Marco Beato

University of Suffolk | UC Suffolk · School of Health and Sports Sciences

Nonnato, A, Hulton, AT, Brownlee, TE, and Beato, M. The effect of a single session of plyometric training per week on fitness parameters in professional female soccer players. A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-As the interest and popularity of female soccer has increased over the last few decades, there still l...

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 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...

Beato, M, Bianchi, M, Coratella, G, Merlini, M, and Drust, B. A single session of straight line and change-of-direction sprinting per week does not lead to different fitness improvements in elite young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-Effective prescription is especially important in elite soccer players, who have a very lim...

Beato, M, Devereux, G, and Stiff, A. Validity and reliability of global positioning system units (STATSports Viper) for measuring distance and peak speed in sports. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2018—Previous evidence has proven that large variability exists in the accuracy of different brands of global positioning systems (GPS). Therefore, a...

Evidence links an athlete’s focus of attention to enhancing strength performance. However, additional research is needed to investigate the applicability of studies beyond the tasks and population currently examined. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review studies concerning attentional focus effects on strength characteristics on lower-limb t...

The primary aim was to compare the peak running speed (PRS) attained in the 40-m linear sprint test, in an analytical-based soccer drill, in the 5-0-5 test, and a training match scenario. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the differences between the three assessment sessions and identify how the tests can vary from session to session....

Purpose : This preregistered trial investigated how 6 weeks of unilateral flywheel leg-curl and hip-extension training impact isokinetic, isometric, and flywheel strength and power outcomes. Methods : The study involved 11 male university athletes (age 22 [2] y; body mass 77.2 [11.3] kg; height 1.74 [0.09] m) with one leg randomly allocated to flyw...

Santos da Silva, V, Nakamura, FY, Gantois, P, Nogueira Gouveia, JN, Peñ a, J, Beato, M, and Abade, E. Effects of upper-body and lower-body conditioning activities on postactivation performance enhancement during sprinting and jumping tasks in female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-This study aimed to investigate the postact...

The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the endurance performance chronic adaptations induced by running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT), small-sided games (SSGs), and combined HIIT+SSGs in male and female youth and adult soccer players. The studies included in this review followed the PICOS criteria:...

Introduction: Eccentric-overload (EO) resistance training emerges as an alternative to more optimally prescribe intensity relative to the force generation capabilities of the eccentric muscle contraction. Given the difficulties to individually prescribe absolute eccentric loads relative to each person’s eccentric ability, setting the load relative...

Beato, M, Wren, C, and de Keijzer, KL. The interunit reliability of global navigation satellite systems Apex (STATSports) metrics during a standardized intermittent running activity. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—This study aimed to evaluate the interunit reliability of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) STATSports Apex metrics a...

This study aimed to assess if internal and external load parameters were different between sided game formats, if players' positions influenced these parameters, and if load parameters were different among sided game types (from 2vs2 to 10vs10) in professional football players. Twenty-five male players of the same club were enrolled in this study (...

Flywheel (isoinertial) resistance training is a valid strength training method that has been incorporated in sport for decades, yet little is known about how therapists working in sport apply flywheel resistance training. We aimed to describe and understand current application and perception of flywheel resistance training amongst therapists workin...

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...

This study aims to quantify and compare the external and internal training load demands of sided-game drills in professional team players during the competitive season. Twenty-four male professional soccer players of the same club were enrolled in this study. Drills were categorized as large-sided games (LSG): 10vs10 (84 × 60 m or 72 × 60 m), Hexag...

The purpose of this study was to describe the locomotor activity of men's hockey based on the phase of play and to identify if differences in locomotor activity exist between phases. Twenty-four players (age 26 ± 4) wore a 10 Hz Global Positioning System device to track locomotor activity during 10 international matches. The locomotor activity of p...

Elite soccer players consistently report using several recovery methods after practices and games. However, it is unclear how their subsequent performance could be enhanced using broad protocols. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different comprehensive recovery protocols in physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual o...

Aim: The aims of this scoping review were (i) to characterize the main methodological approaches to assessing individualized running speed thresholds in team sports players; (ii) to assess the use of traditional arbitrary (absolute) thresholds compared to individualized running speed thresholds in team sports players; (iii) to provide an evidence g...

Beato, M, Datson, N, Anderson, L, Brownlee, T, Coates, A, and Hulton, A. Rationale and practical recommendations for testing protocols in female soccer: A narrative review. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the presented literature on tests (aerobic, speed, changes of direction [COD], strength,...

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...

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...

There is considerable debate about the existence of a real eccentric overload in flywheel exercises. This study aimed to analyse the differences in concentric: eccentric mechanical output ratios between different loads and variables in the flywheel squat exercise. Twenty physically active men (22.9 ± 2.2 years, height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m, weight: 79.6 ± 8...

Background Knowing the impact of injuries is essential for their adequate management during reconditioning programs. Objective This study aimed to analyze the changes in match performance parameters in professional soccer players after sustaining an injury, which was defined according to injury severity. Methods Two-hundred and seven injuries rel...

This study examined 503 power-hitting strokes that resulted in the maximum of 6-runs being scored in international men’s one-day and T20 cricket. Chi-Squared analyses were conducted to determine if performance and situational variables were associated with the distribution (direction) of aerial power-hitting strokes. Results revealed that bowling l...

Fleming, A, Walker, M, Armitage, M, Connor, M, and Beato, M. A comparison of training and match play external load during a congested in-season period in English League 2 Football. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-This study aimed to investigate if external training load metrics differ between training days and match day (MD) during a perio...

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...

The aim of this brief narrative review is to summarize the present evidence, provide recommendations for data analysis, and appropriate training methods to reduce strength and power asymmetries within athlete populations. Present evidence shows that a strong interest in the assessment of asymmetry exists. Despite the perceived associated relationsh...

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined jump and sprint training program, two sessions a week for 6 weeks, on sprinting, change of directions (COD) and jumping performance in semi-professional soccer players. Twenty soccer players were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial (age 20 ± 2 years, body mass 74.3 ± 5.9 kg). Players...

Purpose: To propose the concentric linear velocity measurement as a valid method to quantify load and individualise the prescription of flywheel training, we investigated the relationship between inertial load and mean concentric linear velocity (MCLV) during the flywheel squat exercise in a wide spectrum of intensities. In addition, we compared MC...

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...

Purpose: The aim of this review is to summarize the current scientific knowledge about acceleration and deceleration demands during football training. Methods: A systematic search of three electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) was performed to identify peer-reviewed relevant English-language articles, following PRISMA guidel...

This umbrella review aimed to analyze the different variables of resistance training and their effect on hypertrophy, and to provide practical recommendations for the prescription of resistance training programs to maximize hypertrophy responses. A systematic research was conducted through of PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science following...

Flywheel (FW) resistance training is a valid and time-efficient method to improve force production and muscular hypertrophy. However, no definitive consensus exists regarding FW parameters for optimizing chronic training responses. Therefore, this review aims to examine the FW training literature and provide evidence-based conclusions and practical...

This study investigated the effect of flywheel moment of inertia (0.029, 0.061, and 0.089 kg·m2) on concentric and eccentric peak power and eccentric:concentric peak power ratio during unilateral flywheel leg curl and hip extension exercises. Moreover, the inter-session reliability of peak power was analyzed during both exercises. Twenty amateur ma...

The aims of the current study were to: 1) determine between-session reliability of peak force during the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) in professional soccer players during the pre-season, and 2) determine the subsequent magnitude and direction of peak force asymmetry from the NHE between all test sessions. The NHE was used as a weekly monitoring...

The aim of this umbrella review was to provide a detailed summary of how flywheel training enhances strength and physical capacities in healthy and athletic populations. The eleven reviews included were analyzed for methodological quality according to the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Review 2 (AMSTAR 2) and the Grading of Reco...

This study aimed to report seasonal variations for: 1) physical performance, 2) inter-limb asymmetry and, 3) BLD data over the course of a competitive soccer season, and determine which metrics are sensitive to change. This study used a repeated measures observational design for 19 under-20 elite academy soccer players (age: 17.58 ± 0.61 years; hei...

This study applied multiple machine learning algorithms to classify the performance levels of professional goalkeepers (GK). Technical performances of GK's competing in the elite divisions of England, Spain, Germany, and France were analysed in order to determine which factors distinguish elite GK's from sub-elite GK's. A total of (n = 14,671) play...

Jump take-off momentum has previously been proposed as an alternative test to predict sprint momentum. This study used a data simulation to replicate and systematically investigate relationships reported in previous studies between body mass, vertical jump performance, and sprint performance. Results were averaged for 1000 simulated data sets in ea...

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of officiating a football (soccer) match on isometric knee flexion strength and passive hip flexion range-of-motion (ROM) in referees and assistant football referees. Twelve referees (25.3 ± 3.3 years) and twenty-three assistant referees (25.1 ± 4.8 years) underwent measurements on isometric kne...

This study analyzed the effects of a training program based on Nordic Hamstring and sprint exercises on physical performance and hamstring injuries in young male soccer players. Forty-nine U19 players were randomly assigned to a control (CG; n = 26) or experimental group (EG; n = 23). Linear sprint and with change of direction (COD) were assessed b...

Objectives The planning and control of team sport training activities is an extremely important aspect of athletic development and team performance. This research introduces a novel system which leverages techniques from the fields of control systems theory and artificial intelligence (AI) to construct optimal future training plans when unexpected...

Growing evidence supports use of eccentric methods for strength development and injury prevention within elite soccer, yet uncertainty remains regarding practitioners’ application of flywheel (isoinertial) methods. The aims of this study were to investigate how the flywheel training literature is perceived and applied by elite soccer practitioners,...

(1) Background: the present study examined the isokinetic peak torque exerted by both knee extensors and flexors, anterior–posterior imbalance and the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in professional and academy soccer players. (2) Methods: one hundred soccer players (professional = 50, elite academy = 50) volunteered to take part in...

The aims of the current systematic review were to evaluate the current literature surrounding the chronic effect of flywheel training on the physical capacities of soccer players, and to identify areas for future research to establish guidelines for its use. Studies were identified following a search of electronic databases (PubMed and SPORTDiscus)...

The aims of this investigation were to describe the physical output of hockey relative to possession status, and to identify differences in physical output during each possession category with respect of match result. Ten international matches were analysed utilizing Sportscode to identify in and not in possession instances. 24 players (age 26 AE 4...

The aims of this investigation were to determine if ageing effects were present in elite international level cricket. Ball-by-ball data were analysed for 96 bowlers in the 50-Over World Cup 2019. Bowlers were categorised into 1 of 3 age groups GROUP 1 (18-24), GROUP 2 (25-31) and GROUP 3 (32+). Ordinal Logistic Regressions (OLR) and Multinomial Log...

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the match load demands of U18, U23 and 1ST team players during the official season. A total of 65 matches and 495 (U18 = 146, U23 = 146, 1ST team = 203) individual player game observations were included in this analysis. A 10 Hz GNSS system and 100 Hz triaxial accelerometer (STATSports, Apex, Northe...

Coratella, G, Beato, M, Bertinato, L, Milanese, C, Venturelli, M, and Schena, F. Including the eccentric phase in resistance training to counteract the effects of detraining in women: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-The current study compared the effects of concentric-based (CONC), eccentric-based (ECC), and...

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pre-season strength training on bilateral and unilateral jump performance and the bilateral deficit (BLD) in Premier League academy soccer players. Fourteen male academy players (age: 16.36 ± 0.50 years; body mass: 73.45 ± 8.43 kg; height: 1.80 ± 0.09 m) performed one upper body and one lower bo...

The aim of this study was to determine the inter-unit reliability of IMU Step biomechanical load monitoring metrics using IMeasureU Blue Trident inertial measurement units in tasks common to running-based team sports. Knowledge of variability between units is required before researchers and practitioners can make informed decisions on “true” differ...

This study aims to quantify and model the game-speed demands of professional soccer players competing in the English Championship league, to compare the effect of match location and to examine the effect of playing position on game-speed outputs across the season. Twenty-eight male professional soccer players were enrolled. Moving average calculati...

This study investigated the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) cycling elevation training mask (ETM) in moderately trained participants on both aerobic (V̇O2max) and anaerobic power performance. Sixteen participants, five females (25.8 ± 7.6 years) and eleven males (22.2 ± 3.5 years) took part in this randomized controlled trial. Par...

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to determine the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of vertical and horizontal ground reaction force parameters during jumps and change of direction following flywheel squat exercise using two different flywheel inertias. (2) Methods: Eleven male athletes performed a countermovement jump (CMJ), s...

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flywheel training on female populations, report practical recommendations for practitioners based on the currently available evidence, underline the limitations of current literature, and establish future research directions. Studies were searched through the electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and...

This study investigated the effects of a weekly flywheel resistance training session over a 10-week period during the competitive season on U16 soccer players' physical performance with special attention to change of direction ability (e.g. deficit [CODdef]). Twenty elite young soccer players were recruited and assigned to an experimental (EG, n =...

5 The aim of this study is to investigate inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of a novel 6 clam test (CLAMT) for the measurement of gluteal muscle strength and to detect possible 7 differences between CLAMT values in football players with and without a history of 8 groin injuries. Twenty male football players participated in the test-retest a...