Movement Science Analysis of Pole Vault Performance: A Systematic Review of Run-Up and Airborne Phases
Keywords:
Biomechanics, Kinetic, Kinematic, Run-Up, TakeoffAbstract
The systematic review is anticipated to significantly advance scientific knowledge of pole vault complexities through its comprehensive scope and detailed examination of the approach and aerial phases. Pole vaulting, as a technically demanding athletic discipline, serves as the central focus of this systematic investigation aimed at enhancing understanding of pole-vaulting biomechanics and performance dynamics. Through systematic review methodology, multiple biomechanical, kinetic, and kinematic factors have been identified as crucial determinants of athletic performance in pole vaulting, with landing technique representing a critical biomechanical element designed to minimize post-vault impact stress through precise body positioning, optimal joint angles, and coordinated muscle activation patterns. Our systematic review employed a comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Medline, and Web of Science using varied search terminology, with inclusion criteria encompassing English-language publications from the past decade involving human subjects while excluding non-English publications and studies without human participants. Quality assessment adhered to PRISMA guidelines and incorporated bias risk evaluation to maintain internal validity through stringent selection criteria and dual evaluation processes ensuring methodological rigor. The selected studies collectively provide comprehensive insights into pole vaulting performance, examining kinetic and kinematic variables across diverse athlete populations, with take-off velocity emerging as a significant performance factor highlighted by multiple studies examining variations in touchdown speed and horizontal hand-foot distance relationships, while research additionally demonstrates a positive correlation between maximum pole flexion and achieved jump height.
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