Physiological Demands and Motion Analysis of Elite Foil Fencing

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2023 Feb 14

PMID 36787335

Authors

Lindsay Bottoms

Rafael Tarrago

Daniel Muniz

Diego Chaverri

Alfredo Irurtia

Jorge Castizo-Olier

Marta Carrasco

Ferran A Rodriguez

Xavier Iglesias

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological demands and motion analysis of a simulated fencing competition. Eighteen fencers each completed 5 'poule' (5 touches) and 'direct elimination (DE)' (15 touches) fights. Expired gases were measured during 1 poule and DE fight. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and movement data were recorded throughout all fights. Motion analysis was undertaken using the software LINCE PLUS. Differences between poule and DE fights were determined by either a paired t-test or a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. HR and RPE were significantly greater during DE compared to poule (170 ±10 vs 163 ±13 beats·min-1; P<0.05). A greater distance was covered during a DE fight compared to a poule fight (459.9 ± 117.7 m vs 162.6 ± 74.2 m; P<0.05). The average values of [Formula: see text] were 42.5 ±5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1 in men and 34.4 ±3.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 in women. Work-to-rest ratios reduced during the DE fights along with a lower average speed and increased max speed (11.7 ± 2.8 km∙h-1 vs 9.6 ± 1.6 km∙h-1; P<0.05). In conclusion, there is an increased physiological demand during a DE fight accompanied by a reduction in average speed and decreased work-to-rest ratio.

Citing Articles

Muscle Changes during Direct Attack under Different Conditions in Elite Wheelchair Fencing.

Martin-Ruiz J, Alarcon-Jimenez J, de Bernardo N, Tamarit-Grancha I, Iglesias X, Ruiz-Sanchis L Sports (Basel). 2024; 12(7).

PMID: 39058079 PMC: 11280821. DOI: 10.3390/sports12070188.

Nutrition for European Elite Fencers: A Practical Tool for Coaches and Athletes.

Lomazzi M Nutrients. 2024; 16(8).

PMID: 38674795 PMC: 11055078. DOI: 10.3390/nu16081104.

Temporal demands of elite fencing.

Tarrago R, Bottoms L, Iglesias X PLoS One. 2023; 18(6):e0285033.

PMID: 37262081 PMC: 10234521. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285033.

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