Pole Vault Research Articles

Uncertainty quantification in dynamic modeling of pole vaulting using a non-intrusive polynomial chaos approach

Various stochastic techniques have been developed to account for uncertainties in analyzing the random nature of input parameters within mechanical systems. In this re-search, we employ the non-intrusive polynomial chaos method (NIPC) to evaluate the dynamic responses of a mass-spring configuration, resembling an inverted pendulum that simulates pole vaulting by incorporating uncertainties related to various parameters. In addition, the effectiveness of the NIPC is described and approved to allow demonstrat-ing how these uncertain parameters affect the performance of the vault in conjunction with the Monte Carlo (MC) method. The results obtained from the NIPC method for uncer-tainty quantification (UQ) are compared with those obtained using the MC reference ap-proach. These results produced by the NIPC method demonstrate remarkable concord-ance with the solutions derived from the reference method. In general, the proposed NIPC method proves to be an effective solution for mitigating problem complexity, reduc-ing computational time, obtaining uncertainty quantification of dynamic responses of the model for pole vaulting.

Epidemiology of injuries in united states high school track and field jumping events from 2008 – 2019

ABSTRACT Objectives Reports of injury characteristics of high school track and field athletes participating in jumping events in the United States are limited. In this descriptive epidemiological study, we report injury rates and patterns in these athletes. Methods Injuries and athletic exposures (AE) from the National High School Sports Related Injury Surveillance System, and High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) from 2008-2019 were analyzed. Jumping events included high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault. Injury rate ratios (IRR) and injury proportion ratios (IPR) were examined by sex. Results A total of 727 injuries related to jumping events during 5,486,279 AEs occurred with the highest frequency at the thigh (20.3%) followed by the ankle (18.2%), knee (16.1%), and lower leg (11.0%). The most common types of injuries were muscle strain (29.0%) and ligament sprain (21.2%). Most athletes returned to sport within 1 week (43.1%, n = 312) or 3 weeks (34.7%, n = 243). Few jumping-related injuries resulted in surgery (4.9%, n = 35) or medical disqualification (4.4%, n = 31). The jumping-related injury rate was 1.33 injuries/10,000 AEs from 2008 to 2019. The rate of jumping-related injuries was higher in competition than in practice (IRR = 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25–3.06). Injury rates were significantly higher in practice for female athletes than for males (IRR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.23–1.86). Compared to male athletes, female athletes sustained a higher proportion of ankle injuries (IPR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15–2.32) and ligament sprains (IPR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16–2.09). Conclusions This study describes injury characteristics of high school track and field jumping athletes from 2008 to 2019. We found an overall injury rate of 1.33 injuries per 10,000 AEs. Higher overall rates of jumping-related injuries occurred during competitions than in practice, and female athletes displayed a significantly higher rate of injuries during practices compared to male athletes.

Evaluation of the quality of life and the incidence of stress urinary incontinence in nulliparous women training selected sports: a cross-sectional survey pilot study

IntroductionThe number of women suffering from urinary incontinence is increasing every year. The most common type of this condition is stress urinary incontinence. Involuntary leakage of urine occurs when sneezing, coughing, laughing, and standing up, as well as during physical activity. The problem of urinary incontinence is very embarrassing for athletes and affects their sports performance. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of urinary incontinence symptoms in women regularly training in selected sports.Methods64 women athletes were selected for the study. This pilot study involved women training in athletics (short-distance running, long-distance running, hurdles and jumping (high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault), basketball, volleyball, or strength sports). Women were selected based on sample size calculation from those training in specified clubs. Women who had given birth were excluded from the study. The subjects completed a proprietary questionnaire consisting of 8 questions. They also completed the Urinary Distress Inventory, Short Form (UDI-6SF) questionnaire and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form (IIQ-7).ResultsIn this study, 43% of women who trained had symptoms of urinary incontinence. Regression analysis results with UDI-6SF and IIQ-7 total scores as dependent variables and age as an independent variable showed that the slopes of regression were not statistically significantly different (<i>p</i>-value > 0.05). The results of the analysis of the correlation between SUI (stress urinary incontinence) and age (<i>p</i> = 0.0247) and practiced sport (<i>p</i> = 0.0476) turned out to be statistically significant.ConclusionsThe type of sport practiced affects the occurrence of UI (urinary incontinence) symptoms in women. In this study, female athletes practicing strength sports had the greatest predisposition to the occurrence of UI symptoms. The occurrence of UI symptoms has little impact on the deterioration of the quality of life among women practicing selected sports.

Sport and longevity: an observational study of international athletes.

The human lifespan is influenced by various factors, with physical activity being a significant contributor. Despite the clear benefit of exercise on health and longevity, the association between different types of sports and lifespan is yet to be considered. Accordingly, we aimed to study this association in a large international cohort of former athletes using a robust linear regression model. We collected data on athletes from public sources, accumulating a total of 95,210 observations, 95.5% of which were accounted for by males. The dataset represented athletes born between 1862 and 2002 from 183 countries across 44 sports disciplines. We calculated the change in lifespan by measuring the difference in age between athletes and the corresponding reference populations, while accounting for variations caused by sex, year of death, and country. The results revealed that various sports impacted lifespan differently, with male athletes being more likely to experience benefits from sports than female athletes. Among male athletes, pole vaulting and gymnastics were linked to the highest extension in lifespan (8.4years, 95% CI [6.8, 9.9] and 8.2years, 95% CI [7.4, 9], respectively), while volleyball and sumo wrestling were the most negatively associated with lifespan (- 5.4years, 95% CI [- 7, - 3.8]; - 9.8years, 95% CI [- 11, - 8.6], respectively). The association between lifespan and popular team sports in males was positive for cricket, rowing, baseball, water polo, Australian rules, hurling, lacrosse, field hockey, minimal for rugby, canoeing and kayaking, basketball, gridiron football, and football (soccer), and negative for handball and volleyball. Racquet sports (i.e., tennis and badminton) exhibited a consistent and positive association in both male and female athletes, as shown by an extended lifespan of up to 5.7years in males (95% CI [5, 6.5]) and 2.8years in females (95% CI [1.8, 3.9]). Although lacking conclusive evidence, we theorize that the observed results may be attributed to the aerobic and anaerobic characteristics of each sport, with mixed sports yielding the maximum benefits for the lifespan. While results from female athletes should be cautiously interpreted, our study highlights the complex interplay between sports and lifespan and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the multifaceted relationship between physical activity and human longevity.

Application of a folded nanostructure reinforcement for the pole vault curved shell

Foldability capacity is now introduced as a novel nanofiller reinforcement production procedure using some operation to control the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties in the sport equipment. Application of this type of nanofillers in the curved structures like pole vault shell leads to a novel engineering and sport shell shape structures. This article is organized to suggest a vibration-based formulation for analysis of folded reinforced curved shell sport structure subjected to thermal and mechanical loading. Using computation of kinetic, strain and external energies, one can arrive the motion’s equations using the minimization of total energy and Hamilton’s principle. Using solution of the motion’s equations through an analytical approach, the parametric analysis is presented. The verified test is presented for confirmation of the solution and trend of results.

Enhanced transport of flexible fibers by pole vaulting in turbulent wall-bounded flow

Enhanced transport of flexible fibers by pole vaulting in turbulent wall-bounded flow

Clustering technical approaches of elite and world-class pole vaulters based on 10 years of measurement during competitions

ABSTRACT Recently, a variety of technical approaches in world-class pole-vaulters’ behaviour have been observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of subgroups using different technical approaches and to compare biomechanical performance differences. Biomechanical analysis of performances over 5.00 metres from 99 athletes were clustered with K-means methodology based on the relative position of the top hand at take-off and the direction of the top of the pole from take-off to the maximal pole bending. Analysis revealed four subgroups that were distinguished by higher and lower direction angle and relative position values. Despite differences in technique, the analysis did not reveal significant differences between these four groups in performance, take-off speed, or athlete anthropometrics. Nevertheless, these clusters showcased variations in pole–athlete interactions and pole bending, suggesting different strategies and physical requirements associated with each approach. Cluster 2 characterised the classical technique with a high direction angle and a take-off position close to the vertical plane. Cluster 4 displayed a technique with a low take-off angle, suggesting the influence of athletes like Lavillenie, in deviating from the conventional model. Understanding and categorising athletes based on their preferred technique can aid coaches in providing tailored instructions, leading to performance improvements.

Mitigating against relative age effects in youth Track & Field: Validating corrective adjustment procedures across multiple events

ObjectivesWith the aim to better identify talented Track & Field performance development, this study estimated the relationships between chronological (decimal) age with 60-m sprint, high jump, triple jump, and pole vault performance. Then, to mitigate against expected Relative Age Effects (RAEs), Corrective Adjustment Procedures (CAPs) were applied to an independent sample. DesignMixed-longitudinal design examining public data between 2005 and 2019. MethodsThe performances of 5339 Italian sprinters and jumpers (53.1 %) spanning 11.01–17.99 years of age were examined, with trendlines between chronological age and performance established. Related to an independent sample (N = 40,306; female 45.5 %), trendlines were then utilised to apply CAPs and adjust individual performance. Considering raw and adjusted performance data, RAE distributions were examined for the top 25 % and 10 % performers. ResultsFor all male and female events, quadratic models best summarised the relationships between chronological age and performance (R2 = 0.74–0.89). When examining independent athletes in similar event, RAEs were more pronounced in males (Cramer's V = 0.35–0.14) than females (Cramer's V = 0.29–0.07). For both sexes, RAE magnitude decreased with age and increased according to performance level (i.e., Top25%–Top10%). However, following CAP applications, RAEs were reduced or removed within annual age groups and performance levels. ConclusionsWith RAEs prevalent across Italian youth Track & Field events, findings validate CAPs as a strategy to account for the influence of relative age differences on athletic performance. CAPs help establish a more equitable strategy for performance evaluation and could help improve the efficacy of long-term athlete development programming.

Energy conversion in pole vaulting using finite element analysis

The article examines pole vaulting as a demanding track and field discipline, where athletes use a flexible pole to clear a high bar. The study explores the research challeng-es associated with this discipline, including the impact of pole material, the physical capabilities of the vaulter, and the vaulting technique on performance. The paper pre-sents a new Finite Element Analysis in ANSYS, focusing on energy conversion in the pole-vaulter interaction. Simulation results highlight the influence of pole stiffness and length for jump height, as well as the impact of synchronization between pole and pole positions on performance. Finally, the article highlights that pole vault performance is intrinsically linked to the pole vaulter's specific movement and ability to optimize interac-tion with the pole. This deeper understanding can help improve individual performance in this demanding athletics discipline.

Anthropometric and Somatotype Characteristics of Top Elite Turkish National Jumpers

Introduction: This study aims to comprehensively investigate the anthropometric and somatotype characteristics of elite Turkish national jumpers specializing in high jump, long jump, pole vault, and triple jump disciplines. Recognizing the fundamental significance of body composition and somatotype in athletic performance, the research delves into the intricate interplay between these attributes, and competitive accomplishments. Methods: Leveraging a cohort of 13 national athletes, comprising six females and seven males, the methodology involves the application of standardized anthropometric measurements and the Heath-Carter method for somatotype assessment. Results: The outcomes illuminate distinct profiles, featuring lower body fat percentages in Turkish elite jumpers when compared to existing studies. Additionally, the study reveals gender-specific variations in muscle mass and discerns unique somatotype patterns within the cohort. Significantly, somatotype scores align with global trends observed in elite high jump athletes, emphasizing universal patterns among top-level performers. Comparative analyses with international studies further underscore commonalities in somatotype components among elite athletes. Furthermore, it was discerned that the top jumpers in both genders exhibited lower body height and body weight in comparison to their elite high-jumping counterparts. This research contributes to a refined understanding of the morphological intricacies associated with proficiency in these disciplines, offering valuable insights for optimizing training regimens. Conclusion: In summary, the study underscores the pivotal role played by anthropometric and somatotype characteristics in shaping the success of top elite Turkish national jumpers.

Analysis of Technical Characteristics of Ren Mengqian, an Excellent Pole Vaulter

To advance the development of Chinese women's pole vaulting technique, three-dimensional photogrammetry and video analysis methods were utilized to conduct kinematic analysis on the technique employed by Ren Mengqian, an outstanding female pole vaulter in China, during the 2019 National Indoor Track and Field Championships finals from an energy transfer perspective. The findings indicate that during the energy acquisition stage, Ren Mengqian executed a reasonable jumping action with appropriate jumping angle and timing that met technical requirements. However, during the energy storage stage, her bow rod had suboptimal effects in her fourth trial jump while insufficient bending of the rod occurred in her fifth trial jump which affected pole energy storage. In terms of energy release stage, Ren Mengqian maximized elastic potential energy through stretching but required acceleration for maximum vertical speed.

Estimation of factors contributing to level differences in Japanese university decathlon athletes

This study aimed to estimate the factors that cause differences in competition level based on the competition performance structure among university student decathletes in Japan. The results of factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method (Oblimin rotation), assuming a five-factor structure estimated from parallel analysis and the information criterion, revealed the following competitive performance structures: "running speed and body projection,” "running endurance,” "rotational throwing power,” "translational throwing power,” and "vertical leaping power.” Some of these were similar to the competitive performance structures of the world’s top athletes, but they were found to have a unique structure: two throwing powers. The analysis results using latent rank theory allowed us to evaluate them on a seven-point scale. The calculated item reference profile, difficulty index, and discrimination index for each rank indicated that shot put and 100 and 400 m performance formed the basis of decathlon performance. In addition, high jump and pole vault, which fall under the category of "vertical leaping power," retained high difficulty and discrimination and were revealed to affect the stage of achievement of overall performance in the decathlon.

The Comparison of Postural Control in Pole Vaulters of Different Skill Levels

The Comparison of Postural Control in Pole Vaulters of Different Skill Levels

Analisis Kemampuan Lari Jarak Pendek Pada Siswa Kelas V Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Swasta 01 Lebong

Running is an accelerated step so that when running there is a tendency for the body to float. This means that when running, both feet do not touch the ground or at least when the feet remain on the ground Handoyo in Jafar (2022: 8).Running numbers are numbers that are referred to as non-technical, because running is a relatively simple natural activity when compared to pole vault numbers or hammer throw numbers (Sidik, 2014: 1). The method in a study is needed to measure whether or not the assessment will be carried out by a researcher. So it is expected that with a good and correct research method will get coherent and accurate results. This type of research is a qualitative approach. The method used in this research is descriptive method. According to Sukardi (2016: 52) descriptive method is a method used to describe and interpret objects as they are. In this study, the descriptive method was used to obtain a description of the short distance running ability of Class V students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Swasta 01 Lebong. The method used in this research is descriptive method. According to Sukardi (2016: 52) descriptive method is a method used to describe and interpret objects as they are. In this study, the descriptive method was used to obtain a description of the short distance running ability of Class V students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Swasta 01 Lebong. Based on the research data for the speed score, it was found that the highest score was 3.52 and the lowest score was 5.95. From the data analysis, the mean was 4.59, the standard deviation was 0.60, the median was 4.78, and the mode was 4.92. Based on the calculations listed in Table 4, it can be seen that: 5 people or (8.7%) were in the interval class 3.52-3.96, 11 people or (47.83%) were in the interval class 4.42-4.86, 6 people or (26.08%) were in the interval class 4.87-5.31, and 1 person or (4.35%) was in the interval class 5.77-6.21. Running will feel heavier than running on a flat area or on a real track. Therefore, when running training feels heavy, it will feel light when running on the real track, so that it can improve students' 50 meter running ability and can create better running travel times.

Is There a Relative Age Effect among the Most Successful Track and Field Athletes?

The prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was studied among medalists from the World Athletics Championships at U18, U20 and Senior age groups and from the Olympic Games from 2000 to 2022. The specific events examined were the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000/5000 m, the long jump, the triple jump, the high jump and the pole vault. Dates of birth from 1,858 outdoor track and field athletes were analysed and further divided into four groups according to the quartile of birth. The RAE was found to be widespread among athletes of both sexes in U18 and U20 age groups in all examined disciplines. There was no difference between the most successful U18 and U20 athletes (p = 0.52). Among senior athletes of both sexes, this effect was not detected and the number of "late-born" athletes in this age group was higher than athletes born in the first three quarters. The prevalence of the RAE across the four groups of events was found in U18 and U20 age groups. Additionally, within each age group, the difference among events was statistically significant. In most successful track and field athletes, the RAE is only significant in U18 and U20 age groups. In senior athletes, the number of "late-born" athletes is significant while RAE disappears. These data may be considered when assessing the athletic potential of an individual athlete.

Optimization of Pole Vault Parameters Using Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithm

Optimization of Pole Vault Parameters Using Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithm

Non-linear stochastic dynamics analysis of mechanical systems using non-intrusive polynomial chaos method: application to pole vaulting

Non-linear stochastic dynamics analysis of mechanical systems using non-intrusive polynomial chaos method: application to pole vaulting

Reflections of The Evolution of The Pole Used in Pole Vaulting on The Olympic Games Podium

Pole vault is one of the disciplines in athletism. The material used in manufacturing of pole has been changing from time to time. Material of traininand competition in sports is one of the factors that determine performance. In this study, it is aimed to investigate reflection of pole evolution to olimpic marks on pole vault. The data of this study consist of highest jumping heihts and average values of these marks for gold, silver and bronze medals in pole vault branch of Olimpic Games (n=28) for the games between 1896-2016. The data are obtained from WA official internet site. It was seen at the end of study that allowing the develop maretial technology in poles resulted in obtaining higher performance in pole vault branch.

Comparison of maximum joint angles during pole vaulting between male pole vaulters with and without lumbar disc degeneration or lumbar spondylolysis.

Pole vaulting involves trunk flexion, extension, and rotation, which may place the lumbar spine under stress. Repeated pole vaulting may cause lumbar disc degeneration (DD) and lumbar spondylolysis (LS); however, this phenomenon is yet to be established. This study aimed to determine the difference in the maximum joint angles of the shoulder, hip, and trunk during pole vaulting between male pole vaulters with and without lumbar DD or LS. This retrospective study included 17 male pole vaulters. Four high-speed cameras were used to record the pole vaulters at 240 Hz. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to examine the lumbar spine in all athletes. Differences in the data between two sets of groups were analyzed using the unpaired t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test. There was a significant difference in the maximum joint angle of hip flexion between pole vaulters with and without lumbar DD (p= 0.03). Pole vaulters with lumbar DD may use lumbar flexion instead of hip flexion during the rock-back movement. Moreover, LS may occur due to repeated failed vaulting. Therefore, trunk stability and functional movements should be prioritized to prevent organic changes in the lower back.

Success to Clear the Bar in Elite Pole Vaulters is Affected by Step Frequency Perturbation.

The purpose of the study was to identify the interaction of step characteristics, along with the direction and magnitude of their asymmetry of elite male and female pole vaulters between successful and failed attempts. It was hypothesized that step characteristics and the magnitude of asymmetry between the two legs would interact with the outcome of the attempt. The approach runs of 12 pole vaulters (7 males, 5 females) were recorded during an indoor international competition. The leg used by the athlete for taking-off was defined as the non-pole-carrying leg, while the other was the pole-carrying leg. Using spatiotemporal information obtained from recordings with a panning camera (300 fps), the last steps of each athlete's approach run were analyzed for length, frequency, average velocity, and inter-limb asymmetry. There was no inter-limb difference (p > 0.05) in the absolute values of step length or step velocity between successful and failed attempts. However, the pole-carrying leg presented significantly (p < 0.05) higher step frequency values at the failed attempts. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in asymmetry values for step length, frequency, and average velocity between successful and failed attempts. Although step velocity remained unaffected, failed attempts were characterized by a perturbation in the interaction of step frequency and step length. The present findings suggest that although high velocity at the final phase of the approach is essential, it is not the sole determining factor for a successful attempt.