ABSTRACT
Wheelchair fencing is an exciting, dynamic, and fast paced sport practiced by a multitude of athletes with various permanent disabilities. A complete needs analysis of wheelchair fencing is presented in this chapter, which reveals that the sport is predominantly taxing the anaerobic energy systems across the three weapons (epee, foil and sabre). The lunge appears to be the most common form of attack and is performed repeatedly at high velocities during a fencing bout. The repetitive nature and high velocities exerted during the lunge exposes athletes to a substantial number of injuries, were elbow and shoulder strains are the most diagnosed. A fitness testing battery is provided, aiming to assist the practitioner in detecting possible meaningful changes in the athlete’s physical capacity when following a training intervention. To reach peak performance and minimise injury risk, the practitioner should implement a periodised program accounting for the sport’s athletic requirement, and importantly, the athlete’s degree of impairment. The practitioner working with wheelchair fencing athletes can face numerous challenges and will require high level of creativity as discussed throughout.
