Physiological demands and motion analysis of elite foil fencing

by Lindsay Bottoms, Rafael Tarragó, Daniel Muñiz, Diego Chaverri, Alfredo Irurtia, Jorge Castizo-Olier, Marta Carrasco, Ferran A. Rodríguez, Xavier Iglesias

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 V.O2max 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.