A Cinematographic Study of Selective Factors in the Pole Vault

Abstract

Data were collected from measurements of 151 successful vaults performed by eight collegiate pole vaulters. A designated waistband mark, determined by the board and scale method with the subject in the supine position, served as an arbitrary dynamic balance reference point. The waistband mark and a special take-off board to record duration of contact were employed with the cinematographic analysis. With the criterion expressed as mean height for the group, stepwise regression selected the following variables with regard to their relative contribution to vaulting success: increased distance of the body from the vaulting pole, velocity at take-off, velocity before take-off, duration, and elbow angle of the bottom arm. With the criterion expressed as deviation from mean height for the group, multiple regression found velocity at take-off to be the most important independent variable, followed by distance of the body from the pole, duration, elbow angle of the bottom arm, and velocity before take-off. Duration of contact and performance established a significant inverse relationship when the criterion was expressed as deviation from mean height for the group.