Physical Characteristics Underpinning Repetitive Lunging in Fencing

Association between Lower Body Qualities and Change-of-Direction Performance: A Meta-Analysis

The aim of the present study is to determine the associations between lower body muscle strength qualities and change of direction (CoD) performance. Three databases were used to perform a systematic literature search up to September 30, 2022. Based on the studies that met the inclusion criteria, we calculated Pearson's r correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between muscle strength qualities and CoD performance. The quality of the studies included was evaluated by the modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index Tool. Heterogeneity was determined via the Q statistic and I 2, and Egger's test was used to assess small study bias. The results revealed that lower body maximal strength (pooled: r=- 0.54, dynamic: r=- 0.60, static: r=- 0.41), joint strength (pooled: r=- 0.59, EXT-ecc: r=- 0.63, FLEX-ecc: r=- 0.59), reactive strength (r=- 0.42) and power (pooled: r=- 0.45, jump height: r=- 0.41, jump distance: r=- 0.60, peak power: r=- 0.41) were negatively and moderately related to CoD performance. To conclude, the results highlight that a number of muscle strength qualities are associated with CoD performance and are pertinent to specific phases of a directional change. It should be noted that the conclusions of this study do not establish causality, and further research is needed to better understand their training effects and underlying mechanisms.

Acute Effect of Four Stretching Protocols on Change of Direction in U-17 Male Soccer Players

BACKGROUND

The ability to rapidly change direction while sprinting is a desirable athletic skill in soccer. Enhancing change of direction (COD) performance depends almost exclusively on specific training, with stretching traditionally considered one such intervention. However, the comparative impact of diverse stretching methods on COD in soccer players remains an area of interest. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of different stretching methods on COD ability in soccer players.

METHODS

Twelve male soccer players playing in the national championship football division II (age: 16.3 ± 0.3 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.10 m, body mass: 67.7 ± 7.2 kg) were tested for COD performance (i.e., Illinois agility test) after (1) control condition (20 min general warm-up without stretching), (2) static stretching, (3) dynamic stretching, (4) combined static-dynamic stretching, and (5) combined dynamic-static stretching. The duration of stretching intervention was approximately 6 min for static and dynamic stretching and 12 min for both the combined stretching conditions. The experimental sessions were separated by 72 h.

RESULTS

COD improved after dynamic stretching when compared to any other condition (p: 0.03-0.002; ηp2: 0.56-0.73), except for the control condition (p = 0.146; ηp2 = 0.18). In contrast, static stretching induced a detrimental effect on COD when compared only to the dynamic stretching condition (p < 0.01; ES = 1.35).

CONCLUSION

Dynamic stretching exercises used by male soccer players in the warm-up improved COD. Other forms of stretching exercises, particularly static stretching, negatively impacted the COD performance. Therefore, coaches can consider integrating dynamic stretching protocols tailored to the athletes' specific needs. Moreover, extending the investigation to encompass a wider range of athletes, including different age groups and genders, would enhance the applicability and generalization of the findings.

Reactive Strength Index and its Associations with Measures of Physical and Sports Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Reactive strength index (RSI) is used frequently in the testing and monitoring of athletes. Associations with sports performance measures may vary dependent on the task but a literature synthesis has not been performed.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine associations between RSI measured during rebound jumping tasks and measures of strength, linear and change of direction speed, and endurance performance.

METHODS

A systematic literature search with meta-analysis was conducted using databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Ovid. Inclusion criteria required studies to (1) examine the relationship between RSI and an independent measure of physical or sporting performance for at least one variable; and (2) provide rebound test instructions to minimise ground contact time and maximise displacement of the jump. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index tool. Heterogeneity was examined via the Q statistic and I². Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model, with Egger's regression test used to assess small study bias (inclusive of publication bias).

RESULTS

Of the 1320 citations reviewed, a total of 32 studies were included in this meta-analysis. RSI was significantly and moderately associated with strength (isometric: r = 0.356 [95% CI 0.209-0.504]; isotonic: r = 0.365 [0.075-0.654]; pooled strength measures: r = 0.339 [0.209-0.469]) and endurance performance (r = 0.401 [0.173-0.629]). Significant moderate and negative associations were indicated for acceleration (r = - 0.426 [- 0.562 to - 0.290]), top speed (r = - 0.326 [- 0.502 to - 0.151]), and significant large negative associations were noted for change of direction speed (r = - 0.565 [- 0.726 to - 0.404]). Heterogeneity was trivial to moderate across all measures (I² = 0-66%), and significant for isotonic strength and change of direction speed (p < 0.1). Evidence of small study bias was apparent for both acceleration and change of direction speed (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified primarily moderate associations between RSI and independent measures of physical and sporting performance, and the strength of these relationships varied based on the task and physical quality assessed. The findings from this meta-analysis can help practitioners to develop more targeted testing and monitoring processes. Future research may wish to examine if associations are stronger in tasks that display greater specificity.

Effect of a Supplementary Periodized Complex Strength Training and Tapering Period on Postactivation Potentiation of Sport-Specific Explosive Performance in Adolescent National-Level Fencers

ABSTRACT

Kontochristopoulos, N, Bogdanis, GC, Paradisis, G, and Tsolakis, C. Effect of a supplementary periodized complex strength training and tapering period on postactivation potentiation of sport-specific explosive performance in adolescent national-level fencers. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1662-1670, 2021-This study examined the effects of strength training and tapering on countermovement jump (CMJ), change of direction (COD), and step-lunge (SL) after a conditioning activity in adolescent fencers. Twenty fencers (age: 15.8 ± 1.2 years) were randomly assigned to experimental (EXP, n = 10) group and control (CON, n = 10) group. EXP and CON groups performed 8 weeks of fencing training (4 times per week), while EXP group performed a supplementary strength training program twice per week, including a hypertrophy (first 2 weeks) and a complex strength training period (6 weeks). A 14-day tapering period with reduced training volume was then applied in both groups. Conditioning activity consisted of 3 × 3 seconds of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC; half-squat; knee angle = 90°), followed by either CMJ or COD or SL performance measurements in 3 different testing sessions 24 hours apart. There was no performance enhancement in all tests for both EXP and CON groups, after the conditioning MVIC before training (p > 0.05). After training, half-squat dynamic strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]) was significantly increased only in the EXP group (from 74.8 ± 20.0 to 127.0 ± 28.9 kg, p = 0.001) and maintained after tapering. After tapering, baseline CMJ height was significantly increased only in the EXP group (from 27.2 ± 4.6 to 30.9 ± 3.8 cm, p = 0.003). Contrary to our hypothesis, the increase in 1RM and CMJ was not followed by a postactivation potentiation enhancement in all tests (p > 0.05), possibly because of the relatively low strength and jumping performance of fencers. Thus, adolescent high-level fencers do not exhibit a performance increase after MVIC, and this was not modified by the supplementary strength training protocol used.

Validity and Reliability of a New Test of Change of Direction in Fencing Athletes

The aim of this study was to validate a new test of change of direction (COD) for fencer athletes and to establish its relationship with selected measures of physical fitness. Thirty-nine fencer athletes participated to this study (age: 20.8 ± 3.0 years). They performed the new specific fencing COD test (SFCODT) on two separate occasions to establish its reliability. In addition, assessment of COD, jumping ability (i.e., squat jump, countermovement jump, five jump test), sprint time (e.g., 5-m, 10-m and 20-m), isokinetic concentric and eccentric quadriceps, and hamstring force tests were assessed. To establish SFCODT’s construct validity, two subgroups were identified based on their international and national fencing results: High- vs. low-ranked fencer athletes. Reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the SFCODT were established from the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error of measurement (TEM), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and receiving operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. The ICC of SFCODT was excellent at >0.95, and the TEM was < 5%. Based on the usefulness analysis, the ability to detect small performance changes can be rated as “good” in fencer athletes (SWC > TEM). SFCODT was very largely associated with the COD test and moderate to very large associated with jumping ability, sprint time, and isokinetic strength. High-ranked fencer athletes were better than low-ranked fencer athletes on SFCODT (p < 0.01). The area under the ROC curve was 0.76. In conclusion, the SFCODT is a highly reliable, valid, and sensitive test. Therefore, the SFCODT could be used by practitioners to evaluate specific CODS performance in fencer athletes.

Staying Out of Range: Increasing Attacking Distance in Fencing

To avoid being hit, fencers typically adopt an out-of-range position, which was hypothesized to be governed by body- and action-scaled affordances. This theory was measured in elite and national-level junior (under 20 y of age) fencers. Associations between “reachability” of lunging and step-lunging attacks were assessed against height, arm span, leg span, body mass, and lower-body power and then compared across level. Reachability was determined as the distance covered by fencers during these attacks and was reported as actual and estimated distances. Elite fencers are better at estimating their lunging and step-lunge distance compared to nationally ranked junior fencers (−0.9% vs 7.3% and 5.4% vs 10.9%, respectively). Surprisingly, elite fencers’ actual and estimated distances for these was less than the junior fencers’ (222.6 vs 251.5 cm and 299.3 vs 360.2 cm, respectively), and significantly so in the former. Finally, only arm span (r = .81) and leg span (r = .71) were significantly correlated to estimated lunging distance, and this was only in elite fencers. Findings suggest that better fencers can accurately predict their attack range and that reachability appears to be positively influenced by arm and leg span; these may feed in to talent identification. Given that distances were less in elite fencers, findings suggest that timing and distance estimation are key skills to master and that the mastery of these in offensive actions can mitigate, to a large extent, the physical benefits of an opponent’s greater height.