The Difference in Gait Regulation Strategies Between Successful and Failed Pole Vault Performance

This study aimed to investigate the difference in gait regulation strategy of pole vault approach runs between successful and failed trials. Five male junior pole vaulters completed full vaulting to 90%-95% personal best height. These trials were categorized into successful and failed trials. Step length and the distance from toe to the planting box were obtained using a two dimensional direct linear transformation procedure. In successful trials, standard deviations of the toe-box distance (SDTB) at the last step and take-off of were significantly smaller than those of failed trials (P < 0.05). We observed a clear difference in gait regulation strategy between successful and failed trials, thereby suggesting that to minimize the fluctuations of the toe-box distance immediately before the take-off is a key gait regulation strategy for successful pole vault performance.