Ice Rink Research Articles

Battling fire and ice: remote guidance ultrasound to diagnose injury on the International Space Station and the ice rink

Background National Aeronautical and Space and Administration (NASA) researchers have optimized training methods that allow minimally trained, non-physician operators to obtain diagnostic ultrasound (US) images for medical diagnosis including musculoskeletal injury. We hypothesize that these techniques could be expanded to non-expert operators including National Hockey League (NHL) and Olympic athletic trainers to diagnose musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. Methods NHL and Olympic athletic trainers received a brief course on musculoskeletal US. Remote guidance musculoskeletal examinations were conducted by athletic trainers, consisting of hockey groin hernia, knee, ankle, elbow, or shoulder evaluations. US images were transmitted to remote experts for interpretation. Results Groin, knee, ankle, elbow, or shoulder images were obtained on 32 athletes; all real-time US video stream and still capture images were considered adequate for diagnostic interpretation. Conclusions This experience suggests that US can be expanded for use in locations without a high level of on-site expertise. A non-physician with minimal training can perform complex, diagnostic-quality examinations when directed by a remote-based expert.

Letter from Olympic City

Why do cities take the Olympics on? The visibility is usually ephemeral (what have you heard lately about Nagano?). They don't make a profit on the games; they hope to break even. After winter games, local governments are stuck with outsized luge tracks, ski jumps, and multiple ice rinks costing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to maintain. Yet cities around the world compete ferociously to host the games. "The Olympics become an opportunity to seize for urban renewal," said Alessandro Guala, professor of social sciences at the University of Torino. "Not just for building new sports facilities but for improving city services and launching or accelerating the work on major projects like a subway. It's a moment when you can mobilize political forces and bureaucracies and get everyone to work together."

Battling Fire and Ice: Remote Guidance Ultrasound (US) to Diagnose Injury on the International Space Station (ISS) and Ice Rink

Battling Fire and Ice: Remote Guidance Ultrasound (US) to Diagnose Injury on the International Space Station (ISS) and Ice Rink

An unusual complication of ice skating and the emergence of a previously undiagnosed bleeding disorder

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with no prior abnormal bleeding history who presented with severe central abdominal pain following a freak accident at a local ice rink. Clinical examination confirmed a tender periumbilical mass. An ultrasound scan confirmed a large haemorrhagic fluid collection adjacent to the second part of his duodenum that was causing a subacute small-bowel obstruction. He was found to have a persistently prolonged prothrombin time between 17.3 and 18.1 s but normal liver function tests. There was no suggestion of dietary vitamin K deficiency. Further investigations confirmed factor VII deficiency with levels between 30.4 and 33.6 IU dL-1. His prothrombin time did not normalize with intravenous vitamin K. He was subsequently treated with three 30 microg kg-1 body weight doses of novoseven at 4-h interval and made an excellent recovery. The haematoma virtually resolved completely confirmed by a follow-up ultrasound scan 3 months after the initial event.

Revisiting Once Upon a Time

Revisiting Once Upon a Time

Visual effects and video analysis lead to Olympics victories

In one study, researchers at several universities and the US Olympic Committee compared triple and quadruple toe loops by using high-speed video and 3D analyses at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Researchers created 3D models of the skaters using motion capture from video taken with special camera systems during competitions. To capture a skill from anywhere on the rink, calibration of the whole ice rink was required prior to each day of testing. This involved testing with two survey poles, each 4.88 meters long, sequentially moved to seven locations on the ice. Combinations of three to five poles that gave the best 3D reconstruction were used to establish calibrations for each day of data collection. The 3D reconstruction error was determined by computing the root mean square difference between the actual and computed distances of ice and board markings and the poles not included in the calibrations.

Ice Skating in the Museum

The article interprets The Ice Rink and The Lilac Ship, an exhibit in the City Gallery in Wellington. The exhibit gives rise to a series of speculations on the nature of a gendered national sublime in the form of the repressed feminine lyrical.

Criminal obsessions: crime isn't the only harm

A month before Christmas a close friend was ice-skating with her daughter on an open-air ice rink. She fell and broke her arm in two places after hitting a rough patch on the ice. She was off work for a number of days and spent many hours in hospital. Subsequently, she discovered that five people that week had broken their arms after falling on the same rink. It was obvious that a combination of too many skaters and lack of maintenance were key elements in the ‘accidents’. There is no legal requirement that these falls are ‘notified’ to a central government department and published on a regular basis. They will form part of some set of ‘accident’ statistics but will receive very little media attention when published. Now imagine the uproar if five people had been attacked in a city centre on five separate occasions and all had their arms broken. There would be a public uproar demanding that the Chief Constable do something about it. Moreover, the events would be recorded in the police statistics.

Coupled Conduction, Convection, Radiation Heat Transfer with Simultaneous Mass Transfer in Ice Rinks

ABSTRACT This article presents numerical predictions of velocity, temperature, and absolute humidity distributions in an indoor ice rink with ventilation and heating. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation includes the effects of radiation between all inside surfaces of the building envelope, turbulent mixed convection, and vapor diffusion, as well as conduction through the walls and condensation on the ice. The net radiative fluxes for each element of the envelope's inside surfaces are calculated with a modified version of Gebhart's method. This modification reduces the calculation time and the memory required to store the radiation view factors for the discretized elements of the inside surfaces of the envelope. The predicted temperatures show very good agreement with measured data. The CFD code also calculates the heat fluxes toward the ice due to convection from the air, to condensation of vapor, and to radiation from the walls and ceiling. It is shown that a low emissivity ceiling reduces the sum of these fluxes and the risk of vapor condensation on the ceiling.

Numerical prediction of ventilation patterns and thermal processes in ice rinks

A numerical simulation of the heat and mass transfer phenomena in a ventilated ice rink has been carried out using the standard κ – ɛ turbulence model. The complexity of the geometry has been taken into account by considering elements such as the plastic protection panels which have a significant effect on the flow field. The results calculated for four different configurations show the flow pattern, the isotherms and the lines of constant absolute and relative humidity. Values of the effective draft temperature are presented for several positions in the zone occupied by the spectators. The heat losses through the walls and ceiling as well as the latent, convective and radiative heat flux into the ice are presented and analyzed.

Innovations on thin ice

Sport is becoming increasingly important in contemporary society and has grown into a multi-billion dollar business. This paper analyzes improvements in performance in one particular sport, speed-skating, and compares the results with theories used to describe or characterize innovations in a commercial industrial environment. The Henderson and Clark architectural methodology is particularly suited to speed skating because improvements in performance in the sport are the result of a combination of the skater's ability, the equipment used and other ‘environmental’ factors. The klapskate, skinsuit, artificial ice and indoor rinks can all be identified as components and factors having a quantifiable effect in the ‘market’. Because of their full penetration into the market, they can be categorized as ‘dominant designs’, referring to the concept introduced by Abernathy and Utterback. Based on statistical analyses of world records, we distinguished four innovation sub-processes that were additive to a long-term improvement process. The analysis shows that there is still considerable potential for improvement in performance levels in speed skating through innovation.

Montelukast Attenuates AHR In Ice Rink Athletes Exposed To PM1 During Exercise

1803 Airborne particulate matter (PM1) emitted from fossil-fueled ice resurfacing equipment may be causal to the increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and reduced resting lung function observed in ice rink athletes. Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (LT) are mediators involved in asthma and may be important in PM1-associated AHR. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose LT receptor antagonist (montelukast sodium, ML) in treating AHR positive (+) athletes during high and low [PM1] exposure exercise. METHODS: Eight male AHR+ subjects (age: 19.25 ± 1.28) performed 2 high intensity 6-min cycle ergometer challenges in both low [PM1] and high [PM1] (∼70-fold above low [PM1]) conditions. Subjects ingested either placebo (PL) or 10 mg ML 6 h prior to each trial. Order was randomized and double-blinded with at least 48 h between trials. Spirometry was performed pre-and post-challenge. RESULTS: Peak fall in FEV1 was significantly attenuated by ML treatment over PL in high [PM1] (1.95 ± 6.13 vs. 18.12 ± 10.09; p<0.001). ML improved lung function compared to PL at 5, 10, 15 min post-exercise (change in FEV1 from baseline; −1.3 ± 5.92 vs.-10.3 ± 6.59, 0.5 ± 7.06 vs.-15.7 ± 9.15, and 2.3 ± 6.69 vs.-12.3 ± 11.46, respectively; p<0.01). In low [PM1], ML provided modest but non-significant protection (8.96 ± 11.07 vs. 16.15 ± 18.56 fall in FEV1). CONCLUSION: ML provided substantially better protection against AHR from high PM1 exposure exercise than from low PM1 exercise. The precise mechanism by which airborne PM1 affects AHR remains unclear, but the response appears to be highly mediated by LT which is different than that observed in a low [PM1] cold air challenge. Supported by Merck & Co. Inc. Grant # SING-US-63–01.

Montelukast Attenuates AHR In Ice Rink Athletes Exposed To PM1 During Exercise

Montelukast Attenuates AHR In Ice Rink Athletes Exposed To PM1 During Exercise

Baseline lung function, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and asthma-like symptoms in elite women ice hockey players.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is high among ice rink athletes and may be related to exercise ventilation of rink air pollutants. Impaired postchallenge expiratory flows are common for this population; however, baseline lung function and symptoms have not been fully evaluated. We examined resting lung function and asthma-like symptoms in relation to airway hyperresponsiveness in National Team female ice hockey players (N = 43). Subjects were grouped according to observed symptoms and medical history as symptomatic ('S') or asymptomatic ('A'). Baseline and postexercise lung function was determined. Seventeen (39.5%) presented symptoms and 9 (21%) had EIB. Baseline FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75 were different between 'S' and 'A' (102 +/- 14% vs 116 +/- 12%, 77.7 +/- 7.5 vs 88.2 +/- 4.5, and 74 +/- 22% vs 118 +/- 24%, respectively; P < 0.05); FVC and PEF were not different. Ten 'S' athletes had <80% FEV1/FVC; 9 had <70% predicted FEF25-75. Six of 9 EIB+ subjects had symptoms; cough occurred in all six and was related to EIB (chi 2 = 4.23, OR = 6.5, CI = 1.1-44.1; P = 0.039). Baseline lung function is related to symptoms and precludes EIB in some rink athletes, suggesting that EIB and its development is a heterogeneous and may involve fibrotic as well as inflammatory processes. Small airway dysfunction in ice arena athletes is likely related to internal combustion pollutants emitted from ice resurfacing machines.

Pulmonary Function Decay In Women Ice Hockey Players: Is There a Relationship to Ice Rink Air Quality?

Fossil-fueled ice rink resurfacing machines emit high levels of ultrafine and fine particulate matter (PM1) and may be related to asthmalike symptoms in skaters. We examined PM1 exposure and airway status in elite women ice hockey players over 4 training years. Lung function, asthma symptoms, and rink PM1 were evaluated. Pre- and postexercise spirometry was performed on 14 female hockey players and 9 female control nordic skiers 4 times over 4 yr. Baseline lung functions were normalized to height cubed (Ht3) and recalculated to subject mean height (1.69 m) to evaluate change. Venue CO, NO2, and PM1 were measured. Training history for hockey players included 2 yr in a low-[PM1] rink, followed by transition to high-[PM1] fossil fuel machine resurfaced rinks; [PM1] for control ski venue was low. [CO] and [NO2] were acceptable at all venues. Controls showed no baseline function change over 4 yr. For hockey players, 1997 lung function values at the low-[PM1] venue were significantly higher than 2001 high-[PM1] venue values (p < .05); decay per year between 1997 and 2001 was greater for FEF25−75 (251 ± 185, 83 ± 40, 109 ± 58, 109 ± 187 ml yr−1, mean ± SD for FEF25−75, FVC, FEV1, PEF, respectively; p < .05). No relationships between baseline lung functions and airway hyperresponsiveness or symptoms were identified. Five of 9 controls had symptoms, and 10 of 14 subjects had symptoms. This preliminary study suggests [PM1] is related to airway function decay in ice rink athletes.

HOCKEY PLAYERS EXPOSED TO ICE RESURFACER EMISSIONS OUTSIDE THE-ICE RINK-PENNSYLVANIA, 2002.

Background The public health impact of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide exposure in indoor ice arenas is well documented. Still, not all states have guidelines regulating ice-resurfacing machine exhaust emissions. The CDC assisted the State of Pennsylvania in an epidemiologic investigation of an incident occurring at a single ice rink to identify risk factors for respiratory and pulmonary illness among amateur hockey players. Methods We conducted phone interviews to investigate risk factors. A probable case was defined as any hockey player present at the ice rink on 09/29/2002 who reported two or more respiratory symptoms during the game. A confirmed case was a probable case who reported hemoptysis. A NIOSH investigation team undertook environmental sampling and evaluation. Results Interviews indicated that 21 of 44 players (48%) were probable cases and 9 (20%) were confirmed cases. Regression analysis indicated that neither confirmed nor probable case status was significantly associated with the amount of time spent on the ice. Probable (OR=28.5; 95%CI = 5.59-145.44), and confirmed (OR = 14.54; 95%CI = 1.65-128.41) cases were significantly more likely to have used the locker room immediately adjacent to the heater room, where the ice resurfacer was parked, and those who spent over 90 minutes inside the locker room were more likely to develop hemoptysis (OR = 6.88; 95%CI = 0.93-50.78). This association was independent of asthma status. The NIOSH evaluation documented a gap in the ventilation system that extracted air from the heater room into the adjacent locker room. Conclusions Hockey players are not only at risk of exhaust exposure while on the ice surface, but also in the locker rooms. Air quality monitoring in closed ice arenas should include rooms potentially exposed to emissions from the ice-resurfacing machine.

Indoor air quality in ice skating rinks in Hong Kong

Indoor air quality in ice skating rinks has become a public concern due to the use of propane- or gasoline-powered ice resurfacers and edgers. In this study, the indoor air quality in three ice rinks with different volumes and resurfacer power sources (propane and gasoline) was monitored during usual operating hours. The measurements included continuous recording of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM 2.5), particulate matter with diameter less than 10 μm (PM 10), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), nitrogen oxide (NO x ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2). The average CO, CO 2, and TVOC concentrations ranged from 3190 to 6749 μg/m 3, 851 to 1329 ppm, and 550 to 765 μg/m 3, respectively. The average NO and NO 2 concentrations ranged from 69 to 1006 μg/m 3 and 58 to 242 μg/m 3, respectively. The highest CO and TVOC levels were observed in the ice rink which a gasoline-fueled resurfacer was used. The highest NO and NO 2 levels were recorded in the ice rink with propane-fueled ice resurfacers. The air quality parameters of PM 2.5, PM 10, and SO 2 were fully acceptable in these ice rinks according to HKIAQO standards. Overall, ice resurfacers with combustion engines cause indoor air pollution in ice rinks in Hong Kong. This conclusion is similar to those of previous studies in Europe and North America.

EXERCISE-INDUCED BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN THE ICE RINK

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is alarmingly high among ice arena athletes and may be related to high exercise ventilation rates of cold, dry air and/or rink air pollutants. Previous observations of this population demonstrate postexercise mid-expiratory flow rates (FEF25-75) are more impaired than other pulmonary function (PF) measurements, suggesting that postexercise FEF25-75 may be useful in identifying peripheral airway hyperreactivity. However, resting PFs of skaters have not been fully evaluated. PURPOSE To determine if resting PFs are useful in identifying airway dysfunction in ice rink athletes. METHODS National Team female ice hockey players (N = 44) served as subjects and were grouped according to observed EIB symptoms and medical history as symptomatic (S; N = 17) or asymptomatic (A; N = 27). Resting, baseline PFs were obtained for all subjects and raw data were converted to percent of age, height and gender based predicted values. RESULTS Baseline FEV1, FEF25-75, and FEV1/FVC were significanly different between S and A (102 ± 13 vs. 118 ± 15, 75 ± 22 vs. 119 ± 24, and 78 ± 8 vs. 88 ± 4, respectively; p < 0.05); FVC and PEF were not different. Within S, FEV1 was different than FEF25-75 (p < 0.05); no other within group differences were identified. Ten S athletes had below normal FEV1/FVC; Nine had below normal FEF25-75. CONCLUSION FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 obtained from baseline spirometry may be diagnostic of airway dysfunction. This data suggests the presence of peripheral airway inflammation in S ice arena athletes, which may be caused by chronic exposure to cold, dry air and/or internal combustion pollutants emitted from ice resurfacing machines. Supported by Marywood University and the United States Olympic Committe.

Women's Collective Identity Formation in Sports

This research examines the emergence and development of a women's collegiate ice hockey club at a large university in the midwestern United States during the 1990s. The aim of this article is to assess the role that collective action plays in contesting sexist structures and practices within a traditionally male-dominated institution. This article draws on collective identity theory, as articulated in the social movement literature, to understand the process by which perceived injustices at an ice rink are translated into collective action on the part of a women's ice hockey club. The findings, based on fieldwork and interviews, demonstrate that the club's collective identity as a legitimate ice hockey organization was an important factor in the women's successful challenge of exclusionary practices at a university ice rink.

An experimental method for contaminant dispersal characterization in large industrial buildings for indoor air quality (IAQ) applications

Spatial contaminant distribution in large semi-open building areas such as sports arenas, warehouses, atriums, malls and other industrial halls, is critical to estimating exposure, health risks and building energy performance. It is considered a challenge to measure experimentally how effectively the ventilation system removes or dilutes air pollutants in a large open space, taking into consideration the usual non uniformity of the air flow created by local heat and contamination sources, geometrical obstructions and the air distribution system. An experimental method is presented in this paper which can be used for both the experimental evaluation of ventilation effectiveness as well for CFD modeling validation in large open space applications. The developed method which is based on a passive perfluorocarbon tracer gas (PFT) system has been successfully used for the experimental evaluation of ventilation effectiveness in an ice skating arena in the Boston area and for the validation of a developed CFD model for the analysis of the IAQ in ice rink facilities. The method is very easy to use, fast and fairly inexpensive and it does not interfere with human and other activities within the building environment.