Background: The quadriceps muscles are critical for generating propulsion during the Fente. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, performed at low loads, has gained attention for its potential to enhance muscle strength and functional performance whi...
Background: The quadriceps muscles are critical for generating propulsion during the Fente. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, performed at low loads, has gained attention for its potential to enhance muscle strength and functional performance while minimizing injury risk. This study investigates the effects of low-load BFR training on lower limb kinematics during the Fente, quadriceps strength, and static balance in fencers.
Methods: Sixteen collegiate sabre and epee fencers were randomly assigned to either a BFR group (30% 1RM leg extension with BFR) or a GLE group (70% 1RM general leg extension without BFR). A 6-week intervention replaced regular fencing training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included lower limb kinematics during three defined phases of the fente, quadriceps strength, static balance
Results: There was a significant difference in rear leg hip flexion angular velocity, knee flexion angle, and knee flexion angular velocity during Phase 1 in the BFR group (p<.05), but no significant differences were observed in the GLE group (p>.05). During Phase 2, there was a significant increase in rear leg knee flexion angles in the BFR group (p<.05). Between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in rear leg knee flexion angles (p<.05). In Phase 3, there was a significant increase in rear leg hip flexion angle, hip flexion angular velocity, knee flexion angle, and knee flexion angular velocity in the BFR group (p<.05). Between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in rear leg hip extension angular velocity (p<.05).
For strength outcomes, there was a significant increase in rear leg isometric quadriceps strength in both the BFR and GLE groups (p<.05), but no significant differences were observed in front leg strength within or between groups (p>.05).
For static balance assessments, no significant differences were found within either the BFR or GLE groups or between the groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that BFR training effectively improves the rear leg angles and angular velocity during the Fente, even at low loads. It offers a safe and practical alternative to high-intensity training, reducing injury risks while enhancing athletic performance in fencers.