Characteristics of the Bilateral Isometric Force-time and Rfd-time Curve of Leg Extensors in High Trained Serbian Male Fencers

The primary aim of the study was to define the characteristics of the Force – time (F-t) and Rate of Force Development – time (RFD-t) curve of bilateral voluntary isometric muscle force of leg extensors in Serbian male fencers competing at the national and international level. The secondary aim of the study was to define the differences between the participants based on their competitive level. The sample consisted of twelve Serbian male fencers, who were divided into two different groups according to their competitive level (national N=8 and international level N=4). In order to assess the characteristics of the F-t isometric leg extensor force, tensiometric probes and the standardized seated leg press test were used. The measurement range was defined by 9 variables for the contractile characteristics of the leg extensor isometric muscle force – 1) the maximal force level – FmaxLEGEXTISO, 2) the time necessary to reach maximal force – tFmax LEGEXTISO 3) the indicator of the basic (general) level of rate of force development – RFDFmaxLEGEXTISO, 4) the indicator of the specific level of rate of force development – RFD50%LEGEXTISO, three indicators for evaluating the special level of explosive force development, i.e. leg extensor explosiveness, 5) measured at 250ms – RFD250msLEGEXTISO, 6) measured at 180ms – RFD180msLEGEXTISO, 7) measured at 100ms – RFD100msLEGEXTISO, 8) the indicator of achieved maximal level of Rate of Force Development – RFDmax, and 9) the time necessary to reach maximal level of Rate of Force Development – tRFDmax. The results of the multivariate statistical method (MANOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there was no statistical significant difference between the observed variables among groups of national and international Serbian fencers. In the future, studies will observe female fencing athletes, different age groups, and also establish the relation among F-t and RFD-t variables with the competition performance of fencers.