Pole Vault Research Articles

Upper limb joint kinetics in pole vaulting

Upper limb joint kinetics in pole vaulting

Image Analysis and Development of Graphical User Interface for Pole Vault Action

Image Analysis and Development of Graphical User Interface for Pole Vault Action

Sport Performance Structure in Female Pole Vault from the Point of View of Physical Activity Kinematic Parameters

This research is oriented at explanation of sport performance by angle, speed, time and space char-acteristics of centre of gravity, positions of body, extremities and pole during approach, take-off and jump realization in female pole vault. Kinematic parameters were gained by two-dimension analyser Consport Motion Analysis System (CMAS). There are involved 19 female pole vault jumpers with sport performance 408.1–490.5 cm (average result 431.2 cm). From the point of biomechanical movement activity analyse we consider as a more objective performance criterion (dependent variable) maximal centre of gravity height that were reached at valid attempts by female pole vault jumpers. By two-dimension (2-D) analyse of group of female pole vault jumpers there were revealed 76 independent variables that entered into process of multiple correlation and regression analysis. On 1st sport structure performance factor level we isolated two complex parameters absolute grip and standing over by which we can explain dependent variable maximal centre of gravity height on 100%. With stated proceeding we could separate seven factors on 2nd level. Three of the parameters horizontal speed of centre of gravity at moment of take-off end, centre of gravity height at moment of take-off end and operating angle during take-off are bound with explanation of absolute grip variable. Four others parameters vertical speed of centre of gravity at the end of pull with turn, centre of gravity height at moment of end of lifting, time duration of take-off and climb angle explain standing over. 14 more factors are found on 3rd sport structure performance level. Thus we succeeded in this process to reduce number of decisive variables with their mutual relationships and hierarchy. Transparent and simplified model of female pole vault sport performance structure enables to coaches and jumpers improve technical training.

Patterns of locomotor regulation during the pole vault approach phase

ABSTRACTA successful approach phase is key to achieving high performances in the pole vault. The aim of this study was to explore the nature of locomotor control patterns during the pole vault approach phase. Fourteen well-trained athletes performed ten jumps which were recorded using 2D video sampling at 200 Hz and analysed. Key kinematics were reconstructed from camera data using a modified 2D-DLT. Patterns of regulation were determined from the standard deviation of footfall locations during the approach phase. These patterns were found to be highly individual but structural differences between those who did and those who did not regulate were identified. Regulation of locomotion was associated with an ability to produce functionally adaptable movement patterns and the consistent achievement of desired performance outcomes. Coaches should include training exercises that require intentional use of regulation to aid athletes in achieving the flexibility to adapt to changing constraints during the approach phase. Athletes should be considered on an individual basis in order to effectively, efficiently and safely improve performance.

Influence of pole carriage on sprint mechanical properties during pole vault run-up

Pole vault performance is highly correlated with the final running velocity of the athlete at take-off (Frere et al. 2010). To achieve top running velocity, the athlete has to develop a large forwa...

Mechanical performance determinants in women’s vs men’s pole-vault

Since its first world record in 1992 and its official introduction in 1999 at the 7th IAAF World Championships, the women’s pole vault event has been little studied. First data showed that, similar...

The Elevated Track in Pole Vault: An Advantage During Run-Up?

Approach speed is a major determinant of pole-vault performance. Athletic jump events such as long jump, triple jump, and pole vault can utilize an elevated track for the runway. Feedback from athletes indicates a benefit of using an elevated track on their results. However, there is no evidence that elevated tracks increase athletes' performance. To investigate the potential advantage of using an elevated track during elite pole-vault competitions on run-up speed parameters. Performance and run-up criteria (speed, stride rate, contact, and aerial time) were measured from 20 high-level male pole-vaulters during official competitions on either a regular or an elevated track. Parameters comparisons were made between both conditions, and run-up parameters were confronted to speed modification on the elevated track. Statistical analyses indicated that for the elevated track, there was a small improvement in final speed (1.1%), stride rate (1.1%), and takeoff distance (3.1%) and a small reduction in aerial time (-1.9%). The study highlighted different individual responses depending on athletes' capabilities. The authors noted that speed improvement was largely correlated with stride-rate improvement (r = .61) and contact-time reduction (r = -.51) for slower athletes. Elevated tracks can increase final approach speed in pole vault and positively influence performance. Interindividual responses were observed in these findings.

Finite element simulation of pole vaulting

Pole vaulting is one of the most spectacular disciplines in athletics. The evolution of world record heights is strongly influenced by the development of advanced poles and subsequent materials. Employing advanced, load-adjusted composites has resulted in a steady increase of the world record height. This study provides a framework for finite element simulations of pole vaulting with focus on the initial and boundary conditions as well as finite element choices. The influence of the pole bending stiffness on the achievable height is systematically simulated. Higher effective bending stiffness leads to higher pole vaulting heights. However, if a certain stiffness is exceeded, the vaulter will not be able to bend the pole enough which leads to failed attempts.

Environmental and task constraints influence footfall variability in track and field jumping events

By analysis of footfall variability in the long jump, triple jump, and pole vault, the present study was designed to highlight gait variability patterns required in varied nested tasks. Twelve male athletes in each event who participated in one international and two national competitions were involved in this study. Twenty five pairs of 1-m Optojump Next system bars were used to evaluate relevant footfall placement. The footfall variability was taken to present the pattern of step regulation and onset of visual regulation. The main results of this study showed that pole vaulters manifested a highly consistent gait pattern, which was different than the pattern which appeared in the horizontal jumps. The results also revealed that the onset of step length adjustments in the horizontal jumps occurred significantly later during the zeroing-in phase of the approach run in comparison to those utilized by the pole vaulters. These findings indicate that locomotor pointing control in the long jump, triple jump, and pole vault produce specific footfall variability patterns due to different task and environmental constraints that need to be taken into account during training and competition settings.

The Difference in Gait Regulation Strategies Between Successful and Failed Pole Vault Performance

The Difference in Gait Regulation Strategies Between Successful and Failed Pole Vault Performance

Pol-E: Large-obstacle overcoming based on energy conversion method using an elastic link

Jumping robots are being developed using a variety of methods, such as springs, compressed air, and elastic strips. We present a new robotic platform called Pol-E, which can jump using an elastic link based on the principle of pole vaulting and energy conservation theory. Wheeled locomotion is used to build up energy without additional actuators for jumping. Kinetic energy generated by moving on the ground is converted into elastic and potential energy by colliding with an obstacle through the elastic link. We modeled the dynamics as run-up, stance, and flight phases to predict the influences of design variables for the robot through a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis examined the initial velocity, stiffness of the elastic link, and the initial angle between the elastic link and the ground. Based on the results, we selected the best values for overcoming an obstacle. The prototype successfully jumped over an obstacle with a height of 0.18m, about 3 times the robot size. We expect the proposed robot platform to be applied to inspection, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue.

Serum androgen levels and their relation to performance in track and field: mass spectrometry results from 2127 observations in male and female elite athletes

ObjectiveTo describe and characterise serum androgen levels and to study their possible influence on athletic performance in male and female elite athletes.Methods2127 observations of competition best performances and mass spectrometry-measured...

Differences of Physique and Physical Fitness among Male South Korean Elite National Track and Field Athletes

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed comparison of physique and physical fitness differences among Track and Field groups. The male athletes participating in this study consisted only of South Korean national track and field athletes. The Korean national athletes were divided into four groups (long-distance runner, sprinter, jumper, thrower). The long-distance runner group (n=7) consisted of three male marathoners and four male race walkers. The sprinter group (n=7) consisted of five male 100m athletes and two male hurdlers. The jumper group (n= 7) consisted of 2 male high jumpers, 2 male long jumpers, and 3 male pole vault athletes. The thrower group (n=8) consisted of 2 male shot put athletes, two male javelin throwers, 2 male discus throwers and 2 male hammer throwers. This study was designed to investigate the effects of physique (height, weight), muscular strength (grip strength), muscular endurance (push-ups, sit-ups), agility (side step), power (vertical jump), cardiopulmonary endurance (maximal oxygen uptake, Anaerobic Threshold %VO2max, rest heart rate), and flexibility (sit and reach). A one-way ANOVA was performed for the mean difference test among track and field athlete groups. A post hoc test method was conducted through the Scheffe Test. The results are as follows. The thrower athlete group showed significantly better results in weight, muscular strength (grip power) than the sprinter athlete group, long-distance runner group and the jumper athlete group. The long-distance runner group showed significantly better result in VO2max and AT (Anaerobic Threshold) than the sprinter group, thrower group and the jumper group. The sprinter group showed significantly better results in power (vertical jump) than the other three groups. There was no significant difference among the groups in the results for muscular endurance (push-up, sit-up), flexibility (sit and reach) and agility (side steps). In conclusion, the South Korean national long-distance runner group (VO2max: 72.6ml/kg/min, ATVO2max: 54ml/kg/min) was superior to the other three groups in cardiovascular endurance. The sprinter's group (vertical jump: 63.1cm) was superior to the other three groups in power. The thrower group (weight: 97kg, grip strength: 81kg) was superior to the other three groups in muscular strength and was heavier than the other groups. Korean national track & field athletes showed the characteristics of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and power in a detailed analysis of items. No differences were found in muscular endurance, flexibility, and agility. Differences in physique and physical fitness among detail event groups of Korean national athletes were in accordance with previous studies. In future studies, the sample size should be increased to improve the reliability and validity of the study results.

Athletic Coping Skills of the Competitive High School Pole Vaulter

A competitive pole vaulters’ ability to cope with stressful situations during competition is crucial for optimal development. Therefore, the ability to cope under these circumstances is essential for creating a strong mental capacity that leads to competitive success. PURPOSE: To quantify athletic coping skills of competitive high school pole vaulters. METHODS: Following written informed consent, 59 high school pole vaulters completed the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI; Smith et al., 1995): coping with adversity (COPE), peaking under pressure (PEAK), goal setting/mental preparation (GOAL), concentration (CONC), freedom from worry (FREE), confidence and achievement motivation (CONF), coachability (COAC), and a composite score referred to as personal coping resources (PCR). Data were grouped by skill level (novice, intermediate, advanced), gender, and academic classification (upperclassmen, lowerclassmen). RESULTS: MANOVAs (Wilks’ Lambda) indicated no significant main effects across skill level (F14,100=1.146; p=0.329), and academic classification (F7,51=1.524; p=0.180), but indicated a significant main effect by gender (F7,51=2.575; p=0.024). Univariate analyses (mean±SD) indicated that males responded higher in PEAK (7.81±3.146 vs. 5.82±2.736; p=0.013) than female athletes, whereas females responded higher in COAC (9.75±2.703 vs. 8.26±2.683; p=0.038) than males. Although no significance, there was a trend for upperclassmen to respond higher in COPE, PEAK, GOAL, CONC, CONF, COACH and PCR. CONCLUSION: Although findings may have been influenced by limited sample size, coping skills among this group reflected subnormal response when compared to normative values across other athletic populations. At this early stage of mental and physical development, it is imperative that coaches devote time to the psychological challenges these athletes will face during competition. Further research is warranted assessing challenges from larger populations, as well as to determine the efficacy of athletic coping skills interventions.

Pain Coping Skills of Competitive High School Pole Vaulters

For competitive pole vaulters, their abilities to cope with painful challenges and subsequent injuries are crucial to overcome obstacles in sport development. In a sport with highly technical and explosive training, the failure to adapt to these competitive challenges could result in suboptimal performance and rehabilitative outcomes. Therefore, the ability to appropriately cope with pain and potential injury is essential for competitive success, especially at this young stage of development. PURPOSE: To quantify the coping skills of pain and injury in competitive high school pole vaulters. METHODS: Following written informed consent, 59 high school pole vaulters completed the Sports Inventory for Pain (SIP; Meyers et al., 1992): direct coping (COP), cognitive (COG), catastrophizing (CAT), avoidance (AVD), body awareness (BOD), and a composite score referred to as total coping resources (TCR). Data were grouped by skill level (novice, intermediate, advanced), gender, and academic classification (upperclassmen, lowerclassmen). RESULTS: MANOVAs (Wilks’ Lambda) indicated no significant main effects across skill level (F10,104=1.511; p=0.146), gender (F5,53=1.128; p=0.357), or academic classification (F5,53=1.440; p=0.225). Although no significance, there was a trend for upperclassmen to respond higher in COP, COG, CAT, BOD, and TCR. CONCLUSION: Although, findings may have been influenced by a limited sample size, pain coping skills among this group reflected above average responses when compared to normative values across other athletic populations. At this early stage of mental and physical development, it is imperative that coaches devote time to the psychological challenges these athletes will face during competition. Further research is warranted assessing challenges from larger populations, as well as to determine the efficacy of pain coping skills interventions.

From the elastica compass to the elastica catapult: an essay on the mechanics of soft robot arm

An elastic rod is clamped at one end and has a dead load attached to the other (free) end. The rod is then slowly rotated using the clamp. When the load is smaller than the buckling value, the rod describes a continuous set of quasi-static forms and its end traces a (smooth, convex and simple) closed curve, which would be a circle if the rod were rigid. The closed curve is analytically determined through the integration of the Euler’s elastica, so that for sufficiently small loads the mechanical system behaves as an ‘elastica compass’. For loads higher than that of buckling, the elastica reaches a configuration from which a snap-back instability occurs, realizing a sort of ‘elastica catapult’. The whole quasi-static evolution leading to the critical configuration for snapping is calculated through the elastica and the subsequent dynamic motion simulated using two numerical procedures, one ad hoc developed and another based on a finite-element scheme. The theoretical results are then validated on a specially designed and built apparatus. An obvious application of the present model would be in the development of soft robotic limbs, but the results are also of interest for the optimization analysis in pole vaulting.

Influence of morphological issue on sports score in 12 - year old boys practicing the pole vaulting

Influence of morphological issue on sports score in 12 - year old boys practicing the pole vaulting

Pole bending mechanism in pole vaulting

Pole bending mechanism in pole vaulting

A MEDALHA DE OURO DE THIAGO BRAZ DA SILVA E O OLIMPISMO: UM ESTUDO DA COBERTURA DO PORTAL UOL NOS JOGOS OLÍMPICOS DE 2016

The article is part of the results of a research that checked the Brazilian press coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games. We observe the distances and approximations of the narratives with the ideals defended by Baron de Coubertin, idealizer of the Olympic Games of the Modern Era e founder of the Olympic Movement. Coubertin viewed the sport and its interface with education and ethical principles as a means for the development of human being. Journalism is an important agent promoting vocations and, together with sport, contributes to the improvement of people’s quality of life. Report published by the Portal UOL, about pole vault competition, is analyzed with an emphasis on the achievement of the gold medal by Brazilian athlete Thiago Braz da Silva. The confirmed hypothesis is that it prevails in the content an approach of the sport as proudly nationalist and spectacular to the detriment of the ideals defended by Coubertin. There are, however, moments that refer to the social function of journalism when indirectly touch some Olympic values.

An Examination of Approach Run Kinematics in Track and Field Jumping Events

Abstract Introduction. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in selected kinematics in the long jump, triple jump, and pole vault to highlight the unique movement pattern characteristics in the approach runs utilised in these events. Material and methods. Data were collected during 1 international and 2 national competitions from 36 male athletes (12 in each event) using an Optojump Next system. Results. This study showed the long jumpers achieved the highest mean step velocity, with the pole vaulters showing the lowest velocity. The velocity of the last step before the take-off was greater (p < 0.05) than the velocity of the penultimate step in all groups of athletes. The length of the last step before the take-off was greater (p < 0.01) than the length of the penultimate step in long jump and pole vault athletes compared to the triple jumpers. The long jumpers demonstrated less contact time (p < 0.01) than the pole vaulters. The contact time of the take-off leg was shorter (p < 0.01) compared to that of the non-take-off leg in pole vaulters. The pole vaulters demonstrated less flight time (p < 0.05) compared to the triple jumpers. Lastly, the flight time during the last step before the take-off was shorter (p < 0.01) than the flight time during the penultimate step in all groups. Conclusions. These findings revealed that each of the track and field jumping events required a distinctive approach run. Therefore, training workouts need to be designed specifically to train the unique gait pattern of the long jump, triple jump, and pole vault.