ELEVATED TRACK IN POLE VAULT, WHAT ADVANTAGE FOR RUN-UP DETERMINANTS OF PERFORMANCE?

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The aim of the present study was to compare high-level pole vault performances set in standard versus elevated tracks during official competitions, with a specific focus on the mechanical determinants of the run up phase such as speed, contact time, step frequency, lower-limb stiffness and take off position. The main variables that were significantly correlated to a benefit from elevated tracks on run-up speed were speed on a normal track, step frequency, percent change in contact time and step frequency. The use of indoors elevated track in high-level to world-class athletes did not result in systematic increase in the main performance determinant, i.e. run-up speed. However, the individual changes analysis shows that slower athletes with lower step frequency are those who benefit the most from the use of elevated track.