The determinants of a good lunge performance in fencing - In two approaches

Abstract

A Lunge is the basis of most attacking motions in fencing. Several studies have tried to determine biomechanical parameters that are determinants for a good lunge performance by comparing the kinematics of lunge gesture in novice versus experienced fencers. The purpose of this study was to 1 - understand if there are biomechanical parameters common to a group of experienced athletes that are determinant for a good lunge performance and 2 - build a 3D platform to facilitate the visualization and interaction between biomechanical information and coaches. Five skilled épée fencing athletes had their marker trajectories captured with an OptiTrack digital motion system (Prime 13) using eighteen cameras. The subjects executed the lunge 5–6 times while the coach qualitatively evaluated their performance. The two best (BR) and the two worst (WR) rated trials of each athlete, according to coach criteria, were used in our analysis. Wilcoxon test showed no significant differences in any of the selected variables when comparing the BR and WR trials. Our results also indicated that the body position at front-foot heel contact can possibly be a particularly important determinant to lunge performance and that the 3D platform can help the coach visualize and understand this phase.