The technical component in fencing is developed of unilateral form causing bilateral deficits and morphofunctional asymmetries in elite fencers. The aim of the present study was to assess the degree of these morphofunctional imbalances were significances in young fencers (20 men: 14.8±0.9 years; 12 women: 14.2±3.3 years) in their first stages of training towards the sport elite.

Twenty three variables in triplicate were analysed in both sides of the body and grouped in the following assessments: kinanthropometry; flexibility; isometric maximum strength. ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc and intraclass correlation coefficient was used in order to determinate the reliability between trials. An independent samples t-test was used to analyse the differences between sexes and between both sides of the body. The significance level was established at P≤.05.

In both sexes, significant differences between perimeters of the forearm (P≤.05), and isometric maximum strength of fingers (P≤.05) was established. In addition, in girls there were significant differences between the muscular area of the anterior and posterior thigh (P≤.05). No significance differences were found in the other variables.

In fencing, some morphofunctional asymmetries are developed in the first stages of the sport specialisation. To minimise the potentially injuring deficits, we recommend strengthening the antagonist musculature with specific training sessions reversing the laterality and improving the physical conditioning.