Injury Patterns and Risk Factors Among Competitive Fencers: A Survey of Competitive U.S. Fencers

Despite fencing’s asymmetrical biomechanics and repetitive loading, injury data outside elite competition remain scarce. This study examined the prevalence, mechanisms, and predictors of injuries among competitive fencers across both training and competition settings. An online survey was distributed to USA fencing members.303 adult members completed it (3.3% response rate). The survey consisted of 79 multiple choice questions which included demographic information (8 questions), athlete and training characteristics (16 questions), competitive information (3 questions), and information regarding the five (self-reported) most impactful injuries participants had experienced while participating in the sport (52 questions), including questions about injury location, type of injury and mechanism of injury.