This study aimed to clarify the kinematic characteristics of vaulting motion that contribute to achieving a higher push height in female pole vaulting. For this purpose, we focused on the motion of four key variables: pole chord length, body, right arm, and trunk. Fifteen national (n=7) and international (n=8) female pole vaulters (personal best record :3.80 m - 4.61 m) participated in the study. Participants were divided into high and low performance groups based on the mean value of 0.33m of push height (defined as the height from peak COG to effective grip height).
As a result, the high-performance group exhibited a higher vertical COG position and greater COG velocity during the pole extension phase. These athletes exhibited a significantly larger trunk angle and formed an inverted posture by the time the pole chord angle reached 90 degrees. Furthermore, during the turning motion of the body, their right arms were positioned in front of the pole chord and showed a counterclockwise rotational movement. In contrast, the low-performance group failed to achieve a high COG position due to insufficient inverted posture at a 90-degree pole chord angle, and the clockwise rotation of the right arm during the turning motion.
Therefore, it was suggested that in order to achieve a high push height, it is important to obtain an inverted posture by the time a pole chord angle reaches 90 degrees, maintain the inverted posture by using the right arm appropriately during the subsequent turning motion, and move the COG vertically.
