Physiological and Thermoregulatory Demands of Epee Fencing

Abstract

Epée fencing involves repeated bouts of high-intensity intermittent exercise with competitions lasting 9-11 hours consisting of Poule (3-minute or first to 5 points) and Direct Elimination (DE; 3x3-minute bouts or first to 15 points) fights. Fencers are required to wear thick protective clothing which could create a hot micro-climate and impede heat loss during exercise. Chapter 4 assessed the physiological demands of epée during simulated competition comprising of Poule and DE fights. Results showed epée is reliant on phosphocreatine and aerobic energy systems shown by decreasing blood lactate concentration from Poule to DE (Poule 1 ~4.5 mmol.L-1; DE 7 ~2.0 mmol.L-1). Maximum heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, peak speed, training load per minute and percentage of zone 2 accelerations were greater in DE than Poule fights indicating greater physiological strain. There was a considerable energy demand (~13 kcal.min-1) exhibited during the competition. Chapter 5 focussed on the thermoregulatory demands of epée, using the same competition protocol as chapter 4. There was a moderate thermoregulatory demand during Poule fights (gastrointestinal temperature (Tgast) ~38.0°C and mean skin temperature (Tskin) ~34.5°C) and high thermoregulatory demand during DE fights (Tgast >38.0°C pre and >38.5°C post fight and Tskin >35.0°C, thermal sensation ~7.0). Mask temperature was greater than ambient temperature highlighting a hot micro-climate created by protective clothing. Mean skin temperature also increased during recovery between fights for Poule and DE. There was a decrease from DE 1 to DE 7 for distance covered (~900m vs. ~600m) and distance covered per minute (~80.6 m.min-1 vs. ~71.4 m.min-1). Previous research has shown thermoregulatory and performance benefits of cooling on exercise performance. Chapter 5 showed a high thermoregulatory demand of epée especially during DE rounds. Therefore, chapter 7 assessed the effects of external (EXT; evaporative cooling vest (ECV)), and mixed-method (MIX; ECV + cold water ingestion) cooling on physiological, thermoregulatory, perceptual, performance, and cognitive components of epée. Results showed there was a significantly lower Tskin ~0.8-0.9°C and thermal sensation in EXT and MIX cooling interventions than control (CON). There was a limited performance benefit of cooling with greater points difference in MIX compared to CON and EXT. Wheelchair fencing competition structure and protective clothing is similar to able-bodied fencing. Physiological, thermoregulatory, and performance variables were recorded during Poule and DE fights during wheelchair fencing. Results showed a need to ensure training intensity mirrors competition when mixing category A and B fencers through appropriate fight durations and work to rest ratios. Individual thermoregulatory responses existed for each participant for Tgast and Tskin. Mask temperature increased during DE fights (0.34-3.04°C) and Tskin increased during recovery between Poule and DE fights. In conclusion, results of this thesis demonstrate a high physiological and thermoregulatory demand of epée. Furthermore, practical cooling methods between fights lowered Tskin and thermal sensation during DE fights and with a limited performance benefit of MIX for points difference. This thesis provides novel data on thermoregulatory responses of able-bodied and wheelchair epée fencing and movement data of epée using an accelerometer-based athlete tracking system.