Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Pain in Pole Vaulters

Abstract

Pole vaulting is a technically demanding athletic discipline that requires a combination of strength, speed, coordination, and flexibility. Due to high training intensity, repetitive movement patterns, and significant mechanical load, this discipline frequently leads to musculoskeletal pain, which negatively impacts athletes' performance and increases the risk of injuries. Although musculoskeletal pain is a frequent topic in sports medicine, pole vaulting remains a discipline where this aspect has received relatively little attention. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain in pole vaulters. The research was conducted on a cohort of 30 active pole vaulters (16 females, 14 males) specializing in this discipline, aged between 17 and 31 years, who had participated in a major athletic event at least once in the previous year. Data were collected over a six-month period using the standardized Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (ÖMPQ), which assesses pain location, duration, intensity, and the risk of chronification. The findings showed that the most commonly affected area was the lower back (33.3%), followed by the ankles (23.3%) and shoulders (16.7%). More than 30% of participants reported that their pain had persisted for over one year, indicating a risk of chronification. Despite experiencing pain, most pole vaulters (46.67%) did not miss any training sessions, which may contribute to the long-term deterioration of their physical condition. The study confirmed that the intense biomechanical load inherent in this discipline can lead to structural changes in the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the lumbar spine and lower extremities. Therefore, it is important to pay increased attention to prevention, proper training adjustments, and rehabilitation strategies to help minimize the risk of musculoskeletal pain and injuries.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24040/sjss.2025.10.2.34-41