Pre-post Season Differences In Physical, Fitness, And Performance Characteristics In Elite Female Ice Hockey Players

Abstract

PURPOSE: Only one study has examined the effects of multiple seasons of play in elite female ice hockey players, and on a limited number of variables. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if physical characteristics, fitness, and on-ice skating performance vary significantly from pre- to post-season in elite female ice hockey players. METHODS: The subjects of this study were players from the University of Alberta (n=94, age=20.9±2.5 yrs) measured over nine seasons of play (1999-2007). A full anthropometric battery was taken on each player for four pre- and post-seasons (1999-2000, 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2007-08). Off-ice fitness tests included vertical jump (VJ), sit-ups (SU), push-ups (PU), Leger Test (to predict VO2max), and 40-yd dash (DASH). On-ice skating performance tests included a 44.80 m speed (SPEED), 6.10 m acceleration (ACCEL), Cornering S-Turn agility (AGIL), and Modified Repeat Sprint Skate (MRSS) tests. Blood lactates were taken immediately after the MRSS and after 4-6 minutes recovery. Anaerobic power estimates were derived (anaerobic capacity and power from MRSS and SPEED - Watson & Sargeant, 1986) and (peak anaerobic power from VJ - Sayers, 1998). Paired sample t-tests were run using SPSS (Mac Version 11.0) with a significance level set a priori at p<0.01. RESULTS: Significant pre-to-post season differences were found for thigh and waist circumferences and % body fat; DASH; anaerobic capacity; AGIL and MRSS, MRSS drop-off, recovery HR, and post-MRSS lactate clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric differences were within measurement error, suggesting that physical characteristics do not change significantly over the course of a season of play. However, differences in fitness and performance measures indicate that players improve selected aspects of both over the course of a season. These changes are likely a result of training, skating skill enhancement, and/or ice time rather than a learning effect over a five-to-six month period.