Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of World Class Fencers

Abstract

Physiological and morphological characteristics of world class épée fencers were analysed. The results showed that épée fencers have a high maximal aerobic power and high maximal isometric and dynamic strength. The movement pattern of épée fencing results in an asymmetry of the body. Thus, weapon hand isometric elbow flexion and forward leg isometric and dynamic muscle strength were higher than the contralateral extremity. Finally, forward leg muscle mass--evaluated from computed tomography--was higher while the muscle fiber composition was not different from the contralateral leg.

Anthropometric, Physiological and Performance Characteristics of Elite and Sub-elite Fencers

“…Lunge is arguably the most important skill in fencing, with fencing success partially dependant upon maximum strength and power of dominant and non-dominant leg muscles (Nystrom et al, 1990;Sapega, et al, 1978), joint angle characteristics and high speed performance (Adrian and Klinger, 1983;Yiou and Do, 2000), time to peak force (Cronin, et al, 2003), different lengths of execution and the muscular coordination between the lower limbs. Especially, during competition the game requires longer phases of fencing steps, which may influence the kinetic patterns and the hit accuracy of the fencing lunge (Czajkowski, 2005).…”

Variability in human quadriceps muscles: Quantitative study and review of clinical literature

“…The relative frequency of such variations is also of interest to surgeons who use myocutaneous flaps in reconstructive operations (Tobin, 1985;Waterhouse and Healy, 1990). Although modern imaging techniques (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and spectroscopy) are currently used to assess muscle wasting in patients with neuromuscular disease or malnutrition (Arai et al, 1993;Edwards et al, 1982;Koskelo et al, 1991;Lerner et al, 1986;Matsumura et al, 1988;Sambrook et al, 1988;Young et al, 1980), and to assess the effects of exercise (Narici et al, 1996;Nystrom et al, 1990;Suominen, 1991, 1995), there is a dearth of morphological data from nondiseased thigh musculature (Bulcke et al, 1979;Farahmand et al, 1998;Scott et al, 1993;Takahashi et al, 1996) save for a few detailed analyses of VM closely adjacent to the knee (Goh et al, 1995;Hallisey et al, 1987;Scharf, 1984;Scharf et al, 1985). Indeed, some workers have resorted to comparing imaging data with measurement of pictures taken from anatomical textbooks (Ingemann-Hansen and Halkjaer-Kristensen, 1980).…”

Performance Analysis in Saber

“…Scientific works are available on physical symmetry: In the upper limbs, using a weapon for long periods produces significant asymmetries (13) and the lower limbs have different requirements for dynamic strength (14); on muscular power, high-level fencers do not always have good flexible, explosive, and reactive power and sometimes the percentage of fast fibers seems to be quite low (3); on neuromuscular factors connected to technical movement, there seems to be a strong correlation between reaction times and hit accuracy because of muscular coordination (24); on energy factors of fencing in general, limited to heart rate, oxygen uptake, and lactic consumption analysis (7)(8)(9)11,12).…”

“…The lower limbs, responsible for walking on the piste and for the constant direction changes and speed, have different requirements for dynamic strength (14); moreover, the functional evaluation using Bosco's protocol (3) highlighted how high-level fencers do not always have good flexible, explosive, and reactive power. In addition, sometimes the percentage of fast fibers seems to be quite low.…”