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Physiological and morphological characteristics of world class fencers
J Nyström1, O Lindwall, R Ceci
1Department of Physiology III, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 1, 1990
Summary
World class épée fencers exhibit high aerobic power and strength. Fencing movements create asymmetry, leading to greater muscle mass and strength in the weapon-side leg and arm compared to the non-weapon side.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Épée fencing is a demanding sport requiring specific physiological and morphological adaptations.
- Understanding these adaptations is crucial for optimizing training and performance in elite athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the physiological and morphological characteristics of world-class épée fencers.
- To investigate the impact of fencing movements on body asymmetry and muscle development.
Main Methods:
- Maximal aerobic power and strength assessments (isometric and dynamic).
- Computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate muscle mass.
- Analysis of muscle fiber composition in the legs.
Main Results:
- Épée fencers possess high maximal aerobic power and strength.
- Significant asymmetry observed: weapon-side arm and leg showed higher isometric/dynamic strength.
- Increased muscle mass in the forward leg (CT evaluation), but no difference in muscle fiber composition compared to the contralateral leg.
Conclusions:
- Elite épée fencers demonstrate superior aerobic capacity and muscular strength.
- Fencing actions induce significant unilateral muscle hypertrophy and strength development.
- Muscle fiber type distribution is not a distinguishing factor between the dominant and non-dominant legs in épée fencers.