Adam Fleming

Bio: Adam Fleming is an academic researcher from Suffolk University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Squat & Reliability (statistics). The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 11 citations.

Validity and reliability of a flywheel squat test in sport.

Abstract: The aims of this study were to examine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the flywheel (FW)-squat test. Twenty male amateur team sports athletes (mean±SD: age 23±3 years) complet...

Post flywheel squat vs. flywheel deadlift potentiation of lower limb isokinetic peak torques in male athletes.

Abstract: The present study investigated the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings torque after flywheel (FW)-squat vs. FW-deadlift in comparison to a control condition. Fifteen male athletes were enrolled in this randomised, crossover study. Each protocol consisted of 3 sets of 6 repetitions, with an inertial load of 0.029 kg.m2. Isokinetic quadriceps (knee extension) and hamstrings (knee flexion) concentric peak torque (60o/s) and hamstring eccentric peak torque (-60o/s) were measured 5 min after experimental or control conditions. A significant condition (PAPE) effect was reported (f = 4.067, p = 0.008) for isokinetic hamstrings eccentric peak torque following FW-squat and FW-deadlift, but no significant differences were found for quadriceps and hamstrings concentric peak torques. The significant difference averaged 14 Nm between FW-squat vs. control (95% CI: 2, 28; d = 0.75, moderate; p = 0.033), and 13 Nm between FW-deadlift vs. control (95% CI: 1, 25; d = 0.68, moderate; p = 0.038). This study reported that both FW-squat and FW-deadlift exercises are equivalently capable of generating PAPE of isokinetic hamstrings eccentric torque. Practitioners may use these findings to inform strength and power development during complex training sessions consisting of flywheel-based exercises prior to a sport-specific task.

A Comparison of Training and Match Play External Load During a Congested In-Season Period in English League 2 Football.

Abstract: ABSTRACT 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 period of fixture congestion and to verify if external load metrics vary based on playing positions. Training and MD data were collected in a part of the competition phase of the 2020-2021 season (6 weeks) in the English Football League 2 (N = 20 players, mean ± SDs: age = 24.4 ± 4.7 years). Global Navigation Satellite System units (Catapult S7 Vector 10 Hz) were used to monitor external load metrics. The metrics were duration of training, total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSR), sprinting distance, relative intensity (m/min), total accelerations (TotAcc) (>3 m·s-2), and total decelerations (TotDec) (<-3 m·s-2). This study found that duration, TD, relative intensity, HSR distance, sprint distance, TotAcc, and TotDec were different (p < 0.001, d = small to moderate) between MD and match day minus two (MD-2) or match day minus one (MD-1); however, during match day minus four (MD-4), only relative intensity was significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared with MD output. Therefore, MD-4 was the most demanding training session of the week (after the MD), and during MD-2 and MD-1, coaches decreased players' load to favor players' readiness. Moreover, this study found that MD and MD-1 resulted in statistically different values across several metrics between different playing positions (defenders < midfielders and strikers), whereas metrics in MD-4 and MD-2 were not statistically different, which highlights that in these sessions, players have similar external loads independently from their playing positions.

Chronic effects of flywheel training on physical capacities in soccer players: a systematic review.

Abstract: Purpose: The aims of the current systematic review were to evaluate the current literature surrounding the chronic effect of flywheel training on physical capacities in soccer players, and to identify areas for future research to establish guidelines for its use. Methods: Studies were identified following a search of electronic databases (PubMed and SPORTDiscus) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA). Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged between 10 and 18 with an average score of 15 points using the PEDro scale. The training duration ranged from 6 weeks to 27 weeks, with volume ranging from 1 to 6 sets and 6 to 10 repetitions, and frequency from 1 to 2 times a week. This systematic review reported that a diverse range of flywheel training interventions can effectively improve strength, power, jump, and changes of direction in male soccer players of varying levels. Conclusion: Flywheel training interventions improve physical capacities in soccer players of varying levels. Nonetheless, the current literature suggests contrasting evidence regarding flywheel training induced changes in sprint speed and acceleration capacity of soccer players. Keywords: Isoinertial, eccentric, resistance training, football

Effects of flywheel training on strength-related variables in female populations. A systematic review

Abstract: 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 Web of Science) following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement guidelines. The methodological quality of the seven studies included in this review ranged from 10 to 19 points (good to excellent), with an average score of 14-points (good). These studies were carried out between 2004 and 2019 and comprised a total of 100 female participants. The training duration ranged from 5 weeks to 24 weeks, with volume ranging from 1 to 4 sets and 7 to 12 repetitions, and frequency ranged from 1 to 3 times a week. The contemporary literature suggests that flywheel training is a safe and time-effective strategy to enhance physical outcomes with young and elderly females. With this information, practitioners may be inclined to prescribe flywheel training as an effective countermeasure for injuries or falls and as potent stimulus for physical enhancement.

The effect of flywheel training on strength and physical capacities in sporting and healthy populations: An umbrella review

Abstract: 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 Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Two were systematic reviews, six were systematic reviews with meta-analyses and three were narrative reviews. Although the included reviews support use of flywheel training with athletic and healthy populations, the umbrella review highlights disparity in methodological quality and over-reporting of studies (38 studies were included overall). Flywheel post-activation performance enhancement protocols can effectively enhance strength and physical capacities acutely with athletes and healthy populations. All relevant reviews support flywheel training as a valid alternative to traditional resistance training for enhancing muscular strength, power, and jump performance with untrained and trained populations alike. Similarly, reviews included report flywheel training enhances change of direction performance—although conclusions are based on a limited number of investigations. However, the reviews investigating the effect of flywheel training on sprint performance highlight some inconsistency in attained improvements with elite athletes (e.g., soccer players). To optimize training outcomes, it is recommended practitioners individualize (i.e., create inertia-power or inertia-velocity profiles) and periodize flywheel training using the latest guidelines. This umbrella review provides an analysis of the literature’s strengths and limitations, creating a clear scope for future investigations.

Concentric and eccentric inertia-velocity and inertia-power relationships in the flywheel squat.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of varying flywheel inertia on velocity and power during flywheel squats. Fifteen healthy physically active males performed 6 maximal effort flywhe...

Perception and application of flywheel training by professional soccer practitioners

Abstract: 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, highlight gaps in knowledge and develop industry-relevant research questions. Fifty-one practitioners completed an electronic questionnaire. Fourteen Likert scale statements were grouped into topics: strength and performance; post-activation performance enhancement and methodological considerations; chronic strength; chronic performance; injury prevention. Three general questions followed, allowing more detail about flywheel training application. A Majority of the participants reported ≥ 2 years' experience of programming flywheel training. Nearly all participants agreed that familiarisation is needed. Practitioners agree that flywheel training can improve sport performance, strength and likelihood of non-contact injury outcomes. Most practitioners prescribe 2 weekly sessions during pre- and in-season periods. Flywheel sessions mostly consist of squats but a variety of exercises (lunge, hip hinge, and open kinetic chain) are also frequently included. Practitioners are mostly unsure about differences between flywheel and traditional resistance training equipment and outcomes, practicality of flywheel equipment, and evidence-based guidelines. The investigation provides valuable insight into the perspectives and application of flywheel training within elite soccer, highlighting its perceived efficacy for strength and injury prevention.