat and leg press exercise as nominal load, knee extensors activity, and rating of perceived exertion. Second aim was developing predictive equations to provide same muscular activation and same perceived exertion nominal loads during the two exercises. To do that, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis activa...

Abstract Iacono, AD, Vigotsky, AD, Laver, L, and Halperin, I. Beneficial effects of small-sided games as a conclusive part of warm-up routines in young elite handball players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2019—The aim of this study was to compare the effects of small-sided games (SSGs) and traditional warm-up strategies on the mechanical, ph...

The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the criterion validity (vs. gold standard measurements) of the 10 and 18 Hz STATSports Apex units for measuring distances and peak speed (Vpeak) outcomes and (ii) to investigate the between-unit variability. Twenty university students were enrolled in the study (age 21 ± 2 years, weight 72 ± 6 kg, and...

The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic demands of Nordic walking (NW) versus natural walking (WK) using a highly reproducible protocol in a natural environment. A total of 14 physically active subjects (3 males and 11 females, 36.6 ± 8.3 years, 63.1 ± 11.4 kg, 1.67 ± 0.06 m) walked at a freely chosen speed along a 2.5-km course in a gam...

Basketball is a team sport, where fundamental skills-fundamentals-are key determinants for success. Jump-shot (JS) is a basketball fundamental used frequently during game. It is interesting to spread light on the relationship between effort intensity and JS ability. Study aim was to investigate different heart rates (HRs) effect on JS accuracy (JS%...

BACKGROUND: Plyometrics are widely implemented as training methodology for enhancing functional sports performance. Although several studies have analysed the plyometrics effects due to training plans with a frequency of 2-3 times a week, few of them provided evidence supporting an equal efficiency of similar training programs implementing lower tr...

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week progressive resistance training program on hip joint muscles' strength measures, using the Copenhagen adduction (CA) and the sliding hip (SH) exercises. Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting: Sport training and medical centers. Participants: For...