Prediction of Skating Performance Using Anthropometry and Off-Ice Fitness Tests in Elite Women's Ice Hockey

Abstract

Despite being an Olympic and collegiate sport, and experiencing increased participation, there are relatively few research studies on women's ice hockey. Performance prediction using physiological parameters has been the focus of studies in female field hockey, soccer, and volleyball players, but not in female ice hockey players. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if anthropometric parameters and off-ice fitness predict skating performance in elite women's ice hockey. METHODS: University of Alberta women's ice hockey players (n=80, 21.1±2.6 yrs) were measured with a full anthropometric battery and completed off-ice fitness tests: vertical jump, 40-yd dash, push-ups, sit-ups, and a Leger test (1988, for predicting VO2max); and skating performance tests: speed, 6.10 m acceleration, Cornering S-Turn Agility, and Modified Repeat Sprint Skate Test (MRSS). Data were collected over the course of seven pre-seasons between 1999 and 2007. Stepwise regression analyses were run for each of the four on-ice tests as dependent variables (SPSS Mac Version 10.0). RESULTS: Speed was best predicted by androgyny, vertical jump, and sit-ups(R2=.434, p=.000); acceleration by push-ups (R2=.106, p=.016); agility by androgyny, sit-ups, 40-yd dash, BMI and Leger test (R2=.468, p=.000); and MRSS by Leger test, androgyny, sit-ups, 40-yd dash, and flexed arm circumference (R2=.553, p=.000). CONCLUSIONS: A significant amount of the variance in skating performance (43-55%, with the exception of acceleration) can be accounted for by a combination of anthropometric parameters and off-ice fitness tests. This probably reflects the contributions of an athletic physique, core strength and endurance, anaerobic power, and cardiorespiratory fitness to perfomance in elite women's ice hockey.