Elite Youth Ice Hockey Research Articles

Maximum Strength and Power as Determinants of Match Skating Performance in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Keiner, M, Kierot, M, Stendahl, M, Brauner, T, and Suchomel, TJ. Maximum strength and power as determinants of match skating performance in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1090-1094, 2024-Maximum strength has a strong influence on speed-strength performances such as sprints and jumps. Important for sports practice is whether these findings are also reflected in game performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of maximum strength and power performance on linear on-ice skating performance in testing and during game play. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 24 highly trained male youth ice hockey players participated. Jump performances (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jumps), maximum strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM] squat and isometric trap bar pull [ITBP]), and on-ice linear sprints (15 m [LS15], 30 m [LS30], flying 15 m [FLY15]) were measured. Match performances (among others: peak skating speed) were collected of 4 regular league games using a local positioning system. Correlation coefficient and explained variance were calculated ( ρ ≤ 0.05). Correlations between maximum strength and jump with on-ice linear sprint performance showed 1-35% explained variance. Correlations between "off ice" test (CMJ, relative 1RM) and game data (peak skating speed) showed 22-30% explained variance, respectively, while ITBP and DJ missed significant level. Between linear sprint and game performance showed 15-59% explained variance. In this study, a clear influence of 1RM in squatting and CMJ performance on on-ice linear sprint as well as in-game peak skating speed was observed. These findings show that strength and jumping performance can be valuable tests within a comprehensive test battery and indicate the relevance of strength and jumping tasks within the regular exercise program to improve in-game skating performance.

"Well You Know...": Parents' Perceptions of Morality in AAA Youth Ice Hockey

Parents’ involvement patterns serve as a catalyst to their children’s moral development (Bandura, 1991). Yet, sport culture may convolute parents’ authentic ability to socialize their children’s moral development within a compliant structure focused on performance excellence (Hughes & Coakley, 1991). The purpose of the current study was to examine how parents conceptualize morality while entrenched in a conformity-driven elite youth ice hockey environment. The following research question was explored: how do parents ascribe meaning to, and learn the behavioral representations of, moral and immoral behaviors in youth ice hockey? Parents’ (N = 8, Mage = 53.13) perspectives of morality and immorality were explored within the culture of elite youth hockey through individual semi-structured interviews. A transcendental phenomenological approach was implemented to identify both textural and structural experiences parents used to derive their perceptions of morality and immorality in youth ice hockey (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Results exemplify how normative standards socialized through various dimensions of hockey culture obscured parents’ perceptions of morality and immorality through “relatively conscious” acceptance of socialized norms. Findings highlight the socialization processes that parents use to develop their conceptions of morality by overconforming to the normative standards valorized through the youth hockey sport ethic (Hughes & Coakley, 1991). The “relative consciousness” findings reflected how parents transformed their moral conceptions paralleled with youth hockey culture’s delineation of moral norms and values (Burry & Fiset, 2022; Hughes & Coakley, 1991).

The recovery of muscle function and glycogen levels following game-play in young elite male ice hockey players.

Despite the frequent occurrence of congested game fixtures in elite ice hockey, the postgame recovery pattern has not previously been investigated. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the acute decrements and subsequent recovery of skeletal muscle glycogen levels, muscle function and repeated-sprint ability following ice hockey game-play. Sixteen male players from the Danish U20 national team completed a training game with muscle biopsies obtained before, postgame and following ~38 h of recovery (day 2). On-ice repeated-sprint ability and muscle function (maximal voluntary isometric [MVIC] and electrically induced low- (20 Hz) and high-frequency (50 Hz) knee-extensor contractions) were assessed at the same time points, as well as ~20 h into recovery (day 1). Muscle glycogen decreased 31% (p < 0.001) postgame and had returned to pregame levels on day 2. MVIC dropped 11%, whereas 50 and 20 Hz torque dropped 21% and 29% postgame, respectively, inducing a 10% reduction in the 20/50 Hz torque ratio indicative of low-frequency force depression (all p < 0.001). While MVIC torque returned to baseline on day 1, 20 and 50 Hz torque remained depressed by 9%-11% (p = 0.010-0.040), hence restoring the pre-exercise 20/50 Hz ratio. Repeated-sprint ability was only marginally reduced by 1% postgame (p = 0.041) and fully recovered on day 1. In conclusion, an elite youth ice hockey game induces substantial reductions in muscle glycogen content and muscle function, but only minor reductions in repeated-sprint ability and with complete recovery of all parameters within 1-2 days postgame.

Normative Reference of the Single Leg, Medial Countermovement Jump in Adolescent Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Functional performance tests provide quantitative information on specialized sport movements and are important for documenting training and fatigue. The single leg, medial countermovement jump provides objective measures of frontal plane force, velocity and power, and is relevant for ice hockey players given the similar lateral movement to ice skating. This study measured normative single leg, medial countermovement jump parameters (i.e., vertical and lateral maximum force, average concentric power and average concentric power during the last 100 ms) amongst male youth ice hockey players and assessed interlimb asymmetry in these healthy athletes. Ninety-one elite youth players participated in the study. Participants completed three right and three left jumps. Non-parametric tests were performed to evaluate between-jump and between-group comparisons. Many differences in jump force and power parameters were observed between the 10U/11U and 12U/13U age groups, and the 12U/13U and 14U/15U age groups, but differences were not as consistent between older or younger players. The average asymmetry index for each age group was less than 15% for force parameters, while the power parameters had larger asymmetry indices (between 9% and 22%). Our results provide age-specific reference values and asymmetry indices for male elite youth ice hockey players aged 10–18 years performing the single leg, medial countermovement jump.

Updating the Skating Multistage Aerobic Test and Correction for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max Prediction Using a New Skating Economy Index in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Allisse, M, Bui, HT, Léger, L, Comtois, A-S, and Leone, M. Updating the skating multistage aerobic test and correction for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max prediction using a new skating economy index in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3182-3189, 2020-A number of field tests, including the skating multistage aerobic test (SMAT), have been developed to predict V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in ice hockey players. The SMAT, like most field tests, assumes that participants who reach a given stage have the same oxygen uptake, which is not usually true. Thus, the objectives of this research are to update the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values during the SMAT using a portable breath-by-breath metabolic analyzer and to propose a simple index of skating economy to improve the prediction of oxygen uptake. Twenty-six elite hockey players (age 15.8 ± 1.3 years) participated in this study. The oxygen uptake was assessed using a portable metabolic analyzer (K4b) during an on-ice maximal shuttle skate test. To develop an index of skating economy called the skating stride index (SSI), the number of skating strides was compiled for each stage of the test. The SMAT enabled the prediction of the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (ml·kg·min) from the maximal velocity (m·s) and the SSI (skating strides·kg) using the following regression equation: V[Combining Dot Above]O2max = (14.94 × maximal velocity) + (3.68 × SSI) - 24.98 (r = 0.95, SEE = 1.92). This research allowed for the update of the oxygen uptake values of the SMAT and proposed a simple measure of skating efficiency for a more accurate evaluation of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in elite youth hockey players. By comparing the highest and lowest observed SSI scores in our sample, it was noted that the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values can vary by up to 5 ml·kg·min. Our results suggest that skating economy should be included in the prediction of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max to improve prediction accuracy.

The Coach–Parent Relationship and Athlete Development in Elite Youth Hockey: Lessons Learned for Conflict Management

Extensive research highlights the important roles of coaches and parents in fostering positive youth development (PYD). However, little research has examined the complex coach–parent relationship in the bidirectional interactions of the coach-parent-athlete triad. This research is particularly pertinent in elite youth sport, wherein the performance-oriented environment may impede the pursuit of PYD. As such, this study aimed to deepen understandings of the coach–parent relationship in relation to athletes’ PYD. Specifically, the first author critically analyzed and reflected on his experiences as an elite youth ice hockey coach, thus offering a unique portrayal of reflective practice in the context of sport coaching. Two interconnected themes emerged: understanding conflict in the coach-parent-athlete relationship and fostering collaboration through enhanced coach–parent communication. Findings and reflections are discussed in relation to the dual-concern model of conflict resolution, and strategies to help practitioners foster cooperative coach–parent relationships are presented.

Concussion Burden, Recovery, and Risk Factors in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

To examine rates of concussion and more severe concussion (time loss of greater than 10 days) in elite 13- to 17-year-old ice hockey players. This is a prospective cohort study (Alberta, Canada). Bantam (13-14 years) and Midget (15-17 years) male and female elite (top 20% by division of play) youth ice hockey players participated in this study. Players completed a demographic and medical history questionnaire and clinical test battery at the beginning of the season. A previously validated injury surveillance system was used to document exposure hours and injury during one season of play (8 months). Players with a suspected ice hockey-related concussion were referred to the study sport medicine physicians for assessment. Time loss from hockey participation was documented on an injury report form. Overall, 778 elite youth ice hockey players (659 males and 119 females; aged 13-17 years) participated in this study. In total, 143 concussions were reported. The concussion incidence rate (IR) was 17.60 concussions/100 players (95% CI, 15.09-20.44). The concussion IR was 1.31 concussions/1000 player-hours (95% CI, 1.09-1.57). Time loss of greater than 10 days was reported in 74% of cases (106/143), and 20% (n = 28) had time loss of greater than 30 days. Concussion is a common injury in elite youth ice hockey players. In this study population, a large proportion of concussions (74%) resulted in a time loss of greater than 10 days, possibly reflecting more conservative management or longer recovery in youth athletes.

Assessment of On-Ice Oxygen Cost of Skating Performance in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Allisse, M, Bui, HT, Desjardins, P, Léger, L, Comtois, AS, and Leone, M. Assessment of on-ice oxygen cost of skating performance in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3466-3473, 2021-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the robustness of equations to predict the oxygen requirement during different skating circumstances commonly found in ice hockey game situations (skating forward, backward, with and without controlling a puck, during cornering and stops and starts). Twenty-four male elite ice hockey players from 3 categories (pee-wee, bantam, and midget) participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and 4 different on-ice high-intensity and short-duration tests were performed. Execution time, heart rate, oxygen uptake, skating strides, and a skating efficiency index were measured for each test. A regression equation was calculated for each of the 4 tests providing an estimation of oxygen cost. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.91 to 0.93, and SEE was between 4.5 and 8.4%, indicating that the precision of the regression algorithms was excellent. The results also suggest that execution time alone, which is the traditional manner to measure skating performance, is a bad estimator of oxygen uptake requirement for this kind of effort (average common variance <11%). Furthermore, age proved to be a determining factor with younger players showing an overall lower level of skating efficiency compared with older players. In addition, the introduction of a skating index also helps to better determine which factor of performance needs to be improved. Using simple and easy-to-measure variables, coaches will be able to obtain information that will allow them to intervene more precisely on the training parameters that will optimize the individual on-ice performance of their players.

2018 JOSPT Award Recipients.

During the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting in Washington, DC in January 2019, JOSPT recognized the authors of the most outstanding research and clinical practice manuscripts published in JOSPT during 2018. The 2018 George J. Davies-James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award was presented to Joseph R. Kardouni, PT, PhD; Tracie L. Shing, MPH; Craig J. McKinnon, MPH; Dennis E. Scofield, MAEd; and Susan P. Proctor, DSc for their July 2018 article, "Risk for Lower Extremity Injury After Concussion: A Matched Cohort Study in Soldiers." The 2018 JOSPT Excellence in Research Award was presented to Kathryn J. Schneider, PT, PhD; Willem H. Meeuwisse, MD, PhD; Luz Palacios-Derflingher, PhD; and Carolyn A. Emery, PT, PhD for their December 2018 article, "Changes in Measures of Cervical Spine Function, Vestibulo-ocular Reflex, Dynamic Balance, and Divided Attention Following Sport-Related Concussion in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(3):117. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.0101.

Changes in Measures of Cervical Spine Function, Vestibulo-ocular Reflex, Dynamic Balance, and Divided Attention Following Sport-Related Concussion in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players

Concussion is a commonly occurring injury. The extent to which the cervical spine, vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), dynamic balance, and divided attention are affected following concussion is not well understood. To evaluate acute changes in measures of (1) cervical spine function, (2) VOR function, (3) dynamic balance, and (4) tasks of divided attention in elite youth ice hockey players following a sport-related concussion. In this prospective cohort study, elite 13- to 17-year-old ice hockey players completed cervical spine measures (cervical flexor endurance test, head perturbation test, anterolateral strength, cervical flexion rotation test, joint position error), VOR function tests (head thrust test, dynamic visual acuity [clinical and computerized]), dynamic balance tests (Functional Gait Assessment), and divided-attention tasks (walking-while-talking test) both in the preseason and following concussion. At least 1 test was completed by 69 of 97 (71%) players (a maximum of 55 for any 1 test) at both preseason and immediately following concussion (median, 4 days post concussion). After Bonferroni corrections (α = .00625), using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, cervical spine measures were significantly worse following concussion compared to baseline (cervical flexor endurance test: z = -5.20, P<.001; anterolateral neck strength: zleft = -5.36, P<.001 and zright = -5.45, P<.001; and head perturbation test: z = -4.36, P<.001). Time taken to complete a complex task of divided attention relative to normal walking speed was faster (improved) compared to the preseason (z = -2.59, P<.01). There was no change in VOR or dynamic balance following concussion. Measures of cervical spine function and divided attention were altered following concussion. However, tests of VOR and dynamic balance were not significantly different from baseline. Future research to evaluate the mechanism underlying these changes is warranted. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(12):974-981. Epub 27 Jul 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.8258.

Wearable Sensors to Quantify Performance and Fatigue during Tournament Competition among Elite Developmental Ice Hockey Players

At the highest performance levels of ice hockey (e.g. senior/professional), rules govern the number of successive competition days and prevent multiple competitions on a single day. Yet, some youth leagues run weekend showcase events that include multiple competitions per day. It is generally assumed that multiple competitions per day and several competitions over multiple days will impart excessive fatigue and impair performance, but there is no evidence directly related to ice hockey. PURPOSE: Use player-worn sensors (PWS) to compare accelerations (ACC) and heart rate (HR) over 4 games in 3 days among elite youth ice hockey players in order to establish changes in cardiovascular stress and physical exertion associated with fatigue. METHODS: 33 elite, youth ice hockey players in two age categories (18U: N=17, 18.2 yrs ± .92 & 16U: N=16, 16.4 yrs ± 1.1) on two teams in a league showcase consented to procedures approved by the EMU-HSRC. Bioharness-3 (Zephyr, MD) recorded HR and ACC at 1 Hz over the 4 games (G1-G4) in the 3- day event. Peak ACC across multiple time frames (10, 15, 20, 30,[Midline Horizontal Ellipsis] 90, sec and 2, 2.5, 3, 5, 10, [Midline Horizontal Ellipsis], 45 min) were quantified and analyzed and HR was quantified and used in conjunction with ACC to determine exertion profiles for each on-ice session. MANOVAs for peak ACC and HR at each time point across G1 -G4 with Bonferoni post hocs and multiple games per day (M1, M2) for magnitude and time as main effects were performed using SPSS 23.0 (IBM, NY; α=0.05). RESULTS: HR (bpm) decreased G1 v G4 at 3 (187.5 ± 2.8 v 176.1 ± 2.8), 5 (178.7 ± 3.0 v 165.7 ± 3.0), 10 (170.4 ± 3.1 v 157.6 ± 3.1), 15 (167.1 ±3.0 v 153.3 ± 2.9) and 20 min (164.3 ± 3.0 v 150.5 ± 2.9)(p<.05). In addition, HR also decreased G1 v G3 for 10 (170.4 ± 3.1 v 158.5 ± 3.0), 15 (167.1 ±3.0 v 154.5 ± 2.9) and 20 min (164.3 ± 3.0 v 152.4 ± 2.9)(p<.05), although ACC were not different. Peak ACC (g’s) were lower for M2 vs M1 at 60 (0.632 ± 0.012 v 0.592 ± 0.012), 90 (0.551 ± 0.01 v 0.520 ± 0.01), 120 (0.495 ± 0.009 v 0.469 ± 0.009) and 180 sec (0.412 ± 0.009 v 0.386 ± 0.009)(p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decline in HR, but not ACC across games over 3 days indicates a cardiovascular adaptation as opposed to overt fatigue. On the other hand, the reduced ACC from 60 - 180 sec between games 1 and 2 in a day indicate reduced shift capacity and an overall decline in performance indicative of fatigue during the second contest.

Problematizing the Pursuit of Personal Development and Performance Success: An Autoethnography of a Canadian Elite Youth Ice Hockey Coach

Performance success and positive development are goals of youth sport coaching that need not but often do find themselves in conflict with each other, yet there is a dearth of research that has inquired into the tensions between these 2 goals for sport coaches. Adopting an autoethnographic research design, this study explored the first author’s coaching experiences with a focus on his attempts to facilitate players’ personal development and the team’s performance success in a Canadian elite minor ice hockey context. Framed in a positive-youth-development approach, the first author’s philosophy and behaviors were informed by key tenants of achievement goal theory and self-determination theory. Three key areas were problematized: pursuing personal development and performance success, creating a task-oriented environment, and implementing autonomy-supportive behaviors. Practical implications for elite youth coaches and coach educations programs are discussed.

Changes in measures of cervical, vestibular, dynamic balance and tasks of divided attention following sport-related concussions in elite youth ice hockey players

ObjectiveTo evaluate acute changes in measures of cervical spine, vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function, dynamic balance and tasks of divided attention in elite youth ice hockey players following a sport-related concussion.Study DesignProspective Case seriesSettingSport Medicine Centre, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaParticipantsFive hundred and fifty-nine (474 males) elite (AA and AAA) Bantam (13-14 years) and Midget (15-17 years) youth ice hockey players.Outcome measuresClinical measurements including cervical flexor endurance test (CFE), head perturbation test, head thrust test, dynamic visual acuity (DVA) (clinical and computerised), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and Walking While Talking (WWTT) test at baseline and acutely following concussion.Main resultsSixty-nine of 97 (71%) players completed both baseline and acute post concussion measures for their first concussion and were included in these analyses. Following concussion, neck pain, headache and dizziness increased in 42%, 58% and 40% of participants respectively. After Bonferroni corrections (α=0.00625), using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, cervical spine measures were significantly worse following concussion compared to baseline [cervical flexor endurance test (z=−5.195, p&lt;0.001) and head perturbation test (z=−4.631, p&lt;0.001)]. Time to complete a complex task of divided attention (WWTT) relative to their normal walking speed was longer than baseline (z=−2.762, p=0.0057). There was no change in DVA or FGA following concussion.ConclusionsMeasures of cervical spine function and tasks of divided attention were worse following concussion. However, tests of VOR and dynamic balance were not significantly different than at baseline. Future research to evaluate the mechanism underlying these changes is warranted.Competing interestsNone.

The Size and Strength Development in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players

Background: Ice hockey is a fast, physical sport that requires high levels of muscular strength, muscular endurance and agility. Objectives: This study was conducted to create a profile including: anthropometric measurement, muscular strength, muscular endurance, lower body jump height and distance, and agility characteristics for elite youth hockey players. Methods: Pre-season off-ice testing results were retrospectively reviewed from a human performance database. Variables included height, weight, body fat percentage, grip strength, push-ups/bench press, supine rows, the plank test, vertical jump, standing long jump, hip adductor and abductor strength, and the 5-10-5 shuttle, and. One-way ANOVAs (1group x 4 time) and Tukeys post-hoc tests were performed to determine changes in the immediately successive age group (p&lt;0.05). Results: Participants included male Bantam-(age: 13-14) and Midget-(age: 15-17) AAA ice-hockey players (n=260). Age categories were grouped as 13 years old (yo)(n=75), 14 yo (n=70), 15 yo (n=58), and 16-17 yo (n=57). Increases between successive age groups were observed in the following variables: weight (13, 14, 15 and 16-17 yo), height (13 and 14 yo), left and right grip strength (13, 14, 15, and 16-17 yo), bench press (15 and 16-17 yo), left and right hip abduction (14, 15, and 16-17 yo), and vertical and standing long jump (13, 14, and 15 yo). Total time for the 5-10-5 shuttle run test decreased from 13 to 14yo, and 14 to 15 yo. Conclusion: Changes with age in off-ice performance variables of elite amateur hockey players should be recognized, followed, and addressed during player development to maximize the potential for elite performance and reduce the risk of injury. Keywords: Athletic Performance, Training, Physical Fitness

Aerobic Development of Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Ice hockey is a physiologically complex sport requiring aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism. College and professional teams often test aerobic fitness; however, there is a paucity of information regarding aerobic fitness of elite youth players. Without this knowledge, training of youth athletes to meet the standards of older age groups and higher levels of hockey may be random, inefficient, and or effective. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the aerobic fitness of elite youth hockey players. A retrospective database review was performed for 200 male AAA hockey players between the ages of 13 and 17 (age, 14.4 ± 1.2 years; height, 174.3 ± 8.5 cm; body mass, 67.2 ± 11.5 kg; body fat, 9.8 ± 3.5%) before the 2012-13 season. All subjects performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer, whereas expired air was collected by either a Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 or a CareFusion Oxycon Mobile metabolic cart to determine maximal oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max). Body mass, absolute V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and the power output achieved during the last completed stage increased in successive age groups from age 13 to 15 years (p ≤ 0.05). Ventilatory threshold (VT) expressed as a percentage of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and the heart rate (HR) at which VT occurred decreased between the ages of 13 and 14 years (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at which VT occurred increased from the age of 14-15 years. There were no changes in relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2max or HRmax between any successive age groups. The aerobic fitness levels of elite youth ice hockey players increased as players age and mature physically and physiologically. However, aerobic fitness increased to a lesser extent at older ages. This information has the potential to influence off-season training and maximize the aerobic fitness of elite amateur hockey players, so that these players can meet standards set by advanced elite age groups.

Baseline Evaluation in Youth Ice Hockey Players: Comparing Methods for Documenting Prior Concussions and Attention or Learning Disorders

Cross-sectional. To examine differences in concussion history and attention or learning disorders reported by elite youth ice hockey players, using a questionnaire that allows parental input compared to a clinic-based test battery that does not. A history of previous concussion and the presence of attention or learning disorders can affect concussion-management decisions; however, youth athletes may not accurately report their medical history because they may not know or recall important details. The sample included 714 Bantam (ages 12-14 years) and Midget (ages 15-17 years) ice hockey players (601 male, 113 female) from the most elite divisions of play (AA and AAA). Players completed a take-home preseason questionnaire (PSQ) with the input of a parent/guardian, and also independently completed the baseline Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) at the beginning of the 2011-2012 hockey season. In 21.1% (95% confidence interval: 18.1%, 24.1%) of cases, there was disagreement between the PSQ and ImPACT in the number of previous concussions reported. Among those who reported an attention disorder on the PSQ, 85.7% also reported an attention disorder on the ImPACT. Only 9.5% of those who reported a learning disorder on the PSQ also reported a learning disorder on the ImPACT. In 1 of 5 players, reported concussion history differed between the PSQ and ImPACT, and there was substantial disagreement between instruments for those reporting learning disorders. The method of obtaining medical history may, therefore, affect baseline and postconcussion evaluations.

ARE CLINICAL MEASURES OF CERVICAL SPINE STRENGTH AND CERVICAL FLEXOR ENDURANCE RISK FACTORS FOR CONCUSSION IN ELITE YOUTH ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS?

BackgroundSymptoms of dizziness, neck pain and headaches have previously been identified as risk factors for concussion. Clinical measures associated with these symptoms have not previously been evaluated as risk factors...

DO RISK FACTORS DIFFER FOR CONCUSSION AND PROLONGED RECOVERY FOLLOWING CONCUSSION IN ELITE YOUTH ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS?

BackgroundPediatric concussion risk factor identification will facilitate targeted injury prevention strategy development.ObjectiveTo examine risk factors for concussion and prolonged recovery amongst elite youth ice hockey players.DesignCohort study.SettingCommunity ice rinks and...

ARE CLINICAL MEASURES OF CERVICAL FLEXOR ENDURANCE, DIVIDED ATTENTION AND COMPUTERIZED DYNAMIC VISUAL ACUITY DIFFERENT IN ELITE YOUTH ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS WHO REPORT A PREVIOUS HISTORY OF CONCUSSION COMPARED TO THOSE WHO DO NOT?

BackgroundConcussion is a commonly encountered injury. Evaluation of clinical tests at baseline will provide insight on clinical alterations that may persist following concussion.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate...

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.