Elite Female Ice Hockey Players Research Articles

Anthropometric and Physical Attribute Profile for Elite Female Ice Hockey Players in China

The performance of ice hockey players is greatly influenced by their physical fitness and strength. This study set out to use various parameters to measure the physical strength of a player. The parameters include body mass (kilograms), height (centimeters), 30 m sprinting, vertical jump (centimeters), standing long jump (centimeters), 1 RM back squat (kilograms), 1 RM bench press (kilograms), pull-ups, 3 km running and body composition. The performance of a sample of 31 ice hockey players from China on the mentioned parameters was compared to the world’s top performers in ice hockey games, USA, and it was realized that players with generally lower scores on the factors tend to perform dismally in the game. China has been behind the USA in the world’s rankings, and their performances were generally lower compared to their US counterparts. Data was collected by trained experts and analyzed through Microsoft Excel software. The information from this research is basically an eye-opener to the Chinese female ice hockey stakeholders, including players, coaches, and medical personnel, on the areas that need attention to maintain world-class performances.

Effects of Different Recovery Periods Following a Very Intense Interval Training Session on Strength and Explosive Performance in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players.

Petré, H, Tinmark, F, Rosdahl, H, and Psilander, N. Effects of different recovery periods following a very intense interval training session on strength and explosive performance in elite female ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study investigates how different recovery periods after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects strength and explosive performance during a power training (PT) session. Fifteen female elite ice hockey players (22.5 ± 5.2 years) performed PT, including 6 sets of 2 repetitions (reps) of isometric leg press (ILP) and 6 sets of 3 reps of countermovement jump (CMJ), following a rested state and 10 minutes, 6 hours, or 24 hours after HIIT (3 sets of 8 × 20 seconds at 115% of power output at maximal oxygen consumption on a cycle ergometer). Peak force (PF) and peak rate of force development (pRFD) were measured during the ILP. Peak jump height (PJH), concentric phase duration (ConDur), eccentric phase duration, total duration, peak power (PP), velocity at peak power (V@PP), and force at peak power were measured during CMJ. The following variables were significantly reduced when only a 10-minute recovery period was allowed between HIIT and PT: PF was reduced by 7% (p < 0.001), pRFD by 17% (p < 0.001), PJH by 4% (p < 0.001), ConDur by 4% (p = 0.018), PP by 2% (p = 0.016), and V@PP by 2% (p = 0.007). None of the measured variables were reduced when PT was performed 6 and 24 hours after HIIT. We conclude that strength and explosive performance of elite female ice hockey players is reduced 10 minutes after HIIT but not negatively affected if a rest period of at least 6 hours is provided between HIIT and PT.

Cross-Sectional Study of the Anthropometric Profile and Nutrient Status of Elite Female Ice Hockey Players: Differences by Play Position.

Both the characteristics of ice hockey and the environmental conditions in which it is played affect the maintenance of the player's nutritional status and, therefore, their state of health and performance. The primary aim of this work was to examine the anthropometric profile, estimated energy expenditure, and macronutrient and micronutrient dietary intake of elite female ice hockey players by play position. As a secondary aim, their dietary intakes were compared with the recommendations. Hypotheses suggest variations in body composition based on ice hockey players' positions, with the expectation that these athletes may not align with energy and nutrient recommendations. Fifteen elite female ice hockey players were anthropometrically measured, basal metabolic rate and total energy expenditure were estimated, a 3-day, 24 h recall questionnaire was registered, and the results were compared with the recommended dietary intake for the Spanish population. Each player's position on the field requires an individualized physical and nutritional approach. There are no significant imbalances (p > 0.05) between energy and nutrient intake in relation to the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI); however, increasing the consumption of vegetables and seafood while reducing meat and fat intake would assist these athletes in maintaining a healthier energy balance, optimizing body composition, and aligning with nutritional parameters that are better suited to enhance physical performance.

Between-Session Reliability of Strength- and Power-Related Variables Obtained during Isometric Leg Press and Countermovement Jump in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players

Isometric leg press (ILP) and countermovement jump (CMJ) are commonly used to obtain strength- and power-related variables with important implications for health maintenance and sports performance. To enable the identification of true changes in performance with these measurements, the reliability must be known. This study evaluates the between-session reliability of strength- and power-related measures obtained from ILP and CMJ. Thirteen female elite ice hockey players (21.5 ± 5.1 years; 66.3 ± 8.0 kg) performed three maximal ILPs and CMJs on two different occasions. Variables from the ILP (peak force and peak rate of force development) and CMJ (peak power, peak force, peak velocity, and peak jump height) were obtained. The results were reported using the best trial, an average of the two best trials, or an average of three trials. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were high (ICC &gt; 0.97; CV &lt; 5.2%) for all outcomes. The CV for the CMJ (1.5–3.2%) was lower than that for the ILP (3.4–5.2%). There were no differences between reporting the best trial, an average of the two best trials, or an average of the three trials for the outcomes. ILP and CMJ are highly reliable when examining strength- and power-related variables in elite female ice hockey players.

Truncated Estimation of Skating Force-Velocity Profiling When Using High-Speed Video-Based Methods Compared to Radar-Derived Processing.

This study aimed to compare the force-velocity mechanical variables derived from high-speed video- and radar-based method during forward skating sprint in ice hockey. Thirteen elite female ice hockey players performed two 40-m forward skating sprints to determine, in the horizontal plane, maximal velocity reached (Vmax), relative maximal theoretical force (F0), maximal theoretical velocity (V0), relative maximal power (Pmax), linear slope of the force-velocity relationship (FV slope), maximal value of the ratio of force (RFmax) and index of force application technique (Drf). Two different high-speed video-based methods adding a time shift (ST-TS) or not (ST) were used and independently compared to the radar-derived method. ST and ST-TS showed significant mean differences (all p < 0.002) compared to radar-derived processing for all variables except for V0 (p = 0.26) and Vmax (p = 0.13) inferred from ST. In reference to radar-derived variables, ST-TS significantly induced larger lower values compared to radar of the main forward skating sprint determinants (Pmax, F0, RFmax and Drf) and moderate-to-large overestimation for velocity variables (V0 and Vmax). Correlations between ST or ST-TS and radar-derived methods ranged from trivial for velocity variables to very large for force and power variables. Consequently, practitioners must be aware that using such high-speed video-based methods would permit to determine mechanical variables at the cost of much lower accuracy and reliability than the radar-derived method.

A Comparison of On-Ice External Load Measures Between Subelite and Elite Female Ice Hockey Players.

Douglas, AS, Rotondi, MA, Baker, J, Jamnik, VK, and Macpherson, AK. A comparison of on-ice external load measures between subelite and elite female ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1978-1983, 2022-This study quantified and examined differences in measures of on-ice external load for subelite and elite female ice hockey players. External load variables were collected from subelite (N = 21) and elite (N = 24) athletes using Catapult S5 monitors during the preseason. A total of 574 data files were analyzed from training and competition during the training camp. Significant differences between groups were found across all variables. Differences in training between the 2 groups ranged from trivial (forwards PlayerLoad, p = 0.03, effect-size [ES] = 0.18) to large (forwards Explosive Efforts [EEs], p < 0.001, ES = 1.64; defense EEs, p < 0.001, ES = 1.40). Match comparisons yielded similar results, with differences ranging from small (defense Low Skating Load [SL], p = 0.05, ES = 0.49; Medium SL, p = 0.04, ES = 0.52) to very large (forwards PlayerLoad, p < 0.001. ES = 2.25; PlayerLoad·min-1, p < 0.001, ES = 2.66; EEs, p < 0.001, ES = 2.03; Medium SL, p < 0.001, ES = 2.31; SL·min-1, p < 0.001, ES = 2.67), respectively. The differences in external load measures of intensity demonstrate the need to alter training programs of subelite ice athletes to ensure they can meet the demands of elite ice hockey. As athletes advance along the development pathway, considerable focus of their off-ice training should be to improve qualities that enhance their ability to perform high-intensity on-ice movements.

Characterizing the Prevalence of Cam-Type Hip Impingement in Professional Women’s Ice Hockey Players

BackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in elite men’s ice hockey players, yet little is known about the hips of elite women’s ice hockey players.PurposeThe primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic cam-type FAI in professional women’s ice hockey players in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). The secondary purpose was to analyze the relationship between the presence of cam deformity and both hip range-of-motion (ROM) and age of menarche.MethodsClinical, radiographic and demographic data were collected during player pre-participation physicals. ROM measurements were performed with a goniometer. Alpha angles were measured on 45° Dunn radiographs, with alpha angles >55° defined as cam-positive (Figure 1). Measurements were performed 3 separate times by 4 investigators. One-way ANOVA, independent means t-test and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.ResultsTwenty-six female athletes were included. Average menarchal age was 13.8 ±1.5 years. 24 (92%) had alpha angles >55°; 20 (77%) had bilateral cam deformity. Inter-rater reliability was excellent at 0.86. Intra-rater reliability was also excellent, with mean ICC=0.87 (range= 0.82-0.90 for each rater). There was a significant positive association between age of menarche and alpha angle (p<0.02, Figure 2). There was no association between alpha angle and hip ROM.ConclusionElite female ice hockey players have a higher prevalence of cam morphology than the general population. The positive association between alpha angle and age of menarche supports the etiological hypothesis of the cam lesion resulting from activity-related stress at the proximal femoral physis during a period of physiologic vulnerability. Professional women’s ice hockey players have a high risk of developing cam morphology of the proximal femur, although each player’s age of menarche may mediate her individual risk for cam lesion development.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Mechanical determinants of forward skating sprint inferred from off- and on-ice force-velocity evaluations in elite female ice hockey players

This study aimed to investigate the correlations between players’ mechanical capacities determined during off- and on-ice tests. Whole body force-velocity relationships were assessed in elite female ice hockey players (n = 17) during jumping [squat jump (SJ)], running (5 and 30 m) and skating (5 and 40 m) sprint tasks. Mechanical capacities estimates include relative maximal theoretical force (F0rel), velocity (V0), power (Pmaxrel), slope of the linear relationship between force relative to body mass and velocity (SFVrel), maximal horizontal component of the ground reaction force to the corresponding resultant force (RFmax) and minimal rate of decrease of this ratio (DRF). On-ice mechanical capacities (F0rel, Pmaxrel, RFmax and DRF) largely-to-very largely correlated with 40-m skating split time (r ranging from 0.82 for DRF to −0.91 for Pmaxrel; p < 0.001). Performance variables (SJ height, 30-m running and 40-m forward skating split time) and Pmaxrel demonstrated the largest associations between jumping, running and skating tasks (r ranging from −0.81 for 30-m sprint running time to 0.92 for SJ height; p < 0.001). Small (V0, SFVrel, DRF and force-velocity deficit) to very large (Pmaxrel) correlations (r ranging from 0.58 to 0.72; p < 0.05) were obtained between mechanical variables inferred from off- and on-ice force-velocity tests. The capacity to generate high amounts of horizontal power and effective horizontal force during the first steps on the ice is paramount for forward skating sprint performance. Mechanical capacities determined during forward skating sprint could be considered in ice hockey testing to identify fitness and/or technical/training requirements.

Characterizing the Prevalence of Cam-Type Hip Impingement in Women’s Professional Ice Hockey Players

Objectives:Participation rates in women’s ice hockey is increasing in North America. Recent studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in elite male ice hockey players, yet little is known about hip pathology of players in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic FAI in women’s professional ice hockey players. The secondary purpose was to analyze the relationship between the presence of radiographic cam deformity and hip ROM, clinical impingement signs and age of menarche.Methods:In this IRB-approved study, physical examination and demographic data were prospectively collected for 27 NWHL players. Alpha angles were measured on 45-degree Dunn views with an alpha angle >55° defined as cam-positive. Pearson correlations were performed to analyze the relationship between alpha angle and ROM measurements, clinical impingement signs and self-reported age of menarche. Players were grouped into those with and without cam impingement and group differences were assessed using the student’s t-test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results:Twenty-seven athletes were included in the study. Nineteen of the 27 players (70%) had radiologic evidence of cam-type impingement with alpha angle >55 degrees; 14 players (52%) had bilateral cam deformity. The average age of menarche was 13.9±1.5 years. There was a significant association between age of menarche and right alpha angle (R=0.57, CI [0.16, 0.81], p=0.011), as well as age of menarche and left alpha angle (R=0.48, CI [0.03, 0.77], p=0.039). There was no statistically significant association between alpha angle and any ROM measurement. Additionally, there was no difference in the incidence of clinical impingement for players with or without an alpha angle >55°.Conclusion:This study suggests that elite female ice hockey players have a significantly higher prevalence of cam-type morphology than the general population. The clinical significance of this radiographic finding is uncertain as the majority of these deformities seem to be asymptomatic. Interestingly, the positive association between alpha angle and age of menarche lends support to the etiological hypothesis that cam lesions are a result of activity-related stress at the proximal femoral physis. This data suggests that players with earlier menarche (and therefore earlier physeal closure) seem to be less vulnerable to the development of cam deformity of the proximal femur.

On-Ice Measures of External Load in Relation to Match Outcome in Elite Female Ice Hockey.

The aim of this study is to investigate the differences between select on-ice measures using inertial movement sensors based on match outcome, and to determine changes in player movements across three periods of play. Data were collected during one season of competition in elite female ice hockey players (N = 20). Two-factor mixed effects ANOVAs for each skating position were performed to investigate the differences in match outcome, as well as differences in external load measures during the course of a match. For match outcome, there was a small difference for forwards in explosive ratio (p = 0.02, ES = 0.26) and percentage high force strides (p = 0.04, ES = 0.50). When viewed across three periods of a match, moderate differences were found in skating load (p = 0.01, ES = 0.75), explosive efforts (p = 0.04, ES = 0.63), and explosive ratio (p = 0.002, ES = 0.87) for forwards, and in PlayerLoad (p = 0.01, ES = 0.70), explosive efforts (p = 0.04, ES = 0.63), and explosive ratio (p = 0.01, ES = 0.70) for defense. When examining the relevance to match outcome, external load measures associated with intensity appear to be an important factor among forwards. These results may be helpful for coaches and sport scientists when making decisions pertaining to training and competition strategies.

Lisa S. Krivickas Clinician/Scholar Travel Award: Characterizing the Prevalence of Cam-Type Hip Impingement in Women’s Professional Ice Hockey Players

PURPOSE Recent studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in elite men's ice hockey players, yet little is known about the hips of players in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic cam-type FAI in women’s professional ice hockey players. The secondary purpose was to analyze the relationship between the presence of cam deformity and hip ROM; clinical impingement signs; and age of menarche. METHODS Clinical, radiographic and demographic data were collected for NWHL players during pre-participation physicals. Alpha angles were measured on 45° Dunn radiographs, with alpha angles >55° defined as cam-positive. Spearman correlations were performed to analyze the relationship between alpha angle and both ROM measurements and menarchal age. Players were grouped into those with and without cam lesions and group differences were assessed using the student's t-test. RESULTS Twenty-seven athletes were included. Nineteen (70%) had alpha angles >55°; 14 (52%) had bilateral cam deformity. Average menarchal age was 13.9 ±1.5 years. There was a significant association between age of menarche and alpha angle (right hips, p=0.01; left hips, p=0.04). There was no significant association between alpha angle and either hip ROM or clinical impingement signs. CONCLUSION This study suggests that elite female ice hockey players have a higher prevalence of cam-type morphology than the general population. The positive association between alpha angle and age of menarche lends additional support to the etiological hypothesis of the cam lesion resulting from activity-related stress at the proximal femoral physis; players with earlier menarche (and therefore earlier physeal closure) seem to be less vulnerable to the development of cam deformity of the proximal femur. Thus, professional women’s ice hockey players have a high risk of developing cam-type morphology of the proximal femur, although each player’s age of menarche may mediate her individual risk for cam lesion development.

Characterizing the Prevalence of Cam-Type Hip Impingement in Women’s Professional Ice Hockey Players

PURPOSE: Recent studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in elite men's ice hockey players, yet little is known about the hips of players in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic cam-type FAI in women’s professional ice hockey players. The secondary purpose was to analyze the relationship between the presence of cam deformity and hip ROM; clinical impingement signs; and age of menarche. METHODS: Clinical, radiographic and demographic data were collected for NWHL players during pre-participation physicals. Alpha angles were measured on 45° Dunn radiographs, with alpha angles >55° defined as cam-positive. Spearman correlations were performed to analyze the relationship between alpha angle and both ROM measurements and menarchal age. Players were grouped into those with and without cam lesions and group differences were assessed using the student's t-test. RESULTS: Twenty-seven athletes were included. Nineteen (70%) had alpha angles >55°; 14 (52%) had bilateral cam deformity. Average menarchal age was 13.9 ±1.5 years. There was a significant association between age of menarche and alpha angle (right hips, p=0.01; left hips, p=0.04). There was no significant association between alpha angle and either hip ROM or clinical impingement signs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that elite female ice hockey players have a higher prevalence of cam-type morphology than the general population. The positive association between alpha angle and age of menarche lends additional support to the etiological hypothesis of the cam lesion resulting from activity-related stress at the proximal femoral physis; players with earlier menarche (and therefore earlier physeal closure) seem to be less vulnerable to the development of cam deformity of the proximal femur. Thus, professional women’s ice hockey players have a high risk of developing cam-type morphology of the proximal femur, although each player’s age of menarche may mediate her individual risk for cam lesion development.

Specific muscle synergies in national elite female ice hockey players in response to unexpected external perturbation

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate specific muscle synergies in elite ice hockey players indicating highly developed postural control strategies used to restore balance against unexpected external perturbations. Seven elite athletes (EA) on the women’s national ice hockey team and 7 non-athletes (NA) participated in this study. Based on trajectories of centre of mass (COM), analysis periods were divided into an initial phase (a balance disturbance after perturbation onset) and a reversal phase (a balance recovery response), respectively. Muscle synergies were extracted at each phase by using non-negative matrix factorization. k-means cluster analysis was performed to arrange similar muscle synergies in all participants. EA showed significantly shorter recovery period of COM and smaller body sway than NA. In the initial phase, we identified 2 EA-specific synergies related to ankle plantar flexors or neck extensors. In the case of an NA-specific synergy, co-activation of the ankle plantar flexors and dorsiflexors was found. In the reversal phase, no specific muscle synergies were identified. As the results, EA-specific muscle synergies showed low co-activation strategy of agonists and antagonists in ankle and neck extensors. Our results could provide critical information for rehabilitation strategies in athletes requiring high postural stability.

Off-Ice Fitness of Elite Female Ice Hockey Players by Team Success, Age, and Player Position

This study examined off-ice fitness profiles of 204 elite female ice hockey players from 13 countries who attended a high-performance camp organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in Bratislava, Slovakia, in July of 2011. Athletes were tested using standardized protocols for vertical jump (centimeters), long jump (centimeters), 4-jump average (centimeters), elasticity ratio (4-vertical jump average/vertical jump), pull-up or inverted row (n), aerobic fitness (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), body mass (kilograms), and body composition (% fat). These variables were examined relative to team success in major international hockey competition (group 1: Canada and USA, group 2: Sweden and Finland, group 3: All other participating countries), age group (Under 18 and Senior/Open Levels), and player position (forwards, defenders, and goalies). The athletes from countries with the best international records weighed more, yet had less body fat, had greater lower body muscular power and upper body strength, and higher aerobic capacity compared with their less successful counterparts. Compared with the younger athletes, athletes from the senior-level age group weighed more and had higher scores for lower body power, pull-ups, and aerobic capacity. There were no significant differences in anthropometric or fitness data based on player position. This study is the first to report the physical characteristics of a worldwide sample of elite female ice hockey players relative to team performance, age, and player position. Coaches should use these data to identify talent, test for strengths and weaknesses in conditioning programs, and design off-ice programs that will help athletes match the fitness profiles of the most successful teams in the world.

A Physical Profile of Elite Female Ice Hockey Players from the USA

Despite impressive numbers of hockey participants, there is little research examining elite female ice hockey players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the physical characteristics of elite female ice hockey players who were trying out for the 2010 US Women's Ice Hockey team. Twenty-three women participated in the study and were evaluated for body mass (kilograms), height (centimeters), age (years) vertical jump (centimeters), standing long jump (centimeters), 1RM front squat (kilograms), front squat relative to body mass (percent), 1RM bench press (kilograms), bench press relative to body mass (percent), pull-ups, and body composition (percent body fat). The athletes in this sample were 24.7 years of age (SD = 3.1) and 169.7 cm tall (SD = 6.9); on average, they weighed 70.4 kg (SD = 7.1) and reported 15.8% body fat (SD = 1.9). Mean vertical jump height was 50.3 cm (SD = 5.7) and standing long jump was 214.8 cm (SD = 10.9). Mean 1RM for the upper body strength (bench press) was 65.3 kg (SD = 12.2) (95.1 ± 15.5% of body mass), and 1RM for lower body (front squat) was 88.6 kg (SD = 11.2) (127.7 ± 16.3% of body mass). This study is the first to report the physical characteristics of elite female ice hockey players from the USA. Data should assist strength and conditioning coaches in identifying talent, testing for strengths and weaknesses, comparing future teams to these indicators, and designing programs that will enhance the performance capabilities of female ice hockey athletes.

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

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.

Changes In Fitness And Skating Performance In Elite Female Ice Hockey Players Over Nine Years

Changes In Fitness And Skating Performance In Elite Female Ice Hockey Players Over Nine Years

Relationships Between Blood Lactate Clearance and Measures of Aerobic Capacity in Elite Women's Ice Hockey

Successful performance in ice hockey relies on a combination of anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. The relationships between blood lactate and indirect measures of aerobic capacity have not been investigated in elite female ice hockey players. PURPOSE: To determine relationships between blood lactate clearance, the difference between lactate immediately following an on-ice Repeat Sprint Skate Test (RSS) (Bracko & George, 2001) and lactate after 4-6 mins recovery, and other measures of aerobic capacity in elite female ice hockey players. METHODS: Players on the University of Alberta women's ice hockey team (n=80, 21.1±2.6 yrs) completed pre-season tests of aerobic fitness (Leger test [Leger, 1988]) (off-ice) and RSS. Blood lactate clearance, drop-off times on RSS (difference between first and third repeat), heart rate drop-offs (post-RSS HR - recovery HR differences), and Leger test estimates of VO2max were used as proxies for aerobic capacity. Bivariate Pearson correlations were run (SPSS Mac Version 10.0), with a significance level set a priori at p<0.05. RESULTS: No significant relationships were found between lactate clearance and any aerobic measures (r= −.034 to .113, p>0.10). However, higher VO2max estimates from the Leger test were significantly related to better scores for on-ice measures of aerobic capacity (RSS drop-off, r=-.460, -.490, p=.000; HR drop-off; r=.293, p =.017). CONCLUSIONS: Lactate clearance is not related to on and off-ice measures of aerobic capacity in elite female hockey players; however, high predicted VO2max is correlated to better drop-off time and HR recovery after sprint skating.

Disorders of the Menstrual Cycle in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players and Figure Skaters

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the incidence of delayed menarche and menstrual dysfunction among elite ice hockey players and figure skaters. Forty-three ice hockey players (23.5 ± 4.8 years, 68.2 ± 1.2 kg, 1.68 ± 0.01 m) and 39 figure skaters (17.5 ± 3.4 years, 53.7 ± 5.8 kg, 1.64 ± 0.05 m) completed a self-administered questionnaire on their menstrual status and history, training regimens and lifestyle. Age at menarche did not differ significantly between ice hockey players (13.3 ± 1.3 years) and figure skaters (13.7 ± 1.4 years). Menarche was unrelated to nationality, vigorous training premenarche or age at which the athlete began her sport, but was correlated with the age at menarche of the athletes’ mothers (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). Hormonal contraceptives were used by 35% of ice hockey players and 15% of the figure skaters. Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea were experienced by 7.1% and 38.7% of postmenarcheal, ice hockey players and figure skaters respectively not using hormonal contraceptives. Menstrual dysfunction was associated with both age and age at menarche in the ice hockey players only. Training factors, and psychological pressure were perceived by the athletes to contribute to menstrual dysfunction. A greater training volume, younger age at commencing sport, lower body mass, greater subjective body image pressure and younger biological and gynaecological age were reported among the figure skaters, and were proposed to explain the higher incidence of menstrual dysfunction among the figure skaters compared with the ice hockey players. Figure skaters appear at increased risk of amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea compared with ice hockey players, which may be linked to training and physical characteristics of the sports.