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Purpose: The popularity of fencing and intense sports competition has burdened adolescents with excessive training, harming their immature bodies. Traditional training methods fail to provide timely movement corrections and personalized plans, leading to ineffective exercises. This paper aims to use artificial intelligence technology to reduce ineffective exercises and alleviate the training burden. Methods: We propose an action recognition algorithm based on the characteristics of adolescent athletes. This algorithm uses multimodal input data to comprehensively extract action information. Each modality is processed by the same network structure, utilizing attention mechanisms and adaptive graph structures. A multibranch feature fusion method is used to determine the final action category. Results: We gathered the fencing footwork data set 2.0. Our model achieved 93.3% accuracy, with the highest precision at 95.8% and the highest F1-Score at 94.5% across all categories. It effectively recognized actions of adolescents with different heights and speeds, outperforming traditional methods. Conclusion: Our artificial intelligence-based training solution improves training efficiency and reduces the training burden on adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne to replace horse riding with Obstacle after the 2024 Olympic Games challenges training, testing, and recovery management in Modern Pentathlon. This commentary discusses physiological, technical, and tactical effects of rule changes in the 5 disciplines with a specific focus on the new discipline Obstacle. Modern Pentathlon requires athletes to develop specific endurance capacities relying on both the aerobic and anaerobic systems while simultaneously increasing lower- and upper-body strength capabilities. In addition, movements must be repeatedly executed in an explosive and precise manner. Running and swimming must be fast but economical. Swapping from horse riding to Obstacle will prioritize the explosive strength of the upper extremities and core while keeping high levels of endurance and precision in swimming, fencing, and shooting. Moreover, condensing the Modern Pentathlon competition to a 90-minute television-friendly format enables more competitions in the future. Athletes and coaches will thus also need to develop and maintain effective individual peri-exercise routines (before, during, and after the competition) to successfully meet the resulting tactical and physical challenges of the new format. This commentary aims to stimulate the discussion on the effect of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne's decisions to replace riding with the new Obstacle discipline and implement a more television-friendly format with a focus on physiological, technical, and tactical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) identify attentional foci (AF) and coping strategies used by young fencers during matches and (b) explore the links between these variables using a grounded-theory approach. Using a naturalistic qualitative video-assisted approach, analyses revealed the emergence of five categories of AF (movements and techniques, strategies and tactics, situation evaluation, states, and extraneous attention) and six categories of coping strategies (mastery coping, internal regulation, goal-withdrawal strategies, behavioral regulation, no regulation, and automatic regulation). The grounded theory highlighted that pleasant emotional experiences tended to be related to mastery coping, which in turn favored the orientation of the attention toward AF that appeared to be most effective in winning points (i.e., opponent, distance, plan). Conversely, unpleasant emotional experiences were consistently associated with goal-withdrawal strategies (or no regulation), which generally led to a lack of AF and lower performance. Intervention suggestions are made in relation to the results of the proposed grounded theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The International Olympic Committee recently introduced a consensus statement on recommendations for outdoor sports in the heat. However, indoor sports such as fencing whereby athletes are required to wear full body protective clothing when competing have received no recommendations. Such scenarios could cause high thermoregulatory demands particularly as competition progresses into latter rounds (direct elimination; DE). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the thermoregulatory responses of épée fencing across different phases of competition (Poule and DE). Seven well-trained fencers competed in a simulated competition comprising of seven Poule and seven DE fights. Gastrointestinal temperature (Tgast), skin temperature (Tskin), mask temperature (Tmask), heart rate (HR), thermal sensation, differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and movement characteristics were collected for all fights. There was a moderate thermoregulatory demand during Poule rounds shown by post-fight Tgast (38.1 ± 0.4°C), Tskin (34.4 ± 0.7°C), and thermal sensation ratings (6 ± 1). A greater thermoregulatory and perceptual demand observed during DE rounds evidenced by Tgast (38.7 ± 0.3°C post fight), Tskin (35.1 ± 0.7°C), thermal sensation (7 ± 1), increases in Tmask across DE rounds (~1.1°C), and RPE (~15). Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in distance covered from DE 1 to DE 7 suggests a thermoregulatory based impact on performance. This is the first study demonstrating the thermoregulatory demands of épée fencing, highlighting the need to develop heat exertion guidelines within fencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fencing is a unique and increasingly popular sport, but limited data exist regarding related injuries. Purpose: To examine the types of injuries incurred by fencing athletes, and to analyze associations between age, sex, and hand dominance with type and location of injury. Study Design: Cross-sectional Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were performed to evaluate fencing related injuries in athletes evaluated in the sports medicine and orthopedic clinics of a large teaching hospital. Results: One hundred and eighty-six patients (98 male, 88 female) were included. Average age at time of injury was 14.6 years (range 9 - 32 years). 73% of injuries involved the lower extremity, 16% involved the upper extremity and 10% affected the back. In the lower extremity, the knee (49%), ankle (16%) and hip (11%) were most commonly affected. 80% of injuries were treated with physical therapy. Only 5% required surgical intervention. Injuries of both upper and lower extremities were more commonly seen on the athlete's dominant side, and the majority of injuries (77%) occurred in athletes 13 years or older. Conclusion: The majority of injuries in these fencing athletes affected the lower extremity, most commonly the knee. Extensor mechanism dysfunction, primarily patellofemoral pain, was the most common diagnosis. Hand dominance, patient age, and patient sex did affect different injury characteristics. Level of Evidence: 2b [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic landscape change due to urbanization, agriculture, and resource extraction results in barriers within the landscape. Artificial structures such as roads, fences, levees, and dams limit the movement of some species and further fragment residual habitat. In this study, we investigated the ability of Eastern long‐necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) to cross various terrestrial obstacles commonly encountered throughout their habitat. We tested two types of fences (chicken wire and hinged joint exclusion fencing) commonly used in agricultural systems and three sizes of rocks (gravel, cobbles, and boulders) often used for road construction, erosion control, and waterway stabilization. We examined the success rates of turtles in crossing obstacles, the effect of fatigue on crossing attempts, and the impact of individual boldness on movement behaviour. Turtles had high success rates in crossing gravel (85.4%), cobbles (86%), boulders (73.3%) and hinged joint exclusion fencing (94.7%). Turtles did not successfully cross chicken wire fencing (0%) despite 276 attempts. A significant fatigue effect occurred throughout the experiment, with turtles making an average of 3.94 (±1.42 SE) fewer attempts at the end of the experiment (day 18) than on day 1. Bolder turtles were faster at crossing obstacles, but boldness had no influence on obstacle‐crossing success. Our results highlight the need for thoughtful selection of waterway, wetland, and riparian bordering infrastructure and the fatiguing impact of constant exposure to anthropogenic barriers for wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oldest known European fight book, Royal Armouries MS I.33 has puzzled scholars and sword fighting enthusiasts alike with its occasionally strange looking illustrations. This paper argues that some of them contain multiple view planes or perspectives 'folded' into one, as it also occurs elsewhere in contemporary Gothic manuscript painting. To the modern observer who has no first-hand experience of the type of sword fighting depicted, these specialised drawing conventions are difficult to identify and, consequently, to decode. By comparing ostensibly similar situations as they are illustrated in later fight books that employ different artistic means, this paper suggests a new way of looking at I.33's illustrations that could be relevant beyond the examples discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper traces the changes to the intellectual classification of fencing. The authors of fencing treatises attempted to shift the perception of fencing from its long held violent connotations and towards a more elevated and legitimate practice. This change was prompted by multiple factors, key amongst them were the proliferation of print, the rise of the duel, and courtesy books, such as Castiglione’s Book of the Courtier. These factors allowed fencing to be reconceived with new methods and to reach a wider audience. However, to appeal to a larger and increasingly educated audience, early modern fencing treatises adopted new pedagogical tools and made efforts to legitimise fencing, elevating their new methods above fencing’s violent nature. To achieve this elevation, authors of fencing treatises attempted to raise fencing’s intellectual standing through the application of the trivium and later geometry and humanistic learning, in order to reposition fencing as a practice worthy of gentlemanly study. In this paper, I outline the process of this change and argue that, despite concerted effort to intellectualise fencing, as a means to obtain legitimacy, attempts were never wholly successful, due to an inability to completely separate conceptions of violence from the new science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the attentional profile of fencers, comparing them to non-athletes and swimmers. Three groups of subjects were studied (N=90; Mage=21.3; SD=4.1): thirty-seven fencers (20 female, 17 male), twenty-one swimmers (10 female, 11 male); thirty-two non-athletes (16 female, 16 male). Results of the alertness test (warning condition) showed swimmers were overall faster than non-athletes. In the no-warning condition, results of the alertness test showed a significant interaction between group x gender: in particular, it was the group of female non-athletes in the condition in which the warning signal was not present who recorded higher reaction times than the other groups. In the divided attention (only in the visual task), and the go/no-go tests, the fencers showed faster reaction times than the swimmers and the non-athletes, while the latter groups did not differ from each other. In the vigilance test, only the gender factor was significant: overall, males showed greater speed than females. In conclusion, our data show that fencers, compared to swimmers and nonathletes, possess better management of visual attention and a better ability to manage situations in which a response must be inhibited, suggesting that these differences affect more selective aspects of attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving prognosis of BC patients has drawn the attention of health care professionals on disease related long-term side effects and on the multiple treatments BC patients must undergo. Despite advances in procedures, surgery still has multiple detrimental effects, including pain, edema, and limited mobility. For this reason, fostering adapted physical activity (APA) and healthy lifestyle (including a balanced diet and weight management) should become an everyday purpose of healthcare professionals. Fencing may be a well-suited activity to counteract fatigue, pain, and limited arm mobility. Method and analysis: The FENICE study is a mono-center, randomized clinical trial targeting women with BC stages I-III within four weeks from BC surgery. Participants in the control arm will receive the usual recommendations based on the good clinical practice guidelines. In the study arm, participants will be treated with the usual clinical and therapeutic recommendations together with APA and correct lifestyle suggestions. Objective: The primary objective of the study is to compare whether implementation of APA and healthy lifestyle in BC patient after surgery will result in an overall improvement of physical and mental status. Conclusion: Fencing and its early application in postoperative period may represent a feasible strategy to be implemented in the rehabilitation journey of BC patients. Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol FENICE has been approved by an Italian Ethics Committee on May 2023 (R.S 100.23 5th May 2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to insufficient understanding of the ecological function of grassland and excessive utilization and dependence on its production function, 90% of grassland in China has been degraded to varying degrees. The grassland ecosystem has been seriously damaged, and the speed of governance has been far behind the degradation rate. In this paper, it is reviewed that the degradation of grassland restoration mechanism and the research progress of restoration technology, and summarized the past experiences and problems of degraded grassland ecological restoration work. The results show that, in mechanism research, it based on the theory of community ecology, ecological system function traits downward effect principle, threshold model and integrated filtering model as the latest theory of degraded grassland restoration. The grassland ecosystem degradation not only included vegetation coverage change, but also the change of dominant plant species, the decline of forage quality and production and the loss of species diversity. In terms of technical research, grassland restoration was shifted from single technological improvement to systematic comprehensive management, forming a restoration and management technology with biodiversity maintenance, optimal allocation of community structure, soil and seed storage restoration as the main ideas. At present, the mature grassland restoration techniques in China include fenced enclosure, aerial seeding, shallow tillage, no-tillage supplementary sowing, rotation grazing and time-limited grazing, etc. At the same time, the government has formulated a series of policies to curb grassland degradation and set up many ecological construction projects, such as the grassland household contract system, returning farmland to forest and grassland, returning grazing land to grassland, and the Beijing-Tianjin sandstorm source control project. It is the research direction of grassland degradation and restoration in China in the future to integrate and innovate grassland ecological restoration technology system and win-win mode of sustainable production development with precise measures taken in accordance with local conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fencing, it remains unclear whether practice enhances visual‐spatial attention allocation. We explored whether this ability is improved in fencers and if it is related to attack speed and accuracy. Twelve novices (<1 year of experience) and 12 trained epee fencers (18 ± 10 years of experience) visited the laboratory twice (familiarization and testing session). They performed a covert orienting of visuospatial attention test (COVAT) on a computer and an epee test, involving 30 trials of 3 shuttles followed by fast attack phases where the fencers quickly hit a target (randomly proposed out of 8). We measured COVAT reaction time, number of successful target hits, and execution time to hit in the fencing test. We found shorter COVAT reaction time for trained fencers (332 ± 24 ms) versus novices (367 ± 32 ms; p < 0.001). The number of hits was greater for trained fencers (22 ± 3) versus novices (16 ± 3; p < 0.001). ANCOVA showed a difference in execution time at the test (823 ± 73 ms vs. 913 ± 141 ms, p = 0.035). A relationship was found between hits and execution time and between execution time and COVAT reaction time for the trained group (r = 0.62, p = 0.03 and r = 0.70, p = 0.01, respectively) but not in the novice group (r = 0.11, p = 0.72 and r = 0.45, p = 0.14, respectively). Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between execution time and number of hits (ADE: p = 0.008) was not mediated by COVAT reaction time (ACME: p = 0.17). These results evidence the importance of visual‐spatial attention allocation in fencing and evidence differences between novices and trained fencers with important implications for talent development in the early career stage. Highlights: This is the first study investigating visual‐spatial attention allocation ability by comparing computer and fencing‐specific tests in trained versus novice epee fencers.Speed and accuracy at the fencing test and reaction time at the computer test were greater for trained epee fencers compared to novices.Only trained epee fencers showed a trade‐off between accuracy and speed of execution at the fencing test.This relationship was not mediated by covert‐orienting attention ability despite a correlation between speed of execution and reaction time at the computer test.These results underline the importance of attention allocation and technical abilities, which could improve independently with practice and play a role in epee fencing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to improve the special physical capabilities and the level of performance of the straight attack for young female fencing players with fencing weapons through: a proposed training program using competitive exercises according to the rhythmic movement patterns. The researcher used the experimental approach for its suitability to the nature of the research. One of the most important results of this study was that the competitive exercises led to an improvement in the special physical capabilities and the level of performance of the straight attack according to the vital rhythm pattern of each youth for the sport of fencing.The researcher also concluded that the competitive exercises, according to the vital rhythm patterns, improved the physical capabilities of a high rate, which are as follows: The percentage of improvement in the ability of accuracy amounted to (75%), the percentage of improvement in the ability of reaction speed (70%), the percentage of improvement in strength characterized by speed (60%), the percentage of improvement in the ability of compatibility (60%) Also, the competitive exercises according to the vital rhythm patterns led to an improvement in the performance level of the accuracy of shooting the straight attack by (64%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify the impact of a proposed curriculum using an auxiliary educational tool in teaching some offensive skills in fencing to students. It involved the preparation of proposed educational units using the auxiliary tool to teach these skills. The researchers employed the experimental method with a group design appropriate to the research nature, consisting of an experimental group and a control group with pre- and post-tests. The research sample included 28 students, selected intentionally. Group (A), comprising 14 students, served as the experimental sample, while Group (B), also comprising 14 students, served as the control sample. The educational program was implemented over six weeks, with one educational unit per week. The researchers concluded that the use of the proposed method with the educational tool had a positive and significant impact on skill learning.

PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating Pilates into the training regimen of elite fencers, focusing on enhancing flexibility and alleviating pain commonly experienced in the sport. METHODS Twenty-five collegiate male elite fencers were stratified into two groups: a fencing training group (FT, n=12, age=18.92±1.08, weight=71.78±7.43 kg, body mass index [BMI]=22.32±2.09 kg/m2) and a fencing-Pilates combined training group (FPT, n=13, age=19.92±0.64, weight=70.97±9.14 kg, BMI=22.61±1.71 kg/m2). Evaluations, including body composition; physical fitness factors; shoulder strength; and joint range of motion in the upper extremities, lower extremities, neck, and spine, were conducted before and after 12 weeks of the intervention. Additionally, examinations of pain catastrophizing and anxiety levels during competitive engagements were performed. RESULTS There were no statistical differences in body composition, physical fitness factors, or upper-limb strength between the FT and FPT groups. However, the FPT group exhibited a notable enhancement in shoulder abduction of the upper limb when holding a sword, in contrast to the unchanged metrics observed in the FT group. The positive impact of Pilates-combined treatment on flexibility extended to the neck; waist; and lower extremities, such as hip flexion, hip extension, hip abduction, medial rotation, and ankle dorsi-flexion, coupled with significant improvements in psychological aspects, such as pain relief and related competition anxiety. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that Pilates-combined treatment can have a beneficial effect on improving flexibility and pain in fencers, and verified the effectiveness of Pilates as an auxiliary training method for elite fencers.

Abstract Background Grazing exclusion is an efficient practice to restore degraded grassland ecosystems by eliminating external disturbances and improving ecosystems’ self-healing capacities, which affects the ecological processes of soil-plant systems. Grassland degradation levels play a critical role in regulating these ecological processes. However, the effects of vegetation and soil states at different degradation stages on grassland ecosystem restoration are not fully understood. To better understand this, desert steppe at three levels of degradation (light, moderate, and heavy degradation) was fenced for 6 years in Inner Mongolia, China. Community characteristics were investigated, and nutrient concentrations of the soil (0–10 cm depth) and dominant plants were measured. Results We found that grazing exclusion increased shoots’ carbon (C) concentrations, C/N, and C/P, but significantly decreased shoots’ nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations for Stipa breviflora and Cleistogenes songorica. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in nutrient concentrations of these two species among the three degraded desert steppes after grazing exclusion. After grazing exclusion, annual accumulation rates of aboveground C, N, and P pools in the heavily degraded area were the highest, but the aboveground nutrient pools were the lowest among the three degraded grasslands. Similarly, the annual recovery rates of community height, cover, and aboveground biomass in the heavily degraded desert steppe were the highest among the three degraded steppes after grazing exclusion. These results indicate that grazing exclusion is more effective for vegetation restoration in the heavily degraded desert steppe. The soil total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus concentrations in the moderately and heavily degraded desert steppes were significantly decreased after six years of grazing exclusion, whereas these were no changes in the lightly degraded desert steppe. Structural equation model analysis showed that the grassland degradation level mainly altered the community aboveground biomass and aboveground nutrient pool, driving the decrease in soil nutrient concentrations and accelerating nutrient transfer from soil to plant community, especially in the heavily degraded grassland. Conclusions Our study emphasizes the importance of grassland degradation level in ecosystem restoration and provides theoretical guidance for scientific formulation of containment policies.

The research aims to identify the effect of “a training program using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on improving some physical variables for female students in fencing.” The researcher used the experimental method with an experimental design for one experimental group, following pre-inter, and post-measurements due to its suitability to the nature of the research. It also represents a community The research included (17) female students in the fourth year, specializing in fencing training at the Faculty of Physical Education for Girls - Helwan University for the academic year 2023-2024. The researcher also selected the research sample intentionally from the fourth year students majoring in fencing at the Faculty of Physical Education for Girls - Helwan University for the year. University 2023-2024, which is (5) female students as a basic sample representing the experimental group. Additionally, a survey sample of 12 students was chosen from both within and outside the primary research sample to conduct statistical analyses on the variables under investigation. The findings indicated that the training program using EMS had a positive impact on the functional development of the physical variables under study, as evidenced by statistical significance and improvement ratios between pre-test and posttest measurements favoring the post-test for some study variables. One of the key recommendations was to integrate EMS training with conventional training methods, given the high efficacy demonstrated by this combined approach in certain research tests and measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a highly adaptable species that have invaded many regions and cause significant damage throughout the world. Ungulate‐proof fencing is increasingly used in conjunction with other control techniques to manage wild pig populations. However, little is known about how fencing affects wild pig space use behaviors and whether any changes may be exploited to increase efficacy of control activities. Our goal was to understand how wild pigs altered their space use behaviors in response to newly constructed fencing. Specifically, we examined for changes in space use area (home range and core area), increases in overlap with conspecifics, and shifts in space use as ungulate exclusion fencing was constructed on northern Guam from February 2021 to March 2022. Wild pigs closer to the fence had decreased space use. For every 200 m nearer newly constructed fence, home ranges and core areas decreased approximately 15% and 16%, respectively. When individual wild pigs were enclosed by the fence, those animals increased their home range overlap with conspecifics by approximately 76% compared to wild pigs outside the fence. Wild pigs shifted their home ranges 3 to 9 times more during the first part of fence construction when 68% of the fence was completed compared to all other time periods, with male wild pigs shifting greater distances than females by 1.15 times. The construction of ungulate fencing led to smaller space use areas of wild pigs on both sides of the fence and intensified use of the area inside the fence by wild pigs contained within (i.e., more overlap). Management activities nearer the fence should account for decreases in home range and core area size to maximize population control efforts (i.e., more densely spaced trap sites). Enclosed wild pigs should be eradicated quickly to minimize damages to sensitive flora and fauna and decrease disease risk from intensified movement behaviors inside the fence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Humaniora dan Politik (JIHHP) is the property of Dinasti Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study examines the impact of ungulate browsing on the understory dynamics of the Cansiglio Forest, the only European beech high forest in the Southern Limestone Alps. Utilizing seven pairs of fenced versus unfenced forest stands established over two decades, we assessed how fencing affects understory structure and tree regeneration. Significant differences were found in cover, height and vascular species composition in both tree regeneration and shrub layers. Fenced areas showed a significantly higher number and greater average height of young trees, supporting the hypothesis that ungulate browsing negatively impacts tree regeneration. Despite previous studies attributing the lack of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) regeneration primarily to red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) browsing, our findings did not show a significant association of this species with fenced conditions. While Rubus abundance was higher inside fenced areas, overall vascular species richness did not differ. Our results highlight the evident effects of ungulate browsing and suggest the need to consider other factors influencing forest regeneration and understory development. Future research should establish additional study replicates, balanced across diverse site and stand structure conditions, to further explore these dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human-animal conflict has been increasing day by day worldwide. This conflict gets turned into wild life menace at several times. As per survey, Monkey has been found attacking for want of food and other eatables. Based on research and survey, it was established that monkeys can hear sounds from 20Hz to 40KHz. Human can hear in between 20Hz to 20 KHz. Taking this advantage, the research article is focused for generation of noise beyond hearing range i.e. beyond 20 KHz but less than 40 KHz to develop silent electronic system. At the same time noise is heard by deterring animal such as monkey. This paper proposed a silent electronic system, which emits sound in between 25 KHz to 40 KHz at safe SPL (sound pressure level) to deter monkeys. Proposed sound spectrum is not audible to human, but monkeys can hear it very well. This spectrum is known as ultrasonic frequency sound. Proposed work is to create ultrasonic noise at safe level of monkey hearing, which can annoy or create hostile environment to only monkeys. An ultrasonic frequency generation (software based) electronic system has been designed and developed to control monkey menace. Safe SPL (sound power level) at 115dB is used. The emission frequency used is 25 KHz to 40 KHz in burst format. The system is versatile, with change in program it can target deterring any animal or wildlife applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte is the property of Centro Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Grazing exclusion is an efficient practice to restore degraded grassland ecosystems by eliminating external disturbances and improving ecosystems' self-healing capacities, which affects the ecological processes of soil-plant systems. Grassland degradation levels play a critical role in regulating these ecological processes. However, the effects of vegetation and soil states at different degradation stages on grassland ecosystem restoration are not fully understood. To better understand this, desert steppe at three levels of degradation (light, moderate, and heavy degradation) was fenced for 6 years in Inner Mongolia, China. Community characteristics were investigated, and nutrient concentrations of the soil (0–10 cm depth) and dominant plants were measured. Results: We found that grazing exclusion increased shoots' carbon (C) concentrations, C/N, and C/P, but significantly decreased shoots' nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations for Stipa breviflora and Cleistogenes songorica. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in nutrient concentrations of these two species among the three degraded desert steppes after grazing exclusion. After grazing exclusion, annual accumulation rates of aboveground C, N, and P pools in the heavily degraded area were the highest, but the aboveground nutrient pools were the lowest among the three degraded grasslands. Similarly, the annual recovery rates of community height, cover, and aboveground biomass in the heavily degraded desert steppe were the highest among the three degraded steppes after grazing exclusion. These results indicate that grazing exclusion is more effective for vegetation restoration in the heavily degraded desert steppe. The soil total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus concentrations in the moderately and heavily degraded desert steppes were significantly decreased after six years of grazing exclusion, whereas these were no changes in the lightly degraded desert steppe. Structural equation model analysis showed that the grassland degradation level mainly altered the community aboveground biomass and aboveground nutrient pool, driving the decrease in soil nutrient concentrations and accelerating nutrient transfer from soil to plant community, especially in the heavily degraded grassland. Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the importance of grassland degradation level in ecosystem restoration and provides theoretical guidance for scientific formulation of containment policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to compare and analyze whether Pilates exercise and yoga exercise help improve the performance of female fencers and prevent injury, and the dynamic balance test (LQ-YBT) and functional movement screening (FMS) test score of the elite adult female fencers were compared and analyzed as evaluation indicators. Participants were randomly classified into Pilates (n = 10) and yoga groups (n = 10), members of which took part in 50 min of exercise (5 min of warm-up, 40 min of main exercise, and 5 min of cool-down) twice weekly for eight weeks. The results obtained from this study were analyzed via independent t-test and 2-way ANOVA. The results were as follows: LQ-YBT measures (reaching distance) increased significantly for both groups, as did FMS scores (deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability). These results suggest that Pilates exercise and yoga exercise might be likely effective in improving the performance of adult female fencers and injury prevention by increasing their dynamic balance ability and functional movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise / Türk Spor ve Egzersiz Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BackgroundImproving prognosis of BC patients has drawn the attention of health care professionals on disease related long-term side effects and on the multiple treatments BC patients must undergo. Despite advances in procedures, surgery still has multiple detrimental effects, including pain, edema, and limited mobility. For this reason, fostering adapted physical activity (APA) and healthy lifestyle (including a balanced diet and weight management) should become an everyday purpose of healthcare professionals. Fencing may be a well-suited activity to counteract fatigue, pain, and limited arm mobility.Method and analysisThe FENICE study is a mono-center, randomized clinical trial targeting women with BC stages I-III within four weeks from BC surgery. Participants in the control arm will receive the usual recommendations based on the good clinical practice guidelines. In the study arm, participants will be treated with the usual clinical and therapeutic recommendations together with APA and correct lifestyle suggestions.ObjectiveThe primary objective of the study is to compare whether implementation of APA and healthy lifestyle in BC patient after surgery will result in an overall improvement of physical and mental status.ConclusionFencing and its early application in postoperative period may represent a feasible strategy to be implemented in the rehabilitation journey of BC patients.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol FENICE has been approved by an Italian Ethics Committee on May 2023 (R.S 100.23 5th May 2023).

Background and Study Aim. Attention and concentration, fundamental psychological skills, are crucial in situations where the opponent moves rapidly and incessantly. Reaction time is also of paramount importance in winning a game in fencing, which requires both offensive and defensive actions. Understanding the factors that affect reaction time is essential for improving performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of disruptions in attention and concentration on reaction time in fencing. Material and Methods. Thirty-four healthy male and female fencers participated in two testing sessions. In the initial session, participants filled out a personal information form and took the d2 Attention Test to determine their attention levels. They also completed items representing the concentration disruption subscale of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) to measure concentration levels. In the second session, participants underwent the Favero Electronic Fencing Target (EFT-1) test to measure their reaction times. To analyze the obtained data, SPSS 20 was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient between attention, concentration disruption, and participants' reaction times was calculated. Then, linear regression analysis was employed to test whether attention and concentration scores could predict the reaction times. Results. The findings indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between E (r = .603, p < .01), E% (r = .628, p < .01), E1 (r = .584, p < .01), E2 (r = .533, p < .01), and reaction time. Additionally, a significant negative relationship was revealed between concentration performance and reaction times (r = -.456, p < .01). A significant positive correlation was observed between fencers' concentration disruption and reaction times (r = .416, p < .05). Conclusions. Our study results emphasize the importance of attention and concentration in disciplines that require quick reactions. These cognitive factors need to be considered in the development of sports performance.

Over time, numerous developments in digital technology have benefited people, including anthropometric measurements that provide information on an athlete’s ability in sports. The use of digital technology in sports must continue, particularly in the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (Komite Olahraga Nasional Indonesia, KONI) of Bandung City. This study proposed a technique for classifying and identifying fencing athletes’ talents. This work developed a methodology for evaluating sports talent based on anthropometric measurements of athletes’ bodies using the posture detection approach. Fencing and nonfencing athletes in KONI Bandung City were categorized using this talent identification. This study used 36 datasets of body posture images from various skills of the sport. These images were in JPEG or JPG format with a resolution of 3,024 × 4,032 and were acquired using a Canon EOS 1300D camera. This study utilized four points landmarks, which are usually used as measurement components in KONI, to categorize fencing athletes. The four points are shoulder (S), elbow (E), index (I), and hip (H) landmarks. The testing was done using three different dataset settings. According to the test results of all scenarios, scenario 2 had the highest accuracy. This scenario was able to categorize fencing and nonfencing athletes with an accuracy rate of 89% and an average processing time of less than 3 s per image.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adapted physical activity programs have shown promising results in reducing the physical, social and psychological side effects associated with breast cancer, but the extent to which they can be effectively adopted, implemented and maintained is unclear. The aim of this study is to use the framework to guide the planning and evaluation of programs according to the 5 following keys: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to evaluate a fencing program under the French acronym RIPOSTE (Reconstruction, Image de soi, Posture, Oncologie, Santé, Thé rapie, Escrime) literally in English (Reconstruction, Self-Image, Posture, Oncology, Health, Therapy, Fencing). This program is an innovative intervention focused on improving the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer surgery patients through fencing. Methods: A convergent mixed methods pilot study was conducted to preliminary evaluate the different RE-AIM dimension of the pilot program. Twenty-four participants who have just undergone surgery for invasive breast cancer were randomly allocated in two groups: one group started immediately after their inclusion (Early RIPOSTE group) and the other started 3 months following their inclusion (Delayed RIPOSTE group). Participants answered a questionnaire at inclusion and at the end of the program on QoL, shoulder functional capacity, fatigue, anxiety-depression and physical activity. Results: RIPOSTE program was able to reach mainly young and dynamic participants, attracted by the originality of fencing and keen to improve their physical condition. Regarding effectiveness, our results suggest a trend to the improvement of QoL, shoulder functional capacity, fatigue and anxietydepression state, even without any significant differences between the Early RIPOSTE group and the Delayed RIPOSTE group. Discussions: The cooperation, exchanges and cohesion within the group greatly facilitated the adoption of the program, whereas interruptions during school vacations were the main barriers. The intervention was moderately well implemented and adherence to the protocol was suitable. Conclusion: RIPOSTE is an acceptable and effective program for involving breast cancer survivors in physical activity, that needs to be tested at a larger scale to investigate its effectiveness, but has the potential to be transferred and scaled up worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proximal hamstring complex injury (PHCI) is a common injury among professional athletes, particularly those participating in pivot contact sports. Previous studies have suggested that surgery can be effective in restoring function and allowing athletes to return to sport (RTS), but the factors influencing successful RTS have been less clear. Purpose: To assess RTS capabilities after surgical treatment of PHCI in professional athletes and to identify favorable predictors of RTS. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study (2002-2022) was conducted on professional athletes who underwent surgical treatment for PHCI at a sports surgery center. The primary outcome of the study was the RTS capability, evaluated based on the rate of athletes' return to their preinjury level of competition, time delay to RTS, and quality of RTS as measured using their level of performance and progression of scores on activity scales such as the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), scale. "Maintained performance" was defined as athletes returning to the same preinjury activity level (per the TAS and UCLA scale) and perceiving themselves to have maintained their performance. Secondary outcomes covered the potential RTS predictors and complication rate. The study distinguished 2 types of PHCI: proximal hamstring tendon avulsion injury (proximal rupture with empty footprint, or having a "positive dropped ice cream sign") and complete proximal hamstring free tendon rupture (PHTR; proximal rupture without empty footprint, or having a "negative dropped ice cream sign"). Results: The study examined 64 professional athletes (mean age, 27.3 years; 82.8% male) undergoing surgery for PHCI. The RTS rate was 98.4%, with 78.1% of the athletes returning to their preinjury level of competition at 6.2 months (SD, 2.5 months). Twelve (19%) patients had returned to sport at an inferior level of competition, and 2 (3.1%) were unable to continue in their preinjury sport. Subgroup analysis revealed variation in RTS based on sport type, with the highest rate of return to preinjury performance found in athletes in handball and sports with splits (fencing, squash, and escalade; 100%) and soccer (95.2%). In the univariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 4.05; 95% CI, 1.45-11.3; P =.008), higher preinjury TAS score (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.52; P =.011), injury involving the semimembranosus (HR, 4.84; 95% CI, 2.31-10.2; P <.001) or conjoint tendon (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.55-6.25; P =.001), and PHTR (HR, 7.77; 95% CI, 3.54-17.0; P <.001) were significantly associated with a better postoperative level of competition. Multivariate analysis identified 3 favorable predictors of RTS with HRs of 2.91 (95% CI, 1.01-8.35; P =.047) for male sex, 3.86 (95% CI, 1.78-8.37; P <.001) for isolated semimembranosus injury, and 5.18 (95% CI, 2.24-12.0; P <.001) for PHTR. The complication rate was 4.7%. Conclusion: Favorable predictors of early RTS were male sex, isolated semimembranosus injury, and PHTR injuries. Registration: NCT02906865 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland management affects soil respiration (Rs, consists of heterotrophic respiration and autotrophic respiration) through soil micro-ecological processes, such as hydrothermal, plant root, organic carbon decomposition and microbial activity. Flooding, an irregular phenomenon in grasslands, may strongly regulate the response of soil respiration and its components to grassland management, but the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. We conducted a 3-year experiment by grassland management (fencing and grazing) and flooding conditions (no flooding (NF), short-term flooding (STF) and long-term flooding (LTF)) to study their effects on Rs and its components in a meadow steppe in the Hui River basin of Hulunbuir. We found differences in the patterns of Rs and its components under grassland management and flooding conditions. In 2021–2023, the temporal trends of Rs, heterotrophic respiration (Rh) and autotrophic respiration (Ra) were generally consistent, with peaks occurring on days 190–220, and the peaks of grazing were higher than that of fencing. In NF, Rs of grazed grassland was significantly higher than that of fenced grassland in 2021–2022 (p < 0.05). In STF and LTF, there was no significant difference in Rs between fenced and grazed grassland (p > 0.05). The dependence of Rs on soil temperature (ST) decreased with increasing flooding duration, and the dependence of Rs on ST of grazed grassland was higher than fenced grassland under NF and STF, but there was no difference between fenced grassland and grazed grassland under LTF. In addition, Rh was more sensitive to ST than Ra. This may be due to the different pathways of ST effects on Rs under grazing in different flooding conditions. Our study indicates that the effect of flooding on Rs is the key to the rational use of grassland under future climate change. To reduce regional carbon emissions, we recommend grazing on flooding grassland and fencing on no-flooding grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Sports Science & Arts - English is the property of Helwan University, Faculty of Physical Education for Girls and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Whether climate change or anthropogenic activities play a more pivotal role in regulating vegetation growth on the Tibetan Plateau is still controversial. A better understanding on grassland changes at a fine scale may provide important guidance for local government policy and grassland management. Using two of the most reliable satellite NDVI products (MODIS NDVI and SPOT NDVI), we evaluated the dynamic of grasslands in the Zhegucuo valley on the southern Tibetan Plateau from 2000 to 2020, and analyzed its driving factors and relative influences of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Here, the key indicators of climate change were assumed to be precipitation and temperature. The main results were: (1) the grassland NDVI in Zhegucuo valley did not reflect a significant temporal change during the last 21 years. The variation of precipitation during the early growing season (GSP) resembled that of NDVI, and the GSP was positively correlated with NDVI. At the pixel level, the partial correlation analysis showed that 37.79% of the pixels depicted a positive relationship between GSP and NDVI, while 11.32% of the pixels showed a negative relationship between temperature during the early growing season (GST) and NDVI. (2) In view of the spatial distribution, the areas mainly controlled by GSP were generally distributed in the southern part, while those affected by GST stood in the eastern part, mainly around the Zhegucuo lake where most population in Cuomei County settled down. (3) Decreasing NDVI trends were mainly occurred in alpine steppe at lower elevations rather than alpine meadow at higher elevations. (4) The residual trend (RESTREND) analysis further indicated that the anthropogenic activities played a more pivotal role in regulating the annual changes of NDVI rather than climate factors in this area. Future studies should pay more attention on climate extremes rather than the simple temporal trends. Also, the influence of human activities on alpine grassland needs to be accessed and fully considered in future sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to examine the relationship between character structures and mental toughness of high school and university students doing fencing sports. Survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, has been used in the study. The sample of the research consisted of 286 active licensed fencing athletes who have competing in the classifications of the Turkish Fencing Federation and studying at high schools and university. As a data collection tool in the study Personal Information Form, Sport Character Scale (SCS) Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) has been used. In the data analysis, independent group t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Tukey HSD multiple comparison test, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient test have been applied. As a result of the research; average of sports character scores of high school and university athletes; gender, age, education level, branch and nationality status variables have found to be significantly different. It has been specified that there wasn’t significant difference in the fencing experience period variable. Mental toughness score averages in sports; gender, age, education level, branch, fencing experience period, nationality status have found to be significantly different. It has been determined that there is a low and moderate positive and significant relationship in some sub-dimensions of the Sports Character Scale and Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire.

Instagram has impacted how athletes present themselves and communicate with their audiences without the need for mass media mediators, such as journalists. Hence, this study explores the opportunities for professional fencers to develop self-presentation and communication strategies on the platform. The methodological approach is based on netnography and content analysis, evaluating the top 10 fencers accounts (FIE). The findings point out how these athletes build their brand by increasing fan engagement and interaction through sharing training videos, competition photos, and personal stories, while also collaborating with sponsors and brands to open up business opportunities and revenue streams.

We investigated the influence of advance lunging in fencing from the perspective of velocity and lower limb joint angles to identify how the joint angles contribute to the peak velocity in a lunge with advance (LWA). Fourteen skilled athletes (age: 19.6 ± 0.9 years, height: 171.2 cm ± 5.2 cm, weight: 63.7 kg ± 5.3 kg, and fencing experience: 9.7 ± 3.1 years) participated by performing two types of attacking movements, and data were collected with a 3D movement analysis system. A correlation between the peak velocity of the body center of mass (CoM) in an advance lunge and several joint angle variables (rear hip peak flexion angle (r = 0.63), rear ankle peak dorsiflexion angle (r = −0.66), rear ankle range of motion (r = −0.59), and front hip peak extension angle (r = 0.54)) was revealed. In addition, the joint angle variables that significantly predicted peak CoM velocity during an LWA were the rear knee peak flexion angle (β = 0.542), rear knee peak extension angle (β = −0.537), and front knee peak extension angle (β = −0.460). Our findings suggest that the rear leg hip joint, rear leg ankle joint, and front leg hip joint may control the acceleration generated by an LWA. Furthermore, more flexion of the rear leg knee joint in the early phase of the lunge and greater extension of the rear and front leg knee joints at the end of the lunge phase may help increase peak velocity.

BackgroundAdapted physical activity programs have shown promising results in reducing the physical, social and psychological side effects associated with breast cancer, but the extent to which they can be effectively adopted, implemented and maintained is unclear. The aim of this study is to use the framework to guide the planning and evaluation of programs according to the 5 following keys: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to evaluate a fencing program under the French acronym RIPOSTE (Reconstruction, Image de soi, Posture, Oncologie, Santé, Thérapie, Escrime) literally in English (Reconstruction, Self-Image, Posture, Oncology, Health, Therapy, Fencing). This program is an innovative intervention focused on improving the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer surgery patients through fencing.MethodsA convergent mixed methods pilot study was conducted to preliminary evaluate the different RE-AIM dimension of the pilot program. Twenty-four participants who have just undergone surgery for invasive breast cancer were randomly allocated in two groups: one group started immediately after their inclusion (Early RIPOSTE group) and the other started 3 months following their inclusion (Delayed RIPOSTE group). Participants answered a questionnaire at inclusion and at the end of the program on QoL, shoulder functional capacity, fatigue, anxiety-depression and physical activity.ResultsRIPOSTE program was able to reach mainly young and dynamic participants, attracted by the originality of fencing and keen to improve their physical condition. Regarding effectiveness, our results suggest a trend to the improvement of QoL, shoulder functional capacity, fatigue and anxiety-depression state, even without any significant differences between the Early RIPOSTE group and the Delayed RIPOSTE group.DiscussionsThe cooperation, exchanges and cohesion within the group greatly facilitated the adoption of the program, whereas interruptions during school vacations were the main barriers. The intervention was moderately well implemented and adherence to the protocol was suitable.ConclusionRIPOSTE is an acceptable and effective program for involving breast cancer survivors in physical activity, that needs to be tested at a larger scale to investigate its effectiveness, but has the potential to be transferred and scaled up worldwide.

Fencing as a sport requires a combination of physical fitness, mental acuity, and strategic anticipation. This study explores the role of motor intelligence and anticipatory ability in the achievement of excellence in fencing performances. Motor intelligence includes the ability to process sensory information quickly, adapt movements to suitably, and execute precise actions. Anticipation involves the ability to predict the actions of opponents and effectively react. By analyzing the interaction between motor intelligence and anticipatory ability, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying high-level fencing performance. Perspectives from cognitive neuroscience, biomechanics, and sport psychology are integrated to comprehensively understand the cognitive-motor processes involved in fencing. Practical implications for training programs and coaching methodologies are discussed, highlighting the importance of developing motor intelligence and anticipatory skills to optimize fencing competition performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of PODIUM- Revista de Ciencia y Tecnologia en la Cultura Física is the property of Universidad de Pinar del Rio and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The fencing lunge is one of the most common and fundamental attacking moves in fencing. The aim of this study was to provide kinematical compare of upper extremity among elite female and male senior fencers when performing a lunge. Four female and four male members of Iran National Team were selected as research sample. The participants were filmed when performing a complete lunge with a camera of 300 Hz sampling rate to evaluate kinematical parameters. The student's -t test revealed that elite male fencers had significantly shorter reaction and movement time comparing with elite female fencers. No major differences in other kinematic parameters indicate that elite male and female fencers performed lunge in similar way. The final conclusion of this study is that the existing differences in time of lunge technique may suggest the need for alternative training strategies to prepare fencing athletes.The examination of the kinematic analysis of the upper body in male and female elite fencers demonstrated that the dissimilarity in the execution speed of the lunge technique between the two genders cannot be accounted for by kinematic changes in joint movements. The differences highlighted in this study can serve as a basis for formulating distinct training and coaching strategies, with the aim of better preparing athletes for decision making and quick movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]