Sports Science Researcher & Football Performance Specialist
Hi, I’m Dr Ricardo Pimenta
I combine scientific research with applied leadership in elite football, translating evidence and athlete data into practical strategies for injury prevention, athlete health and performance
Experience
Research Topic Editor
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
2026 — Present
Topic Editor for Research Topic: Integrating Muscle Mechanics, Biomechanics and Wearable Technologies
Editorial Board Member
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
2026 — Present
Editorial Assessment and peer-review oversight of submitted manuscripits
Scientific Researcher
Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development
2025 — Present
Scientific Publications
Development and Management of Scientific Projects
Assistant Professor
University of Maia
2025 – Present
Lecturer for Applied Methodologies for Sports Performance
Master's Thesis Supervisor
Scientific Publications
Scientific Researcher
Football Science Institute Lab
2024 — Present
Scientific Publications
Developed and Established Research Lines
Scientific Development Support for Sports Clubs
Assistant Professor
Polytechnic Institute of Maia
2023 — Present
Module Leader for Biomechanics in Sports Training
Module Leader for Training Assessment and Monitoring
Module Leader for Applied Scientific Research
Master's Thesis Supervisor
Scientific Publications
Scientific Researcher
LABIOMEP, University of Porto
2022 — Present
Scientific Publications
Led the Muscle Imaging Research Area
Head of Performance and Sports Science Academy
F.C. Famalicão SAD
2023 — 2026
Founded and Led the Performance and Sports Science Department
Developed a Device for Measuring Neuromuscular Fatigue
Established Partnerships with Universities and Industry
Developed Systems for Sleep Hygiene Monitoring and Analysis
Created Guidelines and Operational Criteria for the Sports Science Department
Created Guidelines and Operational Criteria for the Strength & Conditioning and Rehabilitation Departments
Scientific Publications
Youth Sports Scientist
F.C. Porto
2022 — 2023
Responsible for Training Load Monitoring and Management
Physical Performance Coach on the Pitch
Research Fellow
University of Lisbon, Faculty of Human Kinetics
2022 — 2023
Shear-Wave Elastography Applications in Children with Cerebral Palsy
PhD Research Fellow
University of Lisbon, Faculty of Human Kinetics
2019 — 2022
Theoretical and Practical Scientific Development
Conceptual Development in Musculoskeletal Injuries
Experience with Shear-Wave Elastography
Experience with MATLAB Software
Scientific Publications
Research Intern
University of Lisbon, Faculty of Human Kinetics, Neuromuscular Function Lab
2017 — 2019
Developed Experience with Isokinetic Devices, Ultrasound Imaging, Force Platforms and Signals and EMG Analysis
Statistical Analysis Using SPSS, G*Power
Football Player Strength & Conditioning Coach
Freelance
2016 — 2023
Development of Physical Qualities
Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD)
Education
PhD Human Kinetics - Biomechanics
University of Lisbon, Faculty of Human Kinetics · 2019 — 2023
Highest classification
MSc High Performance Training
University of Lisbon, Faculty of Human Kinetics · 2016 — 2018
Overall grade: 85%+
FIFA Medical
Football Medicine - FIFA · 2018
BSc Physical Education
University of Maia, Porto · 2013 — 2016
Overall grade: 75%+
Professional Development
2016 — Present
10+ courses in strength and conditioning & sports sciences
Awards
Sports Science Awards
Portuguese Olympic Committee
Research Area - Sports Physiology and Biomechanics · 2026
Scholarship - ReinventO Project
University of Lisbon · 2022
Applied Science Award
Strength and Conditioning Society · 2021
PhD Scholarship in Sports Science
University of Lisbon · 2018
Select Scientific Publications
Impact of post-match fatigue on peak force in elite youth soccer players: Analysis of 48 to 72 hours post-match using the isometric mid-thigh pull exercise
Pimenta et al., 2025
Biology of Sport
Hamstrings passive and active shear modulus: Implications of conventional static stretching and warmup
Pimenta et al., 2024
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
The Most Demanding Match Periods in Youth Male Soccer: Analysis by Age Groups and Playing Position
Pimenta et al., 2026
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Biceps Femoris Long-Head Architecture Assessed Using Different Sonographic Techniques
Pimenta et al., 2018
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise