Effects Of 3D Multiple Object Tracking On Head Impacts During A Collegiate Ice Hockey Season

Abstract

Player-to-player contact is the most frequent head impact mechanism in collegiate ice hockey. Training with three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) could potentially reduce the quantity and severity of head impacts by enhancing player anticipation of these impacts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to utilize 3D-MOT training as a tool to reduce the quantity and severity of head impacts in NCAA Division III men’s and women’s ice hockey players. METHODS: Collegiate men’s and women’s ice hockey players (N = 33; men = 17, women = 16) were randomly assigned to a 3D-MOT group (3D-MOT = 17) or control group (C = 16). 3D-MOT training occurred twice per week for 12 weeks throughout one regular season. Quantity, location, linear acceleration, and rotational velocity of head impacts were measured in practices and games. Independent samples t-tests compared peak linear acceleration and peak rotational velocity between groups. Pearson chi square analysis compared the quantity of impacts between groups. Independent groups ANOVAs compared peak linear acceleration and peak rotational velocity of impacts between player positions and peak linear acceleration and peak rotational velocity at five different helmet locations between groups. RESULTS: 3D-MOT forwards sustained head impacts with greater mean peak linear acceleration (3D-MOT = 41.33 + 28.54g; C = 38.03 + 24.30g) and mean peak rotational velocity (3D-MOT = 13.59 + 8.18 rad.sec-1; C = 12.47 + 7.69 rad.sec-1) in games, and greater mean peak rotational velocity in practices versus control forwards (3D-MOT = 11.96 + 6.77 rad.sec-1; C = 10.22 + 6.95 rad.sec-1). Conversely, 3D-MOT defensemen sustained fewer in-game head impacts (3D-MOT = 181 head impacts; C = 282 head impacts) and head impacts with a mean peak rotational velocity less than control defensemen (3D-MOT = 11.54 + 6.76 rad.sec-1; C = 13.65 + 8.43 rad.sec-1). There was no significant difference for all other parameters analyzed between 3D-MOT and control groups. CONCLUSION: 3D-MOT training reduced the quantity and severity of head impacts for defensemen in games, but not for forwards. Player position may play an important role in future interventions to reduce quantity and severity of head impacts in collegiate ice hockey.