BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS ON RUN-UP AND TAKE-OFF IN WOMEN’S POLE VAULT

Abstract

Run-up, plant and take-off directly affect the aerodynamics and the bar clearance in the pole vault event. The purpose of this study was to show the biomechanical features of the last two strides of run-up and take-off performed by China’s elite women pole vault athletes. Two synchronized PEAK video cameras operating at 25 Hz were used to film the pole vaults of the subjects and films were digitized by an Engine 3D Video Analysis System. Kinematics data was obtained on change of length in two last strides, velocities of last foot in contact with ground, take-off parameters and body position during foot pushing-off ground. Comparing their performance with that of world elite athletes, all subjects in the study should improve the run-up velocities in order to be more successful. Based on the results from this study, it is suggested to increase the horizontal velocities during take-off and to reduce the take-off angle. In addition, the poles should be lowered earlier and the knee angles should be increased.