Elite Ice Hockey Players Research Articles

Analysis of High-Intensity Skating in Top-Class Ice Hockey Match-Play in Relation to Training Status and Muscle Damage

Lignell, E, Fransson, D, Krustrup, P, and Mohr, M. Analysis of high-intensity skating in top-class ice hockey match-play in relation to training status and muscle damage. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1303-1310, 2018-We examined high-intensity activities in a top-class ice-hockey game and the effect of training status. Male ice-hockey players (n = 36) from the National Hockey League participated. Match analysis was performed during a game and physical capacity was assessed by a submaximal Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Ice-hockey test, level 1 (YYIR1-IHSUB). Venous blood samples were collected 24-hour post-game to determine markers of muscle damage. Players performed 119 ± 8 and 31 ± 3 m·min of high intensity and sprint skating, respectively, during a game. Total distance covered was 4,606 ± 219 m (2,260-6,749 m), of which high-intensity distance was 2042 ± 97 m (757-3,026 m). Sprint-skating speed was 5-8% higher (p ≤ 0.05) in periods 1 and 2 vs. period 3 and overtime. Defensemen (D) covered 29% more (p ≤ 0.05) skating in total than forwards (F) and were on the ice 47% longer. However, F performed 54% more (p ≤ 0.05) high-intensity skating per minute than defensemen. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) was 338 ± 45 (78-757) U·L 24-hour post-game. Heart rate loading during YYIR1-IHSUB correlated inversely (p ≤ 0.05) to the frequency of high-intensity skating bouts (r = -0.55) and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (r = -0.85) and positively to post-game CK (r = 0.49; p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, ice hockey is a multiple-sprint sport that provokes fatigue in the latter half of a game. Forwards perform more intense skating than defensemen. Moreover, high-intensity game activities during top-class ice hockey are correlated with cardiovascular loading during a submaximal skating test. Taken together, training of elite ice-hockey players should improve the ability for repeated high-intensity skating, and testing should include the YYIR1-IHSUB test as an indicator for ice-hockey-specific physical match performance.

Relationship Between Skating Economy and Performance During a Repeated-Shift Test in Elite and Subelite Ice Hockey Players.

Lamoureux, NR, Tomkinson, GR, Peterson, BJ, and Fitzgerald, JS. Relationship between skating economy and performance during a repeated-shift test in elite and subelite ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1109-1113, 2018-The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of skating economy to fatigue during repeated high-intensity efforts of a simulated ice hockey shift. Forty-five collegiate and Junior A male ice hockey players (aged 18-24 years) performed a continuous graded exercise test using a skate treadmill. Breath-by-breath data for oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) and respiratory exchange ratio were collected and used to derive energy expenditure (EE) averaged over the final 10 seconds of each stage. Economy was determined as the slope of the regression line relating V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and EE against skating speed separately. Participants also completed 8 bouts of maximal ice skating through a course designed to simulate typical shift, with timing gates determining first half, second half, and total fatigue decrement, calculated by a percent decrement score. Partial correlation was used to determine the association between economy measures and decrement during the repeated-shift test. Twenty-six participants met inclusion criteria and were included in data analysis. Skating economy measures (both relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and EE) were very likely moderate positive correlates of total fatigue decrement (r [95% confidence interval]: V[Combining Dot Above]O2, 0.46 [0.09, 0.72] and EE, 0.44, [0.06, 0.71]) but not with first or second gate decrement. Our results indicate that skating economy plays an important role in fatigue resistance over repeated on-ice sprints designed to simulate a typical shift. This supports the use of technical skating coaching and training techniques to enhance skating economy as a means of improving ice hockey performance.

Frequency and Anatomic Distribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in the Sacroiliac Joints of Young Athletes: Exploring "Background Noise" Toward a Data-Driven Definition of Sacroiliitis in Early Spondyloarthritis.

Low-grade bone marrow edema (BME) has been reported in the sacroiliac (SI) joints of 25% of healthy individuals and patients with nonspecific mechanical back pain, thus challenging the specificity and predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the discrimination of early spondyloarthritis (SpA). It is unknown whether stress injury in competition sports may trigger BME. This study sought to explore the frequency and anatomic distribution of SI joint MRI lesions in recreational and elite athletes. After pretest calibration, semicoronal MRI scans of the SI joints of 20 recreational runners before and after running and 22 elite ice hockey players were assessed for BME and structural lesions. Three readers assessed the MRI scans in a blinded manner, using an SI joint quadrant-based module; scans from tumor necrosis factor inhibitor-treated patients with SpA served for masking. The readers recorded subjects who met the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) definition of active sacroiliitis. For descriptive analysis, the frequency of SI joint quadrants exhibiting BME and structural lesions, as concordantly recorded by ≥2 of 3 readers, and their distribution in 8 anatomic SI joint regions (the upper and lower ilium and sacrum, subdivided in anterior and posterior slices) were determined. The proportions of recreational runners and elite ice hockey players fulfilling the ASAS definition of active sacroiliitis, as recorded concordantly by ≥2 of 3 readers, were 30-35% and 41%, respectively. In recreational runners before and after running, the mean ± SD number of SI joint quadrants showing BME was 3.1 ± 4.2 and 3.1 ± 4.5, respectively, while in elite ice hockey players, it was 3.6 ± 3.0. The posterior lower ilium was the single most affected SI joint region, followed by the anterior upper sacrum. Erosion was virtually absent. In recreational and elite athletes, MRI revealed BME in an average of 3-4 SI joint quadrants, meeting the ASAS definition of active sacroiliitis in 30-41% of subjects. The posterior lower ilium was the single most affected SI joint region. These findings in athletes could help refine data-driven thresholds for defining sacroiliitis in early SpA.

Morphological, Physiological and Skating Performance Profiles of Male Age-Group Elite Ice Hockey Players.

The purpose of this study was to describe the evolution of morphological, physiological and skating performance profiles of elite age-group ice hockey players based on repeated measures spread over one season. In addition, the results of fitness tests and training programs performed in off-ice conditions and their relationship with skating performance were analyzed. Eighteen high level age-group ice hockey players (13.1 ± 0.6 years) were assessed off and on-ice at the beginning and at the end of the hockey season. A third evaluation was also conducted at the beginning of the following hockey season. The players were taller, heavier, and showed bone breadths and muscle girths above the reference population of the same age. Muscular variables improved significantly during and between the two hockey seasons (p < 0.05). However, maximal aerobic power improved only during the off-season. All skating performance tests exhibited significant enhancements during the hockey season, but not during the off-season where some degradation was observed. Finally, weak observed variances (generally <20% of the explained variance) between physiological variables measured off-ice and on-ice skating performance tests indicated important gaps, both in the choice of the off-ice assessment tools as well as in training methods conventionally used. The reflection on the best way to assess and train hockey players certainly deserves to be continued.

Skating start propulsion: three-dimensional kinematic analysis of elite male and female ice hockey players

The forward skating start is a fundamental skill for male and female ice hockey players. However, performance differences by athlete’s sex cannot be fully explained by physiological variables; hence, other factors such as skating technique warrant examination. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the body movement kinematics of ice hockey skating starts between elite male and female ice hockey participants. Male (n = 9) and female (n = 10) elite ice hockey players performed five forward skating start accelerations. An 18-camera motion capture system placed on the arena ice surface captured full-body kinematics during the first seven skating start steps within 15 meters. Males’ maximum skating speeds were greater than females. Skating technique sex differences were noted: in particular, females presented ~10° lower hip abduction throughout skating stance as well as ~10° greater knee extension at initial ice stance contact, conspicuously followed by a brief cessation in knee extension at the moment of ice contact, not evident in male skaters. Further study is warranted to explain why these skating technique differences exist in relation to factors such as differences in training, equipment, performance level, and anthropometrics.

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.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Young Male Draft-Eligible Elite Hockey Players Invited to the Medical and Fitness Combine by the National Hockey League

The "athletic heart" is characterized by hypertrophy and dilation of the heart, in addition to functional and electrical remodeling. The aim of this study was to provide reference 2-dimensional (2DE) and 3-dimensional (3DE) echocardiographic measurements in a large database on draft-eligible elite ice hockey players and to determine the frequency of occult cardiac anomalies in this cohort of athletes. In this prospective cohort study, we performed a comprehensive cardiac assessment of the 100 top draft picks selected by the National Hockey League. Complete 2DE and 3DE examinations were performed to obtain comprehensive measurements of cardiac structure and function at rest, which were compared with nonathlete controls. A total of 592 athletes were evaluated (mean age 18 ± 0.5years) from 2009 to 2014 at the National Hockey League combine. 2DE and 3DE ventricular, atrial dimensions, and left ventricular mass were significantly greater in the athletes compared with controls. Abnormalities were identified in 15 hockey players (2.5%) consisting of a bicuspid aortic valve in 10 (1.7%), patent ductus arteriosus in 1 (0.2%), low normal left ventricular systolic function in 2 (0.3%), an idiopathic pericardial effusion in 1 (0.2%), and posterior mitral valve prolapse in 1 (0.2%). In conclusion, intense ice hockey training is associated with typical myocardial adaptations and the frequency of cardiac anomalies found in this cohort of young elite hockey players is low and does not differ significantly from the reported incidences in the general population.

Preliminary Investigation of Executive Functions in Elite Ice Hockey Players

Elite level ice hockey places high demands on player’s physical and technical attributes as well as on cognitive and executive functions. There is, however, a notable lack of research on these attributes and functions. The present study investigated executive function with selected tests from the D-KEFS test battery among 48 ice hockey players and compared them to a standardized sample. Results show that ice hockey players’ scores were significantly higher on Design Fluency (DF) compared with the standardized sample score. Elite players’ scores were not significantly higher than those of lower-league hockey players. A significant correlation was found between on-ice performance and Trail Making Test (TMT) scores. Exploratory analysis showed that elite-level center forwards scored significantly higher on DF than did players in other positions. Future research should investigate whether assessment of executive function should be taken into account, in addition to physical and technical skills, when scouting for the next ice hockey star.

Effect of the look-up line on the gaze and head orientation of elite ice hockey players

A “look-up line” (LUL) has been proposed for ice hockey, which is an orange 1 m (40′) warning line (WL) painted on the ice at the base of the boards. The LUL purports to provide an early warning to players to keep their head up prior to and as they are being checked. We determined if players looked up more on a rink with the LUL compared to a traditional Control rink. Elite offensive (O) and defensive (D) players competed 1 vs. 1, while wearing an eye tracker that recorded their quiet eye (QE) and fixation and tracking (F-T) and an electrogoniometer that measured head angle. External cameras recorded skate duration during four skate phases: P1 preparation, P2 decision-making, P3 cut to boards, P4 contact. The QE was the final fixation prior to contact between O and D as they skated towards and across the WL during P3 and P4. Skate phase durations (%) did not differ by rink or rink by position. More QE and F-T occurred on the WL on the LUL rink than on the Control. The expected increase in head angle on the LUL rink did not occur during P3 or P4. Post-hoc results also showed O and D skated further from the boards on the LUL rink, suggesting the players preferred to control the puck on white ice, rather than the orange colour of the LUL rink. More research is needed to determine if these results apply to the competitive setting.

Relationship of Physiological Fitness Tests and Early Career Hockey Success in Elite Ice Hockey Players

Talent identification in professional sport is an important component for building a successful team. In an effort to improve athlete identification, physiological fitness assessments are included in a number of leagues, and attempts have been made to quantify the predictive ability of individual tests. In the National Hockey League (NHL), physiological fitness measures have been shown to correlate with draft selection order, but less subjective rankings of success have previously not been considered. PURPOSE: To determine the predictive ability of draft-age physiological fitness test outcomes to forecast the cumulative total games played within the player’s first 3 consecutive NHL seasons. Games played are an accepted indicator of success at the professional level. METHODS: Multiple linear regression modeling was used with NHL Combine data (1998-2007) for a total of 451 players, who played ≥1 game per year during their first 3 NHL seasons. Separate models were developed for forwards and defense, given the differing physiological profiles and positional demands. RESULTS: For defensemen, the variables of vertical jump (VJ), push-ups, bench press, and body index were included in the final model (p=0.001, r2=0.15). The regression equation to predict number of games played by defensemen over 3yr was: total games= 177 -0.979 (VJ) + 4.068(max push up) -3.87(max bench press) +9.5 (Body index). The only predictive variable for forward players was push up repetitions (p=0.01, r2=0.04); total games =193.1 -2.3(max push-up). CONCLUSION: NHL Combine data was useful for explaining approximately 4% (forward) and 15% (defense) of the variance in games played amongst players who played ≥3yr in the league, suggesting a modest predictive ability. Upper body strength proved an important predictor for both models, while leg power was identified as a predictor only in defensemen. Homogeneity in performance amongst such elite athletes may explain the absence of more traditional measures of physiological fitness (VO2max, anaerobic power) within the predictive models, as a high level of these physiological traits is obligatory for all players who remained in the league at least three years.

Subradiographic Foot and Ankle Fractures and Bone Contusions Detected by MRI in Elite Ice Hockey Players

Background: In ice hockey players, serious bone injuries in the foot and ankle, especially those attributed to impact from the moving puck, may be radiographically occult and underrecognized. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this research was to study foot and ankle bone injuries detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that occurred in elite hockey players. The hypothesis was that these injuries predominate medially, especially when caused by the impact from the puck, and are associated with prolonged lost playing time. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Three independent observers, blinded to the mechanism of injury, retrospectively reviewed foot and ankle MRI examinations acquired after 31 acute injuries that occurred in 27 elite ice hockey players who had no radiographically visible fractures. Bone abnormalities were classified as fractures or varying degrees of contusion based on predetermined definitions. Interobserver agreement was analyzed with kappa statistics. The association between the injury mechanism and the bones involved was examined with the Fisher exact test. A t test was applied to determine if MRI evidence of a severe bone injury (defined as either a fracture or a high-grade bone contusion) was associated with longer recovery times, when return-to-play information was available. Results: The observers identified at least 1 bone injury in 27 of the 31 MRI examinations, including 10 with radiographically occult fractures. Agreement among the 3 observers for injury categorization was substantial (κ = 0.76). Seventeen injuries were caused by a direct blow (15 from a moving puck, 2 from an uncertain source), resulting in 6 fractures and 6 high-grade bone contusions, with 14 of the 17 involving a medial bone (medial malleolus, navicular, or first metatarsal base). Compared with other mechanisms, direct impaction was statistically more likely to result in a severe bone injury and to involve the medial foot and ankle. In 20 injuries where return-to-play information was available, players with severe bone injuries missed a mean of 10.6 games compared with 2.4 games for other players (P = .05). Conclusion: MRI can show severe bone injuries that are not visible radiographically in ice hockey players. Most fractures and high-grade contusions involve the medial ankle and midfoot bones, can be caused by direct blows from the puck, and are associated with prolonged recovery times.

Prevalence of Cam-Type Morphology in Elite Ice Hockey Players

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been increasingly recognized as a cause of hip pain in athletes at all levels of competition, specifically ice hockey players. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of cam and pincer radiographic deformity in elite ice hockey players. The hypothesis was that elite hockey players will have a higher prevalence of radiographic hip abnormalities compared with the general population. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral radiographs on 137 elite ice hockey players were prospectively obtained during the 2014-2015 preseason entrance examinations. Study participants included National Hockey League roster players as well as the respective farm team members. Demographic data were collected, including age, position, shooting side, and any history of hip pain or hip surgery. Patients with a history of hip surgery were excluded from the analysis. A single sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeon used standard radiographic measurements to assess for the radiographic presence of cam or pincer deformity. Radiographs with an alpha angle ≥55° on a frog-leg lateral view were defined as cam-positive. Each participant underwent a preseason physical examination with an assessment of hip range of motion and impingement testing. Results: A total of 130 elite ice hockey players were included in the analysis; 180 (69.4%) hips met radiographic criteria for cam-type deformity. The prevalence in right and left hips was 89 (69.5%) and 91 (70.0%), respectively; 70 (60.8%) players demonstrated bilateral involvement. Hips with cam deformity had a mean alpha angle of 67.7° ± 8.3° on the right and 68.9° ± 9.0° on the left. Of the patients with alpha angles ≥55°, 5.6% (5/89) had a positive anterior impingement test of the right hip, while 11% (10/91) had positive anterior impingement test of the left. Players with radiologic cam deformity had a statistically significant deficit in external rotation of the right hip, as well as in both internal and external rotation of the left hip, compared with those with normal alpha angles. When assessing for crossover sign, 64 of 107 (59.8%) had a positive radiographic finding. Forty-one players (38.3%) had evidence of a crossover sign of the right hip and 42 (39.3%) of the left. When comparing position players, goalies had the highest prevalence of cam-type deformity (93.8%) and the least acetabular coverage. Conclusion: The study data suggest that elite ice hockey players have a significantly higher prevalence of radiographic cam deformity in comparison to what has been reported for the general population.

Assessment of basic physical parameters of current Canadian-American National Hockey League (NHL) ice hockey players

Background: Physical parameters represent an important part of the structure of sports performance and significantly contribute to the overall performance of an ice hockey player. Basic physical parameters are also an essential part of a comprehensive player assessment both during the initial NHL draft and further stages of a professional career. For an objective assessment it is desirable to know the current condition of development of monitored somatic parameters with regard to the sports discipline, performance level and gaming position. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze and present the level of development of basic physical characteristics [Body Height (BH) and Body Weight (BW)] in current ice hockey players in the Canadian-American NHL, also with respect to various gaming positions. Another aim is to compare the results with relevant data of elite ice hockey players around the world. Methods: The data of 751 ice hockey players (age range: 18-43 years; 100% male) from NHL (2014/2015 season) are analyzed (goalkeepers, n = 67; defenders, n = 237; forwards, n = 447). Statistical data processing was performed using a single factor ANOVA and Fisher's (LSD) post hoc test. The level of statistical significance was tested at a level of p ≤ .05; p ≤ .01. Effect size was expressed according to Cohen's d. Results: Current levels of monitored parameters of NHL players represent the values: BH = 186.0 ± 5.3 cm, BW = 91.7 ± 6.9 kg. Significant differences among positions were found for the BH (goalkeepers > defenders > forwards) and BW (defenders > goalkeepers > forwards). Differences among forwards positions were also found for the BH (left wings > right wings > centers) and BW (left wings > right wings > centers). Conclusion: The observed values represent the current level of basic physical parameters in professional ice hockey players in the NHL and can be considered reference values in this specific population group.

The etiology of primary femoroacetabular impingement: genetics or acquired deformity?

The etiology of primary femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) remains controversial. Both genetic and acquired causes have been postulated and studied. While recent studies suggest that genetic factors may have a role in the development of FAI, there is no conclusive evidence that FAI is transmitted genetically. Currently, the most popular theory for the development of cam-type deformities is that a repetitive injury to the proximal femoral physis occurs during a critical period of development. There is a correlation between a high volume of impact activities during adolescence and the development of cam-type deformities. Multiple studies have found a high prevalence of FAI in elite football, ice hockey, basketball and soccer players. In this article, we review the current literature relating to the etiology of primary FAI.

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

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.:

A Comparison of Somatic Variables of Elite Ice Hockey Players from the Czech ELH and Russian KHL.

The goals of this study were to evaluate the basic morphological variables of contemporary elite ice hockey players, compare the parameters of players in the top Russian ice hockey league (KHL) with those of the top Czech ice hockey league (ELH), and to evaluate the parameters of players according to their position in the game. The research participants included 30 KHL players (mean age: 27.1 ± 5.1 years) and 25 ELH players (mean age: 26.4 ± 5.8 years). We determined body height, body mass, and body composition (body fat, fat-free mass, segmental fat analysis). All measurements were performed at the end of preseason training. The KHL players had the following anthropometric characteristics: body height 182.97 ± 5.61 cm (forward) and 185.72 ± 3.57 cm (defenseman), body mass 89.70 ± 5.28 kg (forward) and 92.52 ± 4.01 kg (defenseman), body fat 10.76 ± 0.63 kg (forward) and 11.10 ± 0.48 kg (defenseman), fat-free mass 78.94 ± 4.65 kg (forward) and 81.42 ± 3.52 kg (defenseman). The values for ELH players were as follows: body height 182.06 ± 5.93 cm (forward) and 185.88 ± 7.13 cm (defenseman), body mass 88.47 ± 7.06 kg (forward) and 89.36 ± 10.91 kg (defenseman), body fat 12.57 ± 2.89 kg (forward) and 11.91 ± 3.10 kg (defenseman), fat-free mass 75.93 ± 6.54 kg (forward) and 77.46 ± 7.89 kg (defenseman). The results indicate that it is beneficial to ice hockey players to have increased body mass and lower body fat, which leads to higher muscle mass, thus enabling a player to perform at the highest level and meet the specific challenges of the game.

CSF AND PLASMA BIOMARKERS FOR MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Mild traumatic brain injury, defined as a head trauma resulting in brief loss of consciousness and/or alteration of mental state, is most often benign but may cause persisting and sometimes progressive symptoms. It is unknown if there is a certain threshold for the amount of brain injury and/or individual vulnerability that may lead to such long-term consequences. Further, there is a lack of established diagnostic methods that can tell whether a blow to the head indeed affected the brain and in what way. CSF and plasma samples have been collected on boxers and concussed versus non-concussed elite ice hockey players and examined using established and novel techniques for neuronal and astroglial injury markers, such as tau, neurofilament light, VILIP1, S-100B, and neuron-specific enolase. CSF and plasma biomarkers change in a dynamic manner following concussion. The magnitude of biomarker changes correlate with symptom duration. Some individuals have prolonged biomarker elevations. Biomarkers for axonal injury (tau and neurofilament light) appear to be more sensitive than biomarkers for astroglial injury. These data will be discussed in relation to the existing literature on more severe brain injuries and in relation to the biomarker literature on neurodegenerative diseases. There is a need to develop these biomarkers further and to implement them in clinical practice in cases of head trauma where the brain might have been impacted. Specifically, there is a need to implement them in the management of sports-related concussion, the most common cause of mild traumatic brain injury in the young, with the goal to prevent long-term neurological sequelae due to concussive or subconcussive blows to the head.

Multimodal Approach to Cardiac Screening of Elite Ice Hockey Players During the NHL Scouting Combine

Multimodal Approach to Cardiac Screening of Elite Ice Hockey Players During the NHL Scouting Combine

Psychometric Properties and Reference Values for the ImPACT Neurocognitive Test Battery in a Sample of Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine psychometric properties and reference values for ImPACT in a sample of 704 elite ice hockey players aged 13-17. Baseline ImPACT tests were completed at the beginning of the 2011-2012 season. Players aged 16-17 had better visual motor processing speed, adjusted R(2) = .0522, F(2, 45) = 10.79, β = 2.87, p < .001, and impulse control, adjusted R = .0185, F(2,45) = 7.46, β = -1.35, p = .001, than younger players, and girls had greater total symptom ratings than boys (z = -3.47, p = .0005). There were no other sex- or age-related differences in neurocognitive performance, and no effect of previous concussion on ImPACT scores. Reference values with cut-off scores are presented.

Functional movement screen test: A reliable screening test for young elite ice hockey players

ObjectivesTo determine inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test among young elite hockey players. DesignReliability study. SettingInter-rater reliability was evaluated by two raters in the field. All performances were videotaped. Two other raters evaluated the videos once and then again 6 weeks later to determine intra-rater reliability. A weighted kappa statistic was used to analyze intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of each FMS sub-test, while an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the total score. ParticipantsTwenty-eight male hockey players aged 13–16. Main OutcomeFMS total and sub-tests scores. ResultsThe video raters demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability for the total score, with an ICC of 0.96 (95% CI; 0.92–0.98) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.91–0.98). The field raters achieved excellent inter-rater reliability for the total score, with an ICC of 0.96 (95% CI; 0.92–0.98). Sub-test analysis showed good agreement among all four raters for five of the seven main sub-tests. ConclusionFMS is a reliable test for young elite hockey players. Further research should be done to assess the predictive validity of the FMS test within this population so that physiotherapists may eventually use it as an injury prevention tool.