Physiological Distinctions Between Elite and Non-Elite Fencers: A Comparative Analysis of Endurance, Explosive Power, and Lean Mass Using Sport-Specific Assessments

Fencing demands a unique blend of endurance, explosive power, and asymmetric neuromuscular control. This study compared physiological profiles of elite (top 25 nationally ranked, <i>n</i> = 16) and non-elite (positions 26-102, <i>n</i> = 33) Polish male fencers using the Fencing Endurance Test (FET), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-m sprint, body composition, and heart rate (HR) metrics. FET duration, CMJ-derived explosive power (flight time, reactive strength index), and relative lean mass were also assessed in relation to competitive experience. Quantile regression (age & BMI-adjusted), ROC analysis, and Spearman correlations evaluated group differences. Elite fencers demonstrated superior FET duration (median difference: +1.84 min, <i>p</i> < 0.0001), CMJ performance (e.g., 10.4 W/kg higher peak power, <i>p</i> = 0.014), and relative lean mass (+7.7%, <i>p</i> < 0.001), despite comparable 5-m sprint times. Elite athletes also showed more efficient HR recovery (HRR1) and lower pre-FET resting HR (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Competitive experience correlated strongly with FET endurance (rho = 0.62), CMJ power (rho = 0.42), and lean mass (rho = 0.55). ROC analysis identified FET ≥ 14.3 min, CMJ flight time ≥0.581 s, and ≥10 years of experience as optimal discriminators of elite status (AUCs 0.86-0.90). These findings confirm that elite performance is characterized by superior sport-specific endurance and explosive power, independent of age/BMI. The FET and CMJ emerge as practical tools for monitoring training progress, with identified thresholds serving as benchmarks for elite preparation. Training programs should prioritize individualized development of these traits, acknowledging inter-athlete variability in physiological strengths. Future research should explore sport-specific acceleration metrics and extended FET protocols for elite athletes.