Physical Characteristics Underpinning Lunging and Change of Direction Speed in Fencing

Abstract

Turner, A, Bishop, C, Chavda, S, Edwards, M, Brazier, J, Kilduff, LP. Physical characteristics underpinning lunging and change of direction speed in fencing. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2235-2241, 2016-Lunge velocity (LV) and change of direction speed (CODS) are considered fundamental to success during fencing competitions; investigating the physical characteristics that underpin these is the aim of this study. Seventy fencers from the British Fencing National Academy took part and on average (±SD) were 16.83 ± 1.72 years of age, 178.13 ± 8.91 cm tall, 68.20 ± 9.64 kg in mass, and had 6.25 ± 2.23 years fencing experience. The relationship between anthropometric characteristics (height, arm span, and adductor flexibility) and measures of lower-body power (bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump height and reactive strength index) were examined in their ability to influence LV and CODS. In testing the former, fencers lunged (over a self-selected distance) to and from a force plate, where front leg impact and rear leg propulsive force were quantified; the lunging distance was divided by time to establish LV. Change of direction speed was measured over 12 m involving shuttles of between 2 and 4 m. Results revealed that LV and CODS averaged at 3.35 m·s and 5.45 seconds, respectively, and in both cases, standing broad jump was the strongest predictor (r = 0.51 and -0.65, respectively) of performance. Rear leg drive and front leg impact force averaged at 14.61 N·kg and 3 times body weight, respectively, with single leg jumps revealing an asymmetry favoring the front leg of 9 ± 8%. In conclusion, fencers should train lower-body power emphasizing horizontal displacement, noting that this seems to offset any advantage one would expect fencers of a taller stature to have. Also, the commonly reported asymmetry between legs is apparent from adolescence and thus also requires some attention.

Neuromuscular Screening to predict young fencers’ performance

“…Tsolakis and vagenas (25) showed that lunging time measured by photocells, significantly correlated to body fat and leg power (squat, countermovement jump and reaction strength index, rsI), while with respect to fencing agility testing, body height, countermovement jump and reaction strength index (rsI) provided significant correlations, thus revealing the importance of different training modalities in improving leg muscle strength. Moreover, in another recent study the best predictor of both lunging performance and agility fencing speed was the standing long jump, showing that horizontal jumping drills are also essential to increase fencers' leg power (28).…”

“…velocity of changing directions was measured using Microgate, Italy photocells with a 4-2-2-4 m shuttle test as described by Turner et al (28). Interclass coefficient of variation ICC was 0.91, (p<0.001).…”

“…Fencing steps and the continuous rhythmic change of direction activate the stretch-shortening cycle mechanism, influencing the following propulsive muscle contractions and are considered fundamental for elite performance (25,28). recently, Turner et al (28) proposed a short distance agility fencing test that simulates competition conditions, suggesting an alternative more realistic assessment model compared to previous studies that have been undertaken on fencing shuttle tests (25).…”

“…recently, Turner et al (28) proposed a short distance agility fencing test that simulates competition conditions, suggesting an alternative more realistic assessment model compared to previous studies that have been undertaken on fencing shuttle tests (25).…”

“…To our knowledge, only one study has examined the relationship between strength, power parameters and fencing performance in elite junior fencers (28). Thus, the primary aim of this study was to provide an extensive and integrated neuromuscular screening of a younger group aged 13-14 years who systematically practiced in fencing.…”