Effect of specific exercises on the development of selected biomotor capabilities, physiological indicators, and compound offensive performance in foil fencer
This study aimed to examine the effect of a programme of specific exercises on the development of selected biomotor capabilities, physiological indicators, and compound offensive performance in foil fencers. The researcher employed an experimental design with two groups (experimental and control) and a pre-test-post-test arrangement, which was deemed most appropriate for the nature of the research problem. The sample was selected purposively and consisted of twenty (20) players, equally divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10), in addition to a pilot sub-sample (n = 5). A specific-exercise training programme was applied to the experimental group, while the control group continued with the customary training programme; both interventions extended over eight (8) weeks at a frequency of three (3) training units per week. The variables under investigation comprised biomotor capabilities (speed-strength, explosive power, agility, and dynamic balance), physiological indicators (maximal oxygen uptake [VO₂max], oxygen debt, oxygen deficit, and post-exertion heart rate), and compound offensive performance. The results showed statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-tests in favour of the post-tests for both groups, together with a significant superiority of the experimental group over the control group in all study variables. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of specific exercises in enhancing biomotor capabilities and physiological indicators and in improving compound offensive performance. The researcher concludes that specific exercises contribute substantively to integrated physical, functional, and skill-related adaptations, and recommends their adoption in the training programmes of foil fencers