Physical Characteristics Underpinning Lunging and Change of Direction Speed in Fencing

Changing Horses in Midstream: Modern Pentathlon After the 2024 Olympic Games

The decision of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne to replace horse riding with Obstacle after the 2024 Olympic Games challenges training, testing, and recovery management in Modern Pentathlon. This commentary discusses physiological, technical, and tactical effects of rule changes in the 5 disciplines with a specific focus on the new discipline Obstacle. Modern Pentathlon requires athletes to develop specific endurance capacities relying on both the aerobic and anaerobic systems while simultaneously increasing lower- and upper-body strength capabilities. In addition, movements must be repeatedly executed in an explosive and precise manner. Running and swimming must be fast but economical. Swapping from horse riding to Obstacle will prioritize the explosive strength of the upper extremities and core while keeping high levels of endurance and precision in swimming, fencing, and shooting. Moreover, condensing the Modern Pentathlon competition to a 90-minute television-friendly format enables more competitions in the future. Athletes and coaches will thus also need to develop and maintain effective individual peri-exercise routines (before, during, and after the competition) to successfully meet the resulting tactical and physical challenges of the new format. This commentary aims to stimulate the discussion on the effect of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne's decisions to replace riding with the new Obstacle discipline and implement a more television-friendly format with a focus on physiological, technical, and tactical aspects.

Interlimb and trunk asymmetry in the frontal plane of table tennis female players

Background

An interesting and little-reported problem in the literature is the scale of asymmetry in table tennis players, the magnitude of which should perhaps be treated as a risk for injury. Determining the degree of asymmetry in table tennis players can indicate the need to appropriately manage the training process, including compensatory or corrective exercises in the training program, especially since recent studies confirm that training interventions can reduce sporting asymmetries and improve performance. This study aimed to assess the amount of asymmetry in the trunk regarding the frontal plane and the difference between limb circumferences in female table tennis players compared to the control group (non-athletes).

Methods

Twenty-two women took part in the study. Ten of them were table tennis professionals with an average training experience of 7 ± 4.3 years (the exclusion criterion of the study was a minimum of 3 years of training experience). As a comparison group, the study included 12 female students who did not participate in competitive sports. Body posture was assessed in all subjects using equipment for computer analysis of asymmetry in the torso using the photogrammetric method. Additionally, all the subjects had their upper and lower limb circumferences measured.

Results

The results of the conducted research showed asymmetry in the frontal plane in the table tennis player group. As many as six parameters-regarding the pelvic rotation angle, angle of trunk inclination, the height of the angles of the lower shoulder blades and their distance from the spine, as well as the waist triangles, difference in the width and height of the waist triangles and the angle of trunk inclination-indicated asymmetry in this group but significantly differed from the control group (p ≤ 0.05) only in the first parameter given above. The calculated differences in circumference between the right and left sides in the individual groups were statistically different in several cases (p ≤ 0.05). This concerned the circumferences of the arms, forearms, elbows, and knees of table tennis players.

Conclusions

The research carried out in this study allowed us to determine the occurrence of asymmetry in the frontal plane of the trunk and between the limbs of table tennis players. According to some studies, this may be a risk factor for injury. However, despite the lack of uniform views in the literature on the importance and threats resulting from asymmetries, it appears that, if only for aesthetic reasons, table tennis would require compensatory or corrective training aimed at developing symmetry of the body structure.

Assessing the Impact of Fencing on Postural Parameters: Observational Study Findings on Elite Athletes

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the static stabilometric parameters among elite fencers, were affected by prolonged, asymmetric training regimen. A sample of 26 elite fencers of both genders, aged 19.15 ± 2.24 years, practising one of the three disciplines foil, épée, or sabre, was recruited for the study. Anthropometric measurements including thigh and calf circumferences and postural assessment based on the weight distribution on a stabilimeter platform were performed. Postural tone, as indicated by measures such as sway length and sway area ratio was calculated.. No notable anthropometric asymmetries were detected within the examined group The weight distribution patterns on the support quadrants in static stabilometric measurements did not suggest clinically significant issues. There were no significant differences among subgroups based on gender and lower limb dominance for both anthropometric and stabilimeter variables. However, 30.8% of participants showed anomalies in postural tone (hypertonic and hypotonic condition). Five out of eight athletes found with abnormal postural tone were foil fencers, suggesting a potential discipline-specific effect. Individual adjustments were found in foil fencers. These findings provide insights into the potential effects of fencing training on postural parameters among elite athletes.

Shoe choice may affect fencing lunge attack performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in attack time and lower limb biomechanics when performing fencing lunge with fencing shoes (FS) and commonly used court shoes (CS). Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate whether fencing shoes with a heel cup (FSH) could reduce lower limb impact. Thirteen female collegiate fencers who had participated in national-level competitions were recruited for this study. Participants performed the lunge on a human-shaped target while wearing FS, FSH, or CS in a randomized order. Biomechanical data were collected using a 3D motion analysis system synchronized with a force plate. A signal light, and an accelerometer were attached to the target's head to initiate lunge movement and detect hit moment for calculating attack time. Attack time was significantly shorter when wearing FS (0.92 ± 0.05 s) and FSH (0.93 ± 0.07 s) compared to CS (0.96 ± 0.06 s). The maximum angular velocity of ankle plantarflexion in rear foot push-off phase was significantly slower when wearing FS and FSH than when wearing CS. The maximum knee posterior shear force, maximum knee flexion moment, and maximum ankle medial shear force during the front foot step phase were significantly greater when wearing FS than when wearing CS. These forces were significantly reduced or nearly significantly reduced when wearing FSH, and there were no significant differences compared to wearing CS. The maximum ankle medial shear force during the push-off phase in rear foot was the greatest when wearing FS but decreased significantly when using FSH. However, this force was still greater than when wearing CS. Wearing FS resulted in a higher loading rate (LR) on the front foot. This LR was reduced when a heel cup was used but still remained higher than when wearing CS. There were no significant differences in the forward extension of body, maximum ground reaction force, or center of pressure displacement during front foot step and rear foot push-off phases among the three shoe conditions. Wearing FS can enhance lunge performance, and the use of a heel cup can effectively reduce lower limb impact.

Performance criteria for para-athletes in fencing

Wheelchair fencing is an opposition sport on a specific wheelchair, with a fixed distance between the two athletes. As for other Paralympic sports, different categories exist for the different pathologies of the athletes. Searching for biomechanical performance criteria is of primary interest for coaches, recruiters and trainers. Such performance criteria have been highlighted for able-bodied fencers but not for para-fencers. Through transposition, the corresponding parameters for para-fencers would be the weapon speed and the ability to move the trunk forward and backward on their wheelchair. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine performance criteria for para-fencers. Eleven French para-fencers performed fencing activities with a motion capture system while facing each other, with their own equipment. Different activities were realised to quantify the allonge, the weapon speed, and the torso motion. Only the correlation between the range of motion of the torso and the mass of the athletes wielding an épée was significant (p = 0.02 ). The comparison between the different categories showed significant differences for the torso motion, which was not found for the weapon speed. Future studies, with a larger cohort, might help validate, or not, tendencies found in this study.

Association between Lower Body Qualities and Change-of-Direction Performance: A Meta-Analysis

The aim of the present study is to determine the associations between lower body muscle strength qualities and change of direction (CoD) performance. Three databases were used to perform a systematic literature search up to September 30, 2022. Based on the studies that met the inclusion criteria, we calculated Pearson's r correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between muscle strength qualities and CoD performance. The quality of the studies included was evaluated by the modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index Tool. Heterogeneity was determined via the Q statistic and I 2, and Egger's test was used to assess small study bias. The results revealed that lower body maximal strength (pooled: r=- 0.54, dynamic: r=- 0.60, static: r=- 0.41), joint strength (pooled: r=- 0.59, EXT-ecc: r=- 0.63, FLEX-ecc: r=- 0.59), reactive strength (r=- 0.42) and power (pooled: r=- 0.45, jump height: r=- 0.41, jump distance: r=- 0.60, peak power: r=- 0.41) were negatively and moderately related to CoD performance. To conclude, the results highlight that a number of muscle strength qualities are associated with CoD performance and are pertinent to specific phases of a directional change. It should be noted that the conclusions of this study do not establish causality, and further research is needed to better understand their training effects and underlying mechanisms.

Relationship between explosive strength characteristics with change of direction speed in junior and cadet karate athletes

BACKGROUND: Explosive strength and change of direction speed (CODS) are relevant physical abilities in karate. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the characteristics of explosive strength and the 5-m linear sprint (5M) with CODS performance and ii) to examine the influential characteristics of explosive strength on CODS performance. METHODS: Eighteen cadet and junior karate athletes, eight females and ten males were evaluated. The physical abilities assessments included: squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5M and CODS. Also, pre-stretch percentage increase (PSA), eccentric utilization index (EUR) reactive strength index (RSI) were calculated. RESULTS: Superior performance (p< 0.05) was documented in SJ, CMJ and CODS in male vs. female. Also, significant correlations between CODS with SJ and CMJ (r=-0.70 to -0.80; R2=-0.51 to -0.73; p< 0.05, respectively) and correlations (r=-0.14 to -0.22; R2= 0.01 to 0.04; p> 0.05) between CODS with RSI, EUR and PSA. Multiple regression model documented that only SJ significantly influenced CODS performance in male (R2= 60%; p= 0.009) and female (R2= 71%; p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: CODS correlate with SJ and CMJ. In particular, SJ influence CODS independently of gender.

Validity and Reliability of a Light-Based Electronic Target for Testing Response Time in Fencers

ABSTRACT

De Giorgio, A, Iuliano, E, Turner, A, Millevolte, C, Cular, D, Ardigò, LP, and Padulo, J. Validity and reliability of a light-based electronic target for testing response time in fencers. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2636-2644, 2021-Response time (RT) is a fencing fundamental sensorimotor skill. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of a light-based electronic target in fencers, designed to measure and train this entity. Ninety-five fencers (M = 53; F = 42) were tested in regard to their RT, using a light-based electronic target, for 3 different attack types: simple attack, the lunge, and an attack after a 1.5-m thrust. All subjects were divided into elite vs. novice fencers. Elite fencers had national and international rankings, and were again divided with regard to used weapon: épéeists (n = 32; M = 19; F = 13) and foilists (n = 30; M = 13; F = 17). Measurement was evaluated for validity/reliability, sensitivity/specificity, and correlation. Reliability was high for all attack types (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94-0.96). Lower RTs were found in males for 2 attack types with good sensitivity (81-93%)/specificity (50-91%) for all attack types. Elite fencers responded faster than novice fencers for all attack types (p < 0.001), whereas elite males were faster than females for 2 attack types (p < 0.01). Lower RTs in females correlated with level for one attack type (r = 0.797, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the light-based electronic target system was found to be highly reliable and therefore could be used by fencing athletes as a further measure of performance.

Bilateral asymmetries in male and female young elite fencers in relation to fencing performance

BACKGROUND: Data about lower extremities’ strength and power asymmetries in fencers, and their relationships to fencing performance are limited and inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate asymmetries, between dominant (D) and non-dom (ND) legs of elite young male and female fencers, in relation to performance in fencing specific tests. METHODS: Anthropometric characteristics, unilateral vertical-horizontal jumping, isokinetic strength, lunge and step lunge performances were evaluated in 16 male and 22 female elite fencers. RESULTS: Significant differences between genders were found for all anthropometric measurements (p< 0.05). No significant bilateral asymmetries and gender x laterality effects were observed (p> 0.05). Fencing performance was negatively correlated with the D leg’s flexion/extension (F/E) ratio at 300∘/s (r: -0.564 to -0.619, p< 0.05). In addition, D leg’s F/E ratio at 300∘/s was positively related to lung peak velocity and power in female fencers (r: 0.562–0.649; p< 0.05). Finally, only in female fencers, unilateral triple hop distance was significantly related to lung peak velocity and power (r: 0.442–0.500; p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that the differential activation/movement pattern of the D and ND leg muscles do not lead to anatomical, dynamic and functional lower extremities asymmetries.

The Relationship Between Asymmetry and Athletic Performance: A Critical Review

Maloney, SJ. The relationship between asymmetry and athletic performance: A critical review. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2579-2593, 2019-Symmetry may be defined as the quality to demonstrate an exact correspondence of size, shape, and form when split along a given axis. Although it has been widely asserted that the bilateral asymmetries are detrimental to athletic performance, research does not wholly support such an association. Moreover, the research rarely seeks to distinguish between different types of bilateral asymmetry. Fluctuating asymmetries describe bilateral differences in anthropometric attributes, such as nostril width and ear size, and are thought to represent the developmental stability of an organism. There is evidence to suggest that fluctuating asymmetries may be related to impaired athletic performance, although contradictory findings have been reported. Sporting asymmetries is a term that may better describe bilateral differences in parameters, such as force output or jump height. These asymmetries are likely to be a function of limb dominance and magnified by long-standing participation within sport. Sporting asymmetries do not seem to carry a clear influence on athletic performance measures. Given the vast discrepancy in the methodologies used by different investigations, further research is warranted. Recent investigations have demonstrated that training interventions can reduce sporting asymmetries and improve performance. However, studies have not sought to determine whether the influence of sporting asymmetry is independent of improvements in neuromuscular parameters. It may be hypothesized that the deficient (weaker) limb has a greater potential for adaptation in comparison to the strong limb and may demonstrate greater responsiveness to training.

The validity and reliability of a novel app for the measurement of change of direction performance

The aim of the present investigation was to analyze the validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app (CODTimer) for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry in the 5 + 5 change of direction test (COD). To do so, twenty physically active adolescent athletes (age = 13.85 ± 1.34 years) performed six repetitions in the COD test while being measured with a pair of timing gates and CODTimer. A total of 120 COD times measured both with the timing gates and the app were then compared for validity and reliability purposes. There was an almost perfect correlation between the timing gates and the CODTimer app for the measurement of total time (r = 0.964; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.95-1.00; Standard error of the estimate = 0.03 s.; p < 0.001). Moreover, non-significant, trivial differences were observed between devices for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry (Effect size < 0.2, p > 0.05). Similar levels of reliability were observed between the timing gates and the app for the measurement of the 6 different trials of each participant (Timing gates: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.651-0.747, Coefficient of variation (CV) = 2.6-3.5%; CODTimer: ICC = 0.671-0.840, CV = 2.2-3.2%). The results of the present study show that change of direction performance can be measured in a valid, reliable way using a novel iPhone app.

Tests for the Assessment of Sport-Specific Performance in Olympic Combat Sports: A Systematic Review With Practical Recommendations

The regular monitoring of physical fitness and sport-specific performance is important in elite sports to increase the likelihood of success in competition. This study aimed to systematically review and to critically appraise the methodological quality, validation data, and feasibility of the sport-specific performance assessment in Olympic combat sports like amateur boxing, fencing, judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling. A systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Google-Scholar, and Science-Direct up to October 2017. Studies in combat sports were included that reported validation data (e.g., reliability, validity, sensitivity) of sport-specific tests. Overall, 39 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The majority of studies (74%) contained sample sizes <30 subjects. Nearly, 1/3 of the reviewed studies lacked a sufficient description (e.g., anthropometrics, age, expertise level) of the included participants. Seventy-two percent of studies did not sufficiently report inclusion/exclusion criteria of their participants. In 62% of the included studies, the description and/or inclusion of a familiarization session (s) was either incomplete or not existent. Sixty-percent of studies did not report any details about the stability of testing conditions. Approximately half of the studies examined reliability measures of the included sport-specific tests (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.43–1.00). Content validity was addressed in all included studies, criterion validity (only the concurrent aspect of it) in approximately half of the studies with correlation coefficients ranging from r = −0.41 to 0.90. Construct validity was reported in 31% of the included studies and predictive validity in only one. Test sensitivity was addressed in 13% of the included studies. The majority of studies (64%) ignored and/or provided incomplete information on test feasibility and methodological limitations of the sport-specific test. In 28% of the included studies, insufficient information or a complete lack of information was provided in the respective field of the test application. Several methodological gaps exist in studies that used sport-specific performance tests in Olympic combat sports. Additional research should adopt more rigorous validation procedures in the application and description of sport-specific performance tests in Olympic combat sports.

Biomechanical insights into the determinants of speed in the fencing lunge

For fencing, speed of the lunge is considered critical to success. The aim of this study is to investigate determinants of lunge speed based on biomechanics. Ground reaction force (GRF) and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected from 7 elite fencers and 12 intermediate-level fencers performing maximum-effort lunges. The results showed that elite fencers acquired a higher horizontal peak velocity of the centre of gravity (HPV) and concomitantly a higher horizontal peak GRF exerted by rear leg (PGRF) than intermediate-level fencers (P < .01). Studying the affecting factors, elite fencers obtained higher joint peak power, joint peak moment, and range of motion of rear knee than intermediate-level fencers (P < .05) during the lunge, and these parameters were significantly correlated with both HPV and PGRF (P < .05). Both elite and intermediate-level fencers had joint flexion before the extension in forward knee; however, the latter showed greater flexion, higher peak angular velocity and less time for extension compared to the former (P ≤ .05). Our findings suggest that training aimed at enhancing strength and power of rear knee extensors is important for fencers to improve speed of the lunge. Also, increasing the extension of rear knee during the lunge, at the same time decreasing the flexion of the forward knee before extension are positive for lunge performance.

Staying Out of Range: Increasing Attacking Distance in Fencing

To avoid being hit, fencers typically adopt an out-of-range position, which was hypothesized to be governed by body- and action-scaled affordances. This theory was measured in elite and national-level junior (under 20 y of age) fencers. Associations between “reachability” of lunging and step-lunging attacks were assessed against height, arm span, leg span, body mass, and lower-body power and then compared across level. Reachability was determined as the distance covered by fencers during these attacks and was reported as actual and estimated distances. Elite fencers are better at estimating their lunging and step-lunge distance compared to nationally ranked junior fencers (−0.9% vs 7.3% and 5.4% vs 10.9%, respectively). Surprisingly, elite fencers’ actual and estimated distances for these was less than the junior fencers’ (222.6 vs 251.5 cm and 299.3 vs 360.2 cm, respectively), and significantly so in the former. Finally, only arm span (r = .81) and leg span (r = .71) were significantly correlated to estimated lunging distance, and this was only in elite fencers. Findings suggest that better fencers can accurately predict their attack range and that reachability appears to be positively influenced by arm and leg span; these may feed in to talent identification. Given that distances were less in elite fencers, findings suggest that timing and distance estimation are key skills to master and that the mastery of these in offensive actions can mitigate, to a large extent, the physical benefits of an opponent’s greater height.

Biomechanics of fencing sport: A scoping review

Objectives

The aim of our scoping review was to identify and summarize current evidence on the biomechanics of fencing to inform athlete development and injury prevention.

Design

Scoping review.

Method

Peer-reviewed research was identified from electronic databases using a structured keyword search. Details regarding experimental design, study group characteristics and measured outcomes were extracted from retrieved studies, summarized and information regrouped under themes for analysis. The methodological quality of the evidence was evaluated.

Results

Thirty-seven peer-reviewed studies were retrieved, the majority being observational studies conducted with experienced and elite athletes. The methodological quality of the evidence was “fair” due to the limited scope of research. Male fencers were the prevalent group studied, with the lunge and use of a foil weapon being the principal movement evaluated. Motion capture and pedabarography were the most frequently used data collection techniques.

Conclusions

Elite fencers exhibited sequential coordination of upper and lower limb movements with coherent patterns of muscle activation, compared to novice fencers. These elite features of neuromuscular coordination resulted in higher magnitudes of forward linear velocity of the body center of mass and weapon. Training should focus on explosive power. Sex- and equipment-specific effects could not be evaluated based on available research.