Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the physical and bio motor characteristics of male and female Turkish ice hockey players. Structural and functional differences depending on the gender were investigated. Altogether, 17 male and 20 female athletes from the city of Erzurum voluntarily participated in the study. The physical measurements of each player were recorded and then isometric strength, reaction time and flexibility were measured. Statistically, t-test analysis was independently used to compare the two groups. The results of the study showed the average weight and height of male athletes were higher than those of females, despite the fact that was lower. The average isometric leg, back and handgrip strength of male athletes were also significantly higher than those of females (p < 0.01). In the sit and reach test, females were better than those males (p < 0.01), while average body flexibility measurements of males are statistically higher than those of females (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in vertical jump measurements. The average anaerobic capacity of males was significantly higher than those of females (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the average hand reaction time between two groups. Regular measurement of physical and functional characteristics of athletes is important not only in the talent identification of athletes but also in the understanding the gender related structural and functional differences as well as in the regulation of training programs.
Highlights
Female and male have played hockey for many years, a paucity of research data exist regarding the differential characteristics of male and female hockey players (Sapega & Nicholas, 1982)
37 healthy subjects comprising 17 male and 20 female ice hockey players from Erzurum region have voluntarily participated in this study
Reaction time was assessed by a software package of random stimulus presentation and response recording (Dane & Erzurumluoglu, 2003)
Summary
Female and male have played hockey for many years, a paucity of research data exist regarding the differential characteristics of male and female hockey players (Sapega & Nicholas, 1982). Ice hockey is a sport that requires significant metabolic, physiological, and biomechanical skill (Ransdell & Murray, 2011) It is a highly variable, high-intensity sport that requires speed, agility, muscular strength and endurance, and aerobic and anaerobic fitness (Burr et al, 2008; Noonan, 2010). Ice hockey presents complex physical, physiological, and biomechanical challenges for players (Bracko et al, 1998; Marino, 1979), many experts believe the most important skill in ice hockey is skating (Hansen & Reed, 1979). The game-performance skating characteristic, physical and biomotor characteristics, reaction time of ice hockey players are important for the team practitioners and coaches, because there are implications for on- and off-ice fitness training.
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