Hockey Players Research Articles

Variation In Body Composition Over A Season In University Male And Female Ice Hockey Players

Variation In Body Composition Over A Season In University Male And Female Ice Hockey Players

The intention-to-treat effect of changes in planned participation on injury risk in adolescent ice hockey players: A target trial emulation

ObjectivesTarget trial emulation is a framework for conducting causal inference using observational data. We employ this framework to estimate the effect of changing planned participation duration, measured using the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), on injury risk among adolescent ice hockey players without recent injuries. DesignProspective cohort study designed to emulate a hypothetical randomized trial. MethodsWe used data from a 5-year cohort study (2013–2018) of ice hockey players aged 13–17 years in Alberta and British Columbia. We estimated injury risks associated with different planned changes in hockey participation duration (e.g. half [ACWR = 0.5], no change [ACWR = 1], two-fold [ACWR = 2], three-fold [ACWR = 3], and five-fold [ACWR = 5]) relative to participation in the previous 4 weeks. Outcomes were modeled using generalized additive models. We conducted secondary analyses restricted to concussions, and stratified by league bodychecking status. ResultsThere were 2633 eligible participants, contributing 115,821 player-trials. Injury risk was 1.9 % (95 % CI: 1.7 %–2.3 %) for no change in participation (ACWR = 1). Injury risk ratios (RRs) were 0.43 at ACWR = 0.5 (95 % CI: 0.31–0.54), 1.62 (95 % CI: 1.33–1.98) at ACWR = 2, 1.91 at ACWR = 3 (95 % CI: 1.52–2.48) and 2.35 at ACWR = 5 (95 % CI: 1.68–3.26). Patterns were similar by league bodychecking status. Concussion RRs were stable between ACWR = 1 and 1.5, but RRs were greater than for any injury past ACWR = 2. ConclusionsWithin the assumptions of this target trial emulation, injury risk increases consistently (no sweet spots) for increases in planned changes in participation duration relative to the previous 4 weeks among adolescent ice hockey players without recent injuries. Injuries in injury risk are less than expected for the increased exposure time at risk, suggesting beneficial effects of increasing participation that partially counteract the increased exposure time.

Training Parameters That Influence Heart Rate Recovery In Collegiate Field Hockey Players

Training Parameters That Influence Heart Rate Recovery In Collegiate Field Hockey Players

Assessing External And Internal Loads Impacting Injury Odds In Male Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Assessing External And Internal Loads Impacting Injury Odds In Male Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Response In Heart Rate Variability To On-ice Exercise Stress In Female Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Response In Heart Rate Variability To On-ice Exercise Stress In Female Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Associations between skating mechanical capabilities and off-ice physical abilities of highly trained teenage ice hockey players.

This study examines the associations between force and velocity characteristics of forward skating and off-ice speed, agility, and power of highly trained teenage ice hockey players. Players attending the Quebec ice hockey federation's off-season evaluation camp were invited to participate in this study. Final sample consists of 107 highly trained teenage ice hockey players (Males: n=38; 13.83±0.38years; Females: n=69: 14.75±0.90years). Individual force-velocity profiles (F-V) were determined during a 44m skating sprint. Off-ice speed, agility, and power were measured using 30m sprint, 5-10-5 agility, and standing long jump. Associations between F-V mechanical capabilities and off-ice indicators were analyzed with correlational analyses and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results of pooled data indicate that the three off-ice measures had moderate associations with F0 and V0 and large associations with Pmax. Associations with Rfmax, Drf, and Sfv were moderate to small. F0 had stronger associations with off-ice performance in female players while V0 was more important with male players. MANCOVA identified 5-10-5 times as the better predictor for F0 while 30m sprints times better predicted V0. To maximize physical attributes of skating ability, practitioners are encouraged to focus on a general physical preparation for highly trained teenage players. Prioritizing types of exercises that use change of direction or acceleration and linear speed should have distinct effects on F0 and V0 on the ice.

The Evolution Of Physical Fitness Among Elite Ice Hockey Players During Adolescence In The 2010s: Bigger, Faster, Stronger?

The Evolution Of Physical Fitness Among Elite Ice Hockey Players During Adolescence In The 2010s: Bigger, Faster, Stronger?

In-Season Cardiovascular Improvement Of Collegiate Field Hockey Players

In-Season Cardiovascular Improvement Of Collegiate Field Hockey Players

Comparing Objective And Subjective Measures Of Exercise Stress In Female Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Comparing Objective And Subjective Measures Of Exercise Stress In Female Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Comparison Of Bone Density In College Male And Female Ice Hockey Players Throughout A Season

Comparison Of Bone Density In College Male And Female Ice Hockey Players Throughout A Season

Effects of Neuromuscular Exercise on Dynamic Balance, Vertical Jump and Trunk Endurance in Ice Hockey Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to investigate the impact of a 12-week neuromuscular exercise program on balance, vertical jump, and core endurance parameters in female ice hockey players. Y balance test, vertical jump test and McGill test were used for evaluation of dynamic balance, vertical jump and trunk endurance, respectively. A 12-week training program was conducted on 50 female ice hockey players. The exercise group showed significant differences in anterior and posteromedial balance scores for both right and left (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in posterolateral scores (p>0.05). The control group didn't show significant improvements in the vertical jump (p>0.05), while the neuromuscular exercise group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05). Trunk extension endurance improved significantly in the control group (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in trunk flexion and lateral endurance (p>0.05). In contrast, the neuromuscular exercise group significantly improved all trunk endurance values (p<0.05). Neuromuscular exercise training applied to ice hockey players can improve the balance, vertical jump, and trunk endurance parameters. Therefore, the inclusion of neuromuscular exercise programs in the training programs of female ice hockey players can enhance their physical performance and may reduce the risk of injury.

Mental health symptom burden in elite ice hockey players and its association with self-reported concussive events

BackgroundSome studies suggest that elite athletes experience adverse mental health symptoms at rates commensurate with the general population, despite the well-established buffering effects of exercise. Within contact sports, such as ice-hockey, recurrent concussions may be a source of this discrepancy. We compared the point prevalence of various mental health outcomes with other athlete and general population samples, as well as investigated their relationship with concussive events.MethodsWe surveyed 648 active ice hockey players from the top two men’s tiers and the top women’s tier in Swedish elite ice hockey on lifetime concussive events, hazardous alcohol use, problematic social media use, depression, anxiety, and burnout.ResultsHazardous alcohol use was more prevalent among male ice hockey players (29.5% AUDIT-C ≥ 6) compared to other athlete and general population samples, while other mental health symptoms were less common. Female ice hockey players reported higher hazardous alcohol consumption (36.4% AUDIT-C ≥ 4) than another athlete sample and more burnout (19.1%) than the general population. After adjusting for covariates, athletes with 3+ concussive events had 2.1 times the odds of elevated depressive symptoms and 3.5 times the odds of elevated burnout symptoms compared to those with no concussion history. Treating lifetime concussive events as a continuous predictor revealed positive correlations with all outcomes except for hazardous alcohol use.ConclusionsMental health outcome rates among active elite ice hockey athletes differ from those of other athlete and general population samples, whilst concussive events may be particularly linked to elevated symptoms of depression and burnout.

Effects of Caffeinated Chewing Gum on Ice Hockey Performance after Jet Lag Intervention: Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of caffeinated chewing gum on the physical performance of elite ice hockey players after a jet lag intervention. Fourteen national-level (age: 25.2 ± 5.4; height: 176.5 ± 5.3; weight: 78.1 ± 13.4) ice hockey players were tested late at night after a full day awake schedule with jet lag. A randomised, double-blind experimental design was employed in which participants either chewed caffeinated gum (CAF) containing 3 mg/kg caffeine or a caffeine-free placebo gum (PLA) for 10 min prior to undertaking a series of on-ice and off-ice tests. The off-ice tests included grip force, the counter-movement jump (CMJ), and the squat jump (SJ). The on-ice tests included a 35 m sprint, the S-Shape agility test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo IR1 test). The CMJ height (CAF: 47.2 ± 4.4; PL: 45.9 ± 3.5; p = 0.035; Cohen's d = 0.32) and SJ height (CAF: 46.7 ± 4.1; PL: 44.9 ± 3.8; p = 0.047; Cohen's d = 0.44) were found to be significantly higher in the CAF than in the PL trial. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in grip force, as well as in the 35 m sprint, the S-Shape agility test, and the Yo-Yo IR1 test. The present study found that, following a jet lag intervention, although the consumption of caffeinated gum resulted in an increase in vertical jump height, it had no impact on performance in the ice tests. The results of this study may help coaches and athletes consider the need for caffeine supplementation when experiencing jet lag.

Head and neck ice hockey injuries in children: an analysis of the NEISS database

ObjectiveOur objective was to describe non-concussion head and neck ice hockey injuries in children in the US. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using data from the NEISS database. The NEISS database was reviewed from 2010 to 2021 for injuries in the head, neck, mouth, eye, and ear related to ice hockey in children 1–18 years old. Records where the only injury was a concussion or internal head injury were removed. Frequencies were calculated and chi-squared tests were performed. Results475 children were included, with mean age of 13.1 years old (95 % CI 12.7–13.4), and 426 (89.7 %) were male. Females were significantly younger with mean age 11.8 years versus 13.2 years for males (t = −2.4, df = 473, p = .018). 110 (23.2 %) injuries were related to hockey sticks, 92 (19.4 %) involved a fall, and 32 (6.7 %) were subsequent to body checking. 301 of the injuries (63.4 %) were lacerations, 71 (14.9 %) contusions or abrasions, and 26 (5.5 %) strains and sprains. The type of injury varied according to head and neck region (p < .001). 231 (82.8 %) of facial injuries, 16 (76.2 %) of ear injuries, and 33 (62.3 %) of oral injuries were lacerations. Eight (1.7 %) patients were admitted or observed overnight, while the rest were discharged home. ConclusionFemale ice hockey players sustain injuries at younger ages than males, which may reflect the loss of older girls from the sport. In older boys, injury rates may reflect the loss of mandated full face protective shields.

Incidence of injuries and their prevention in Czech ice hockey players.

Ice hockey is a dynamic game. We can observe collisions between the players that bring a risk of injury. There are many hockey clubs in the Czech Republic. These clubs raise great hockey players and many competing players in various levels of national leagues. The aim of this study was to map injuries in Czech hockey players and outline the situation of injury prevention and body care in ice hockey players. We used a questionnaire survey method to obtain data. We received answers from 100 male active Czech ice hockey players, playing in the top three highest men's competitions (Extraleague - 2nd league). Individual injuries were analyzed according to specific body parts, injury type, playing position, level of competition using basic statistical characteristics and relative frequency analyses, including the recovery time, injury reason and the injury statistics per 1000 sporting performances in ice hockey. We found that 81% of participants suffered injuries with the overall incidence of injuries was 17.1 per 1000 sports performances and mainly happened during the match compared to training. The most common injuries were in the head and neck area (25%), often caused by a collision with another player, a stick or puck hit, or a collision with a board. Other frequently injured parts were the knees (21%), where internal ligament injuries predominate, and the shoulders (20%), where we recorded mainly ligament injuries. There is a high risk of various injury types of ice hockey players, that are developed accidentally in all body parts mostly in the match (mostly upper part of the body and knee) or by overloading (hip/groin area). We recommend strategies to avoid or minimize the injury risk of players. The hockey clubs, coaches, and players should extensively and regularly cooperate with physiotherapists, starting from the younger age of hockey groups, to prevent injuries and use regular strengthening of crucial muscle parts, regeneration, and compensatory exercises. We endorse adequately evaluating dangerous foul actions for referees and disciplinary officials also in minor competitions.

A study of foundation skills on defenders of football and hockey players

A study of foundation skills on defenders of football and hockey players

Diagnoses and Training Prescriptions of Isokinetic Knee Muscle Function in Collegiate Female Hockey Players -A Case Study of H/Q &amp; L/R Ratios

Diagnoses and Training Prescriptions of Isokinetic Knee Muscle Function in Collegiate Female Hockey Players -A Case Study of H/Q &amp; L/R Ratios

Enhancing Physical Fitness in Elite Field Hockey Players with A Twelve-Week Functional Training Program: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial.

This study aimed to explore the impact of functional training on the physical fitness of young elite field hockey players. The study comprised 40 young elite male field hockey players with the following characteristics (mean ± SD age: 21.5 ± 0.8 years; height: 176.9 ± 2.6 cm; weight: 68.4 ± 5.1 kg; BMI: 21.8 ± 1.3; training experience: 51.2 ± 5.4 months). Twenty participants were allocated to two groups: the functional training group (FTG) and the control training group (CG). Each group received 60-minute training sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equation analysis and a Bonferroni test for pairwise comparisons were used to assess the intervention's efficacy. Before the start of the exercise program, no statistically significant differences were observed in physical fitness measures between the FTG and CG (p > 0.05). However, by the sixth week, a significant difference appeared in both the T-Agility test (p < 0.001) and endurance (p = 0.024) between the two groups, while no notable distinctions were detected in other fitness parameters (p > 0.05). After a 12-week training program, the FTG demonstrated improvements in all physical fitness measures [flexibility (p < 0.001); Illinois agility test (p < 0.001); T-agility test (p = 0.020); endurance (p < 0.001)] except speed, which exhibited no significant impact (p = 0.175). Notable enhancements in T-agility and endurance were evident after just six weeks of functional training, and a 12-week functional training regimen showed superiority over standard training approaches in young elite male field hockey players. These findings encourage the efficacy of functional training exercises over traditional methods in enhancing athletes' fitness parameters.

Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Program on Individual Movement during Competition in Field Hockey Players

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a field hockey-specific training program based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and to verify its effectiveness by observing changes in individual movements during international competitions for female field hockey players.METHODS: The field hockey-specific training program was developed based on HIIT (≥95%HRmax, work:rest ratio=1:1) through meetings with experts’ and the participation of 13 female field hockey players who were enrolled in the Korean national team. Participants were trained for nine weeks (27 sessions) using this training program. Their individual movements were collected using GPS units during the Four Nations competitions and the 2022 Asian Games before and after applying the training program. Individual movements were defined as total distance covered, meters per minute (MpM), maximal velocity (MV), absolute distance, proportion of total distance covered at low-intensity (LI), moderate-intensity (MI), and high-intensity (HI), and number of accelerations, decelerations, and sprint efforts (SE).RESULTS: After applying the training program, the MpM (9.6 m/min), MV (0.69 km/hr), and SE (3.47 bouts) improved compared to before applying the program. Further, after applying the training program, the absolute distance (633.94 m) and the proportion (14.83%) at LI decreased, while those of MI (553.40 m and 9.78%) and HI (273.07 m and 5.05%) increased compared to before applying the program.CONCLUSIONS: The field hockey-specific training program developed in this study resulted in positive changes in individual movements during competitions, leading to improvements in team and individual performance.

The Association of Hip Strength and Range of Motion with Hip and Groin Pain in Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

The Association of Hip Strength and Range of Motion with Hip and Groin Pain in Collegiate Ice Hockey Players