Differences Between Representatives Of Three Kinds Of Weapon In Fencing From Somatic And Phisiological Point Of View

Introduction
Modern history of sport fencing has got over a hundered years now. The tournaments in sabre and foil were performed
during the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. The epee as a fencing weapon made its own debut four years later in
Paris. Almost for the half of the XX century the specialization concerning fencing had a conventional character. There
were many athlets who competed in all weapons. At least the 60’s of the previous century brought an exact
specialization into sabre, epee, and foil. The process of intencifying the differences between the three kinds of weapon
was caused by the factors such as: judge’s rules of fight, various target areas and the ways of executing the touches.
Therefore, the contemporary fencers in three contests differ between each other not only with tactics and techniques of
conducting the fight but also with somatic structure and phisiological predisposition. The factors mentioned above
influence the coaching process and selection of young fencers to the particular weapons. Scientific procedures
conducted currently should have a compound character considering not only specific fencing conditions but also
somatic and phisiological factors.

Methods
We have examined the three groups of sabre, foil and epee fencers who belong to the polish national team. Each group
consisted of eight persons. Considering the somatic conditions, the reaserch process was limited to evaluation of body
height and body mass of the athlets. On the basis of these variables Roher’s slimness index was calculated. In order to
measure phisiological parameters we applied sportteters as devices which were recording the medium heart rate (HR)
during the fights. To evaluate the level of oxygen uptake (VO2max) the Monark cycloergometer based on the Astrand
procedures was used. We applied the test created by Wingate Institut to measure the maximal anaerobic power (PP).
The lactate treshold was assesed by Conconi’s method. Apllying the mentioned method during our test the two
parameters:MPO (maximal power output) and HR MPO were obtained.

Results
The interesting results we observed when the somatic indexes were examined. Analysis shows that sabre fencers
represented higher level of Roher’s index then other fencers. It leads to conclusion that sabre fencers express more
athletic type of body structure therefore, it is probably conected with their dynamic style of fight which correlates with
their predisposition to the anaerobic efforts. Reffering to the physiological components we have noticed that only sabre
fencers reached higher value of peak power (PP) in Wingate test. Making a comparison of athlets concerning the
aerobic capacity we have assumed that VO2max and the level of HR during the fight slighty differs particular groups. It
can be affirmed that the abilty to aerobic efforts is characteristic phenomenon to all fencers comunity.
Graph 1. Configuration of somatic parameters Graph 2. Configuration of anaerobic capacity
Conclusions
On the basis of the research and analysis the following

conclusions have been formulated:
1.Taking into consideration the full research we noticed significant differences between sabre, foil, and epee fencers in
their somatic components.
2. Reffering to the physiological parameters the anaerobic predispositions play decisive role as factors which
differentiate fencers. In the case of aerobic efforts we haven’t observed any differences.
3.Results of all procedures can be applied to create the individual coaching programs depending on a specific demands
in different kinds of weapon in fencing.

References
[1]. Czajkowski Z.,(2001)Theory, Practice and Methotology In Fencing.Advanced Course for Fencing Coaches.
AWF.Katowice.
[2]. Tyshler D.,Tyshler G.,(1995) Fencing.Physical Education and Science Press.Moscow

NOTA: O texto com a iconografia está no anexo.

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