4.1.1 Conclusion

The intent was to verify incidences and characteristics that give a flow experience to high-level athletes. We have used the Flow State Scale fully for this and for processing the collected data. The analysis has provided the following results:

From the results obtained, it is not possible to state that high-level fencers of any sex or weapon are capable of influencing the incidence or characteristics that help bring about flow. We can state however, that the high-level fencers experienced the state of flow in a very similar manner with each other: this appeared to be a very regular trend when reviewing the different distribution curves in the graph.

We also cannot we rule out transversal factors, that regardless of dimensions, sex or weapon, are to some extent responsible for characterizing fencing, differentiating its distribution curve from other sports.

We are convinced that these transversal factors are identifiable or related to tactical or strategic characteristics of the sport: one of these is represented by attention style. We believe in fact, that the ability to maintain a restricted attention focus for long periods is a condition which underlies the different dimensions of flow, and is an essential prerequisite. So, broadening the discussion to closed skill, open skill, and tactical open skill disciplines we expect homogenous results for sports in the same class but very diverse results among sports in different classes.

If this were proven, it would open up fencing for studying the way in which these characteristics interact with the flow state, and consequently, how these interactions can be harnessed to facilitate the emergence of a flow state.

Currently, there is research in progress on other types of sports such as tennis, skiing, and swimming. When this data becomes available, we will be able to compare between the different sports and verify whether there is a significant difference between sports in different classes (open skill, closed, etc…). Based on the classification used now, we expect significant differences between the three classes of sports (but in particular tactical open skill and closed skill) especially in dimension D2 (union between action and awareness) and D4 (immediate feedback). The first because we think a non-varying environment facilitates a state of more intense concentration and consequently deeper engagement in the action. The second because it’s more complicated to interpret feedback that comes directly from an opponent who can voluntarily give false information. For this reason, the dimension D8 (transformation of time) is considered to be a source of variation not attributed to the sports classification, its presence can be shown with a watch or time limit in any discipline.

In conclusion, this work is the first of its kind and represents a starting point and reference for future studies that address the same subject. We believe this work will improve others ability to analyze flow experiences and lead to studies which exceed the limits that were present here.