Author(s): BIAN, C., RUSSELL, S.2, ROELANDS, B.1, Institution: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, Country: BELGIUM, Abstract-ID: 546

INTRODUCTION:
Growing evidence identifies the presence, fluctuation, and persistence of mental fatigue (MF) in training and competition settings. Fencing is a sport that has seen a recent increase in scientific research. It is a typical skill-based combat sport with intermittent intensive mental demands. Exploring the nature and presence of MF in fencing provides insights to inform the practice and strategic approach of athletes and coaching staff.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods survey obtained 92 national-level adult practitioners perceptions of MF and understanding of its potential inducement in fencing. Thematic analysis interpreted open-text responses to specific definitions of MF. Frequency counts representing fencing-specific factors perceived to be associated with mental fatigue were reported. Perceptions of MF following fencing competition and training, and analysis of specific moments and processes were obtained using a 100mm visual analog scale. Results were displayed as mean ± SD and paired t-tests were performed to determine potential differences between perceptions of MF between moments and processes to elucidate fencing-specific MF inducement.
RESULTS:
Most respondents (88%) were active fencers or coaches representing all three fencing disciplines (Epee/Foil/Sabre). Participants indicated MF was more prominent after a game than training. Participants perceived MF to be associated with negative emotions (n=27), uncomfortable brain and whole-body feelings (n=24), worsened psychomotor response (n=20), disengaged thought (n=13), and sleep disturbance (n=9). In official competitions, respondents evaluated higher MF after an elimination stage game than after the pool stage (57.59±21.02 vs. 49.21±21.73; p<0.001). Sleep quality (78.26%), match environment (50.0%), and preparation duration (43.48%) were considered the most influential external inducers of MF. Higher tactical (t=6.22, p<0.001), technical (t=3.92, p<0.001), and psychological (t=3.81, p<0.001) contributions to MF were reported in relation to post-match vs. post-training. Respondents rated the cumulative execution of decision-making (57.36±23.27) and attack (51.93±25.92) as most effortful moments that induced MF during the match. The survey indicated that within a single competition bout, attention maintenance (61.80±27.11), anticipation of the opponent (53.15±24.85), and emotional regulation (52.87±25.74) contributed predominantly to perceived MF inducement.
CONCLUSION:
National-level fencers indicate elevated MF following competition and associate this with emotional, behavioral, and physical sensation changes. The inducement of MF in fencing combat was primarily attributed to the accumulative decision-making, attention, anticipation, and emotion regulation processes. The present findings emphasize the importance and impact of MF in fencing and highlight potential factors and interrelationships that require further applied investigation.