Assessing the Nutritional Status and Establishing Normative Performance References in Highly Trained and Elite Swiss Fencers

Abstract

Background: Nutrition affects the athlete’s health and performance.  Modern sport relies on data‑driven analytics that combine nutrition and performance, yet fencing lacks sport‑specific reference values, limiting data-driven approaches in fencing.

Aim: This study seeks to (i) characterize the nutritional status of highly trained and elite Swiss fencers, and (ii) establish normative references for performance metrics in fencing.

Methods: Sixteen Swiss fencers (mean age: 22.6 ± 4.0 years, female n = 8, highly trained n = 6, elite n = 10) will be assessed in three seasonal waves (fall 2025, spring 2026, summer 2026). Each timepoint involves assessment of body composition (bioelectrical impedance), dietary intake, selective biomarkers, and performance measures. Dietary intake is assessed using a prospective 4-day food log along with a newly developed retrospective digital food frequency questionnaire (G-ADI). Blood and urine biomarkers are collected with a commercial device assessing vitamins, minerals, fatty‑acid profiles, and oxidative‑stress markers. Performance is assessed by a test battery comprising countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) measured on a force plate as well as a maximal incremental cycling test to determine aerobic endurance. In addition, a fencing‑specific change‑of‑direction and reaction time test is performed, consisting of 12 sprints interspersed with target hits on an electronic fencing target.

Results: Preliminary descriptive statistics show that males weighed 76.2 ± 5.7 kg with 14.9 ± 1.4 % body fat, while females weighed 59.6 ± 3.4 kg with 18.3 ± 3.1 % body fat. Arm muscle mass was 7.3 ± 1.8% greater on the dominant side, confirming fencing‑related asymmetry. The G‑ADI indicated an average intake of 5.6 portions/day of protein‑rich foods, exceeding the 4 portions recommended in the Food Pyramid for Swiss Athletes (FPSA). Furthermore, 3.4 portions/day of fruits and vegetables fall short of the recommended 5 daily portions for this food group. Intake of carbohydrate-rich foods averaged 4.4 portions/day. Based on the FPSA, most fencers’ intake of carbohydrate-rich foods did not match training requirements. On average, serum 25‑OH‑D was 65.7 ± 13.4 nmol/L, falling below the athlete‑specific reference of 95 nmol/L in 79 % of fencers. Calcium averaged 96.9 ± 3.0 mg/L, exceeding the population-based upper limit (PBUL) of 96 mg/L in 64 % of fencers. The omega‑3 index was 3.3 ± 0.9 % and below the recommended 4–8 % in 85 % of fencers. Oxidized LDL-cholesterol measured 55.9 ± 18.1 U/L, surpassing the PBUL of 55 U/L in 33 % of fencers. The 8‑iso‑prostaglandin F2α biomarker was 97.9 ± 37.0 ng/mmol creatinine, exceeding the PBUL of 80 ng/mmol creatinine in 60 % of fencers. CMJ height averaged 0.402 ± 0.064 m (males) and 0.264 ± 0.026 m (females). A bilateral deficit of -20.2 ± 11.7 % was observed. Maximal oxygen uptake was 45.8 ± 7.0 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (females 41.0 ± 5.5; males 50.5 ± 4.7). The fencing‑specific test produced mean decrement scores of 4.9 ± 1.8% for repeated sprint ability and 23.5 ± 7.3% for reaction time.

Conclusion: This study provides preliminary normative values for body composition, nutritional status, and performance in fencing, offering a baseline for future interventions.