Sport specific tests play an important role for improving athletic performance. However, fencing does not have a sport specific test for assessing physiological responses that can provide information on training or detraining responses. Such tests need to be developed. The purpose of the study was to compare two forms of anaerobic and aerobic testing across three classifications of elite fencers to determine if any difference exits when measuring peak power output as well as heart rats (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Thirty male fencers (10 foil, 10 epee, and 10 saber) performed a Wingate 30 sec test (W); a repeated effort all out cycle anaerobic power test (RA), 7X6 sec. with 15 sec. active rest intervals; an incremental treadmill VO2max test; and an incremental forward and backward fencing step test. Peak power was significantly higher at the second interval of the RA test (663 watts vs. 613 watts during the first 6 sec of the W test). When comparing the ranking of fencers at the 6th interval of the RA test with the last 6 sec of the W test, 70% (N=21) were ranked differently with 30% (N=9) ranked higher and 40% (N=12) ranked lower on power output. A linear relationship between the HR and the RPE was revealed by the VO2max test and on the fencing step test. Results suggest that the RA test gives more specific information on both peak and sustained power output when assessing these measurements in elite fencers. HR and RPE responses support the hypothesis that a sports-specific test conducted in the field can provide an objective physiological response to assess sport-specific stress.
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