KINETIC ANALYSES OF TWO FENCING ATTACKS – LUNGE AND FLECHE

Abstract

Two fencing attacks – the lunge and the fleche – were investigated to determine the moments and powers of the joints of the lower extremity. A Vicon MX system recorded the motion while four force platforms simultaneously recorded the ground reaction forces. Inverse dynamics was used to calculate the moments and powers produced at the hip, knees and ankles of both legs. Results showed that during the lunge, the commonest attack, only the trail leg’s extensors and hip abductors contributed significantly to the attack. On the other hand, for the more dynamic and risky fleche, extensors of the ankle, knee and hip and the hip abductors for both legs contributed significantly to the attack.