[Significant improvements regarding explosive power, endurance and agility through structured athletic training in junior fencing].

Abstract

Background: Given the decline in performance in German fencing since 2012, systematic athletic training has become increasingly important in youth development. This study is the first to investigate the effects of structured athletic training on physical performance parameters in German youth fencing.

Materials & methods: In a twelve-month interventional cohort study, 22 youth fencers (aged 13-17 years) from a performance centre were examined. The intervention group (n=12) completed 60 minutes of structured athletic training per week in addition to regular fencing training, while the control group (n=10) performed an exclusively fencing-specific training. Pre- and post-tests included standing long jump, 10 m sprint, T-test, rotational throw, Bourban test, and beep test. The intervention group also underwent Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance test, and Skillcourt assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests, supplemented by effect sizes (Cohen's d).

Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in explosive strength (sprint: p=0.023, d=1.31; T-test: p=0.043, d=1.00; rotational throw right: p=0.023, d=1.05; left: p=0.003, d=1.44) and endurance (beep test: p=0.002, d=1.54). Core stability showed a trend towards significance (p=0.065, d=0.84). Within the intervention group, flexibility improved significantly (FMS: p=0.002, d=1.14; Y-Balance lower extremity right: p=0.012; left: p=0.019).

Conclusion: Structured athletic training produces large to very large training effects in fencing-relevant physical performance parameters. The results provide evidence-based support for the integration of systematic athletic training into youth development programmes in German fencing.