Exal Garcia-Carrillo | Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins (original) (raw)

Conference Presentations by Exal Garcia-Carrillo

The purpose of the study was to describe the internal and external training loads of an elite fem... more The purpose of the study was to describe the internal and external training loads of an elite female Paralympic shot put athlete and to investigate the relationship between internal and external training loads during a 4-week training period before the World Championships.

Peaking for the World Para Athletics Championships: Case Study of a World Champion Female Paralympic Shot Putter, Sep 2020

The aim of this study was to report how a short tapering period affected subjective and performan... more The aim of this study was to report how a short tapering period affected subjective and performance measurements on an elite female Paralympic shot putter on her preparation to 2019 Para Athletics World Championships.

The Wilks points were 395,2 ± 22,7 and 337,6 ± 15,7 (p<0,01) between strong and weak. There were ... more The Wilks points were 395,2 ± 22,7 and 337,6 ± 15,7 (p<0,01) between strong and weak. There were no significant differences between the variables muscle mass and phase angle, in both total and segmental, in any of the groups. When relating the different Wilks scores with the segmental phase angle, a significant correlation was found between the right (r=0.71) and left (r=0.67) lower limb phase angle with the deadlift Wilks score (p<0.05).

Papers by Exal Garcia-Carrillo

Advances in Rehabilitation, 2024

Introduction: Non-disabled throwing athletes face unique challenges related to injuries and pain ... more Introduction: Non-disabled throwing athletes face unique challenges related to injuries and pain in the upper body due to high demands placed on the shoulders and upper limbs. However, there is limited research on the epidemiology of sports injuries in para athletes participating in the Para Athletics throwing events. Hence, the aim of this study was to describe the types of injuries and their prevalence among Para Athletics throwers (PATs) Material and methods: The main outcome was the 12-month prevalence of sports injury. Data were collected from PATs of any level, using an online questionnaire, and was analysed by calculating median, interquartile range, frequencies, percentages, and confidence intervals (CI). The chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyse differences in injury prevalence and injury onset between different subgroups. Results: The study included 60 PATs (42 men, 18 women) with a variety of impairments. The 12-month period prevalence of injury was 40% (n = 24; 95% CI: 27.5-53.4), with the highest prevalence observed in athletes with blindness/ low vision and intellectual impairments (75%, 95% CI: 19.4-99.4). Injuries affected primarily the shoulders (22.8%) and elbows (25.3%). The most common type of injuries were muscle strains (30%) and tendinopathies (25%). The proportion of injuries did not differ significantly between subgroups. Most injuries (88.6%) occurred during training. Conclusions: Para athletic throwers are at greater risk of injuries in the upper extremities, and this highlights the importance of tailored injury prevention programs. It is crucial to mitigate the risk of injuries to the complex and vulnerable shoulder girdle in athletes with existing impairments.

Scientific production on Para Athletics: A bibliometric review, 2024

Background: A comprehensive evaluation of the scientific production in the sport of Para Athletic... more Background: A comprehensive evaluation of the scientific production in the sport of Para Athletics, encompassing both quantity and quality, is lacking. Aim: To perform a quantitative and qualitative bibliometric analysis using science mapping techniques, to investigate publication trends, author network clusters, and keyword occurrence linked to the scientific production in the PA sport. Methods: Studies related to PA were identified throughout a search across the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (Core Collection). Results: From an initial pool of 2,350 documents, 149 were deemed eligible and incorporated into the study. Most studies were published in the last 10 years, mainly in journals related to the fields of Sport Sciences and Rehabilitation. The keyword analysis revealed 364 unique keywords, 8 distinct clusters, 287 connections. Bibliometric examination unveiled 21 authorship network clusters, comprising 260 links. Countries that contributed with most research (75.7% of all published articles) includes United States, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Japan, and Australia. Conclusion: Research related to PA has increased exponentially in recent years, particularly in the fields of Sport Sciences and Rehabilitation. Collaborative research (authorship network clusters) seems prevalent, and all continents demonstrated participation in published studies, albeit with different relative contributions.

Sports, 2024

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of plyometric-jump training (PJT) on ... more The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of plyometric-jump training (PJT) on the physical fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with controls (i.e., standard therapy). The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Eligibility was assessed using the PICOS approach. Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Methodological study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data were meta-analyzed by applying a random-effects model to calculate Hedges’ g effect sizes (ES), along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The impact of heterogeneity was assessed (I2 statistic), and the certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE approach. Eight randomized-controlled studies with low-to-moderate methodological quality were included, involving male (n = 225) and female (n = 138) youth aged 9.5 to 14.6 years. PJT interventions lasted between 8 and 12 weeks with 2–4 weekly sessions. Compared with controls, PJT improved the muscle strength (ES = 0.66 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.36–0.96, p < 0.001, I2 = 5.4%), static (ES = 0.69 [moderate], 95% CI= 0.33–1.04, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%) and dynamic balance (ES = 0.85 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.12–1.58, p = 0.023, I2 = 81.6%) of youth with CP. Therefore, PJT improves muscle strength and static and dynamic balance in youth with CP compared with controls. However, more high-quality randomized-controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to provide a more definitive recommendation regarding the use and safety of PJT to improve measures of physical fitness.

Revista Peruana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y Deporte, May 3, 2024

Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2024

A comprehensive understanding of physical fitness across different competitive levels is essentia... more A comprehensive understanding of physical fitness across different competitive levels is essential in track and field athletics. Coaches of throwers typically develop training regimens tailored to either performance levels or the specific needs of individual athletes to maximize physical fitness and ultimately enhance competitive throwing performance. However, it remains uncertain whether the competitive level of athletes may require different training designs. Thus, this study aimed to assess and compare the physical fitness levels among throwers across varying competitive levels. Twenty-eight throwers (20 males, 8 females; age: 18.2 ± 2.7 years; body mass: 89.8 ± 15.1 kg; body height: 178.5 ± 9.9 cm) participated in the study. These athletes were categorized into three competitive experience groups: national level (n = 10), international level (n = 7), and international medallists (n = 11). During a summer training camp, comprehensive measurements were conducted, encompassing various aspects of physical fitness. These assessments comprised the following parameters: 20 m sprint time, countermovement jump (CMJ) height and power, standing long jump distance, handgrip isometric strength, and body composition analysis. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing one-way ANOVA. The results of the study revealed no significant differences for all variables between the three groups (p > 0.05). In addition, significant correlations were found between measures of physical fitness for both male and female athletes (i.e., body composition and physical fitness measurements). Therefore, in the early stage of throwers yearly preparation (i.e., summer training camp), physical fitness might be similar for throwers regardless of their competitive levels. From a practical perspective, coaches may design similar training programs for athletes especially in the beginning of the preparation phase in an attempt to enhance competitive performance among athletes with different competitive levels. Moreover, body composition may be a good predictor of physical fitness in both male and female thrower athletes.

Effects of Upper-Body Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness in Healthy Youth and Young Adult Participants: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis, Oct 13, 2023

Background Upper-body plyometric training (UBPT) is a commonly used training method, yet its effe... more Background Upper-body plyometric training (UBPT) is a commonly used training method, yet its effects on physical fitness are inconsistent and there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on the topic. Objective To examine the effects of UBPT on physical fitness in healthy youth and young adult participants compared to active, specific-active, and passive controls. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and utilized the PICOS framework. PubMed, WOS, and SCOPUS were searched. Studies were assessed for eligibility using the PICOS framework. The effects of UBPT on upper-body physical fitness were assessed, including maximal strength, medicine ball throw performance, sportspecific throwing performance, and upper limb muscle volume. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Means and standard deviations were used to calculate effect sizes, and the I 2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using the extended Egger's test. Certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE scale. Additional analyses included sensitivity analyses and adverse effects. Results Thirty-five studies were included in the systematic review and 30 studies in meta-analyses, involving 1412 male and female participants from various sport-fitness backgrounds. Training duration ranged from 4 to 16 weeks. Compared to controls, UBPT improved maximal strength (small ES = 0.39 95% CI = 0.15-0.63, p = 0.002, I 2 = 29.7%), medicine ball throw performance (moderate ES = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.43-0.85, p < 0.001, I 2 = 46.3%), sport-specific throwing performance (small ES = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.25-0.86, p < 0.001, I 2 = 36.8%), and upper limbs muscle volume (moderate ES = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.20-1.08, p = 0.005, I 2 = 0.0%). The GRADE analyses provided low or very low certainty for the recommendation of UBPT for improving physical fitness in healthy participants. One study reported one participant with an injury due to UBPT. The other 34 included studies provided no report measure for adverse effects linked to UBPT. Conclusions UBPT interventions may enhance physical fitness in healthy youth and young adult individuals compared to control conditions. However, the certainty of evidence for these recommendations is low or very low. Further

Anthropometric Characteristics, Handgrip Strength, and Upper Limb Asymmetries in Highly Trained Chilean Shot Put Para-Athletes, 2023

Anthropometric characteristics, including body size, shape, and composition, can have a significa... more Anthropometric characteristics, including body size, shape, and composition, can have a significant impact on sports performance due to their influence on various physiological and biomechanical factors. However, limited research has been conducted on the anthropometric characteristics of highly trained throwing para-athletes. The purpose of this study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics, handgrip strength, and upper limb bilateral asymmetries of highly trained Chilean shot put para-throwers. Five male Chilean shot put para-athletes (average age of 38.8 ± 7.7 years) were assessed for their anthropometric characteristics, including skinfold thickness at six anatomical sites, girth at five sites, and bone breadth at two sites. Handgrip strength and bilateral asymmetries were also measured. The body mass and height of the athletes were found to be 90.5 ± 5.1 kg and 179.1 ± 8.9 cm, respectively. The athletes were found to have an endo-mesomorph somatotype (4.4-6.9-1.0) with high levels of fat mass (25.7 ± 2.8 %) and skeletal muscle mass (39.1 ± 3.7 %). The handgrip strength of the athletes was found to be 66.4 ± 6.7 kg with a bilateral asymmetry of 6.5 ± 6.2 %, with the dominant hand showing greater strength. The results indicate that the shot put para-athletes have a somatotype characterized by increased muscularity and body fat, along with a considerable stature. Although handgrip strength was found to be high, the athletes showed bilateral asymmetry, which requires further investigation to determine the cause and implications.

Tapering is used to maximize performance and reduce fatigue levels before athletic competitions. ... more Tapering is used to maximize performance and reduce fatigue levels before athletic competitions. However, scientific evidence regarding Paralympic athletes is scarce. Moreover, no study has assessed the effects of tapering practices on performance in a world champion female Paralympic shot putter (FPSP). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a short tapering period on the performance of an elite FPSP. A world champion FPSP (sport class F54; age 42.2 y; body mass 74 kg; height 1.67 m) was monitored during both overload (2 weeks) and tapering (2 weeks; training volume and intensity decreased) blocks previous to Dubai 2019 World Para Athletics Championships. The internal training load (ITL) (through session rating of perceived exertion) and self-reported wellbeing (using a questionnaire) were assessed daily. Shot put performance was assessed at the beginning and after tapering. The ITL decreased 37.9% with tapering, shot put performance increased 7.6%, there were no differences between weekly wellness scores. No significant correlations were found between ITL and wellbeing indicators. It was concluded that two weeks of tapering induced a rather large improvement in shot put performance. Surprisingly, self-reported wellbeing did not improve with taper as expected.

Books by Exal Garcia-Carrillo

Los objetivos principales de este libro fueron el entregar conocimientos introductorios básicos y... more Los objetivos principales de este libro fueron el entregar conocimientos introductorios básicos y de fácil lectura para la práctica del Para Atletismo, los cuales servirán para orientar a los entrenadores y a todo aquel que quiera iniciarse en este deporte