Research on the Mechanical Analysis of Run-Up Speed in Pole Vaulting and the Application of Key Auxiliary Training Methods

Analyzing from the perspective of physics mechanics,the pole vault is a project which transforms kinetic energy into elastic potential energy.The magnitude of kinetic energy depends on the vaulter’s approaching speed,while the magnitude of elastic potential energy depends on height.Therefore,the run-up speed determines the vaulter’s performance in pole vault to a certain extent.the horizontal speed of the pole-holding approach phase transitioning into vertical upward speed plays a crucial role in executing pole vault techniques,and the model of approaching speed establishes a theoretical foundation for vaulters to break through the pole limitation.In terms of specialized technical assistance in speed training,short-distance speed exercises are used in the approaching phase;in the swinging phase,gymnastic rings,single bar and suspension rope exercises are employed for suspension;in the stretch phase,trampoline exercises play a important role in rotation phase,etc.

Can coordination variability identify performance factors and skill level in competitive sport? The case of race walking

Background:Marginal changes in the execution of competitive sports movements can represent a significant change for performance success.However,such differences may emerge only at certain execution intensities and are not easily detectable through conventional biomechanical techniques.This study aimed to investigate if and how competition standard and progression speed affect race walking kinematics from both a conventional and a coordination variability perspective.Methods:Fifteen experienced athletes divided into three groups(elite,international,and national) were studied while race walking on a treadmill at two different speeds(12.0 and 15.5 km/h).Basic gait parameters,the angular displacement of the pelvis and lower limbs,and the variability in continuous relative phase between six different joint couplings were analyzed.Results:Most of the spatio-temporal,kinematic,and coordination variability measures proved sensitive to the change in speed.Conversely,non-linear dynamics measures highlighted differences between athletes of different competition standard when conventional analytical tools were not able to discriminate between different skill levels.Continuous relative phase variability was higher for national level athletes than international and elite in two couplings(pelvis obliquity—hip flex/extension and pelvis rotation—ankle dorsi/plantarflexion) and gait phases(early stance for the first coupling,propulsive phase for the second) that are deemed fundamental for correct technique and performance.Conclusion:Measures of coordination variability showed to be a more sensitive tool for the fine detection of skill-dependent factors in competitive race walking,and showed good potential for being integrated in the assessment and monitoring of sports motor abilities.