Effects of a 12-week strength training program on experimented fencers' movement time

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Fencing performance relies on rapid, precise movements.
• Optimizing strength and power is crucial for enhancing fencer's movement time (MT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a 12-week strength training program on the movement time (MT) of national-level fencers.
• To assess the transferability of strength and jumping ability gains to MT performance.

Main Methods:

• Twelve national-level male fencers were divided into a control group (CG) and a treatment group (TG).
• The TG underwent a 12-week program combining maximal strength (weightlifting) and explosive strength (weights and plyometrics) training.
• Measurements included body composition, jumping ability, maximal strength, reaction time, and MT, assessed periodically.

Main Results:

• The TG showed significant improvements in maximal strength and jumping ability after 6 weeks.
• Movement time (MT) significantly improved in the TG after 12 weeks of training.
• Performance enhancements were sustained during a subsequent 4-week detraining period.

Conclusions:

• A 12-week strength training program effectively enhances maximal and explosive strength in fencers.
• These strength improvements can translate to better movement time (MT) performance.
• Fencers require a period to fully transfer strength gains into improved MT.