Fencing is an intermittent combat sport in which performance depends on the interaction of neuromuscular qualities, aerobic support, and weapon-specific demands. However, evidence on sex-based differences in the physical capacity profiles of regional fencers remains limited. This study compared the physical capacity profiles of 27 fencers from the Liga Vallecaucana de Esgrima (13 women and 14 men; 14–31 years) in an observational, cross-sectional, comparative study. Field-based assessments included push-ups, sit-ups, squats, jump squats, pull-ups, terminal speed attained in the 20-m shuttle run test, and estimated VO2max. The analysis adopted an exploratory, estimation-oriented approach based on mean differences, 95% confidence intervals, Hedges’ g, supplementary significance testing, false discovery rate adjustment, and a directed acyclic graph to clarify causal assumptions. The most robust sex-based difference was observed in pull-up performance, with men outperforming women by 5.43 repetitions (95% CI: 3.51 to 7.45; g = 1.88), and this was the only comparison retained after FDR correction. No conclusive sex-based differences were found for push-ups, sit-ups, squats, jump squats, terminal shuttle-run speed, or estimated VO2max. Mean estimated VO2max for the overall sample was 43.48 ± 9.12 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. These findings suggest that upper-limb pulling strength may be the main distinguishing physical quality in this cohort, although its implications for individualized conditioning remain to be established. Nevertheless, the results should be interpreted as observational associations rather than causal effects because of the cross-sectional design, the small sample, the field-based measurements, the imbalance in weapon distribution, and the lack of standardized measures of training exposure.

Background/Objectives: Skin temperature has been considered a physiological variable associated with the risk of pressure injuries. This systematic review analyzed the available evidence regarding the relationship between skin temperature and the development, progression, or prevention of pressure injuries in humans. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Dimensions databases, including studies published between 2013 and 2023 in English or Spanish. PRISMA 2020 guidelines and EQUATOR network checklists (CONSORT, STROBE, CARE) were applied to assess methodological quality. Risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2, ROBINS-I, ROBINS-E, and JBI tools. Results: The reviewed studies reported thermal variations in tissues subjected to sustained pressure, some of which preceded the appearance of visible clinical signs of tissue damage. However, methodological heterogeneity, lack of standardized thermal thresholds, and variability in measurement conditions limited the generalizability of the findings. Conclusions: Skin temperature may be associated with relevant pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of pressure injuries. Its measurement could complement traditional clinical tools, such as the Braden scale, enhancing early risk identification. More robust, multicenter, and standardized studies are needed to validate its clinical applicability.

Pressure injuries in institutionalized older adults with reduced mobility represent a relevant clinical problem due to their impact on quality of life and health costs. Purpose: This study aimed to describe the behavior of blood flow and tissue temperature in the sacral region and the significance of interindividual conditions in the post-load recovery of tissue in the context of pressure injuries. Methods: An observational study was conducted in 55 older adults living in a geriatric institution. Photoplethysmography and temperature signals were recorded at four times: at baseline (preload) and 15 s, 5 min, and 10 min post-load. The perfusion index was calculated, and two dichotomous variables were defined, Return b (flow) and Return t (temperature), to evaluate the physiological capacity to return to baseline conditions. Associations with clinical, functional, and diagnostic variables were explored. Results: The perfusion index showed usefulness as an indicator of microvascular recovery, but with variability between individuals. Return b was significantly associated with BMI and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, while t-return was associated with body temperature and basal perfusion index. No significant associations were observed with sex, age or functional scales, state of consciousness, or risk of pressure injury. Conclusions: The study shows heterogeneous physiological responses to external load influenced by individual characteristics. Flow and temperature monitoring allows a functional approximation of injury risk, although more complex models are required to understand the nonlinear dynamics of tissue responses.