Here we present a multidimensional analysis of the physiological demands of competitive fencing, and a physiological profile of competitors of various levels. We characterized HR, blood lactate, oxygen uptake, energy expenditure, and exercise duration during competition and training (n=55). Explosive strength of the knee extensors was also measured in the laboratory (n=215). We carried out systematic physiological testing of the Spanish National fencing team (n=28). From the analysis during competition we emphasize the variability of the physiological response. It was found that during different assaults, 41% (sd=34%) of the time the competitors' heart rates were above that HR corresponding to the anaerobic threshold. Assaults represent alone 18% of total competition time. A method of VO2 estimation during the exercise was used. In competitive assaults, the estimated oxygen uptake averaged 39.6 mL•kg-1•min-1 for female fencers, a lower value as compared with men (X=53.9 mL•kg-1•min-1). Our results showed an overestimation of real (measured) VO2. When the knee extensors by means, CMJ values were found to be 2.1 cm higher (X=33.2 cm) than SJ values (X=31.1 cm). In specific testing protocols results were also found to be higher when the elastic component. Male competitors showed consistently higher strength values in all categories, with the exception of the under-12 years age group. Members of the Spanish National male team showed larger O2max values (X=56.5 mL•kg-1•min-1) and showed higher explosive strength values in the SJ (X=38.3 cm; sd=3.9), and in the CMJ (X=43.1 cm; sd=6).
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