Male Fencers Research Articles

The effects of facial cooling on physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated Épée fencing competition: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of facial cooling on physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated fencing competition. Using a randomized, crossover design, six competitive male fencers completed two trials of seven simulated fencing matches. Each match consisted of 22×10 s bouts of high-intensity fencing movements. Static rest (12 s) separated each bout, with 60-second rest after bouts seven and 14, during which, in the experimental condition, participants were sprayed with a facial water mist and fanned. Relative to control, facial cooling reduced tympanic temperature (mean difference [MD]: 0.2±0.03 °C; 95% likely range [CL<inf>95</inf>]: 0.13-0.3 °C), heart rate (MD: 12±3 b·min-1; CL<inf>95</inf>: 5-20 b·min-1), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) for the dominant arm (MD: 2±0; CL<inf>95</inf>: 1-3), legs (MD: 2±0; CL<inf>95</inf>: 1-3), and total exertion (MD: 2±0; CL<inf>95</inf>: 1-3). Moreover, the benefits of facial cooling on RPE of the dominant arm and legs were magnified as the competition progressed. Facial cooling also improved ratings of perceived thermal comfort and perceived thermal strain. While the performance benefits of the intervention require exploration, facial misting positively affects both physiological and perceptual responses during fencing.

The Participation of Trans Women in Competitive Fencing and Implications on Fairness: A Physiological Perspective Narrative Review.

Debate has surrounded whether the participation of trans women in female sporting categories is fair, specifically the retained male physiological advantage due to increased testosterone compared to cisgender females. Recently, individual sporting organisations have been investigating and assessing policies regarding trans women athlete participation in female categories, resulting in several banning participation. This review aims to discuss the scientific evidence and provide appropriate guidance for the inclusion of trans women in elite competitive female fencing categories. Fencing is an intermittent sport, where competitions can span 1 to 3 days. The lunge is the most common movement used to attack opponents, where a successful hit relies on the speed of the action. Male puberty induced increased circulating testosterone promotes a greater stature, cardiovascular function, muscle mass, and strength compared to cisgender females, culminating in a ~12-40% sport performance advantage. Elite cisgender male fencers perform significantly higher, ~17-30%, jump heights and leg power measures compared to elite cisgender female fencers, resulting in faster lunges. Trans women receiving androgen-suppression therapy for 12 months showed significant reductions in strength, lean body mass, and muscle surface area, but even after 36 months, the measurements of these three indices remained above those for cisgender females. Previous male muscle mass and strength can be retained through continuation of resistance training. The literature reviewed shows that there is a retained physiological advantage for trans women who have undergone male puberty when participating in the elite competitive female fencing category. A proposed solution of an open or third gender category for elite fencing competition promotes fair competition, while allowing trans women to compete in their chosen sport.

Training Monitoring And Effect Of Training Variables On Wellness Score In Elite Male Fencers

Training Monitoring And Effect Of Training Variables On Wellness Score In Elite Male Fencers

Physiological Profiling and Energy System Contributions During Simulated Epée Matches in Elite Fencers.

The aim of this study was to investigate physiological responses and energetic contributions during simulated epée matches in elite fencers. Ten elite male fencers participated in simulated epée (direct elimination) matches. Simulated epée matches included 3 bouts of 3minutes each with 1-minute rests between bouts. During these sessions, physiological variables such as mean and peak heart rate, peak and mean oxygen uptake (VO2peak and VO2mean), metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak and VO2mean, and blood lactate concentrations (peak lactate concentration and delta blood lactate concentration) were measured. Furthermore, energetic contributions (oxidative [WOxi], glycolytic, and phosphagen) and time-motion variables were estimated. Values of peak heart rate, mean heart rate, and WOxi (in percentages) were significantly higher in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2peak and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak were significantly higher in the first bout compared with the third bout. Values of delta blood lactate concentration and glycolytic contribution (in kilojoules and percentages) were significantly lower in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2mean and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2mean were significantly higher in the second bout compared with the third bout. Furthermore, WOxi (in kilojoules and percentage) was significantly higher in all bouts compared with phosphagen and glycolytic contributions. Low positive and negative correlations were seen between WOxi, VO2mean, sum of attacks and defense times, and the sum of time without attacks and defenses. Direct-elimination epée matches consist of high-intensity intermittent exercise, and the oxidative contribution is 80% to 90%. Improving aerobic conditioning may support high-intensity intermittent actions during entire epée matches in elite fencers.

Mapping brain structure and function in professional fencers: Amodel to study training effects on central nervous system plasticity.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have shown different patterns of structural and functional reorganization in high‐level athletes compared with controls, but little is known about their relationship with interlimb coordination mechanisms. To this aim, we investigated brain structural and functional differences in high‐level fencers compared with nonathlete controls and the MRI substrates of interlimb coordination in elite athletes. Fourteen right‐handed male fencers (median age = 22.3 years) and 15 right‐handed age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects (median age = 22.4 years) underwent structural and functional MRI acquisition during the execution of cyclic bimanual‐movements as well as during in‐phase and antiphase hand/foot‐movements of the dominant‐right limbs. No between‐group differences were found in gray matter volumes and white matter architecture. Active‐fMRI showed that controls versus fencers had higher activations in parietal and temporal areas during bimanual‐task; whereas fencers versus controls had higher activations in the basal ganglia. During in‐phase task, controls versus fencers showed higher activation of right cerebellum, whereas fencers had higher activity mainly in frontal areas. The functional‐connectivity (FC) analysis showed that fencers versus controls had an increased FC between left motor cortex and fronto‐temporal areas as well as bilateral thalami during the different tasks. Intensive and prolonged fencing activity is associated with brain functional changes mainly involving frontal regions related to high‐level motor control and planning of complex tasks. These modifications are likely to reflect an optimization of brain networks involved in motor activities, including interlimb coordination tasks, occurring after intensive training.

Elit Eskrimcilerin Performans Parametrelerinin İncelenmesi

Fencing sport, by its nature, includes high aerobic and anaerobic activities and can also be affected by different parameters such as age, gender, technical level. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the performance parameters of the Turkey junior national fencing team in terms of gender. &#x0D; Nineteen national athletes (9 male age; 15.55±.88 years, body height;1.79±.05 cm, body mass; 71.22±9.33 kg, 10 female age;15.60±1.34, body height; 1.69±.06 cm, body mass; 57.00±8.81 kg) in the national team camp participated to the study voluntarily. In the study, anthropometric measurements and performance parameters of fencers were measured. In the study, handgrip strength, agility T-test, Yo-Yo IR1 test, vertical jump test (anaerobic power), balance test, 30-sec push-up, and 30-sec sit-up tests were performed. The analysis of the study was made using 24 SPSS package programs. Pearson Correlation test, paired-sample t-test, and independent-sample t-test were used. &#x0D; When the performance parameters of male and female fencers were compared, there were significant differences in favor of males in the parameters of the dominant hand, non-dominant handgrip strength, agility, aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, agility, 30s push-ups, and 30s sit-ups, but no statistically significant difference was found between total balance scores. In both groups, it was found that the dominant hand produced statistically more handgrip strength than the other hand. There was a significant relationship between dominant handgrip strength with anaerobic power and push-ups with total balance in male fencers' performance parameters. When the performance values of female fencers were examined; there was a significant relationship between anaerobic power with sit-up and both handgrips strength. Also, there was a relationship between dominant handgrip strength and non-dominant handgrip strength with the sit-up test. A correlation was found between dominant handgrip strength and non-dominant handgrip strength.&#x0D; When the performance parameters of fencing athletes are examined; the performance parameters of male fencers are better than female fencers. The increase in one performance parameter also can affect the development of the others.

Вплив періодичних помірних горизонтальних лінійних прискорень змінного напрямку на центральну гемодинаміку

It was examined 19 male fencers aged 18 to 24 years , who had sports experience from 8 to 14 years and high sports qualifications in the chosen sport (masters of sports and candidates for masters of sports). Subjects had no significant differences in height and body weight. Linear horizontal accelerations were created using a movable platform with a chair, which housed the athlete. Passive movement of fencers on the platform corresponded to their usual parameters of movement on the fencing track during a sports match. It has been shown that the short-term effect of horizontal moderate accelerations of the variable direction when using the functional test (FT) led to small but statistically significant changes in heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and volumetric blood ejection rate (VER). In all subjects, the changes in these indicators after FT were as follows: heart rate decreased slightly, and SV and VER increased. FT revealed that in persons who are accustomed to moving with moderate horizontal linear accelerations of variable direction, the shortterm effect of this factor was accompanied by a tendency to decrease the minute volume of blood flow (MVB) due to decreased of heart rate. Increasing of SV and VER can be considered as an immediate compensatory response aimed at maintaining MVB. Thus, in athletes whose long-term sports activities are associated with the action on the body of periodic moderate horizontal linear accelerations of variable direction, no adaptation to the action of this specified factor is formed.

Physiological Profile Versus Fencing Performance in Elite Indian Male Fencers

Background: Fencing is a combat sport influenced by psychomotor abilities, explosive power and physical endurance. It requires anaerobic performance in bouts and aerobic performance to reach the tournament finals. The study was conducted to analyse the physiological profile of elite Indian male fencers in terms of anthropometry, aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness and Fencing scores. Methods: 37 elite male fencers of a Sports institute volunteered to be part of the study. Results: Fencing score was significantly positively correlated with sports age (r=0.510, p=0.001) and Standing broad jump (SBJ) (r=0.408, p=0.012). Further, sports age and fencing scores were significantly positively correlated with national medals (r=0.610, p&lt;0.0001), (r=0.659, p&lt;0.0001) and international medals (r=0.532, p=0.001), (r=0.500, p=0.002) respectively. On Multiple Regression analysis, Sports age (β=1.300, 95% CI=0.437, 2.162), VO2max (β=0.753, 95% CI=0.266, 1.240) and fencing score (β=10.488, 95% CI=3.919, 17.058) were significant predictors of national medals. Height (β=0.069, 95% CI=0.025, 0.113), standing broad jump (β= -3.519, 95% CI= -5.731,-1.308), shuttle speed (β= -1.257, 95% CI= -5.731, -1.308) and fencing performance (β=1.235, 95% CI=0.410, 2.060) were significant predictors of international medals. Conclusion: Sports age and SBJ can predict fencing performance.VO2 max can predict national medals and height was a significant predictor of international medals won.

The effect of acute vibration on visual reaction time in fencers

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of an acute local vibration exercise on the visual reaction time of a fencer’s upper body extremities. Twenty-six male fencers between the ages of 15 and 23 (mean age, 17.38 ± 2.13 years, height: 173.6±9.1 cm, body mass: 70.2 ±14.1 kg) volunteered for this study. The reaction time test was applied before and after the vibration exercise (applied for 30 seconds in 27 Hz with a 2-mm amplitude). After 25 min. standard warming up, fencers were informed about the test, and three repeated reaction tests were performed to provide familiarization. The fencers started the reaction test in the standard fencing guard position. According to five signals coming at two to five second intervals from the target monitor, the fencers made touché by bending (attacking). The reaction time test had five trials. The average reaction time values pre-vibration, and post-vibration were compared. The visual reaction time measured pre-vibration were significantly longer than those measured post-vibration (p&lt;0.001). Acute local vibration exercise applied to fencers shortened the visual reaction time. Given the fact that vibration can improve RT, the use of vibration in training has the potential to provide an advantage to fencers.

Offensive and defensive efficacy among male and female elite foil fencers

Fencing is a combat sport, where beyond physical and physiological demands, strategy and tactics are crucial factors in order to identify fencers’ performance. Fencers’ tactical movements can be separated in preparatory actions and final actual offensive (attacks) and defensive (parries and counterattacks) actions. The aim of this study is to analyse the tactical choices of elite male and female qualifiers foil fencers in finals and semi-finals bouts of the 2016-17 FIE (International Fencing Federation) competitions. Attacking and defending points were recorded, compared with the type of point, the section thrusts were landed and the time period they were noted. The present study revealed significant difference between offensive and defensive efficacy in both male (p < .003) and female fencers (p = .019). Male fencers showed greater activation than women (p = .003), finishing their bouts much earlier (p = .000), since they needed less time to accomplish an actual action (p = .001). In conclusion, male could be characterized as ‘’permanently pressing’’ fencers, while female adopted a ‘’manoeuvring-attacking’’ style, since male fencers had greater percentage of total actions on the middle section of the piste (p = .011) and female fencers had greater number of defending actions on the back section (p = .033), respectively.

The Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Fencers' Special Abilities.

The purpose of this research was to study the effects of a whole-body vibration (WBV) warm-up for improving fencers' performance on variables derived from a lunge reaction test, the 10-meter sprint, and the countermovement jump. We compared fencer performances at four time intervals: (a) preintervention, (b) immediately postintervention, (c) 1-minute postintervention, and (d) 2-minute postintervention. Study participants were 16 male fencers. The vibration frequency was 30 Hz, and its amplitude was two mm. After each WBV session, participants significantly improved their performance on all measures at both one and two minutes after the intervention. Specifically, lunge reaction tests scores improved by 5.50% and 7.34%, respectively, relative to preintevention testing (p < .01), peak power output improved by 4.94% and 11.52%, respectively (p < .05), and maximum rate of force development improved by 13.41% and 18.38%, respectively (p < .01). Acute WBV (frequency = 30 Hz, peak-to-peak amplitude of two mm) induced neuromuscular activation and improved lunge reaction scores, agility, and power.

Peculiarities of Fencers’ Recovery in Pre-Сompetition Period When Using Foam Roller Massage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of foam rolling on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and the recovery of fencers’ technical and tactical qualities during a pre-competition period.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study participants were male fencers (n = 12), SC “Unifeht”, aged 18.77 ± 2.55 years (6 – experimental group (EG), 6 – control group (CG)). The study lasted for two weeks of the pre-competition period. The CG fencers performed a self-myofascial release using a foam roller (BLACKROLL) for 20 minutes five times a week. The EG athletes were given partial restorative massage using a foam roller (10 + 10 minutes) five times a week. To assess the effectiveness of massage treatments, the study subjectively evaluated delayed onset muscle soreness, evaluated the impact of pain on daily life and changes in the parameters of the fencers’ technical and tactical qualities. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r) was used to roughly estimate the causal relationship between the existing factor and the emergence of the effect. The study compared original characteristics of the groups, using Mann-Whitney tests to compare the distribution of ordinal variables, Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (linked samples). A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was carried out to estimate the impact of existing factors.&#x0D; Results. For two weeks of using a restorative massage and myofascial release, the study observed a significant increase in the parameters of the fencers’ technical and tactical qualities and a reduction in subjective pain in both groups (p &lt; 0.05). However, the EG athletes had a more positive subjective assessment of delayed onset muscle soreness at the time of survey than the CG members (0.2 ± 0.1 points in comparison with 1.5 ± 0.4; p &lt; 0.05) and a more significant reduction of the impact of pain on daily life (scales of walking ability, normal work at home and outside the home, sleep, p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, in two of the three tests that characterized the fencers’ technical and tactical qualities, the results were significantly higher in the EG (test exercise with thrust: 89.9 ± 2.8% in the CG in comparison with 98.6 ± 4.1% in the EG, and the test exercise with the coach’s occasional task: 88.2 ± 2.1% in the CG in comparison with 95.4 ± 3.8% in the EG, p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions. Massage treatments and self-myofascial release reduce the level of delayed onset muscle soreness, improve the recovery of technical and tactical qualities of fencers and reduce the impact of pain on daily life. The study has proved that foam rolling is effective in fencers’ recovery. This massage technique is relatively accessible, simple and it greatly facilitates a massage therapist’s work.

EFFECTS OF CORE STRENGTHENING TRAINING ON LUNGE PERFORMANCE OF FENCING PLAYERS

The endeavor of this study was to investigate the effects of Core Strengthening Training on Lunge Performance of Fencing Players. Twenty Four , University level male Fencers of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar between the age group of 18-28 years (Mean ± SD: age 22±2.963yrs, body height 168.391±5.790cm, body mass 66.462±3.398kg) volunteered to participate in the study. The Standing Broad Jump Test was used to measure the Explosive Horizontal Power. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows version 16.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Data is expressed as the mean ± SD. Paired sample t-test was utilized to compare the means of the Pre-Test and the Post-Test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Significant differences were found in Lunge Performance in the experimental group subjected to 6-week training. However, no significant changes over that 6-week period were noted in the control group. Article visualizations:

EFFECT OF 4 WEEKS COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION PROGRAM ON FENCERS WITH FAI (FUNCTIONAL ANKLE INSTABILITY) USING CAIT (CUMBERLAND ANKLE INSTABILITY TOOL)

Background: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate FAI (functional ankle instability) in fencers using CAIT (Cumberland ankle instability tool) and to check balance, strength & endurance using SLS (single leg stance test) and CRT (calf raise test). Using ZEBRIS HP Cosmos Gait Analysis System and find out the alterations in the gait parameters and effect of 4 week comprehensive rehabilitation program that targets strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, agility, mind body connection and functional tasks and to reevaluate the effect of the rehabilitation program on each of the above parameters. Methods: 40 male fencers with FAI with the age groups between 18-25 years. Experimental group (n=20) age (21.55 + 2.08) and the Controlled group (n=20) with age (21.95 + 1.905). Subjects were classified on the severity based upon the scores of CAIT scale. Age, BMI, height, weight were the baseline evaluations. Dominance, side of injury, no. of times ankle was injured, and treatment taken was also documented. The experimental group underwent a 4 weeks rehabilitation program and the control group was not put on any rehab program. Each of the parameters were measured again after 4 weeks. Conclusions: There were significant differences in the balance, balance improved significantly in the experimental group (P value of 0.00), the strength and endurance was also improved in the experimental group (P value of 0.00), the CAIT score was also improved significantly in the experimental group indicating the improvement in the stability of the affected ankle (P value of 0.00). The foot rotation degree showed no significant differences with (P value of 0.34). Step length showed significant differences in the experimental group (P value of 0.00). Stride length also showed significant post rehabilitation in the experimental group (P value of 0.00). No significant differences were seen in step width, step time and cadence. Velocity showed significant differences in the experimental group in post rehab readings (P value of 0.01). Finally the evidence suggests that the 4 weeks rehabilitation program improves the ankle instability in fencers, strength and balance was improved rendering the joint less chances of repeated & concurrent injuries, possibly improves the performance and game quality. Article visualizations:

Do Fencers Require a Weapon-Specific Approach to Strength and Conditioning Training?

There are 3 types of weapons used in Olympic fencing: the épée, foil, and sabre. The aim of this study was to determine if fencers exhibited different physical characteristics across weapons. Seventy-nine male (n = 46) and female (n = 33) national standard fencers took part in this study. Fencers from each weapon (male and female), i.e., épée (n = 19 and 10), foil (n = 22 and 14), and sabre (n = 13 and 10), were (mean ± SD) 15.9 ± 0.7 years of age, 178.5 ± 7.9 cm tall, 67.4 ± 12.2 kg in mass and had 6.3 ± 2.3 years fencing experience; all were in regular training (∼4 times per week). Results revealed that across all performance tests (lower-body power, reactive strength index, change of direction speed, and repeat lunge ability), there was no significant main effect for weapon in male fencers (p = 0.63) or female fencers (p = 0.232), but a significant main affect for gender (p < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed that male fencers scored better during the countermovement jump, change of direction speed, and repeat lunge ability test (p < 0.001). The former findings may be because of similarities in bout intensity and time, movement types (lunging and changing direction), and the need to execute competition actions as explosively as possible. Based on the findings of the present study, it could be indicated that épée, foil, and sabre fencers do not require a weapon-specific approach to strength and conditioning training. Each fencer should target the area they are weakest at, rather than an area that they feel best represents the unique demands of their weapon.

Biomechanics of fencing sport: A scoping review.

ObjectivesThe aim of our scoping review was to identify and summarize current evidence on the biomechanics of fencing to inform athlete development and injury prevention.DesignScoping review.MethodPeer-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.ResultsThirty-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.ConclusionsElite 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.

Physical Characteristics Underpinning Repetitive Lunging in Fencing.

Turner, AN, Marshall, G, Phillips, J, Noto, A, Buttigieg, C, Chavda, S, Downing, W, Atlay, N, Dimitriou, L, and Kilduff, L. Physical characteristics underpinning repetitive lunging in fencing. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3134-3139, 2016-Given the repetitive demand to execute lunging and changes in direction within fencing, the ability to sustain these at maximal capacity is fundamental to performance. The aim of this study was threefold. First, to provide normative values for this variable referred to as repeat lunge ability (RLA) and second to identify the physical characteristics that underpin it. Third, was to establish if a cause and effect relationship existed by training the associated characteristics. Assessment of lower-body power, reactive strength, speed, change of direction speed (CODS), and a sport-specific RLA were conducted on senior and junior elite male fencers (n = 36). Fencers were on average (±SD) 18.9 ± 3.2 years of age, 174.35 ± 10.42 cm tall, 70.67 ± 7.35 kg in mass, and 8.5 ± 4.2 years fencing experience. The RLA test had average work times of 16.03 ± 1.40 seconds and demonstrated "large" to "very large" associations with all tested variables, but in particular CODS (r = 0.70) and standing broad jump (SBJ; r = -0.68). Through linear regression analysis, these also provided a 2-predictor model accounting for 61% of the common variance associated with RLA. A cause and effect relationship with SBJ and CODS was confirmed by the training group, where RLA performance in these fencers improved from 15.80 ± 1.07 to 14.90 ± 0.86 seconds, with the magnitude of change reported as "moderate" (effect size (ES) = 0.93). Concurrent improvements were also noted in both SBJ (216.86 ± 17.15 vs. 221.71 ± 17.59 cm) and CODS (4.44 ± 0.29 vs. 4.31 ± 0.09 seconds) and while differences were only significant in SBJ, magnitudes of change were classed as "small" (ES = 0.28) and "moderate" (ES = 0.61), respectively. In conclusion, to improve RLA strength and conditioning coaches should focus on improving lower-body power and reactive strength, noting that jump training and plyometrics designed to enhance horizontal propulsion may be most effective, and translate to improvement in CODS also.

Key Performance Indicators Differentiating Between Senior and Junior Elite Male Fencers

Key Performance Indicators Differentiating Between Senior and Junior Elite Male Fencers

New approaches to the organization of prestart preparation of qualified athletes in single combats (on an example of fencing)

Purpose : to develop and investigate the effectiveness of complex extra-training means to enhance the prelaunch qualified athletes in fencing. Material : the study involved 12 qualified male fencers. Measurements were made of the latent period of simple and complex visual-motor response. Results: recommended set of proposed actions prelaunch 45 minutes before the start of the competition. The maximum stimulating effect of the experimental complex extra-training means in terms of neural properties of the organism is observed from the tenth to thirty minutes after the impact. Conclusions : We have reached the stimulatory effects of reduced overall duration of the workout to twenty minutes, allowing you to more efficiently organize the process of prelaunch qualified athletes in fencing as opposed to using traditional means.

Effects of specific muscle imbalance improvement training on the balance ability in elite fencers.

[Purpose] The lunge Motion that occurs frequently in fencing training and matches results in imbalance of the upper and lower limbs muscles. This research focuses on the improvement of the imbalance that occurs in the national team fencers of the Republic of Korea through specific muscle imbalance improvement training. [Subjects] The subjects of this research were limited to right-handed male fencers. Nine male, right-handed national fencing athletes were selected for this study (4 epee, 5 sabre; age 28.2 ± 2.2 years; height 182.3 ± 4.0 cm; weight 76.5 ± 8.2 kg; experience 12.4 ± 3.0 years). [Methods] The specific muscle imbalance improvement training program was performed for 12 weeks and Pre-Post tests were to evaluate its effect on the experimental group. Measurements comprised anthropometry, test of balance, and movement analysis. [Results] After the training program, mediolateral sway of the nondominant lower limb and the balance scale showed statistically significant improvement. [Conclusion] The specific muscle imbalance improvement training program used in this research was proven to be effective for improving the muscle imbalance of elite fencers.