Physiological responses and energy expenditure to simulated epee fencing in elite female fencers

Authors

Bottoms Lindsay, School of Health and Bioscience, University of East London

Abstract

Understanding the physiological and energy expenditure responses required during the unique nature of fencing is important for the development of training/nutritional programmes for athletes involved in fencing. This study therefore examined the physiological responses of four elite female epee fencers during a simulated fencing task. Peak physiological measurements were determined during an incremental exercise test to exhaustion on a treadmill. In addition, oxygen consumption, heart rate and finger tip blood lactate samples were taken throughout a series of simulated fencing fights. The fencing fights consisted of 3 x 3 minutes of fencing, with 1 minute rest between each bout. The results demonstrated peak oxygen uptake (47±5 ml∙kg•min-1) to be similar to that of other elite female fencers. High peak energy expenditures were elicited over short exercise durations (range 10.6–11.4 Kcal•min-1). Low blood lactate levels were evident and possibly due to the contribution of phosphocreatine for ATP regeneration.

Keywords

Fencing, energy expenditure, training

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