BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF ELITE CHINESE FEMALE POLE VAULTERS’ TAKE-OFF TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Takeoff is one of the most critical phases used to determine pole-vaulting performance. The purpose of this study was to study the takeoff in pole-vaulting of Chinese female athletes. A National M9500 video camera was used to record subjects’ performance at a frequency of 25 frames per second. The videos were digitized by stma10 video analysis system developed by Engine Body Information. Kinematics data including the take-off velocity, time, position and angle was calculated. Comparing the Chinese subjects with world elite athletes, all athletes that were studied, should increase horizontal absolute velocity and plant the pole at an earlier time. The take-off angle should be reduced to the proper value of 20°. Also, these athletes should limit the backward leap of the trunk in order to prevent the hip joint angle from becoming excessively large. Free takeoff technique should be adopted.