An Inverse Dynamic Analysis of the Pole Vault

An inverse analysis of the pole vault was completed using a nine-segment rigid-body model of the vaulter in two dimensions. Competitive vaults by five elite vaulters were recorded on film using a high-speed 16-mm motion picture camera. The films were digitized and the digitized data were smoothed. The resultant joint moment histories at the shoulder, left hip, left knee, right hip, and right knee were computed for each vaulter. The moments produced about the top hand by the lower hand on the pole were also computed. The resultant joint moments at each joint were compared between vaulters and related to observed vault techniques. The moment produced by the lower hand on the pole and the resultant shoulder moment showed the most variance between vaulters. The pole moment indicated that the lower arm pulled on the pole throughout much of the vault. The resultant shoulder joint moment indicated the need for strength in the shoulder joint extensor muscles. Variations in the resultant moments at the lower extre...