Abstract
Skating is a fundamental movement in ice hockey; however little research has been conducted within the field of hockey skating biomechanics due to the difficulties of on-ice data collection. In this study a novel on-ice measurement approach was tested for reliability, and subsequently implemented to investigate the forward skating technique, as well as technique differences across skill levels. Nine high caliber (High) and nine low caliber (Low) hockey players performed 30m forward skating trials. A 3D accelerometer was mounted to the right skate for the purpose of stride detection, with the 2nd and 6th strides defined as acceleration and steady-state, respectively. The activity of five lower extremity muscles was recorded using surface electromyography. Biaxial electro-goniometers were used to quantify hip and knee angles, and in-skate plantar force was measured using instrumented insoles. Reliability was assessed with the coefficient of multiple correlation, which demonstrated moderate (r>0.65) to excellent (r>0.95) scores across selected measured variables. Greater plantar-flexor muscle activity and hip extension were evident during acceleration strides, while steady state strides exhibited greater knee extensor activity and hip abduction range of motion (p<0.05). High caliber exhibited greater hip range of motion and forefoot force application (p<0.05). The successful implementation of this on-ice mobile measurement approach offers potential for athlete monitoring, biofeedback and training advice.
Highlights
Skating is the typical movement in ice hockey and is the foundation upon which other important ice hockey skills are built
It is assumed that identifying the biomechanical differences between elite and recreational level ice hockey skating can be used to determine the variables that contribute to high level skating performance
Excellent reliability was observed for measures of joint kinematics and plantar force, while EMG total intensity waveforms demonstrated moderate to very good agreement for each of the five measured muscles
Summary
Skating is the typical movement in ice hockey and is the foundation upon which other important ice hockey skills are built. Excellent skating ability is considered one of the main characteristics of a highly skilled ice hockey player [1]. In order to improve skating performance a biomechanical understanding of the variables that have the largest contribution to skating performance is essential. It is assumed that identifying the biomechanical differences between elite and recreational level ice hockey skating can be used to determine the variables that contribute to high level skating performance. Research into ice hockey biomechanics, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0127324. Research into ice hockey biomechanics, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0127324 May 14, 2015
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
