Kinetic Analyses of Two Fencing Attacks–Lunge and Fleche

Nathan Morris, Mark Farnsworth,

and D.G.E. Robertson

School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

Introduction

•Fencing is an Olympic sport

•There are three weapons

•20,000 registered fencers in the U.S.

•Highly dynamic sport

Literature Review

• Roi, G., & Bianchedi, D. (2008)

– Asymmetrical movements

– Asymmetrical force production

– Most injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the lower limbs

• Kerwin, D.G., & Challis, J.H.

– Measured joint angles and impact forces

• Few studies using motion capture analysis, inverse dynamics, or kinetic analysis

Methodology

• 7 Vicon infrared MX13 cameras

• 3 force platforms

• Vicon Workstation

• Visual3D

• Average of three trials

• Subject:

– Male

– Aged: 21

– Internationally competitive athlete

Results - LungeFlexion/ Extension Adduction/Abduction

Trail leg plantiflexors

Trail knee extensors

Stabilization during stance phase

Trail hip abductors

Results - Lunge

• Large power output from trail ankle and knee joints

• Large moment for hip abductors particularly for trail leg

• Negligible hip extension

• Power for attack comes solely from the trail limb

Results - FlecheAdduction/Abduction

Lead leg plantiflexors

Trail leg plantiflexors

Trail knee extensors

Lead hip extensors

Trail hip flexors stabilize & resist extension

Trail hip extensors

Trail hip abductors

Left hip flexors

Lead knee extensors extend and stabilize

Flexion/ Extension

Results - Fleche

• Extension from both ankles• Abduction of the trail leg• Flexion and extension of the

hip joint• Both left and right lower

limbs contribute to movement

Discussion - Lunge

• Power generating muscles contract nearly simultaneously• Relies primarily on the extensors of the ankle and knee• Pre-stretching of ankle and knee muscles was absent • Hip abductors are generally weak muscles• Less power but more stability• Primary method of attack• Low level of coordination

• Orderly recruitment• Utilizes ankle, knee, and hip extensors, hip flexors, and hip

abductors• Very fast and powerful movement• Little control• Higher level of coordination

1 23 31

Discussion - Fleche

Discussion - Lunge vs Fleche

• Main difference comes from the fleche’s use of hip extensors

• Fleche: more power = more tiring

Lunge

Fleche

Conclusions

• Plantiflexors, knee extensors, hip flexors, extensors, and abductors play important roles in power generation

• Very asymmetrical movements

• More emphasis on leg abduction than most human movements

References

• Kerwin, D.G., & Challis, J.H. (1987). Fencing Lunge. International Journal of Sport Biomechanics, 3(2), 167. Retrieved from

SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.

• Roi, G., & Bianchedi, D. (2008). The Science of Fencing. Sports Medicine, 38(6), 465-481. Retrieved from

SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.

Thank you!

Questions?