STUDY REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN ELITE FENCING

Abstract

Introduction. Fencing is a sport that requires psychomotor skills, explosive power, movement speed, reaction speed and physical endurance. Epée and foil fencers have higher aerobic capacity than sabre fencers, whereas épée and foil fencers have similar aerobic capacity. In fact, this can be due to more aerobic nature of épée and foil weapons compared with sabre. Measurement of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is the standard index of cardiorespiratory fitness, but is practical only in a laboratory setting. Over time, numerous VO2 tests have shown that VO2max is a quantifiable and reproducible parameter of the cardiorespiratory system’s ability to meet maximum oxygen requirements. Objective. The aim of this study is to show the importance of monitoring physiological parameters by the Bruce protocol in elite fencing, specifically women’s épée, in order to manage the physical training plan. Methodology. Cardiopulmonary fitness is monitored in dynamic conditions by testing VO2max with the Bruce protocol of the COSMED treadmill Ergometer. This study was carried out over period of 8 weeks in 2021. It should be mentioned that these tests were performed after a specific training plan adapted to the pandemic period. Were included 4 female épée fencers, members of the Romanian National Fencing Team, aged between 22 and 36 years and with outstanding results at national and international levels. Results. From the total of tested physiological parameters were selected the protocol parameters (speed, treadmill incline, time) and metabolic parameters (absolute oxygens consumed (ml/min), maximum oxygens consumed (ml/min/kg), metabolic equivalents, respiratory coefficient, heart rate). These indicators were assessed for anaerobic threshold, respiratory compensation point and at the end of the test. The evolution of these parameters was followed between tests for each subject. Discussions and conclusions. The Bruce Protocol estimates maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) as a measure of the athlete's aerobic capacity during sustained effort. In this context, the obtained results highlight an increase of the cardiorespiratory fittness to the women’s épée, an efficient distribution of the oxygen to the tissues and a better adaptation of the cardiac function to the effort. In conclusion, the cardiorespiratory capacity monitoring through the Bruce Protocol can be an important guideline for the physical training to the elite épée fencers.