Hockey Players Research Articles

The Impact of an 8-Week Resisted Sprint Training Program on Ice Skating Performance in Male Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Dietze-Hermosa, MS, Montalvo, S, Gonzalez, MP, and Dorgo, S. The impact of an 8-week, resisted, sprint training program on ice skating performance in male youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 957-965, 2024-The purposes of this randomized control study were to (a) compare the effects of an on-ice versus an overground resisted sprint training intervention and a control condition and (b) identify changes in ice skating kinematics and kinetics after training intervention participation. Twenty-four youth ice hockey players were randomly allocated into 3 groups: (a) on-ice resisted sprint training (on-ice RST); (b) overground resisted sprint training (overground RST); and (c) body weight resistance training (control). During the 8-week intervention, the 2 RST groups engaged in sled towing methods, whereas the control group engaged in a body weight resistance training program twice a week. A series of individual, repeated-measures analysis of variances with post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted for variables of interest. An interaction effect was noted for ice skating s-cornering agility drill completion time ( p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.36), ice skating 30-m top speed completion time ( p = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.27), step length ( p = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.26), and knee angle at touchdown ( p = 0.03; ηp2 = 0.30). The on-ice RST group displayed superior improvements across ice skating tests compared with the control group. Data show that on-ice RST has the greatest transfer effect to ice skating metrics; however, improvements in certain ice skating metrics can be observed with overground training also.

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 38(7): e383-e390, 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.

High Prevalence of Seasonal and Current Groin Problems in Rink Hockey Players.

Groin problems are common in multidirectional sports. The aim of the present study is to assess seasonal, current, and trends for groin problems in rink hockey players, irrespective of their playing position, age, or gender. Rink hockey players from three countries [n=446 (162 female, 284 male)] were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. This form evaluated the prevalence of groin problems (time-loss and non-time-loss) for the 2022-2023 season, as well as monthly prevalence of groin problems (time-loss and non-time-loss). All groin problems were compared between playing position, gender, and age to assess between-group differences. Senior males reported the highest time-loss (25%) and non-time-loss (51%) for seasonal prevalence; while U-17 males reported the lowest in both categories of groin problems (time-loss 9%, non-time-loss 27%). No significant differences between playing position or gender were found for any of the groin problems analyzed. In-season prevalence (9-15.7%) of groin problems was significantly higher than pre-season (7.4%) prevalence (p<0.01). Seasonal prevalence of groin problems is common in rink hockey, regardless of gender, playing position, or age. Preventive efforts should be directed towards all players, regardless of their individual characteristics.

Bone Mineral Density in Field Hockey Players: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review to compare and analyse the bone mineral density of field hockey players of both sexes and of different ages, with other sports and with a sedentary population. The search process was carried out using the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The search ended on 18 March 2024. We selected articles in which a comparison was made of bone mineral density of the whole body, lumbar spine, femoral neck, arms and legs, among field hockey players, and/or with other sports and/or with a sedentary population. The systematic review followed the guidelines described in the 2020 PRISMA statement. The initial search identified 220 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the search was narrowed down to seven articles in total. It was observed that the field hockey group had better bone mineral density values than sedentary population and the low-impact sports population. Basketball players had better whole body and leg bone mineral density values than field hockey players. Causality could not be established due to the cross-sectional nature of the included studies. The better bone mineral density values in field hockey players compared to the sedentary population may be because people who participate in impact sports have a better bone mineral density. The differences in bone mineral density between field hockey and low-impact sports could be related to a lower impact during their practice in these disciplines.

Genotypic and Allelic Distribution of the CD36 rs1761667 Polymorphism in High-Level Moroccan Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Previous studies have shown that variations in the CD36 gene may affect phenotypes associated with fat metabolism as the CD36 protein facilitates the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria for oxidation. However, no previous study has tested whether variations in the CD36 gene are associated with sports performance. We investigated the genotypic and allelic distribution of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1761667 in the CD36 gene in elite Moroccan athletes (cyclists and hockey players) in comparison with healthy non-athletes of the same ethnic origin. Forty-three Moroccan elite male athletes (nineteen cyclists and twenty-four field hockey players) belonging to the national teams of their respective sports (athlete group) were compared to twenty-eight healthy, active, male university students (control group). Genotyping of the CD36 rs1761667 (G>A) SNP was performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. A chi-square (χ2) test was used to assess the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and to compare allele and genotype frequencies in the "athlete" and "control" groups. The genotypic distribution of the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism was similar in elite athletes (AA: 23.81, AG: 59.52, and GG: 16.67%) and controls (AA: 19.23, AG: 69.23, and GG: 11.54%; χ2 = 0.67, p = 0.71). However, the genotypic distribution of the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism was different between cyclists (AA: 0.00, AG: 72.22, and GG: 27.78%) and hockey players (AA: 41.67, AG: 50.00, and GG: 8.33%; χ2 = 10.69, p = 0.004). Specifically, the frequency of the AA genotype was significantly lower in cyclists than in hockey players (p = 0.02). In terms of allele frequency, a significant difference was found between cyclists versus field hockey players (χ2 = 7.72, p = 0.005). Additionally, there was a predominance of the recessive model in cyclists over field hockey players (OR: 0.00, 95% CI: 0.00-0.35, p = 0.002). Our study shows a significant difference between cyclists and field hockey players in terms of the genotypic and allelic frequency of the SNP rs1761667 of the CD36 gene. This divergence suggests a probable association between genetic variations in the CD36 gene and the type of sport in elite Moroccan athletes.

Analysis of Injuries in the Swiss U20 Elite Ice Hockey Season 2019/2020-A Retrospective Survey.

(1) Background: In Switzerland, there is little data on injury characteristics in elite ice hockey players aged under 20 years (U20 Elite juniors). This study aimed to determine the injury rate and type of injury in Swiss U20 ice hockey players. (2) Methods: The present study was carried out in a retrospective, non-experimental design using an online questionnaire provided to the 314 elite players of the 12 Swiss U20 Elite ice hockey teams. The injury rate, rate ratios, injury location, type and severity of injury, and injury mechanism were reported. (3) Results: Seventy-three athletes from 11 teams volunteered (response rate = 24%). A total of 30 out of 45 recorded injuries led to time loss in practice and competition. Injury occurred once or twice during the 2019/2020 season. For each player, the injury rate was 0.66 per 1000 practice hours and 2.98 per 1000 competition hours (injury rate ratio = 4.5). The head/neck region was the most common injury location (45.5%). (4) Conclusions: Knowledge of injury characteristics in ice hockey is necessary for meaningful injury management and injury prevention. The results of the present study provide information on the injury rate, location, types, severity, and mechanism in elite Swiss U20 ice hockey players. Most injuries result from contact with another player. More strict sanctioning for irregular behavior and fair play can serve as preventive measures. Further studies should examine different preventive measures such as wearing full-face coverage.

Development and experiences of an internet-based acceptance and commitment training (I-ACT) intervention in ice hockey players: a qualitative feasibility study.

Internet-based psychological interventions have increased the accessibility of evidence-based treatments in clinical psychology but are still an unexplored delivery format in sport psychology research. This study describes the development and evaluates the experiences of an internet-based acceptance and commitment therapy/training (I-ACT) intervention in ice hockey players focusing on performance enhancement and a sustainable sport participation. I-ACT consisted of seven weekly modules and the feasibility of the intervention was investigated using a qualitative research design. Four national level ice hockey players took part of I-ACT and were interviewed about their experiences using a semi-structured protocol. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings suggest that the content of I-ACT was comprehensible, relevant, and that it was possible to put the psychological skills into practice. I-ACT was described as helpful to the ice hockey players either in their sport performance or in their life outside of sport. The internet-format was generally perceived as positive, flexible, and a feasible option for delivering psychological interventions in an elite sport context. Some concerns were raised regarding the timing of the intervention at the end of the season, and some players also wished for more time to complete I-ACT. It was also expressed that some of the exercises could have been better adapted for goaltenders. Further trials are needed to evaluate the effects of I-ACT on performance and mental health outcomes in various sport populations using robust quantitative research methodology. Internet-based psychological interventions are a potential future opportunity to make evidence-based practices more accessible for athletes.

Same game, different worlds? General conditions, perceived stress, and associations between stress and past season injuries in elite female and male ice hockey players.

Ice hockey is played by women and men but the arena they play in may differ substantially. Potential differences in general conditions to play the sport may be associated to perceived stress, which has shown to be related to athletic injury in other sports. Therefore, this study aimed to describe and compare general conditions for playing ice hockey, stress levels, and the association between perceived stress and injury occurrence among elite female and male players. Prior to the 2022-2023 season all female and male players from the top ice hockey leagues in Sweden were invited to an online survey. Players provided information about their general conditions for playing ice hockey and reported perceived stress during the previous season on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10; sum score range 0-40) and current stress on the Single Item Stress Question (SISQ; scale range 1-5). Injuries during the previous season were self-reported on a modified version of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center - Overuse Injury Questionnaire. We received responses from 360 players (170 females and 190 males). Female players more frequently reported additional occupations besides ice hockey and less medical support during games and practices than male players (p < .001). General stress levels were significantly higher among female players (mean PSS score [SD]: 17.4 [5.6] vs 14.1 [5.6], p < 0.001; SISQ median [IQR]: 3 [2-3] vs 2 [1-3], p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between past season injury and perceived stress (PSS score: rho 0.29; SISQ: rho 0.24). This correlation was stronger among males than females (PSS score: 0.38 vs 0.162; SISQ: 0.29 vs 0.16, p's < 0.05). Players with substantial injuries during previous season had higher previous and current stress levels than players without injury, a difference that was largest and statistically significant only among male players. General conditions for playing elite ice hockey are inequal for female and male athletes. Stress levels of elite ice hockey players were comparable to the general population. Experience of severe injuries during the previous season was associated to higher levels of perceived stress. This association is stronger among male players, which may be due to greater economic dependency.

Internal load and wellness responses between consecutive collegiate female field hockey matches

This study evaluated internal load (IL) and wellness between consecutive field hockey matches played over a 2-day period across a 7-week season consisting of 12 total matches. Twelve NCAA Division I hockey players’ IL was assessed by heart rate (HR) zones (zone 1 = 50–60% HRmax, zone 2 = 60–70% HRmax, zone 3 = 70–80% HRmax, zone 4 = 80–90% HRmax, and zone 5 &gt; 90% HRmax) and HR-derived training impulse. Wellness items (sleep, stress, fatigue, soreness, and total wellness) were obtained to measure the players’ subjective responses. Linear mixed models were used to examine the main effects of time (matched pairs of games) and the interaction between match (match 1 vs 2) and week (week 1–6) for IL. For wellness, main effects for time (mid-week, post-match 1, and post-match 2) and the interaction between day (mid-week, post-match 1, and post-match 2) and week (week 1–5) were examined. More time was spent in HR zone 1 in match 2 versus 1 (mean difference (MD) = 4.2 ± 3.0 minutes). Total wellness, fatigue, and soreness were all worse post-match 2 compared to mid-week (MD = 1.8 ± 1.4 AU, MD = 0.4 ± 0.6 AU, and MD = 0.8 ± 0.4 AU, respectively). Our results indicate that evaluation of specific wellness items may help practitioners determine the source of decreased wellness and adjust the weekly training load or recovery strategies based off the results of the changes in IL.

Contact allergy in Swedish professional ice hockey players.

Professional ice hockey players may contract irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. To investigate the presence of contact allergy (CA) in professional ice hockey players in Sweden. Ten teams from the two top leagues were assessed for potential occupational exposure to sensitizers. Exactly 107 players were patch tested with an extended baseline series and a working series, in total 74 test preparations. The CA rates were compared between the ice hockey players and controls from the general population and dermatitis patients. One out of 4 players had at least one contact allergy. The most common sensitizers were Amerchol L 101, nickel and oxidized limonene. CA was as common in the ice hockey players as in dermatitis patients and significantly more common than in the general population. Fragrances and combined sensitizers in cosmetic products (fragrances + preservatives + emulsifier) were significantly more common in ice hockey players compared with the general population. The possible relationship between CA to fragrances and cosmetic products on the one hand and the presence of dermatitis on the other should be explored further.

EDUCATION AND SPORT COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS IN LATVIA

The article emphasizes the importance of the connection between sports and education for Latvian ice hockey players. The purpose of the study is to review theoretical findings and analyze the opportunities of competences development for athletes in Latvian hockey. The integration of sports and education, rooted in the rights to education and play, gives rise to the concept of Dual Career, fostering the holistic development of talented athletes. Article presents findings from a survey on dual career opportunities among Latvian ice hockey players, shedding light on competence development and perspectives regarding dual career pathways. Hockey players are interested in dual career development, but face obstacles due to limited support and insufficient cooperation between sports clubs, educational institutions, and the hockey federation. Respondents offered several suggestions for improving dual career opportunities, including increased government support, proactive engagement by national federations, and the creation of flexible schedules and online programs tailored to athletes’ needs. This study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support mechanisms and collaborative efforts to facilitate successful dual career pursuits among hockey players in Latvia.

Executive Functions and Competitive Attitudes in Near-Elite Ice Hockey Players

Abstract Ice hockey is considered one of the most competitive sports, and it requires physical and mental preparation to perform appropriately under the pressure of a competitive environment. The present study aims to investigate the impact of competitive sports on executive functions such as emotion regulation, inhibitory control, working memory, and competitive attitudes among near-elite ice hockey players. Near-elite athletes have been gathered (N = 67) from the four Hungarian Ice-Hockey Academies. Our results indicated a small positive association between Canadian points and maladaptive emotion regulation and a slight positive correlation between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation and false alarms of the N-back task. The result revealed a significant difference between National and Non-National Team members in maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation regarding hypercompetitive attitude. The result of linear regression revealed that maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation significantly predicts false alarms, indicating that the maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation explains 10% of the variance. In conclusion, we highlight the role of the environment, which affects executive functions and competitive attitudes alongside sports performance. Although the findings were mainly correlational, we can conclude that the nature of competitive ice hockey expects certain behavior for the players indifferent of the situation that could lead to emotion suppression, rumi-nation and other maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. We can also conclude that inadequate emotion regulation might be related to the overstimulation of players, characterized by a hypersensitive state to stimuli. We suggest that practitioners ensure the development of adequate competitive attitudes of players to enable long-term physical and psychological benefits.

The influence of substitution strategies on the physical match performance of elite female field hockey players

ABSTRACT The study aims were to i) compare movement demands of different substitution strategies for each position in elite female field hockey and ii) compare the effect substitutions had on match intensities post-substitution. During 19 international matches, movement data from 26 international players were collected. Substitution strategies were categorised into 5-min, 7.5-min, 10-min, at random intervals and full quarter play. Small reductions in work-rate were found from quarter 1 to 4 across positions despite running intensities not differing between quarters. Work-rate was greater for starting players during the opening minute and was also higher when compared to players coming off the bench. However, players coming off the bench had higher running intensities during this first minute with higher work-rates after minute two compared to the quarter average. Small differences in work-rate were found between substitution strategies for strikers and midfielders, with no differences in intensity for any position. In conclusion, a decrease in work-rate during the match suggests fatigue, but because intensity was maintained throughout, pacing strategies could be present. Although the substitution strategy utilised did not produce substantial results, the “first-minute-rush-effect” was confirmed as players coming off the bench were able to match and, in some cases, increase the work-rate.

Acoustics and ice hockey: The sociophonetic impact of Canadian English on American-Born players

My research utilizes sociophonetic analysis to document the linguistic identity construction process that is ongoing in the sport of ice hockey. I argue that American-born players are constructing a hockey-based identity influenced by Canadian English (CE) due to the historical Canadian dominance of the sport. This identity incorporates Canadian Raising, FACE and GOAT monophthongization, both commonly attributed to CE and largely unexplainable based on players’ regional dialects, and altered vowel production in hockey-specific terminology, most notably in the word hockey itself, unique to the hockey community. To document this variation, I analyze vowel formant values taken from sociolinguistic interviews with professional hockey players. I assess F1 and F2 values throughout vowel durations to establish if players are converging in production away from regional dialectal variants towards shared hockey-based variants. I argue these variants have gained indexical value linked to an emerging hockey-based identity that, although influenced by CE, is unique to the hockey community. In ongoing research, I aim to further document that this variation is most evident in hockey-specific terminology and that lexical diffusion occurs outwardly from these terms over time leading to players developing a more prevalent hockey-based identity as the sport gains more importance in their lives.

Sweat Characteristics and Fluid Balance Responses During Two Heat Training Camps in Elite Female Field Hockey Players.

We examined the sweat characteristics and fluid balance of elite female field hockey players during two heat training camps. Fourteen elite female field hockey players from the Australian national squad participated in two heat training camps held ∼6months apart, following winter- (Camp 1) and summer-based training (Camp 2). Daily waking body mass (BM) and urine specific gravity (USG) were collected, along with several markers of sweat and fluid balance across two matches per camp. There was a 19% mean reduction in estimated whole-body sweat sodium concentration from Camp 1 (45.8 ± 6.5mmol/L) to Camp 2 (37.0 ± 5.0mmol/L; p < .001). Waking urine specific gravity ≥ 1.020 was observed in 31% of samples, with no significant differences in mean urine specific gravity or BM between camps (p > .05), but with substantial interindividual variation. Intramatch sweat rates were high (1.2-1.8L/hr), with greater BM losses in Camp 1 (p = .030), resulting in fewer players losing ≥2% BM in Camp 2 (0%-8%), as compared with Camp 1 (36%-43%; p = .017). Our field data suggest that elite female field hockey players experience substantial sweat losses during competition in the heat regardless of the season. In agreement with previous findings, we observed substantial interindividual variation in sweat and hydration indices, supporting the use of individualized athlete hydration strategies.

Injury rate and characteristics in Japanese male professional ice hockey players: prospective study of 60 players over 10 seasons

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the injury rate and characteristics in Japanese male professional ice hockey players.MethodsThis study involved an inclusive cohort of male ice hockey players from a Japanese professional...

Influence of the Stick Grasping in Sprint and Change of Direction Performance in Elite Youth Rink Hockey Players

This study aimed to investigate the influence of stick grasping on the performance of elite youth rink hockey players in 10 m linear sprints and 180° change of direction (COD) tasks. Forty-nine rink hockey players (age = 18.40 ± 2.12 year; body mass = 73.52 ± 6.02 kg; height = 1.82 ± 0.07 m; BMI = 23.61 ± 1.69; sports experience = 6.42 ± 1.41 years; 4.89 ± 0.68 years’ post-peak height velocity) participated in this cross-sectional study. Measurements included 10 m sprint time and COD 180° performance with and without stick grasping. Results revealed non-significant differences when carrying a stick in the 10 m linear sprint (1.90 s ± 0.08 with stick vs. 1.89 s ± 0.08 without stick; p = 0.71; d = 0.05), neither did COD 180° for the left limb (2.75s ± 0.11 with stick vs. 2.76 s ± 0.11 without stick; p = 0.91; d = 0.02). However, for the right limb, significantly better performance in COD 180° was found when players held the stick (2.72 s ± 0.11 with stick vs. 2.75 s ± 0.09 without stick; p = 0.03; d = 0.32). These findings imply that the distinctive biomechanics and requirements of rink hockey, especially the lateral movements inherent in skating, might alleviate the negative impacts associated with implement grasping observed in other sports. This study highlights that stick grasping did not hinder COD ability and may even have a facilitating effect on certain movements, emphasizing the importance of considering sport-specific biomechanics in rink hockey performance analysis.

Interaction of Skating Agility Tests and Postural Stability in Hockey Players

Study purpose. In this work, we point out the interaction of complex postural stability (CPS) and skating agility tests among pupils in the hockey club HK Nové Zámky. We determined postural stability using the SEBT and agility with skating tests. We expected a significant interaction between performance in skating agility tests and CPS for both standing legs, which was most closely identified with the eight-item SEBT test. Materials and methods. The level of CPS was characterized by descriptive statistics. Laterality between right and left standing leg was assessed by t-test and Cohen’s “d”. The relationships between CPS and skating agility tests were determined by Pearson’s correlation coefficient “r”. Predictors were selected by stepwise regression. Statistical significance of differences and relationships was assessed at the 5% significance level. Results. The results showed no differences in the laterality of the CPS between the right and left standing leg. Correlation analysis demonstrated the interactions of the left and right standing leg with all skating agility tests. Stepwise regression was used to select the tests that were most identified with the performance on the eight-item SEBT test in terms of their skating expression. The Illinois test has the most significant informational power for CPS. Conclusions. The presence of positive interactions between skating agility and CPS in hockey players point to the importance of a balanced and stable stance of both legs in all directions. The perfect balance and stability of hockey players eliminates the fluctuations caused by skating movement in all directions and facilitates their execution without major changes in dynamic performance. The chance of shortening the activation time of the muscle chains involved in the technique of performing the test also increases significantly, or in the very structure of technique – the economics of ice hockey players’ skating.

Functional state of team sports athletes in the annual training cycle

Determination of the dynamics of the functional state of the musculoskeletal system of team sports athletes in the annual training cycle. The achievement of this goal will allow for providing scientifically-based management of training and competitive processes in the annual training cycle and contribute to the normalization of the functional state of the athlete's musculoskeletal system. The authors assessed the functional state of the musculoskeletal system of athletes involved in football, handball, and field hockey, using goniometry, and stabilometry, as well as testing physical abilities, associated with the flexibility of the joints (forward bend from a standing position (on the bench), bridge, transverse and longitudinal (best of 2 possible), splits). Testing was conducted during the annual training cycle, after the competitive period, and at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory period. Assessment of the functional state of the musculoskeletal system of athletes at the end of the competition period showed the low and below average flexibility levels. Static support ability (stabilometry) and joint mobility (goniometry) were below average and average levels. Decrease in static support ability testified to violations of the vestibular apparatus and proprioceptive sensitivity, which have a significant impact on balance. The low results of joint flexibility and mobility indicated the lack of elasticity of the musculoskeletal apparatus, which indicated the presence of overstrain. Diagnosed positive changes in the state of the musculoskeletal system of athletes at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory period, regardless of the team sport, indicated a partial restoration of the functional state of the musculoskeletal system during the transition period. According to the results of the study, recommendations were given for including in the training process, along with prestretching, corrective and preventive exercises based on the use of the myofascial relaxation technique, which contribute to the restoration of the functional state of the musculoskeletal system of team sports athletes. Keywords: football players, handball players, hockey players, functional state, musculoskeletal system, flexibility, stabilometry, goniometry.

Effect of eight-week controlled dietary modification trial on nutritional biomarkers in young Indian athletes

Objective: Present study was intended to examine the effects of dietary modification on nutritional biomarkers in young Indian male athletes. Methods: Eighty-eight footballers and hockey players were randomly segregated into ad-libitum group (ALG) and nutrition counselling group (NCG). Eight weeks of dietary modification trial was implemented on NCG, resulting in 9.5, 2.6, and 2.1 g/kgbw/day of carbohydrate, protein, and fat respectively. Rate of changes in daily nutrient intake and nutrition biomarkers were captured. Results: NCG revealed significant increases in total serum protein (5.6%, p&lt;0.001), haemoglobin (3.9%, p&lt;0.001) and vitamin E (2.9%, p&lt;0.001). They also exhibited rises in serum vitamin C (6%, p=0.004), folate (4.5%, p=0.004), ferritin (4.8%, p=0.003), calcium (4.2%, p=0.009), serum vitamins B12 (3.9%, p=0.012) and D (12.3%, p&lt;0.001). Haemoglobin levels were positively correlated with daily protein (p&lt;0.01), iron (p&lt;0.05), vitamins B12 and vitamin C (p&lt;0.05 both) intakes. Serum calcium positively correlated with daily calcium (p&lt;0.01), phosphorus and protein (p&lt;0.05 both) intakes. Serum zinc was positively correlated with daily protein, calcium, vitamin B9 and vitamin D intake, while serum ferritin and vitamin B12 were positively correlated with protein and iron intake. Post-intervention, NCG reported optimal blood levels of calcium, zinc, protein, Hb, ferritin, vitamins B12, C and E, whereas the folate and vitamin D values were suboptimal. On the other hand, the ALG revealed marginal levels of zinc and total protein as well as noticeably low levels of calcium, folate, and vitamin D. Conclusion: Enhanced blood levels of nutritional biomarkers noted after eight-weeks of controlled dietary modification was supported by positive correlations observed with the daily nutrient intakes.