Author(s): YONG, Z., LIU, F.L., ZHANG, Q.S., Institution: SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY OF SPORT, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 459

INTRODUCTION:
Studies have shown that pole vault performance is jointly influenced by key performance factors including approach run speed, take-off technique and physical strength [1-2]. However, a comprehensive model for predicting performance by integrating physical strength and approach run characteristics has not yet been established. This study aimed to construct and validate a model that synthesizes approach run characteristics and physical strength test indicators to predict athletes' pole vault performance using the principal component regression method.
METHODS:
Thirty-nine adolescent pole vaulters aged 12–16 years completed the Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP), hip adduction and abduction test, Athletic Shoulder Test (ASH) and CMJ test. The sprint speed and gait parameters of the last three steps at their optimal performance were also measured and calculated. After the indicators were standardized by Z-score, principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1 were extracted and subjected to varimax orthogonal rotation. A principal component regression model was then established, with the rotated factor scores as the independent variables and pole vault performance as the dependent variable.
RESULTS:
Principal component analysis yielded a KMO of 0.877. Three components were extracted, cumulatively explaining 79.5% of the variance. F1 (approach run characteristics) mainly loaded on the speed and step length of the last three steps; F2 (physical muscle strength) on peak hip abduction/adduction force, multi-directional upper limb peak force, and peak isometric mid-thigh pull force; F3 (lower limb explosive power) on average/peak propulsive force and power in the CMJ. All three components showed a significant correlation with pole vault performance (p<0.001). The regression model based on these components demonstrated strong predictive power (R²=0.833, adjusted R²=0.818, p<0.001). Approach run characteristics had the strongest predictive effect (β=0.56), followed by physical muscle strength (β=0.344), and lower limb explosive power (β=0.138).
CONCLUSION:
The results of this study indicated that approach run characteristics are the primary factor influencing pole vault performance, followed by muscle strength. It is suggested that in the pole vault training of adolescents, priority should be given to developing approach run speed and gait quality, while systematically improving the isometric strength of the upper and lower limbs. In addition, lower limb explosive power training should be used as a supplement to basic abilities, so as to achieve the coordinated improvement of technical skills and physical fitness.
[1] Linthorne 2012 / [2] Li 2024