Comparing embedded virtual reality combat to traditional warm-ups on fencing performance and fatigue: Protocol for a randomized crossover trial

Background Mental fatigue has been observed to increase early and accumulate during fencing competition days. Traditional warm-up structures in fencing, including coach-led one-on-one combat (TC), always require a physical sparring partner. Virtual reality combat (VC) can engage athletes in an immersive, entertaining sports environment with specific motor-cognitive stimuli to enhance training and mental preparation, which may facilitate a quality warm-up. Aims This study will compare the effects of VC with those of TC in the specialized warm-up section, on fencing-specific performance and fencers' fatigue levels. Methods This study will be a within-subjects, randomized crossover design. It has been ethically approved and registered. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Twenty Epee fencers will be recruited and matched for gender and fencing level. The fencers' pair will be randomly assigned in a counterbalanced order to commence the experimental condition with VC or the control condition with TC first. Standardized measures of mental and physical fatigue, and motor-cognitive performance will be conducted pre- and post-warm-ups. Analysis Linear mixed-effects models will be used for time, condition, and their interaction effects. Other subjective perceptions after VC/TC and heart rate responses to VC/TC will be collected and compared between conditions via paired samples t-tests. Discussion This is the first time the virtual reality technology will be integrated into a traditional fencing warm-up to explore the feasibility of virtual combat as an on-field alternative. The practice-oriented study seeks to inform pre-competition warm-up structures, management of mental fatigue, and subsequent performance enhancement in real-world combat sports.