Validity and reliability of a light-based electronic target for testing response time in fencers

De Giorgio, Andrea, Luliano, Enzo, Turner, Anthony N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5121-432X, Millevolte, Carlo, Adrigo, Luca P. and Padulo, Johnny (2019) Validity and reliability of a light-based electronic target for testing response time in fencers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research . ISSN 1064-8011 [Article] (Published online first) (doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003160)

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Abstract

Response time is a fencing fundamental sensorimotor skill. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of a light-based electronic target in fencers, designed to measure and train this entity. Ninety-five fencers (M=53; F=42) were tested in regard to their response time, using a light-based electronic target, for three different attack types: simple attack, the lunge, and an attack following a 1.5-m thrust. All participants were divided into elite vs. novice fencers. Elite fencers had national and international rankings, and were again divided with regard to used weapon: épéeists (n=32; M=19; F=13) and foilists (n=30; M=13; F=17). Measurement was evaluated for validity/reliability, sensitivity/specificity, and correlation. Reliability was high for all attack types (ICC 0.94-0.96). Lower response times were found in males for two attack types with good sensitivity (81-93%)/specificity (50-91%) for all attack types. Elite fencers responded faster than novice fencers for all attack types (P<0.001), whereas elite males were faster than females for two attack types (P<0.01). Lower response times in females correlated with level for one attack type (r=0.797, P<0.05). In conclusion, the light-based electronic target system was found to be highly reliable and therefore could be used by fencing athletes as a further measure of performance.

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