Male Hockey Players Research Articles

Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Youth Inline Hockey Players During the Season-A Prospective Cohort Research.

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in team sports. A screening test can help understand why injuries occur and predict who is at risk for non-contact low back pain. The objectives of the research were (1) to create models using logistic regression analysis of limited lower-extremity ranges of motion to prospectively identify potential factors for in-season non-contact non-contact low back pain and (2) to determine a training threshold (cut-off) for the identified factors in inline hockey players. A prospective cohort research was performed with 49 male inline hockey players aged 8 to 15 years. Data were collected regarding age, body composition, sports antecedents, competition level, and lower-limb ranges of motion (ROM-SPORT battery, n = 11 tests). A prospective measurement of non-contact low back pain was performed after 1 year (outcome) by asking the players supervised by the medical staff team (questionnaire). Sixteen players (32.7%) experienced non-contact low back pain during the 1-year surveillance period. The model showed a significant relationship (χ2(39) = 43.939; p < 0.001) between the low back pain and the predictor variable hip flexion with the knee extended range of motion (OR = 3.850 [large]; 95% CI = 1.293 to 11.463; p = 0.015). The Bayesian Information Criteria and the Akaike Information Criteria for model fit were 56.885 and 37.967, respectively. The training threshold for hip flexion with the knee extended of ≤67° was set, which has an acceptable (area under the curve ≥ 94.1%) discriminatory ability for the development of non-contact low back pain for the screening test. Hamstring extensibility at 67° or less, as determined by hip flexion with knee extension, is a predictor of non-contact low back pain in youth inline hockey players.

Ascertaining the Impact of Skill-Based, Intensive Training on the Cardiovascular and Muscular Performance of Male Hockey Players

Objectives. The study aimed to investigate the impact of skill-based maximal-intensity interval training on cardiovascular and muscular performance variables in male hockey players. Materials and methods. For this study, a group of 24 male hockey players were carefully selected. The participants were divided into two groups: SBT (n = 12) and CG (n = 12). A 12-week programme was carried out, comprising skill-specific, high-intensity interval training sessions that took place three times per week. Data was gathered prior to and following the study. The variables selected for evaluating consisted of a 20-meter, 30-meter, and 50-meter sprint, along with agility, speed endurance, and cardiovascular endurance. Pre and post data were subjected to statistical analyses. Results. The findings of statistical analyses indicate a significant positive impact due to performing the 12-week skill-based intensive training. The SBT group consistently demonstrated superior performance compared to the CG group. This was evident through their significantly faster completion times in distances of 20 m, 30 m, and 50 m, as well as their agility tasks. Additionally, the SBT group achieved higher scores in endurance measures. The effect sizes observed in the study were quite significant, indicating substantial differences between the groups. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the CG group did not exhibit any marked changes from the pre-test to the post-test in any measure. Conclusions. After a period of 12 weeks, it has been observed that skill-based maximal-intensity interval training leads to significant improvements in both anaerobic and aerobic performance. This training is essential for athletes as they prepare for the end of the season. According to the study, it is recommended that hockey and other coaches focus their efforts on skill-based maximal-intensity interval training. While this study did not specifically assess technical abilities, it found that this training technique significantly enhanced physical performance. This research and training could prove advantageous for athletes and coaches who prioritise honing their skills.

Optimizing the potentials of field hockey players through complex and contrast training on physiological and biochemical responses

In the current scenario of field hockey, players are continuously looking for new ways to improve their performance on the field, particularly in terms of power moves. Throughout this exploration, the current study examined the specific effects of complex and contrast training on field hockey player's physiological and biochemical responses. A total of 45 male field hockey players (mean (SD); weight: 63.62 (4.54) kg, height: 1.67(0.06) cm, and age: 19.42(1.18) yrs.) were randomly assigned to three equal groups namely complex training group (COM), contrast training group (CNST) and control group (CON). All the selected physiological and biochemical outcome measures have been tested baseline (T1) and after 12- weeks of training intervention (T2) assessments. Since the CON group was practicing field hockey every day, they were regarded as an active CON group. The intervention in the given period significantly improved VC and VO2max, positively impacting respiratory function. However, no notable changes were observed in RHR, HDL, and LDL levels. Forthcoming research may emphasize the refining of intervention protocols to address these areas and further understand the underlying mechanisms for optimal cardiovascular health and performance enhancement for field hockey players.

Effects of Core Strength Training on Strength Quality of Chinese Young Male Field Hockey Players: A Pilot Study

Effects of Core Strength Training on Strength Quality of Chinese Young Male Field Hockey Players: A Pilot Study

Positional assessment of Concentration among Mysore University Inter-collegiate Male Hockey Players

The Purpose of this investigation was to explore the level of Concentration between different positional play of Mysore University Inter-Collegiate Male Hockey players, the aged between 18 to 22 years. The researcher has randomly selected 165 Male Field Hockey Players those who were Participated in Mysore city inter collegiate Hockey tournament and those who are practicing regularly. The researcher was classified the total samples into eleven (11) categories according to positional play, such as Center forward, right in and right out, Left in and Left out, Center Mid, Right and Left Mid, Left defender, Right &amp; Left Defender and Goal Keeper and the samples were consisted fifteen (N=15) for each position. The Knox Cube imitation test was administered to know the level of concentration among selected subjects. In order to examine the hypotheses of the study one-way ANOVA test was used for multiple comparisons between mean scores of players in different positions for variables of concentration. The findings of the investigation showed that, the Concentration level was found to be higher for goal keeper than the other positional players. Whereas, the left midfielder had low level of concentration when compare with others which was clearly indicated that, there were significant differences in concentration of selected field hockey players with positional wise. On the basis of the present investigation, it will be summarized that the concentration was influencing by different positional play.

Influence of Positional Play on Intelligence Ability of Mysuru University Inter-collegiate Male Hockey Players

The purpose of the study was to explore the Influence of positional play on the intelligence ability of University Inter-collegiate male hockey players. The researcher selected 165 male field hockey players who represented Mysore city inter collegiate and Chamundi zone championships. The player were selected by positional play, such as forwards (N=75), midfielders (N=45), fullbacks (N=30) and goal keepers (N=15) and they were assessed for intelligence ability. The subjects were assembled and explained the procedure and purpose of the tests before the administration of the tests. They were administered Raven’s progressive matrices Intelligence test for intelligence. To find out the influence of positional play, One-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc tests for multiple comparisons between mean scores of players in different positions was applied for intelligence scores. The results revealed that, the Goal keepers had the maximum scores in Intelligence compared to other players playing in other positions and Positional play did not influence extent of errors both in ascending and descending series. Goal keepers were found to be better in intelligence, than the players in other playing positions. Goal keepers had the maximum intelligence scores, followed by Centre midfielder, Right defender, Left defender, others are placed in between and Left midfielder having the least intelligence scores.

Neural network and layer-wise relevance propagation reveal how ice hockey protective equipment restricts players' motion.

Understanding the athlete's movements and the restrictions incurred by protective equipment is crucial for improving the equipment and subsequently, the athlete's performance. The task of equipment improvement is especially challenging in sports including advanced manoeuvres such as ice hockey and requires a holistic approach guiding the researcher's attention toward the right variables. The purposes of this study were (a) to quantify the effects of protective equipment in ice hockey on player's performance and (b) to identify the restrictions incurred by it. Twenty male hockey players performed four different drills with and without protective equipment while their performance was quantified. A neural network accompanied by layer-wise relevance propagation was applied to the 3D kinematic data to identify variables and time points that were most relevant for the neural network to distinguish between the equipment and no equipment condition, and therefore presumable result from restrictions incurred by the protective equipment. The study indicated that wearing the protective equipment, significantly reduced performance. Further, using the 3D kinematics, an artificial neural network could accurately distinguish between the movements performed with and without the equipment. The variables contributing the most to distinguishing between the equipment conditions were related to the upper extremities and movements in the sagittal plane. The presented methodology consisting of artificial neural networks and layer-wise relevance propagation contributed to insights without prior knowledge of how and to which extent joint angles are affected in complex maneuvers in ice hockey in the presence of protective equipment. It was shown that changes to the equipment should support the flexion movements of the knee and hip and should allow players to keep their upper extremities closer to the torso.

Relationship between Upper Limb Muscle Power and Shooting Velocity in Elite Male Youth Rink Hockey Players

Relationship between Upper Limb Muscle Power and Shooting Velocity in Elite Male Youth Rink Hockey Players

Right knee ACL, PCL and MCL reconstruction with sports-related anxiety

Introduction: JM, a 20-year-old male professional ice hockey player, presented with a 2-week history of lack of range of motion, weakness, and pain in his right knee, after a 2-year post-medical collateral ligament repair of the right knee and 3 year-post anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament reconstruction of the right knee. Case Description: In the course of history taken, it was revealed that 5 months prior to admission the patient had been informed by a psychiatrist that he had sport-related anxiety. With an unremarkable psychiatric history prior to age 18, the competitive nature of his sports career in addition to financial pressure may have contributed to his sports-related anxiety. His examination findings were consistent with a diagnosis of complete tears of the right anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament along with grade III medial collateral ligament injury. Discussion: The biopsychosocial model was used to explicate JM's case. JM's current injuries prompted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, and medial collateral ligaments. Psychologically, JM's sports-related anxiety is not a rare phenomenon as recent studies have discovered an increased risk of sports-related anxiety amongst young professional athletes. Sports-related anxiety, along with competitive trait anxiety, may be factors that contribute to sports injury occurrence. Other psychological stressors can add to sports-related or competitive trait anxiety, further increasing the risk of sports injury reoccurrence. Summary: JM was admitted for a right knee open medial collateral ligament repair with internal bracing, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and platelet rich plasma injection. As part of a holistic patient-centered treatment plan, a referral to psychiatry was made to address JM's sports-related anxiety with the goal of decreasing future risk of sports injury. Patient's Consent Obtained: Yes

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.

Bridging the Gap Between Training and Competition in Elite Rink Hockey: A Pilot Study.

Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition. Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands. Cross-sectional study. Level 5. Ten elite-level male rink hockey players participated in this study. Players were monitored on 6 different task categories during 8 training sessions and 2 official games. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to compare training tasks and competition load, accounting for individual repeated measures. A 2-step cluster analysis was performed to classify the training tasks and games based on physiological and biomechanical load, employing log-likelihood as the distance measure and Schwartz's Bayesian criterion. Average heartrate, maximum heartrate, and high-speed skating (18.1-30 km/h) were the best physiological load predictors, while the most effective biomechanical load predictors were impacts [8-10] g(n), decelerations [-10 to -3]m/s²(n), and accelerations [3-10]m/s²(n). Different physiological and biomechanical responses were verified between training tasks and match demands. A 4-quadrant efforts assessment for each task category revealed that training tasks used by the team in the analysis presented lower biomechanical and physiological load demands than competition. Training tasks failed to adequately replicate the specific demands of competition, especially regarding high mechanical stress, such as the absence of high-intensity impacts and decelerations. This method of classification of training tasks may allow coaches to understand further the specificity and contribution of each task to competition demands, consequently improving the capacity of load management and the preparedness and readiness of players for competition.

Impact of french contrast training on field hockey players’ biomotor and physiological parameters: a pretest-posttest study

Field hockey requires a diverse skill set that includes strength, speed, anaerobic power, and endurance due to current advancements in sports science, plyometric and strength activities for enhancing players' performance. As a result, field hockey players and coaches are in constant need of new training interventions which could be most effective for improving the required parameters. Therefore, the current study investigates the influence of French contrast training (FCT) on selected biomotor and physiological variables in field hockey players. A total of thirty (N=30) male field hockey players were purposively selected from Union Christian College, Aluva, India. They were randomized into two groups: a treatment group (TG) that underwent twelve weeks of FCT and a control group (CG) that performed their daily usual activities. The selected biomotor outcome parameters were muscular strength (MS) and speed (S), while the physiological parameters were anaerobic power (AP), resting heart rate (RHR), and vital capacity (VC). The pre and post-test mean differences were analysed using paired-sample t-test and the level significance was fixed at 0.05 across all cases. The results revealed that there were significant enhancements in MS (p&lt;0.01), S (p&lt;0.01), AP (p&lt;0.01), and VC (p&lt;0.01) in the TG after twelve weeks of FCT, while the CG did not show any significant differences. Exceptionally, RHR did not show any significant difference in both TG and CG. Conclusion: The study suggests that FCT can be an effective method to improve selected biomotor and physiological parameters, except RHR in male college-level hockey players. Keywords: French contrast training, muscular strength, speed, anaerobic power, resting heart rate, vital capacity.

Humeral Torsion in Relation to Shoulder Range of Motion in Elite Field Hockey Players.

Sport-specific adaptations in shoulder rotation range of motion (ROM) and the relationship with humeral torsion have been described in overhead-throwing sports. However, information is lacking for other shoulder-loading sports such as field hockey. Therefore, this study's purpose was to evaluate humeral torsion in elite, male field hockey players and explore its association with shoulder ROM. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-five male, elite field hockey players were included. Humeral torsion and shoulder external and internal rotation ROM were evaluated bilaterally by ultrasound and an inclinometer smartphone application, respectively. Field hockey players showed a significantly increased humeral retroversion on the dominant compared with the nondominant side (P < .001; Cohen d = 1.75), along with a significantly increased external (P = .004; Cohen d = -0.64) and decreased internal rotation ROM (P = .003; Cohen d = 0.65). This finding illustrates a shift in total shoulder rotational ROM arc. Correlation analysis showed a significant moderate association between the increased humeral retroversion and decreased internal rotation ROM on the dominant side (r = .523). Elite male field hockey athletes show sport-specific adaptations regarding humeral torsion and shoulder rotation ROM, similar to throwing athletes. These findings increase our insight into the field hockey athlete's shoulder, which is essential to optimize performance and assist in correctly interpreting shoulder rotational ROM measurements.

Assessment of aggression between male and female hockey players of Indore

Assessment of aggression between male and female hockey players of Indore

Distal Abdominal Oblique Avulsion Injuries in Two Collegiate Hockey Players: A Case Report.

While injuries to the abdominal oblique muscles near their origin at the lower ribs are commonly seen in sports that require explosive trunk rotational movements such as baseball and tennis, there are few reports in the literature of avulsion injuries to these muscles from their distal attachments at the iliac crest. We present the case of two collegiate male hockey players who suffered such injuries as a result of a direct impact mechanism while rotated at the waist. These injuries should be suspected when patients have significant pain in the lower abdominal region worsened by flexion and rotation of the trunk and can be accurately characterized by musculoskeletal ultrasound or MRI. With a conservative rehabilitation program focused on core, hip adductor, and hip flexor strengthening, our athletes were able to return to game participation within 6 wk of the initial injury.

The Association of Countermovement Jump, Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, and On-Ice Sprint Performance in University Level Female and Male Ice Hockey Athletes

On-ice skating sprint performance is a significant predictor and requirement for playing at the highest levels of hockey. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maximum and dynamic strength measures and on-ice sprint performance in university level ice hockey athletes. Both male (n=18) and female (n=13) hockey players participated in this study. The off-ice measures included two assessment procedures utilizing a force plate; an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) to assess maximum strength and a countermovement jump (CMJ) to assess dynamic strength. Both off-ice measures were analyzed from both a relative (CMJr and IMTPr) and absolute (CMJa and IMTPa) perspective. The on-ice measures were 7.71m and 15.42m sprint times. Pearson product moment correlations were used to quantify the relationships between variables. CMJa (r = -0.56 to -0.61), IMTPa (r = -0.65 to -0.67) and IMTPr (r = -0.55) were significantly correlated (p &lt; 0.05) with on-ice sprint performance. When analyzed by sex, no significant relationships (p &gt; 0.05) were observed between CMJ measures and on-ice sprint times. No significant relationships (p &gt; 0.05) were observed between IMTP measures and on-ice sprint times when individually analyzing male participants, while significant relationships (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in females between IMTPa (r = -0.70 to -0.71) and IMTPr (r = -0.68 to -0.71) and on-ice sprint times. It is concluded that both maximum and dynamic strength are important factors in on-ice sprint performance in hockey players. Furthermore, maximum strength seems to be an important characteristic in on-ice sprint ability in females.

Effect of Game-Specific Training on Dribbling among Hockey Players

This study sought to determine the effects of game-specific training on hockey players’ dribbling. For this study, thirty male hockey players from Namakkal, Tamilnadu, were selected at random to serve as subjects. They were between the ages of 18 and 25. The participants were split into two equal classes after being selected at random. The control group (CG) and experimental group (game-specific training) were created. For six weeks, the study group practiced game-specific training in addition to their regular activities three days a week. The experimental treatment was only available at night. The experimental group did not receive any training. Both groups took a pre-test before the training to gauge their dribbling prowess through a subjective evaluation. A post-test was conducted once the experimental phase was completed. The significance level was set at 0.05 and the ANCOVA test was employed.

What is the Injury Incidence and Profile in Professional Male Ice Hockey? A Systematic Review.

Professional male ice hockey is characterized by a congested in-season match schedule and by different scenarios where the whole body is exposed to great internal and external forces. Consequently, injuries occur from head to toe. However, there is a lack of data synthesis regarding the injury incidence and profile in this population. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to quantify the injury incidence rates in professional male ice hockey. Systematic Review. The electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest-Sport medicine & Education Index, and Pro-Quest Dissertation and Thesis were searched utilizing terms related to ice hockey and injuries. Studies were included if they provided the incidence of injury in professional male hockey players and reported injuries in terms of time lost. The modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cohort studies and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology - Sports Injury and Illness Surveillance Statement were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Eleven studies were included in the review. Match injury incidence ranged from 38 to 88.6 injuries/1000 hours of exposure, whereas training injury incidence varied from 0.4 to 2.6 injuries/1000 hours of exposure. Injuries of traumatic origin accounted for 76% to 96.6% of all injuries, with contusions and lacerations being the most common. Severe injuries accounted for 7.8% - 20% of all injuries. The lower extremities were the most susceptible to injury, comprising 27% to 53.7% of all reported injuries. Professional male ice hockey players are exposed to a substantial risk of injury during competitions, with lower extremities being the most commonly affected body part. The majority of injuries are traumatic and severe injuries account for a notable portion of overall injury cases.

The Onset and Impact of Early Sport Specialization Among Hockey Players from Winnipeg

Early career sport specialization has become increasingly popular among today’s youth athletes. Despite its increasing prominence, this athletic trend has not been historicized in the Canadian context. This paper determines when and why youth athletes began to pursue a certain sport, forgoing other athletic opportunities, as a means to achieve elite-level success. It focuses specifically on hockey players from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who played in the National Hockey League. This qualitative research study uses semi-structured interviews and secondary material to explore the factors that resulted in young male hockey players in Winnipeg being encouraged to exclusively participate in hockey year-round. This study historicizes the shift in youth sport in the post-Second World War period in Canada to better understand the reasons for early sport specialization and the forces that shape contemporary youth sport.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in a Collegiate Ice Hockey Player: A Case Report

A 22-year-old male ice hockey player reported days of worsening bilateral upper-extremity weakness, hand tremors, and difficulty grasping his stick. Subjective information included sleeping in a “curled-up” position due to lack of heat in their residence. Provocation tests and imagining studies were positive for thoracic outlet syndrome. Primary treatment focused on decreasing stress on the anterior chest wall while secondary treatment focused on strengthening the posterior thorax to improve posture. Emphasis is given to core stability and scapular mobility. Removal from sport never occurred, but symptom alleviation occurred after 3 weeks. Thoracic outlet syndrome can be resolved quickly if proper recognition and adequate treatment are utilized. Athletic trainers fill a sociomedical role for their patients and should perform patient-centered care rather than tunnel vision on the pathology.