Effects of Repeated Sprint Training With Hypoventilation on Specific Performance in Elite Epee Fencers

This study investigated the effects of repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) induced by voluntary hypoventilation (VHL) on sport-specific performance in elite epee fencers.

Twenty-two elite-level fencers (national to international level) were randomly assigned to 8 sessions of repeated sprint training over 4 weeks. Training was performed either in hypoxia induced by VHL (RSH-VHL, n = 11) or with unrestricted breathing (repeated sprint in normoxia [RSN], n = 11). It consisted of repeated 15-second maximal fencing sprints with 15-second semiactive recovery (work:rest ratio 1:1). Performance was assessed before (pre) and after (post) the intervention using a dual-component fencing test that involved repeated maximal lunges (sprints) immediately followed by a technical task (reaction time and accuracy assessment on an electronic target) before the next repetition.

Both groups showed similar significant improvements in best sprint time (RSH-VHL: -5.1%; RSN: -5.7%), mean sprint time (RSH-VHL: -6.8%; RSN: -7.0%), and sprint decrement score (RSH-VHL: -31.6%; RSN: -23.1%) (P ≤.003). However, physiological and technical adaptations differed. In the RSH-VHL group, maximal and mean heart rates decreased significantly (-4.7% and -5.7%, respectively) (P < .001), whereas no significant changes were observed in the RSN group (-0.7% and -0.5%, respectively). Additionally, RSH-VHL prevented the increase in technical alteration under fatigue observed in RSN (reaction time decrement: -3.0% vs 15.7%; P = .005).

RSH-VHL training mitigates the decline in technical performance (reaction time) under fatigue and improves cardiovascular efficiency in elite epee fencers. These findings suggest that VHL is a valuable, equipment-free method to enhance both physical and technical resilience during high-intensity fencing bouts.