Long-Term Fencing Study Identifies Cumulative Years of Experience as Primary Driver of Overuse Injury Risk

New research shows that the cumulative years spent fencing is the primary risk factor for overuse injuries, especially in the knee and dominant arm.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 7:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D. (PLOS ONE)

Mapping the Physical Toll of Asymmetric Loading

Fencing is a sport defined by high-intensity, multidirectional bursts and a unique, asymmetrical stance that places extraordinary demand on both the upper and lower extremities. While public perception often focuses on the risk of traumatic "piste" accidents, new research published in PLOS ONE suggests that the true danger lies in the cumulative exposure of long-term training. By analyzing the injury histories of adult competitive members of USA Fencing, researchers have mapped a distinct profile of chronic conditions that arise from decades of repetitive lunge mechanics and weapon handling.

The Dominance of Overuse and Gradual-Onset Conditions

The survey, which captured data from over 300 competitive fencers, revealed that nearly 90% of respondents had suffered at least one fencing-related injury. Significantly, overuse conditions were far more prevalent than acute trauma. Tendonitis and tenosynovitis accounted for over 26% of all reported cases, frequently occurring during routine training sessions rather than high-stakes competitions. This data suggests that the repetitive nature of practice—where fencers perform thousands of near-identical movements—is the primary engine for physical breakdown.

Anatomical Hotspots: The Knee, Ankle, and Weapon Arm

Consistent with the sport’s mechanics, the lower extremities bear the brunt of the physical burden. The knee (18.2%) and the ankle (11.7%) remain the most frequently injured sites, largely due to the explosive nature of the lunge and the constant lateral shifting required for footwork. In the upper body, injuries are almost exclusively confined to the dominant side. The wrist, forearm, and shoulder of the weapon arm are subject to constant micro-trauma from grip tension and blade parries, a pattern of laterality that is unique to combat sports with fixed-hand dominance.