An applied paradigm for simple analysis of the lower limb kinematic chain in explosive movements: an example using the fencing foil attacking lunge

Francis Mulloy,David R Mullineaux,Phillip Graham-Smith,Gareth Irwin

doi:10.1080/23335432.2018.1454342

Francis Mulloy, David R Mullineaux + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/23335432.2018.1454342

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Abstract

A simple method to quantify the kinematic chain in a propulsive task would facilitate assessment of athlete effectiveness. The study’s aim was to assess if the kinematic chain distinguishes between skill levels. Fencers were separated into two groups based on attacking lunge ability (7 skilled; 8 novices). Rear leg 3D joint angular extension velocity magnitudes and timings, sword kinematics and rear leg kinetics were obtained in the propulsion phase of the attacking lunge. Skilled fencers obtained greater sword velocity (3.24 ± 0.24 m∙s−1 vs. 2.69 ± 0.29 m∙s−1; p = 0.02). The skilled group had a greater sequential kinematic chain of the hip, knee and ankle, demonstrated by significantly greater ankle angular velocity (9.1 ± 2.1 rad·s−1 skilled; 5.4 ± 2.9 rad·s−1 novice). Ankle plantarflexion velocity showed a strong positive correlation with horizontal peak force (r = 0.81; p < 0.01). The skilled group demonstrated greater horizontal impulse (1.85 ± 0.29 N·s·kg−1 skilled; 1.45 ± 0.32 N·s·kg−1 novice), suggesting greater effectiveness in applying the kinematic chain towards horizontal propulsion. Analysis of the kinematic chain, which was able to distinguish between skill levels in a propulsive task, is an effective and simple paradigm to assess whole limb contributions to propulsive movements.

Highlights

The human musculoskeletal system predominantly translates joint rotations into linear movement, which requires the coordination of many skeletal muscles around multiple joints
Peak horizontal sword velocity was significantly greater in the skilled group (3.24 ± 0.24 m.s−1 skilled vs. 2.69 ± 0.29 m.s−1 novice; p = 0.02)
There were no significant differences in peak elbow extension velocities, with a large spread of peak elbow extension timing shown with large standard deviations (86 ± 31% of FPushOff for novice and 70 ± 28% for skilled)

Summary

Introduction

The human musculoskeletal system predominantly translates joint rotations into linear movement, which requires the coordination of many skeletal muscles around multiple joints. The movement requirements may not be maximal segment end point velocity, but rather whole body propulsion In propulsive movements, such as jumping, the lower limb has been shown to resemble a stereotypical proximal to distal sequence prior to take off (Bobbert and van Soest 2001). This sequential action seemingly contradicts mechanical optimization principles, where simultaneous extension of the hip, knee, and ankle plantar flexion is suggested as optimal (Gregoire et al 1984). Mathematical modelling demonstrates the effectiveness of this lower limb rigid body chain in turning joint segment angular velocity into linear centre of mass velocity (Bobbert and van Soest 2001), making the sequential kinematic chain applicable to many propulsive sporting skills

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