The impact of fencing training symmetrisation on simple reaction time

Abstract

Study aim: The symmetrisation of movements can be a way to develop individual coordinative skills, and to prevent the occur-rence of injuries. For this reason, in this study an attempt was made to evaluate and compare simple reaction time and movement time for épée fencers of different sports classes, and to determine the impact that three years of symmetrisation training and unilateral training have on the speed of reaction components and on dynamical asymmetry. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 60 women épée fencers of different sports classes, and it was repeated in two groups after three years of unilateral and symmetrisation training. Simple reaction time and movement time for the dominant and the non-dominant hand were analysed using Vienna Test System. Results: Women épée fencers of high sports class were characterised by a significantly faster reaction time than their less experienced colleagues. In tests conducted after three years of symmetrisation training, athletes from the experimental group achieved also much better results in reaction time (RT) than those from the control group training with the unilateral method. Conclusions: Long-time unilateral training of master class women épée fencers led to dynamical asymmetry, which in the future could cause injuries and have a negative impact on the development of selected motor skills. Symmetrical training conducted in the experimental group had a positive impact on reaction time indicators as well as on movement time indicators, and it prevented the occurrence of dynamical asymmetry in the tested competitors. Thus, it can be inferred that symmetrical exercises will have a positive impact on training effectiveness and on versatility of athletes.

The Influence of Three-Year Symmetrical Training on the Precision and Frequency of the Fencers’ Movement

“…After several years of training, better results of simple reaction time were found for the nondominant limb, but also for the dominant limb in the female épée fencers using symmetrical training, in comparison to the sportswomen who focus only on the dominant side. Moreover, owing to such training, it was possible to prevent dynamic asymmetry (Johne, 2021).…”

“…Many authors dealing with the issue of asymmetry and symmetry focus mainly on particular types of asymmetry and symmetry, and not on multi-faceted assessment and influence on selected coordination abilities. Only a few publications propose a modification of the current theory of shaping the movements and the training methods used are short-term (Johne, 2021).…”

Analysis of Attack Speed in Fencing Athletes

“…This condition occurs because there is still a lack of attention from coaches to provide training programs for athletes that focus on increasing effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out fencing attack techniques to get points/scores more easily and quickly. Athletes should receive a training program that focuses on perfecting their attack movement techniques and how they can become learning material in case studies and solving problems that often occur during competition [3]. The very high dynamism of fencing movements and the different characteristics of each opponent's abilities in competing make it difficult for these attacking movements to score.…”

Special abilities and qualities of young fencers aged 10-12 as criteria for success in sports

“…Milic et al [5] suggest using an efficiency index that takes into account reaction time, attack speed, and absolute error in fencers' actions. The Johne's study [6] examines ways of developing individual coordination abilities of fencers. The author claims that symmetrical training has a positive effect on reaction time indicators and movement time indicators.…”