Comparison Of Fencing-specific Performance In Chinese Fencers

Obj ectives:The present study aimed at investigating the differences in fencing-specific performance on fencers(Ⅰ)between genders;(Ⅱ)between weapons;(Ⅲ)between different levels by performing different tests of fencing-specific performance,trying to form a comprehensive understanding of the fencing-specific performance of national fencers,establish standardized testing evaluation and theoretical guidance for nation-wide fencers.Methods:192 adult fencers assembling in the 2021 National Fencing Team Winter Training Camp(20.6±2.84yrs;179.1±7.99cm;69.6±9.23kg;training experience:7.9±3.06yrs;56 elite fencers;86high-ranked fencers;50low-ranked fencers)took part in the study.The subjects performed several tests of fencing-specific performance,including Lunge Distance Index(LDI),Change Of Direction Speed(CODS),Repetitive Lunge Ability(RLA),Speed Forward(SPDFwd),Speed Back(SPDBk),Speed Index(SI),and normal sports performance,including Standing Board Jump(SBJ),30Meters x10 Shuttle Run(30M x10 SR),60M,400M,5000M,Peak Power(PP),Average Power(AP),comparing the differences in fencing-specific performance of male and female fencers,fencers of different weapons,and different sports levels.Results:(1)There were differences between groups in CODS,RLA,SPDFwd,SPDBk,60M,400M,30Mx10 SR,SBJ,SI,5000M,PP,AP of fencers of different genders(P<0.01),but no difference in LDI between groups(P>0.05),the SI of female fencers were significantly higher than those of male fencers(P<0.01),and the other test results of male fencers were significantly better than those of female fencers(P<0.01).(2)Among male fencers,there were differences between groups in CODS,RLA,LDI,SPDFwd,60M,400M,30Mx10 SR,SBJ,SI,PP,AP of fencers of different weapons(P<0.01),no difference in 5000M and SPDBk between the groups(P>0.05).The CODS,LDI,SPDFwd,60M,400M of saber fencers were significantly better than those of foil and epee fencers(P<0.01),PP and AP of saber fencers were significantly lower than those of foil and epee fencers(P<0.01),30Mx10 SR of saber fencers were significantly better than those of the epee fencers(P<0.05),SBJ of saber fencers were significantly better than those of the foil fencers(P<0.01).SI,PP,AP of epee fencers were significantly better than those of the sabre fencers(P<0.01),400M of epee fencers were significantly lower than those of foil and saber fencers(P<0.01);RLA of foil fencers were significantly lower than those of epee and saber fencers(P<0.01).Among female fencers,there were differences between groups in CODS,RLA,LDI,60M,400M,30Mx10 SR,SBJ,SI,PP,AP,and 5000M(P<0.01),but there were no group differences in SPDFwd and SPDBk.difference(P>0.05).CODS,LDI,60M and 400M of saber fencers were significantly better than those of foil and epee fencers(P<0.01),and 30Mx 10 SR and SBJ were significantly better than those of foil fencers(P<0.01).AP were significantly better than foil and epee fencers(P<0.01),5000M were significantly better than saber fencers(P<0.01),PP were significantly better than foil fencers(P<0.01);CODS RLA,30Mx10 SR and LDI of foil fencers were significantly lower than those of saber and epee fencers(P<0.01).(3)Among sabre fencers,there were inter-group differences in the results of RLA,SPDBk and SBJ among fencers with different levels(P<0.01),RLA,SPDBk and SBJ of the elite group were significantly better than those of the low-ranked group(P<0.01).but there was no difference with the high-ranked group(P>0.05),and there was no difference between the high-ranked group and the low-ranked group(P>0.05);among foil fencers,there was no difference between different levels(P>0.05);Among epee fencers,there were differences between groups in the LDI of fencers with different levels(P<0.01),LDI of the elite group were significantly better than those of the low-ranked group(P<0.01),but not different from the high-ranked group(P>0.05),there was no difference between the high-ranked group and the low-ranked group(P>0.05).Conclusion:(1)There are significant differences between genders in fencing-specific performance of fencers,and there are also significant differences among weapons in fencing-specific performance.But no significant difference of fencing-specific performance was observed among sports levels.(2)In the testing evaluation,fencers of different genders and different weapons should set their own passing standards.Fencers of different sports levels are not recommended to set their own passing standards for the current situation.(3)During training,female athletes need to comprehensively narrow the gap in fencing-specific performance to male athletes;athletes of different weapons should strengthen the performance according to their shortages indicated in the test;among fencers of different sports levels,elite athletes should pay more attention to the development of fencing-specific performance.In the selection of young athletes,the very prominent characters of each weapon can be used as a reference.