Angular Kinematic Analysis of the Lower Extremity during the Fencing Lunge in Elite Foilists

This study aimed to examine the lower extremity kinematics of elite foil fencers during the execution of the fencing lunge. A total of seventeen elite foilists, all actively competing at the national level, participated in the study. Three-dimensional kinematic data collected using the 3d motion analysis system (QTM, Qualysis AB, Sweden). Joint angle and angular velocity parameters of the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle analyzed throughout the lunge movement. For a more detailed examination, the lunge divided into two phases: Phase 1 (propulsion) was defined as the interval from front-foot lift-off to initial ground contact, while Phase 2 (extension) spanned from front-foot contact to full arm extension. Fencers performed the lunge under a standardized laboratory protocol, and the collected data analyzed by using IBM SPSS Version 27. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between genders in most of the examined variables (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference found in knee angular velocity during Phase 1 (t=-2.157, p=0.048), with male fencers demonstrating higher angular velocity compared to female fencers. A strong negative correlation identified between body mass index (BMI) and knee angular velocity (r = −0.686). As a result, these findings contribute to some biomechanical understanding of the fencing lunge and provide a scientific basis for the development of evidence-based training programs aimed at enhancing lunge performance.