Strip related injuries were attributed to surface hardness, inadequate anchoring, and raised strips. A significant number of comments were provided by fencers who had received or delivered a puncture wound as well as by those who observed a puncture wound injury. Greater than half of all injuries are to the lower extremities, most commonly knees and ankles. A wide variety of problems with equipment and facilities plus behavioral factors contribute to injury. Factors under personal control such as warm-up and technique significantly contribute to injury.
Strips appear to be a significant cause of injury.
The results of the Injury Survey provide direction for reducing injury frequency and severity among fencers. Of primary concern is the interface of the fencer and the floor. This is reflected in the relatively high proportion of knee, ankle and other lower extremity injuries which appear to be due to problems with strips and shoes. Concrete surfaces are assumed to exceed the limit of acceptable hardness, based on preliminary data. Re-evaluate the design of elevated strips for increased safety.