Correlation Between Off-ice Strength And Power Variables And Skating Performance In Women´S Ice Hockey

Abstract

The relationship between off-ice tests and skating performance has not been previously investigated in elite women ice hockey players (WIHP). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between off-ice strength-, and power- variables and different components of skating performance in Elite WIHP.: METHODS: Elite WIHP (n=32) age: 18.3±2.1 years, were evaluated via physiological tests of; Vertical power (squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ)); Horizontal power (standing long jump on two legs (SLJ) on one leg (SLJR) and 20m linear sprinting); Strength (isometric leg pull, squat and isokinetic leg extension on 90° and 210° (Iso90, Iso210)). Right leg measurements were selected for the isokinetic leg extension and SLJ(R). Skating performance was assessed on-ice via three agility tests; S-cornering agility skate (SCAS), Transition agility skate (TAS), Cone agility skate (CAS), and anaerobic endurance test; Modified repeat sprint skate (MRSS). Pearson´s bivariate correlations were used to investigate the associations between physical variables and on-ice variables. Statistical significance was set to p<.05. RESULTS: SLJR, SLJ, Iso90, Iso210, isometric leg-pull and 20m sprint were correlated with TAS, r = .698 (p.001), r = .509 (p.026), r = -.514 (p.050), r = -.529 (p.043), -.479 (p.038) and r = .631 (p.007) respectively. SLJR and Iso90 was correlated with SCAS, r = -.619 (p.005) and r = -.520 (p.047). SLJR, SLJ, CMJ and Iso210 were correlated to MRSS, r = -.588 (p.01), r = -.539 (p.021), r = -.482 (p.037) and r = -.544 (p.04) respectively. CAS was not significantly correlated with any of the physiological tests.: CONCLUSIONS: Off-ice power and strength tests were significantly correlated to skating performance in elite WIHP.: