Injury profile of Longsword fencing in Historical European Martial Arts: a retrospective questionnaire study
Journal Title: Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts - Year 2016, Vol 7, Issue 2
Abstract
[b]Introduction. [/b] Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) are a mix of historical martial systems. It has been growing in popularity and research on HEMA–related injuries is lacking. Reliable data is necessary. The aim is to give insight in the most prevalent injuries of HEMA, determine whether or not fencing in full protective gear generates risk compensation behavior and which types of protective equipment are failing.[b]Material and methods.[/b] A retrospective questionnaire study in the Belgian – Dutch HEMA population, with questions about the obtainment of injuries, protective equipment modification and fencing intensities. Level of significance was chosen at 0,05%[b]Results.[/b] In terms of injury rate (IR), 60 participants (22,3%) obtained head injuries. 36,5% sprains, 28,3% strains, 10,4% fractures and 5,6% dislocations. 40,6% subungual hematomas (swordsman’s thumbs/fingers). Total amount of upper body injuries and lower body injuries were significantly different as were fighting intensity with minimal (5,56/10) and full equipment (8,00/10) (p&amp;lt;0,001). Most acute injuries are located at the hand, wrist and fingers, while chronic injuries occur at shoulders, elbows, knees and back. The most prevalent issues on protective equipment were at the heavy duty gloves (29,9%) and fencing mask (12%). [b]Conclusions.[/b] HEMA has a specific injury profile other than other martial arts. Some of the current used protective equipment is lacking in safety. Frequencies of injuries can be reduced by proper mask fitting and more mobile hand protection is necessary. Full equipment fencing might be a victim of risk compensating behavior. More research is required. <br/><br/>
Authors and Affiliations
Sean Wauters, Damien Van Tiggelen
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP207279
- DOI 10.5604/20815735.1227843
- Views 81
- Downloads 0
Investigation and comparing aggression in athletes in non- contact (swimming), limited contact (karate) and contactable (kickboxing) sport fields
[b]Introduction.[/b] All of the people dealing with sport, it’s inevitable to encounter with the phenomenon named „aggression”. Rarely we can find a subject that is considerable as aggression and violence. To pay attenti...
Physical and physiological characteristics of high-level combat sport athletes
[b]Background.[/b] This study attempted to establish physical and physiological characteristics of different high-level combat sport athletes (judo, karate, and taekwondo) and to determine possible differences between th...
Infants’ Defense Method (INDEM)
During our childhood, even early after being borne, we have innate features for self-defense instinctively which are barely noticed. On the other hand, nowadays, martial arts and self-defense practices are being steadily...
Maximal strength development in a yearly training cycle of judo competitors
[b]Introduction. [/b]According to Kenji Tomiki, athletic performance of judo competitors is affected by three basic and objective factors: flexibility and elasticity of muscles, static and dynamic strength and fitness of...
Injuries and overloads in combat sports exemplified by Thai boxing and judo
[b]Introduction.[/b] Each sports activity, particularly combat sports, involves various injuries and overloads. Injuries are a result of impact of sudden large for ceson tissues, while overloads are caused by small but...