Time-motion analysis of women's foil bouts in wheelchair fencing: Categories A vs B.

Abstract

This study aimed to describe, analyze, and compare the temporal and sequential structure of women's foil bouts in wheelchair fencing across Categories A and B. An observational study was conducted using an adapted version of the ESGRIMOBS system, validated by expert judges. The sample comprised 44 direct elimination bouts (22 per category) from international competitions held after 2022. Variables analyzed were bout duration, number and type of pauses, action time, and distribution by periods and minutes. Data were recorded with Lince Plus software and analyzed in SPSS (v.25.0) using descriptive statistics, comparative tests (Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis), and effect sizes. All bouts ended in the second period, mostly within the first minute (68.2%). Category A showed longer average duration, though not significantly. Both categories displayed high fragmentation, with actions <3 s. In the second period, Category A had significantly more action and pause sequences than Category B. Minute-by-minute analysis indicated activity concentrated at the start of both periods. Wheelchair fencing is characterized by fragmentation and short actions. Temporal structure models are proposed for both categories, providing useful guidance for technical-tactical training and emphasizing the need for adaptations based on functional classification.