Abstract
Three different weapons (swords) are used in the sport of fencing. Target area and rules depend on the type of the weapons. The purpose of this study was to identify the morphological and physical fitness characteristics of elite fencers with different fencing weapon styles. Seven male foil fencers (age, 23.4 ± 3.4 years), 7 male epee fencers (22.1 ± 3.1 years), and 7 male sabre fencers (24.1 ± 3.0 years), all belonging to the Japan national team, participated in the present study. To characterize the results of the morphological measurements and physical fitness tests obtained from the fencers, a T-score table established based on the results obtained from Japanese elite athletes of various competitive events was created. The circumference and muscle cross-sectional area measurements demonstrated that the foil and sabre fencers had greater thigh muscles (quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, and adductor muscles) in their front (dominant) leg than in their rear (non-dominant) leg. As compared with the foil and sabre fencers, the epee fencers had smaller thigh muscles on their front leg and less asymmetry between the front and rear legs. This study identified the characteristics in Japanese elite fencers with different weapon styles, which could be attributed to differences in movement patterns during competitions between the styles.
