Biomechanical insights into the determinants of speed in the fencing lunge

Abstract

For fencing, speed of the lunge is considered critical to success. The aim of this study is to investigate determinants of lunge speed based on biomechanics. Ground reaction force (GRF) and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected from 7 elite fencers and 12 intermediate-level fencers performing maximum-effort lunges. The results showed that elite fencers acquired a higher horizontal peak velocity of the centre of gravity (HPV) and concomitantly a higher horizontal peak GRF exerted by rear leg (PGRF) than intermediate-level fencers (P < .01). Studying the affecting factors, elite fencers obtained higher joint peak power, joint peak moment, and range of motion of rear knee than intermediate-level fencers (P < .05) during the lunge, and these parameters were significantly correlated with both HPV and PGRF (P < .05). Both elite and intermediate-level fencers had joint flexion before the extension in forward knee; however, the latter showed greater flexion, higher peak angular velocity and less time for extension compared to the former (P ≤ .05). Our findings suggest that training aimed at enhancing strength and power of rear knee extensors is important for fencers to improve speed of the lunge. Also, increasing the extension of rear knee during the lunge, at the same time decreasing the flexion of the forward knee before extension are positive for lunge performance.

Anthropometric and Kinematics Determinants of Lunge Velocity and Amplitude in Young Foil Fencers

“…We found a significant correlation between Vmax ASISm and the ROM of the rear knee extension (r=0.56, p=0.031), as in a previous study (Guan et al 2018) conducted on adult fencers. In agreement with these authors, we think that this correlation is in turn linked to the guard position.…”

“…Thus, the more the knees are flexed in guard position, the wider the extension of the posterior knee will be. Previous studies (Bottoms et al 2013, Guan et al 2018) assert that the lower guard position seems to allow a pre-tensioning which facilitates the higher lunge velocity expression. Moreover, more flexed knees in guard position allow a greater extension of the rear knee during the lunge.…”

“…Anterior knee's first flexion and the following extension were like those reported by Gholipour et al (2008) for élite athletes (respectively 20±12 and 51±9). Posterior knee extension was similar found by Guan et al (2018) We considered the significant correlations of the variables quantifying the lunge performance (velocity, distance, and time) with the anthropometric and kinematic ones.…”

“…In this study the upper limb was not considered. Guan et al (2018) showed that the EF achieved a significant higher horizontal peak velocity of the CG in the lunge. The EF in comparison to the NE showed a greater rear knee and hip ROM and a significant lower peak horizontal velocity of the anterior knee.…”

Hamstring muscle elasticity differs in specialized high‐performance athletes

“…Indeed, these activities demand high flexibility of the lower limbs to execute complex movements over large joint amplitude. 17,34 For instance, Preuschl et al 17 reported that specific movements regularly executed in taekwondo involved hip flexed angles (65°, 180° = full hip extension) and knee angles close to full extension (178°, 180° = full extension). Similarly, elite fencers regularly execute lunge with hip flexed (49°) combined with moderated knee extension angles (116°).…”