Validity and Reliability of a New Test of Change of Direction in Fencing Athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to validate a new test of change of direction (COD) for fencer athletes and to establish its relationship with selected measures of physical fitness. Thirty-nine fencer athletes participated to this study (age: 20.8 ± 3.0 years). They performed the new specific fencing COD test (SFCODT) on two separate occasions to establish its reliability. In addition, assessment of COD, jumping ability (i.e., squat jump, countermovement jump, five jump test), sprint time (e.g., 5-m, 10-m and 20-m), isokinetic concentric and eccentric quadriceps, and hamstring force tests were assessed. To establish SFCODT’s construct validity, two subgroups were identified based on their international and national fencing results: High- vs. low-ranked fencer athletes. Reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the SFCODT were established from the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error of measurement (TEM), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and receiving operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. The ICC of SFCODT was excellent at >0.95, and the TEM was < 5%. Based on the usefulness analysis, the ability to detect small performance changes can be rated as “good” in fencer athletes (SWC > TEM). SFCODT was very largely associated with the COD test and moderate to very large associated with jumping ability, sprint time, and isokinetic strength. High-ranked fencer athletes were better than low-ranked fencer athletes on SFCODT (p < 0.01). The area under the ROC curve was 0.76. In conclusion, the SFCODT is a highly reliable, valid, and sensitive test. Therefore, the SFCODT could be used by practitioners to evaluate specific CODS performance in fencer athletes.

Improving the means and methods of training of young fencers aged 9-11 years

“…We agree with the opinion of other authors [4,27,28] that mastering the performance of fencing movements should be performed with maximum variability. However, it should be noted that when performing technical techniques, it is necessary to apply a gradual transition from the minimum rate of execution to the maximum and return to the minimum.…”

“…Chtara et al [27] note that the use of the test of change of direction for fencers is closely related to the selected indicators of physical fitness. In this context, we can say that such tests were used in our program.…”

Reliability, Validity, and Sensitivity of a Specific Agility Test and Its Relationship With Physical Fitness in Karate Athletes

“…Relative reliability of the SKAT was determined by calculating intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC (3, 1) ] between the testing occassions. We considered an ICC below 0.40 as poor, between 0.40 and 0.70 as moderate, between 0.70 and 0.90 as good, and ≥ 0.90 as excellent ( Chtara et al, 2020 ). Absolute reliability of the SKAT between testing sessions was analyzed through the standard error of measurement (SEM) expressed as coefficient of variation (CV) and the 95% limit of agreement (LOA) method ( Sassi et al, 2009 ).…”

“…Bland–Altman plots were produced including the 95% CI of the lower and upper LOA, and the mean difference ( Sassi et al, 2009 ). To establish the sensitivity of the SKAT, the smallest worthwhile change (SWC 0.2 ) was determined ( Chtara et al, 2020 ). The sensitivity of the test was assessed by comparing the SWC and SEM using the thresholds proposed by Liow and Hopkins (2003) .…”

“…However, limited studies have addressed the assessment of combat sport athletes’ change of direction (CoD) through sport-specific protocols. Recently, Chaabene et al (2018) and Chtara et al (2020) validated new agility tests among taekwondoïstes and fencer athletes, respectively. The two aforementioned studies offer a series of useful indications to assist coaches in the optimization of training programs to achieve high-performance success.…”