Assessing Motor Performance and Ankle Mobility in Pre-Adolescent Male Fencers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Pediatric Sports Medicine

Background:

• Ankle mobility is vital for dynamic stability and propulsion in fencing.
• The link between ankle range of motion (ROM) and performance in young fencers is not well understood.
• Understanding these relationships can inform training strategies for youth athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between ankle ROM (dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, eversion) and performance metrics (acceleration, jump height) in pre-adolescent male fencers.
• To examine bilateral differences in ankle mobility between the front and rear foot in these athletes.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen pre-adolescent male fencers (mean age 10.86 years) participated.
• Ankle ROM was measured using a goniometer.
• Performance was assessed via a 7m sprint lunge (acceleration) and a countermovement jump.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between front and rear foot ankle plantar flexion ROM and both acceleration (r=0.625-0.628) and jump height (r=0.579-0.647).
• Rear foot plantar flexion ROM predicted acceleration (R²=0.335) and jump height (R²=0.418).
• No significant associations were observed for dorsiflexion, inversion, or eversion ROM with performance metrics. Bilateral differences showed greater front foot dorsiflexion and greater rear foot eversion.

Conclusions:

• Ankle plantar flexion range of motion is a key determinant of acceleration and jump capacity in young fencers.
• Dorsiflexion and eversion show significant bilateral differences.
• Targeted ankle mobility training, particularly focusing on plantar flexion, could benefit the physical development and performance of youth fencers.