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Lomazzi M. Nutrition for European Elite Fencers: A Practical Tool for Coaches and Athletes. Nutrients 2024; 16:1104. [PMID: 38674795 PMCID: PMC11055078 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this narrative review is to create a comprehensive, innovative, and pragmatic resource to guide elite fencers and coaches in making strategic nutritional choices to enhance performance and facilitate recovery. The literature review identified only 12 articles specifically addressing the topic of nutrition for fencers. Thus, the recommendations provided in this review derive also from articles dealing with similar sports, such as martial arts, and from investigations with European elite fencers and their coaches. For elite fencers, it is suggested to consume daily 7-11 g/kg of body weight (BW) of carbohydrates and 1.5-2 g/kg of BW of proteins and allocate 25% to 30% of the total energy intake to essential fats, with a specific focus on omega-3 fatty acids. The timing of meals, ideally within one hour after exertion, plays a pivotal role in restoring glycogen reserves and preventing injuries. The intake of leucine, creatine, omega-3, collagen, and vitamins C and D is proposed as a strategy for injury recovery. It is worth acknowledging that even when personalized plans are provided, implementation can be challenging, especially during competitions and training camps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lomazzi
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Varesco G, Pageaux B, Cattagni T, Sarcher A, Martinent G, Doron J, Jubeau M. Fatigue in elite fencing: Effects of a simulated competition. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:2250-2260. [PMID: 37574844 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The fatigue induced by fencing remains scarcely investigated. We aimed to investigate both objective (neuromuscular performance fatigability) and subjective (perceived fatigue, effort, and workload) manifestations of fatigue in elite fencers following a five-bout simulated competition. Changes in countermovement jump height, knee extensors maximal isometric torque, rate of torque development, voluntary activation, and contractile response to muscular electrical stimulation were measured in 29 elite fencers [12 epee (6 women), 11 saber (5 women), and 6 foil]. Perceived fatigue and effort were evaluated with visual analog scales, and the perceived workload with the NASA Task Load Index scale. During the competition, maximal torque and rate of torque development decreased by 1.6% (p = 0.017) and 2.4% (p < 0.001) per bout, respectively. Perceived fatigue before each bout increased (12% per bout), with similar values observed at the end of all bouts (bout × period interaction: p < 0.001). Perceived effort increased during the bouts (10% per period, p < 0.001) and during the competition (3% per bout, p = 0.011). Perceived mental demand increased during the competition (2% per bout, p = 0.024). These results suggest that elite fencers needed to increase the allocation of mental rather than physical resources to the task to counterbalance the deleterious effect of fatigue on performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Varesco
- Nantes Université, Laboratory Movement - Interactions - Performance (MIP), UR4334, Nantes, France
| | - Benjamin Pageaux
- Université de Montréal, École de kinésiologie et des sciences de l'activité physique (EKSAP), Montréal, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montréal, Canada
- Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Montréal, Canada
| | - Thomas Cattagni
- Nantes Université, Laboratory Movement - Interactions - Performance (MIP), UR4334, Nantes, France
| | - Aurélie Sarcher
- Nantes Université, Laboratory Movement - Interactions - Performance (MIP), UR4334, Nantes, France
| | - Guillaume Martinent
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Univ Lyon, Laboratory on Vulnerabilities and Innovation in Sport (LVIS), EA 7428, Lyon, France
| | - Julie Doron
- Nantes Université, Laboratory Movement - Interactions - Performance (MIP), UR4334, Nantes, France
| | - Marc Jubeau
- Nantes Université, Laboratory Movement - Interactions - Performance (MIP), UR4334, Nantes, France
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Li Q, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Zuo C, Bo S. A Shorter-Bout of HIIT Is More Effective to Promote Serum BDNF and VEGF-A Levels and Improve Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Men. Front Physiol 2022; 13:898603. [PMID: 35846013 PMCID: PMC9277476 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.898603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of single bouts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with different duration on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels and cognitive function in healthy young men. Methods: Twelve healthy young men were participated in two HIIT treatments (20 min HIIT and 30 min HIIT) in a random order. BDNF, VEGF-A, cortisol, testosterone, blood lactic acid were measured and cognitive function was assessed by Stroop test (CWST) and Digital Span test (DST) before, immediately after, and 30 min after HIIT. Results: 20 and 30 min HIIT increased BLa (both p < 0.01), cortisol (20 min HIIT: p < 0.05; 30 min HIIT: p < 0.01), and testosterone (both p < 0.05) levels immediately when compared with their baselines. While BLa and cortisol were significantly higher in 30 min HIIT group than in 20 min HIIT group. Moreover, BDNF concentration (p < 0.01), DST-F (p < 0.01) and DST-B (p < 0.05) were increased and response time of Stroop was decreased immediately after HIIT only in 20 min HIIT group. VEGF-A concentration was increased immediately after HIIT in both groups (p < 0.01), but after 30 min recovery, it was returned to the baseline in the 20 min HIIT group and was lower than the baseline in 30 min HIIT group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Twenty minutes HIIT is more effective than 30 minutes HIIT for promoting serum levels of BDNF and VEGF-A as well as cognitive function in healthy young men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengguo Zhang
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Chongwen Zuo
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
| | - Shumin Bo
- College of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shumin Bo,
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Physiological Profiling and Energy System Contributions During Simulated Epée Matches in Elite Fencers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:943-950. [PMID: 35290960 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate physiological responses and energetic contributions during simulated epée matches in elite fencers. METHODS Ten elite male fencers participated in simulated epée (direct elimination) matches. Simulated epée matches included 3 bouts of 3 minutes each with 1-minute rests between bouts. During these sessions, physiological variables such as mean and peak heart rate, peak and mean oxygen uptake (VO2peak and VO2mean), metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak and VO2mean, and blood lactate concentrations (peak lactate concentration and delta blood lactate concentration) were measured. Furthermore, energetic contributions (oxidative [WOxi], glycolytic, and phosphagen) and time-motion variables were estimated. RESULTS Values of peak heart rate, mean heart rate, and WOxi (in percentages) were significantly higher in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2peak and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2peak were significantly higher in the first bout compared with the third bout. Values of delta blood lactate concentration and glycolytic contribution (in kilojoules and percentages) were significantly lower in the second and third bouts compared with the first. VO2mean and metabolic equivalents of task in VO2mean were significantly higher in the second bout compared with the third bout. Furthermore, WOxi (in kilojoules and percentage) was significantly higher in all bouts compared with phosphagen and glycolytic contributions. Low positive and negative correlations were seen between WOxi, VO2mean, sum of attacks and defense times, and the sum of time without attacks and defenses. CONCLUSIONS Direct-elimination epée matches consist of high-intensity intermittent exercise, and the oxidative contribution is 80% to 90%. Improving aerobic conditioning may support high-intensity intermittent actions during entire epée matches in elite fencers.
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Mata F, Domínguez R, López-Samanes Á, Sánchez-Gómez Á, Jodra P, Sánchez-Oliver AJ. Analysis of the consumption of sports supplements in elite fencers according to sex and competitive level. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021; 13:50. [PMID: 33975639 PMCID: PMC8114510 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to analyze the consumption of sports supplements (SS) in competitive level fencers and compare differences based on sex and competitive level (international and national). Methods A total of 49 fencers (18 men and 31 women) of national (n = 16) and international (n = 33) level completed a questionnaire with questions about SS consumption and the possible repercussions on health and / or sports performance. The results were analyzed based on the different categorizations established by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), as well as by sex and level of competence to which the participants belonged to. Results 46.9% of fencers have consumed SS with the main motivation being performance improvement (34.2%). Medical doctors were the individuals who were more likely to advise men to consume SS (50.0% vs 5.6%; OR = 3.29 [1.50–7.20]). Friends were most likely to advise women (38.9% vs 8.3%; OR = 1.75 [1.05–2.93]). The most consumed SS were sport drinks (44.9%), vitamin C (43.4%), sport bars (38.8%), and caffeine (28.6%). In regards to the SS categories, it was observed differences in the interaction level·sex in medical supplements (p = 0.017). In addition, there was a higher prevalence of whey protein consumption in women (25.8% vs 0%; p = 0.020) and iron consumption in men (33% vs 6.5%; p = 0.039). Conclusions The prevalence of SS use in fencers is within the values previously reported in athletes of the same competitive level. There were no differences by sex and competitive level in the total consumption of SS, nor in each of the groups of level of evidence, being sport drinks, bars and caffeine the most consumed SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Mata
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Nutrición (CEAN), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raúl Domínguez
- Departamento de Motricidad Humana y Rendimiento Deportivo, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain. .,Studies Research Group in Neuromuscular Responses (GEPREN), University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil.
| | - Álvaro López-Samanes
- Exercise Physiology Group, School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Sánchez-Gómez
- Departamento de Enfermería Farmacología y Fisioterapia, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pablo Jodra
- Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Alcalá, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Antonio J Sánchez-Oliver
- Departamento de Motricidad Humana y Rendimiento Deportivo, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Studies Research Group in Neuromuscular Responses (GEPREN), University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
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Villiere A, Mason B, Parmar N, Maguire N, Holmes D, Turner A. The physical characteristics underpinning performance of wheelchair fencing athletes: A Delphi study of Paralympic coaches. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:2006-2014. [PMID: 33947314 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1912454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Wheelchair fencing (WF) is a Paralympic sport which is practised by athletes with physical disabilities and is classified into three categories according to the degree of activity limitation the impairment causes in the sport. All Paralympic sports are requested to develop their own evidence-based classification system to enhance the confidence in the classification process; however, this is yet to be achieved in WF. Research within WF is scarce; therefore, the aim of this study was to reach expert consensus on the physical characteristics that underpin performance of athletes competing in the sport as this is known as one of the initial steps required to achieve an evidence-based classification system. Sixteen Paralympic WF coaches were invited to take part in a three-round Delphi study, with experts drawing consensus on qualities of speed, strength, power, flexibility and motor control of the trunk and fencing arm being associated with increased athletic success. The required qualities of the non-fencing arm led to diverging opinions across the expert panel. This study provides clear guidance of the physical qualities to be developed to maximize athletic performance while also providing the initial framework to guide future WF classification research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Villiere
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, UK.,International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation, UK
| | - Barry Mason
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Nimai Parmar
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Niamh Maguire
- Psychology and Healthcare Services, The Priory Group, London, UK
| | - Danny Holmes
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anthony Turner
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, UK
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Foretic N, Nikolovski Z, Peric I, Sekulic D. Testosterone, cortisol and alpha-amylase levels during a handball match; analysis of dynamics and associations. Res Sports Med 2020; 28:360-370. [DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2020.1759069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Foretic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Irena Peric
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Clinical Hospital Split, Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Damir Sekulic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
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Turner AN, Bishop C, Cree J, Carr P, McCann A, Bartholomew B, Halsted L. Building a High-Performance Model for Sport: A Human Development-Centered Approach. Strength Cond J 2019. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Oates LW, Campbell IG, Iglesias X, Price MJ, Muniz-Pumares D, Bottoms LM. The physiological demands of elite epée fencers during competition. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2018.1563858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke W. Oates
- Psychology and Sports Sciences Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Ian G. Campbell
- Psychology and Sports Sciences Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Xavier Iglesias
- INEFC-Barcelona Sports Sciences Research Group, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael J. Price
- Department of Biomolecular and Sports Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Daniel Muniz-Pumares
- Psychology and Sports Sciences Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Lindsay M. Bottoms
- Psychology and Sports Sciences Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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