The effects of ballistic resistance training on upper-limb power and reaction time in youth épée fencers

Authors

• Mahmoud SALLAM, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
• Mazin Hasan ALHASANY, Wasit University, Al Kut, Iraq
• Hachin CHANI, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. Almaaqal University, Iraq
• Ghofran BASHIR, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences for Women. Baghdad University, Iraq
• Bushra AL-HAMMASHI, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences for Women, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
• Gaffar SAAD, Wasit University, Al Kut, Iraq
• Hussein HASHOS, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Almaaqal University, Basrah, Iraq
• Amr HAMZA, Department of Physical Education, Aswan University
• Mariola GEPFERT, Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, PolandFollow

Abstract

Background: Explosive power and rapid reaction time are crucial in fencing. Ballistic resistance training (BRT) may improve these qualities but is rarely applied in fencing. Materials and methods: To assess the effects of an eight-week BRT program on upper-limb power and reaction time in youth Egyptian épée fencers, nineteen male fencers (aged 16.6 ± 1.5) were randomly divided into a BRT group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 9). The BRT group added three weekly 30-minute sessions of "Ballistic Six" exercises to regular fencing training. Tests before and after included: tennis ball throw (power), armed arm reaction time (extension and lunge), and handgrip strength. Results: The BRT group showed significant improvements: tennis ball throw: +9.4% (p < 0.01), reaction time (extension): −16.2% (p < 0.01), reaction time (lunge): −8.5% (p < 0.05). The control group had no significant changes. Conclusions: Ballistic resistance training significantly improves upper-limb power and reaction time in youth fencers. This time-efficient method can enhance fencing performance and should be considered in athlete development programs.

Recommended Citation

Sallam M, Alhasany MH, Chani H, Bashir G, Al-Hammashi B, Saad G, Hashoos H, Hamza A, Gepfert M. The effects of ballistic resistance training on upper-limb power and reaction time in youth épée fencers. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(2):Article2. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.2.02

Author ORCID Identifier

Mazin Hasan ALHASANY, ORCID: 0009-0006-9211-0259

Mariola GEPFERT, ORCID: 0000-0002-9749-5278

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.