Marco Beato

• PhD
• Head of Sport and Exercise Science at University of Suffolk

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...

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...

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 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 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...

Objectives: To examine the criteria used in return-to-play (RTP) decision-making following hip and groin injuries in soccer players. Design: Scoping review. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases using keywords related to RTP and hip and groin injuries. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed article...

Flywheel technology is commonly used in training but remains underutilized for monitoring and testing. Flywheel devices can provide valuable data from mechanical outputs during both concentric and eccentric movements. This systematic review assesses its validity and reliability for evaluating sports performance and limb asymmetry. Searches were con...

Purpose: Confirmation bias, a cognitive phenomenon deeply ingrained in human thinking, shapes our perception of reality. It leads individuals to favor information that aligns with their preexisting beliefs while dismissing or undervaluing the contrary evidence. In sport science, where precision and evidence-based practices are critical aspects to o...

Background Soccer requires players to cover distances around 10-12 km, with numerous consecutive sprints throughout the 90-minute game. As such, aerobic fitness and repeated sprint ability (RSA) are crucial physical qualities for the modern soccer player to cope with the demands of the game. Nevertheless, a comprehensive and systematic search in ae...

Considering the great popularity of eccentric-based training, the purpose of this review is to first provide the scientific rationale for its use; second, summarize the eccentric-based training modalities that can be used; and finally, offer practical recommendations on how to implement eccentric-based modalities to enhance sports performance. The...

Linear sprinting and turning actions are frequently performed in a soccer game, linked with crucial game moments. A comprehensive and systematic search in linear speed and change of direction (COD) ability assessment procedures in elite soccer is needed. The aims of the systematic review are (1) to identify the tests and outcome variables used to a...

The reverse Nordic is a single joint (knee), controlled open kinetic chain exercise with a predominantly eccentric focus. This review summarizes the reverse Nordic, including exercise benefits, muscles involved, exercise technique, progressions, regressions, and programming strategies. Furthermore, this review outlines how strength and conditioning...

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...

The present scoping review aims to describe the available criteria to determine Return-To-Play (RTP), propose methodological considerations and new research questions, and provide information to help practitioners in professional football make informed decisions regarding RTP following a hamstring strain injury (HSI) in professional male football....

https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2024/11/22/one-test-does-not-fit-all-tailoring-hamstring-return-to-play-assessment-in-football/

Purpose To characterize the magnitude, timescale, and reliability of changes in functional and systemic outcome markers following moderate (MIR) and high (HIR) isoinertial resistance flywheel squat protocols (FSP). Methods Twenty-four resistance-trained males completed two exercise trials (ET1 & ET2) separated by 32 days. Functional and systemic m...

Purpose : The abundance of data in football presents both opportunities and challenges for decision making. Consequently, this review has 2 primary objectives: first, to provide practitioners with a concise overview of the characteristics of machine-learning (ML) analysis, and, second, to conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats...

Background: This study examines how physical demands and individual performance influence quarter results in under-18 basketball players during a six-day basketball tournament. Methods: Twelve male players from an elite Spanish team were tracked using inertial microsensors to monitor external load variables (player load, steps, and dynamic stress l...

New training approaches have emerged advocating for the implementation of compensatory physical training. This approach aims to provide additional training that balances the load typically experienced by non-starters during a match. This may help maintain their readiness and ensures that their physical fitness is not compromised by the reduced expo...

Beato, M, Datson, N, Clemente, FM, Harper, DJ, Fílter, A, Emmonds, S, Dos' Santos, T, and Jones, PA. Linear and multidirectional speed testing (on-field and off-field) protocols in senior and elite female football. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): e70-e84, 2025-Female football has had a considerable rise in popularity with millions of fans after matches...

Purpose: This study aimed to quantify training and match-day (MD) load during 3-, 4-, and 5-day microcycles in professional adult football, as well as to analyze the effect of the microcycle length on training load produced the day after the match (MD + 1) and the day before the match (MD − 1). Methods: The study involved 20 male professional footb...

Background Strength and power represent two crucial physical qualities for the attainment of a high level of performance considering the frequency and the importance of explosive actions occurring during elite soccer match-play. Evaluation of strength and power is a multifaceted concept involving a vast array of tests and outcome variables. Neverth...

This is a masters research topic which was presented as a podium at the NSCA National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on 12/07/2024.

Chaize, C, Allen, M, and Beato, M. Physical performance is affected by players’ position, game location, and substitutions during official competitions in professional Championship English football. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2024—This study aimed to verify, first, if physical parameters were different between positions during official mat...

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: The optimal approach to hamstring training is heavily debated. Eccentric exercises reduce injury risk; however, it is argued that these exercises transfer poorly to improved hamstring function during sprinting. Some argue that other exercises, such as isometric exercises, result in better transfer to running gait and should be used when tr...

Asencio, P, García-Valverde, A, Albaladejo-García, C, Beato, M, Moreno-Hernández, FJ, and Sabido, R. Analysis of concentric and eccentric power in flywheel exercises depending on the subjects' strength level and body mass. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The objective of this study is to describe how flywheel exercise mechanical outputs ar...

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of vertical (VPT), horizontal (HPT) and combined vertical and horizontal (V+HPT) plyometric training on sprint, jump and change of direction (COD) performance in adult male soccer players. Method Participants were randomly allocated into VPT (n = 8), HPT (n = 8) and V+HPT (n = 8) groups...

Monitoring training load in team sports poses a formidable challenge due to the dynamic nature of physiological and mechanical demands, which are contingent on factors such as activity type, volume, intensity, and other contextual variables. Research underscores the pivotal role of precise training load management in the strategic planning and peri...

Athlete load monitoring using upper back-mounted Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) player tracking is common within many team sports. However, accelerometer-based load monitoring may provide information that cannot be achieved with GNSS alone. This review focuses on the accelerometer-based metrics quantifying the accumulation of acceleratio...

This study aimed to characterize and compare force production and muscle activity during four flywheel deadlift exercises (bilateral [Bi] vs. unilateral [Uni]) with different loading conditions (vertical [Ver] vs. horizontal [Hor]). Twenty-three team-sport athletes underwent assessments for exercise kinetics (hand-grip force), along with surface el...

This study provides insight into the current fitness testing practices in elite male soccer. One hundred and two practitioners from professional soccer leagues across 24 countries completed an online survey comprising 29 questions, with five sections: a) background information, b) testing selection, c) testing implementation, d) data analysis, and...

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:...

Monitoring training load is essential for optimizing the performance of athletes, allowing practitioners to assess training programs, monitor athlete progress, and minimize the risk of injury and overtraining. However, there is no universal method for training load monitoring, and the adoption of wearable global positioning system (GPS) and acceler...

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...

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...

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...

Purpose : Monitoring player readiness to train and perform is an important practical concept in football. Despite an abundance of research in this area in the male game, to date, research is limited in female football. The aims of this study were, first, to summarize the current literature on the monitoring of readiness in female football; second,...

Beato, M, Youngs, A, and Costin, AJ. The analysis of physical performance during official competitions in professional English football: Do positions, game locations, and results influence players’ game demands? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—This study aimed, first, to verify if physical parameters were different between players' positio...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 ± 4)...

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...