Sleep Quality, Depression, and Injury Risks in Elite Fencing Athletes

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep quality, depression, and injury risk in elite fencing athletes.METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 42 elite fencing athletes (aged 19-25 years) who participated in the Korea Junior National Team training camp. The athletes completed validated questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Injury history was assessed through self-reported data.RESULTS: The CES-D score was significantly higher in poor sleepers compared to good sleepers (<i>p</i><.05). PSQI score was significantly higher in injured group compared to non-injured group, even after adjusting for age, sex, sports career, and BMI (<i>p</i><.05). Depression has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between injury status and PSQI scores.CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality in elite fencing athletes was associated with higher depression and injury risk. Depression significantly moderates the relationship between injury and sleep quality. These findings suggest that poor sleep quality may affect depression and injuries risks in elite fencing athletes.