2020, Volume 16
Injuries in high-performance fencers – a review
Martyna Swatowska1, Anna Akbaş1, Grzegorz Juras1
1Institute of Sport Sciences, Department of Motor Behavior, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
Author for correspondence: Martyna Swatowska; Institute of Sport Sciences, Department of Motor Behavior, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; email: m.swatowska@awf.katowice.pl
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Abstract
Background and Study Aim: Competitive fencing is a demanding sport with a long history and a promising future. Fencing is very dynamic sport that exposes practitioners to injury. The cognitive purpose of this study was review the prevailing type and location of injuries, basic on the following criteria: how high the incidence rates of the resulting damages is, and what are the risk factors, such as gender or weapon.
Material and Methods: A literature search of four databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus) was conducted using different combinations of the following terms: “fencing injuries” OR “competitive fencing injuries” AND “fencing” AND “injuries.”
Results: The literature search retrieved a total of 190 articles from the four databases; 7 articles met all inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The article review found that fencing has a low injury rate. The lower limb was the most common injury location for any weapon and there were no differences between men and women. The most frequent type of injuries were strains and sprains.
Conclusions: Fencers are mainly exposed to lower limb injuries. Therefore, preventive actions should take this factor into account as the primary criterion. However, there is a lack of research showing the incidence of fencing injuries. so the injury rate may be low.
Key words: foil, épée, combat sport, sabre