Lukass Edmunds Teteris

This pilot study examined the effects of a 12-week reaction training program on physical and cognitive performance (choice reaction) in U20 Latvian fencers. Five qualified right-handed male fencers (aged 14.8–18.6 years) completed the Vienna Test System choice reaction task at baseline and after 12 weeks while cycling through five heart rate zones (1–5). Reaction speed (RS), motor speed (MS), choice reaction time (CR), and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Paired-sample t-tests indicated no significant group-level changes: RS (t = 1.46, p = 0.21, d = 0.65, 95% CI [−36.92, 118.92]), MS (t = 2.37, p = 0.07, d = 1.06, 95% CI [−3.14, 40.34]), CR (t = 1.70, p = 0.16, d = 0.76, 95% CI [−37.30, 156.26]), and HR (t = −2.69, p = 0.054, d = −1.20, 95% CI [−12.53, 0.17]). Individual responses revealed that three athletes improved CR in low- to moderate-intensity zones (−12.66% to −27.18%), whereas heart rate increased modestly (1.35% to 9.60%). Given the critical age for developing choice reaction, these findings should be considered as preliminary and exploratory, offering initial insights into how training might influence cognitive performance in young fencers and demonstrating that responses can differ across heart rate zones and among individuals.

The sport of fencing is fast, athletic, and psychologically very complex. In fencing, the fencer’s success and achievement depend on various factors. In addition to technical and tactical training, the main success factors are aerobic and anaerobic capacity, speed, reaction speed, endurance, agility, flexibility, and coordination skills. In biathlete sports, one must react within the shortest time possible because the combat technique involves attack and defence moves throughout. Reaction speed, which is one of the aspects determining speed overall, became one of the main factors in achieving athletic success in fencing. The ability to influence reaction speed is very complex, and scholars have announced several discoveries on the development of reaction time. The aim of this study is to analyse scientific literature to find an effective training method for developing reaction speed in fencing. It was decided to use the Google Scholar database to find original studies in the English language with a focus on the development of reaction speed in fencing. Seven scientific articles were included in this study. Scientific studies on the development of reaction speed show that systematic and continuous training from 6 weeks to 3 years in duration improves the fencer’s reaction speed. The exercises were selected in line with the peculiarities of fencing and general physical training, hitting the fencing target using visual signals and using exercises for reaction speed, changing direction, speed, and explosiveness. Training to develop reactions should constitute an integral part of fencing training programmes for both children and adults who are proficient fencers. Further studies are needed on employing new training methods and tools in the development of reaction speed.

Fencing sport is fast, athletic, and psychologically very sophisticated. In combat sports, it is necessary to react as fast as possible, because combat tactics includes performing attacking and defensive moves during the entire combat. Reaction time, which is one of the factors determining speed, became one of the main athletic input factors for achievement in fencing. Experience gained in other countries shows that physical load has influence on the manifestations of fencers’ reaction speed. In other countries, the impact of physical load on fencers’ reaction speed was studied using laboratory tests rather than in real environments. The aim of this study is to determine fencers’ choice reaction speed under varying intensity loads in real fencing combat circumstances. Research methods: 8 male national foil fencing teams subjects 17–27-year-old participated in the study; the subjects fenced in 16 combats until 5 points and in 16 combats until 15 points, with 32 combats being recorded, and the speed of choice reaction was analysed using a previously developed protocol, using heart rate monitoring to determine heart rate frequency in both subjects during the combat. Analysing the results of the study, it can be concluded that workload intensity influence reaction speed. Both fencers showed decrease in reaction speed in the 3rd and 4th HR zones. The impact of fatigue is significant for reaction stability, therefore a better-trained athlete with a higher level of aerobic and anaerobic training will be able to react more sustainably during fencing combats, facilitating the production of better results.