Competition Intensity and Fatigue in Elite Fencing

J Strength Cond Res. 2017 Nov;31(11):3128-3136. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001758.

Abstract

Turner, AN, Kilduff, LP, Marshall, GJG, Phillips, J, Noto, A, Buttigieg, C, Gondek, M, Hills, FA, and Dimitriou, L. Competition intensity and fatigue in elite fencing. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3128-3136, 2017-As yet, no studies have characterized fencing competitions. Therefore, in elite male foilists and across 2 competitions, we investigated their countermovement jump height, testosterone (T), cortisol (C), alpha-amylase (AA), immunoglobulin A (IgA), heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Average (±SD) scores for RPE, BL, and HR (average, max, and percentage of time ≥80% HRmax) were highest in the knockout bouts compared with poules (8.5 ± 1.3 vs. 5.7 ± 1.3, 3.6 ± 1.0 vs. 3.1 ± 1.4 mmol·L, 171 ± 5 vs. 168 ± 8 b·min, 195 ± 7 vs. 192 ± 7 b·min, 74 vs. 68%); however, only significant (p ≤ 0.05) for RPE. Countermovement jump height, albeit nonsignificantly (p > 0.05), increased throughout competition and dropped thereafter. Although responses of C, AA, and IgA showed a tendency to increase during competition and drop thereafter (T and T:C doing the opposite), no significant differences were noted for any analyte. Results suggest that fencing is a high-intensity anaerobic sport, relying on alactic energy sources. However, some bouts evoke BL values of ≥4 mmol·L and thus derive energy from anaerobic glycolysis. High HRs appear possible on account of ample within- and between-bout rest. The small competition load associated with fencing competitions may explain the nonsignificant findings noticed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletes*
  • Exercise Test
  • Glycolysis
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / biosynthesis
  • Lactic Acid / biosynthesis
  • Male
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Rest
  • Sports / physiology*
  • Sports Medicine
  • Testosterone / biosynthesis
  • Young Adult
  • alpha-Amylases / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Lactic Acid
  • Testosterone
  • alpha-Amylases
  • Hydrocortisone