Twelve-week Pilates Intervention Improves Dynamic Balance by Enhancing Core and Lower Limb Strength in Elite Fencers

초록

PURPOSE: Asymmetrical fencing movements demand exceptional dynamic balance and lower limb strength. This study investigated whether a 12-week supplementary Pilates program could enhance these key performance determinants in elite fencers by testing its efficacy as a targeted intervention for specific biomechanical needs. METHODS: Twenty-five elite male fencers were randomly assigned to 2 groups for 12 weeks: fencing-only training (FT [n=12]); or fencing–Pilates (FPT [n=13]). Dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test) and lower limb isometric strength were measured (handheld dyna-mometry) pre-and post-intervention to assess changes. RESULTS: After the intervention, the FPT group exhibited significant improvements (p<.05) in all 3 directions of dynamic balance and in the strength of all measured lower limb muscles; the FT group exhibited no significant changes in dynamic balance. Furthermore, quadriceps femoris strength gains were significantly correlated (p<.05) with dynamic balance improvements, indicating a strong mech-anistic link. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week Pilates intervention effectively improved both dynamic balance and lower limb strength in elite fencers. Findings revealed that strength gains, particularly in the quadriceps, were a key mechanism driving enhanced dynamic stability. There-fore, Pilates serves as a targeted, evidence-based training modality to optimize fencing performance by addressing the specific functional and biomechanical demands of the sport. © 2026 Korean Society of Exercise Physiology.

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