Differences in joint angles during pole vaulting between male pole vaulters with and without chronic low back pain

Abstract

Study aim: To determine the difference in joint angles of the shoulder, hip, and trunk (angle of the upper torso and lower torso) during vaulting between male pole vaulters with and without chronic low back pain (LBP) and to examine the relationship between the range of motion (ROM) and maximum angle of the same joint during vaulting in all participants. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study included 17 male vaulters. The participants were divided into two groups (chronic LBP and control) based on their questionnaire results. Four high-speed cameras were used to record at 240 Hz from the touchdown of the last step on the run-up to the pole straight phase. The vaulter cleared the bungee bars that were set at 90% of their personal best record. The ROM of hip flexion and extension, shoulder flexion, and straight leg raise were measured. Results: There was no difference in the joint angles between the chronic LBP group and control group. In contrast, there was a significantly positive correlation between ROM and the maximum joint angle during hip extension (p = 0.01, r = 0.58). Conclusions: Insufficient hip ROM may result in compensatory motion in lumbar extension during pole vaulting.