SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS · EEB

Scientific Advisors

Scientific advisors include PhDs and professors emeriti who lead university departments, research labs, human-movement centers, and elite athlete preparation programs; several are former elite athletes and coaches.

Sport Training

From sports initiation to
high performance

Professor Francisco Seirul·lo Vargas

Sport Training · SPORTS INITIATION · FC Barcelona ATHLETICS, HANDBALL & FOOTBALL

Francisco Seirul·lo Vargas is a distinguished scholar, coach and athlete in human movement and sport training.

  • Early athletic career: competed in sprint and hurdles (100/200/400 m) at club and university level; junior Spanish champion (200 m) and university medalist (400 m hurdles).
  • Education: Degree in Physical Education, Master in Athletics (INEF Madrid, 1972); National Athletic Trainer (1975).
  • Academic career: Full professor at INEFC‑Barcelona since 1976; director and head of graduate studies; longtime educator in undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs; taught for the Spanish Olympic Committee and national coaching schools across multiple sports.
  • Research & publishing: Founder/director of RED Sports Training Journal and REF Physical Education Journal; numerous articles and conference presentations.
  • Contributions to practice: Led studies on sport initiation programs and coordinated development of CID centers; integrated medicine, rehabilitation and training for injury prevention and recovery across many sports.
  • Theoretical impact: Pioneer of a complexity‑based training theory for team sports using dynamic systems approaches, applied widely over 30+ years.
  • Elite sport achievements: Worked with national teams across five Olympics (1972–2012) and multiple World/European championships; coached athletes to 18 national athletics titles; long collaboration with FC Barcelona (handball and football), serving as conditioning planner and later training methodology director. With FC Barcelona he contributed to numerous domestic and international titles, including multiple La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup victories.
  • Current roles: Scientific advisor to EEB and ongoing consultancy and leadership roles in training methodology (former direct involvement with FC Barcelona first team; training methodology director since 2022).
  • Seirul·lo is recognized for combining rigorous academic work with practical, interdisciplinary solutions that have shaped modern training and injury‑prevention practices in elite sport.

www.entrenamientodeportivo.org →

Dr. Jordi Porta i Manceñido

sport training · Kinanthropometry · Health & fitness · GYMDANCE

Education

  • B.Eng. in Electronic Engineering, Technical Engineering School of Terrassa, Univ. of Barcelona (1970).
  • M.S. in Servomechanism Engineering, UCAL, Santa Barbara, USA (1971).
  • Degree in Physical Education & Sports, INEF Madrid (1973).
  • Ph.D. in Sports Sciences, INEFC/Faculty of Medicine, Univ. of Barcelona (1999, Cum Laude).
  • Doctoral studies supported by CIRIT/Fullbright at USD San Diego and Simon Fraser University (1989–91).

 

Academic & professional positions

  • Experience training different athletes and doing all kind of health classes at Gym Dance for more than 30 years.
  • Teaching at INEFC Barcelona since 1979; Professor, Department of Health & Applied Sciences since 2006.
  • Main teaching areas: kinesiology, fitness & sports technology, and kinanthropometry.
  • Lecturer for Spanish/Catalan coaching federations, University of Barcelona Sports Medicine School, Spanish Olympic Committee master courses, and sports physiotherapy masters.
  • Scientific consultant to the Spanish Cycling Federation (2000–2005).
  • ISAK-certified anthropometrist: Level 3 instructor (since 2002; re‑accredited 2007) and Level 4 criterion anthropometrist (since 2009).
  • Department chair, INEFC (2007–2011); Vice‑president of Grupo Español de Cineantropometría (GREC) (2007–2011).

 

Research interests

  • Kinanthropometry: validation of BIA methods, body composition and somatotype analysis, human proportionality.
  • Exercise prescription for health: energy balance across exercise modalities, bone density improvement around menopause, calcium intake and mineralization, and the SAFfE method for back‑pain prevention and therapy.

www.salutiesport.com →

Dr. Joel Stager

Exercise Physiology · sport training · Swimming

  • B.S. with Biology Major/Chemistry Minor University of Miami (Florida) 1975 Ph.D. in Physiology Division, Medical Science Program Indiana University 1980 Postdoctoral in Physiology & Biophysics 1980-1984 Colorado State University 1980.
  • Ph.D. Professor of various subjects in Physiology and Sports Training in the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University (USA).
  • Director of the Human Performance Laboratories at Indiana University.
  • Experience, without interruptions since 1976, in Swimming Training at all levels. Co-Coordinator of “The Councilman Center for the Science of Swimming”.
  • Specialist in Exercise Physiology and Training Applied to Extreme Conditions (Altitude, Heat, Cold) and Swimming

www.sportphysiology.com →

Dr. Dave Tanner ·  In memoriam

Exercise Physiology · sport training · Endurance · SWIMMING

  • Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University.
  • Former swimmer, teammate of Mark Spitz and coached by Doc Counsilman. Competitor in several Ultra-Distance events: “Race Across America”, “Western States 100 Run”, “Manhattan Island Marathon Swim”, “Lennon Ironman” (4 times), etc.
  • Experience, without interruptions since 1972, in Swimming Training (in the USA and Spain). CoCoordinator of “The Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming”.
  • Specialist in Exercise Physiology and Training Applied to Space, Altitude (mountain expeditions), Swimming and Long-Term Efforts

www.sportphysiology.com →

Dr. Rafa Martín Acero

athletics · team sports · sport training

  • Ph.D., Professor of Theory and Methodology of Sports Training at the University of La Coruña (INEF of Galicia) since 1991.
  • Professor of the Master’s Degree in High Performance Sports, of the Olympic Committee (Autonomous University of Madrid; 1992-2001) and professor/director of several master’s degrees (University of La Coruña).
  • Spanish National Team Coach in Women’s Athletics (1986-1992).
  • Technical Coordinator of Athletics at the Sant Cugat High Performance Center (1988-1991).
  • Technical Advisor to national teams and clubs (Roller Hockey; Track Cycling; Baseball; Soccer).
  • Director of the INEF of Galicia (December 1998-2003) and Deputy Director of the INEF of Galicia (1992-1998).
  • Guest lecturer at various international conferences and universities, speaking on selected topics in Physical Education and Sports Training.
  • Regular collaborator with professors Carlo Vittori and Fco. Seirul-lo Vargas since the early 1980s.
  • Scientific editor of the publications: RED, Revista de Entrenamiento Deportivo, and Revista de Educación Física.

www.cienciaatletica.org →

Professor Pawel Rouba Billowicz ·  In memoriam

Body Expression · Movement TraininG · MIME · CHOREOGRAPHER · WEAPONS MASTER

  • Actor, director, choreographer, weapons master, mime artist and pantomime master from Poland. A graduate of the Wrocław Academy of Physical Education, he was an avid athlete and equestrian, who rowed and lifted weights. From 1959 to 1973, he performed on the stage of the Wrocław Mime Theatre. He was a member of the first theatre crew of director Henryk Tomaszewski.
  • Person of impeccable upbringing, very charming and incredibly talented.
  • He was a key figure in the history of gesture theatre, he played an important role in the European theatre scene, both in the artistic field and in the training of actors, especially in the classrooms of the Institut del Teatre, where he trained generations of Catalan actors, including members of companies such as Tricicle and Vol Ras, as well as part of the historical members of the Teatre Lliure, Comediants, Dagoll Dagom and els Joglars.
  • Trained in Poland, had a long professional career as a teacher. In 1973 he arrived in Barcelona and joined the Institut del Teatre as a teacher of mime and pantomime, bringing a new vision of the actor’s work by emphasizing the importance of physical training. As director of the Mime and Pantomime School of the Institut del Teatre, his method revolutionized the teaching program by including classes in fencing, acrobatics and dance.
  • He was a professor at the INEF BCN (National Institute of Physical Education of Barcelona), teaching the subject of body expression and several seminars on theater, juggling, dance, acrobatics and stick fencing.

Dr. Nick Stavropoulos

ELITE Basketball PLAYER · kinesiology · basketball Coach

Ph.D., Physical Education and Sport Sciences – Basketball Coaching (Thessaloniki University, Greece) and M.Sc. Kinesiology, Indiana University at Bloomington (USA). Associate professor at the School of Physical Education and Sports Science of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Main Speaker in coaching clinics and training conferences. General Manager of PAOK Thessaloniki since 2009. Associate Head Coach with Panagiotis Giannakis of the Greek National Basketball Team (4th place at the European Championship for Men 1997 and 4th place at the World Championship for Men 1998). Head Coach of the Greek National Junior Men’s Basketball Team (1st place at the Qualifying Games of the European Championship 2000 and 3rd placeat the Final Games for Junior Men of the European Championship 2000. Head Coach of the Greek Men’s National Mediterranean Basketball Team. Participated in the Indiana University Basketball Program (NCAA , Division 1) with Bob Knight as a head coach. Professional basketball player (Larissa B. C., 1975-1984, Greek National Junior Men’s Team 1977-1980, Greek National Team (GNT) 1979-1988, P.A.O.K Thessaloniki 1983-1992, Iraklis Thessaloniki 1992-1993). Winning: Greek Cup 1984 (MVP), European Cup 1991, Greek Championship 1992, with GNT 1st and 3rd place at the Men’s Balkan Championship 1985-86, Champions of Europe 1987.

www.magic-camp.com →

Dr. Josep Mª Padullés Riu

Sports Biomechanics · athletics · sport training

  • Ph.D. in Human Movement from the University of Barcelona (INEFC).
  • He combines research, university teaching, and the training of high-level athletes.
  • As a coach, he is part of the Spanish combined events team (he led Imma Clopés to Olympic status in Atlanta 1996 and to the national heptathlon record holder). Among many others, he has coached international athletes Cristina Bárcena, Marta Miró, and Sílvia Riba.
  • He has coached the Spanish and Catalan combined events athletics teams.
  • He is an Industrial Electronics Engineer, a graduate in Physical Education, a national athletics coach, a professor at the INEFC in Barcelona, and a frequent lecturer at other national and international universities.
  • He completed doctoral studies with Dr. Carmelo Bosco, as well as a Professional Master’s Degree in High Performance in Team Sports, a postgraduate degree in Automatic Calculation, and training in 3D Biomechanical Analysis.
  • Designer of sports evaluation instruments, researcher in sports biomechanics, pioneer in Spain of power feedback-based training, first Spanish researcher into the use of vibrations in training, and creator of the Isoflash system.

Dr. Lluís Abaurrea Alfaro ·  In memoriam

ELITE GYMNAST · Artistic Gymnastics COACH · INITIATION & ELITE TRAINING

  • Ph.D., in Human Motricity from the University of Barcelona (INEFC).
  • Professor Emeritus of the INEFC Barcelona of Artistic Gymnastics.
  • Former International Gymnast since 1955.
  • National Gymnastics Coach, Former National Coach and Former Director of the National Olympic Preparation Plan.
  • Former President of the Catalan Gymnastics Federation and Former Director of the Catalan School of Gymnastics.
  • More than 40 years of Teaching and Training Experience with Gymnasts of all Levels.

Miguel Jordan-Arenas

ELITE Taekwondo ATHLETE · Martial Arts COACH

  • Elite taekwondo athlete and coach known for his humility and respect. He has competed internationally at the highest levels and, since retiring in 1992, has dedicated himself to training others in taekwondo. An advocate for young people and adults, he is also experienced in Hapkido and other self-defense arts. As the president of the Catalan Martial Arts Federation (FAMC), he promotes the sport’s growth and maintains excellent fitness in his 60s, earning recognition both as a person and an athlete.
  • 6th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, and since 1976 uninterrupted practice of various martial arts.
  • Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals in more than 20 International Championships, 4th and Olympic Diploma in the Seoul Olympics ’88. Almost 20 years competing at the highest level.
  • Taekwondo Teacher-Coach at all Levels from Initiation to High Competition.
  • President of the Martial Arts Federation of Catalonia. Federacio d’Arts Marcials de Catalunya

Federació d'Arts Marcials de Catalunya →

Biomechanics

Sports & clinical biomechanics for performance and health

Dr. Jesús Dapena

Sports Biomechanics · High Jump & ATHLETICS

  • Ph.D., Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (1996-2013). Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (1982-1996). Assistant professor, Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts (1979-1982).
  • Professor Emeritus, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (from 2013).
  • Competitor in high jumping event (1964-1971).
  • Coached several high jumpers, including William Knoedel and William Hansen, both of whom won the Big 10 and won medals in NCAA and/or AAU Championships (1975-1978).
  • Speaker at numerous conferences and clinics; reviewer and consultant of numerous biomechanic projects.
  • Biomechanics researcher in charge of high jump event of track and field for the “Elite Athlete” and “Scientific Support Services” projects of the U.S. Olympic Committee and The Athletics Congress / USA Track & Field, 1982-present

www.sportbiomechanics.com →

Dr. Xavier Aguado Jódar

MOVEMENT EDUCATION & Sports Biomechanics · MOUNTAIN SPORTS & CIRCUS ACTIVITIES

  • Ph.D., University Professor (Department of Physical Activity and Sports Science), University of Castilla La Mancha. Full Professor of Anatomy and Biomechanics of Movement, as well as several postgraduate courses.
  • Biomechanical Analyst of the International Thrower Manuel Martínez and other High Level Athletes.
  • Extensive Experience as a Coach and Long Distance Runner.
  • Has competed in tennis, athletics (cross country, long distance running, middle distance running), basketball and in some aerial sports.
  • Specialist in Human and Sports Biomechanics; and in Special Training Assessment Techniques.
  • Expert in teaching and training circus activities such as stilts, juggling and unicycling.

www.biomecanicadeportiva.com →

Dr. José Luís Parreño ·  In memoriam

Clinical Biomechanics · Ergonomics · HEALTH & MOVEMENT SKILLS

Director of the IBC Institute of Clinical Biomechanics · Judicial Expert in Biomechanics and Ergonomics

PhD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Santiago de Compostela (1996), Graduate in Physical Education and Sports Sciences (1986, UB) and Technician in Occupational Risk Prevention with specialization in Ergonomics and Applied Psychosociology. Postgraduate in Biomechanics (1995, UPC) and Master in Biomedical and Experimental Sciences (2005-2006, UB). Apart from his professional work, since 2011, he has been a Research Professor in Ergonomics and Biomechanics at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

His experience in motor education and training, combined with more than 20 years of intense professional dedication as Technical Director and Manager of prestigious Clinical Biomechanics Laboratories, make him one of the most qualified world experts on clinical biomechanics applied to the health science of human motor skills

www.biomecanicaclinica.com →

Sports Medicine

Physiology · Biochemistry · Nutrition and Health

Dr. Ramón Segura Cardona ·  In memoriam

SPORT Physiology & Biochemistry · Nutrition · HEALTH & ELITE SPORT

  • A leading physiologist and nutrition expert, Dr. Segura combines decades of academic leadership, prolific research, international collaboration (including NASA), and applied consultancy for elite sport.
  • Professor Emeritus of Physiology, University of Barcelona; Professor at the Professional School of Sports Medicine and Physical Education; Co‑director of the Master in Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine; member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia (since 2008).
  • Early training & research stays: Humboldt and British Council fellowships (1963–65) at hospitals in Hamburg and London; research associate in Houston (University of Houston, 1969–71) and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine (1971–75) working on lipid metabolism.
  • Academic career: Assistant professor in Barcelona, Professor & Chair of Physiological Sciences at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (1976–86; Vice‑Chancellor 1978–82), then Professor of Physiology at the University of Barcelona (from 1986); awarded Professor Emeritus in 2005. Co‑director of the University of Barcelona Master in Nutrition.
  • Research & contributions: Extensive work on lipid metabolism, nutrition, exercise physiology and related fields; developed micro‑blood assays for astronaut studies during a NASA collaboration (1992). Directed 34 doctoral theses and presented widely at national and international forums.
  • Publications & editorial roles: Author of 12 books, 32 book chapters, 150+ peer‑reviewed papers, ~45 popular articles, and ~130 conference papers; served on editorial boards of several scientific journals.
  • Applied work & consultancy: Nutritional and physiological adviser to elite athletes (including FC Barcelona players) and professionals across sports; advised notable athletes such as Joan “Nani” Roma.
  • Leadership & society roles: President of the Catalan Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition; vice‑president of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology; co‑founder and officer of the Catalan Association of Food Science; member of multiple national and international scientific societies.
  • Honors: Numerous awards, including the Dr. Cardinal & Dr. De Chopitea Award in Sports Medicine (1992), European Foundation Universitas Award (1992), Medal of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (1993), and awards for research and professional excellence

www.fisiologiaesportiva.com →

Dr. Atko-Meeme Viru ·  In memoriam

Sports Physiology & Biochemistry · BIOCHEMICAL MONITORING of Training

  • Professions: Basketball player, coach, teacher, researcher; Doctor of Biology (1970).
  • Education: Graduated Viljandi (1951) and TRÜ KKT (University of Tartu faculty) (1955).
  • Athletic career: Active in basketball from 1945; multiple Estonian youth championship titles (1949–58); coached youth teams (including Tartu Kalev championship, 1957).
  • Academic career: PE teacher (1955–57); lecturer at University of Tartu, Dept. of Sports Medicine & Sports Physiology (from 1959), professor (from 1974), department head (1967–71), dean (1971–92). Professor at the Institute of Sports Biology (1973–89), continued until professor emeritus (1998).
  • Research & publications: Author/co‑author of monographs and numerous articles on sports physiology, hormones and training, adaptation and training biology; co‑author of works with C. Bosco. Presented at Estonian Academy of Sciences conferences.
  • Professional leadership: Member and vice‑president of the Estonian Olympic Committee (1989–2000), Olympic Academy president (1989–2001); chaired and served on multiple national sports science and policy bodies (Sports Committee, scientific‑methodological council, Cultural Endowment).
  • Editorial & society roles: Deputy editor of Coaching and Sport Science, corresponding editor of Biology of Sport; on editorial boards of International Journal of Sports Medicine and others; member of the New York Academy of Sciences (from 1985).
  • Honors: IOC Annual Award (1996); Estonian Red Cross Order of Merit V Class (2001); Rkl Sports Lifetime Achievement Award (2001); Paul Keres Fair Play Award (2002); Honorary Citizen of Tartu (2007); honorary Kalev member (1974).
  • Personal: Married to Ehta Viru (née Kurrik, 1931–2006), lecturer at University of Tartu (1963–1992)

www.sportbiochemistry.com →

Dr. Joel Stager

Exercise Physiology · Swimming · SPORT TRAINING

  • B.S. with Biology Major/Chemistry Minor University of Miami (Florida) 1975 Ph.D. in Physiology Division, Medical Science Program Indiana University 1980 Postdoctoral in Physiology & Biophysics 1980-1984 Colorado State University 1980
  • Ph.D. Professor of various subjects in Physiology and Sports Training in the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University  at Bloomington (USA).
  • Director of the Human Performance Laboratories at Indiana University.
  • Experience, without interruptions since 1976, in Swimming Training at all levels. Co-Coordinator of “The Councilman Center for the Science of Swimming”.
  • Specialist in Exercise Physiology and Training Applied to Extreme Conditions (Altitude, Heat, Cold) and Swimming

www.sportphysiology.com →

Dr. Antonio Balagué López ·  In memoriam

Applied Sports Physiology · Clinical Biochemistry

  • Ph.D. in Medicine.
  • Former professor of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona.
  • Former teacher of INEFC Barcelona.
  • Varied Research Experience in Applied Sports Physiology, and in Clinical Biochemistry.
  • Director of the Laboratory of Clinical Analyzes Balagué Center.
  • Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, specialist in Clinical Biochemistry.
  • Member of the Team of the Department of Physiology II U.B.

Neuromuscular Science

Neuromuscular science

Dr. Paavo V. Komi ·  In memoriam

Neuromuscular Science · Strength & Power · biology & physical activity

  • Ph.D., FACSM, FECSS.
  • Professor & Director of the Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä.
  • Specialist in Strength and Power Training for different sports. Pioneer in the study of the stretch-shortening cycle, neuromuscular function, and its practical applications to sport training.
  • Eminent biomechanist and Honorary Member of the ISB. Educated in Finland (BS University of Helsinki; MS University of Jyväskylä) and PhD at Penn State (1969), he spent most of his career at the University of Jyväskylä—professor of exercise physiology, head of the Department of Biology of Physical Activity (1979–2004), and founder/director of the Neuromuscular Research Center (1977–2007).  
  •  He served as ISB Secretary General (1977–1981) and President (1981–1983), bringing two ISB congresses to Jyväskylä (1975, 1995) and was named Honorary Member in 2005. 
  • Komi’s prolific international research (notably on the stretch‑shortening cycle and in‑vivo tendon measurements) and mentorship raised Jyväskylä’s global reputation in biomechanics. Honors include the Muybridge Medal (1999), an Olympic Order (2001), a Citation Award from ACSM (1999), and seven honorary doctorates.
 

www.neuromuscularsciences.com →

Traumatology

Sports traumatology

Dr. Ramón Serra Fernandez

Sports Traumatology · Orthopedic Surgery · basketball & car racing

  • Ph.D., Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. Specialist in Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery.
  • University Professor F.U.B.
  • Clinical Head, Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Service, Manresa (Barcelona).
  • Extensive Experience as a Traumatologist for many Athletes.
  • Doctor of the Manresa Basketball Club and several Basketball Spanish National Teams for more than 30 years.

Sport Psychology

Sport psychology.

Dra. Beatriz Galilea Ballarini

Sport Psychology

Academic Background

  • 1992 | Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona | Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology
  • 1990 | Comillas Pontifical University of Madrid | Diploma in Behavior Therapy
  • 1990 | Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona | Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Psychology
  • 1983 | Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona | Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Educational Sciences, Psychology Section.

Professional Profile

  • Management, Leadership, or Coordination Positions
  •  2013 – 2020 | Government of Catalonia | Member of the Working Group for the Prevention of Eating Disorders
  •  2005 – 2007 | FAST Group (affiliated with the European Federation of Sport and Exercise Psychology) | Participant in three editions
  •  2000 – 2002 | Generalitat of Catalonia | Interdepartmental Commission “Prevention of Eating Disorders for Teaching and Healthcare Staff” | Member

Professional Experience

  •  2013 – 2021 | FC Barcelona | Psychological Counselor in the Handball Section
  •  2009 – 2011 | Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid | Professor, Master’s Program in Sport and Exercise Psychology
  •  2008 – 2011 | Blanquerna University School of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Nutrition | Visiting Professor
  •  2008 – 2009 | University of Barcelona, Faculty of Psychology | Professor, Master’s Program in Sport and Exercise Psychology
  •  2003 – Present | University of Valencia | Professor, Master’s Program in Sports Management
  •  2000 – 2010 | Royal Spanish Swimming Federation | Collaborator with the Junior National Synchronized Swimming Team (2000-10) and the absolute men’s water polo team (2002-10), as well as other high-level athletes and coaches
  •  1992 – News | Autonomous University of Barcelona | Professor and tutor of practices of the Master of Sports Psychology

International experience

  •  2006 – 2006 | Olympic Committee of El Salvador | Teacher in training for technicians.

 Research groups

  • Collaborator | Communication and Health Research Group Institute for Research in Psychology, Learning and Development (Re-Psy)

Work with our advisors

Science behind every project.

info@sporttraining.org