The ability to correct an on-going action: Accuracy and correction time in elite fencing

© 2017 the Authors. Background and Study Aim: Performing an attack in fencing takes fractions of a second implying that there is little time to correct an on-going movement to anticipate the opponent's action. Studies in the lab evaluated correction times in artificial tasks but stand in shrill contrast to elite sports where via extensive training, motor programs are mastered and perfected. This study aim was to expand the knowledge on the capability of elite fencers to correct an on-going attack on a central target when the target suddenly changes position at random time intervals. Material and Methods: Eight elite fencers (7 males, 18.3 ±4.66 years) performed a fente at a target as fast and accurate as possible. In 80% of the trials, a new target light was lit during the fente, and the fencers had to adjust their movement to hit the new illuminated target. Correction times were set at 100ms, 170ms, 240ms, 310ms or 380ms before the estimated epee-target contact. The number of successful adjustments and the radial error was reported. Results: With increasing correction times (p