Anthropometric, Physiological and Performance Characteristics of Elite and Sub-elite Fencers

• Authors: Charilaos Tsolakis , George Vagenas
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

The present study aimed at investigating the differences in selected anthropometric, strength-power parameters and functional characteristics of fencing performance between elite and sub-elite fencers. Thirty-three fencers (18 females and 15 males) from the Greek National Team, (age 19 ± 3.5 yr, body height 175.6 ± 7.6 cm, body mass 66.1 ± 9.1 kg, systematic training 8.4 ± 2.9 yr) were classified as elite and sub-elite, according to their international experience. Subjects underwent a detailed anthropometric assessment and performed selected leg power and fencing-specific tests. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in sitting height, triceps, subscapular, and quadriceps dominant skinfold thickness, absolute and body mass-dependent expressions of leg functional power characteristics of fencing performance: "time of lunge" and time of the "shuttle test". Anthropometric traits, such as height, body mass, percent fat and limb length were not different among elite and sub-elite fencers. Although technical and tactical factors are good indicators of fencing success, the observed differences in functional fencing performance tests among different levels of fencers are useful for the design of effective talent development and training-conditioning programs for competitive fencers.

Keywords

EN

fencing; physiology; anthropometry

• Publisher: De Gruyter Open
• Journal: Journal of Human Kinetics
• Year: 2010
• Volume: 23
• Pages: 89-95

Dates

published

1 - 1 - 2010

online

24 - 5 - 2010

Contributors

author

Charilaos Tsolakis

• Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens

author

George Vagenas

• Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens

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Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/v10078-010-0011-8