Male Hockey Research Articles

Prediction of Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity From Selected Oxidative Stress Parameters, Muscle Damage Indices and Inflammatory Markers in Soccer and Hockey Players

Abstract Introduction The aim of the present study was to find the relation of exercise-induced biomarkers (antioxidant, muscle damage, and inflammatory markers) with endurance capacity and anaerobic power. The study also aimed to develop predicting regression models for maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and relative anaerobic power (Wpeak) to specify the essential performance limiting elements. Material and Methods Eighty-six endurance male players (i.e., football (n = 39) and field hockey (n = 47)) were selected as test subjects for the present study. Muscle damage indices (creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cortisol), inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), antioxidant variables (malondialde-hyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and performance variables (indicated as V̇O2max and Wpeak) were assessed using standard protocols. Results The most significant (sig p ---lt--- 0.001) prediction of V̇O2max = (0.763) MDA+ (5.644) SOD+ (0.039) GSH- (0.154) GPx+ (0.002) LDH- (0.011) CK+ (0.038) cortisol+ (1.232) IL+ (1.135) TNF+ 20.018. The strongest correlations were found between V̇O2max vs MDA (R2 = 0.852), V̇O2max vs IL-6 (R2 = 0.589), V̇O2max vs TNF-α (R2 = 0.385). Conclusions Artificial neural network perceptron model depicted stronger prediction of V̇O2max (R2 = 0.872) in comparison to Wpeak (R2 = 0.271), with MDA and CK as the major predictors for V̇O2max and Wpeak, respectively. Among all biomarkers, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α were identified as the most valuable indicators to predict endurance capacity significantly. While MDA, SOD, GPx, IL-6, and TNF-α were strongly correlated with V̇O2max and LDH, cortisol was strongly correlated with Wpeak. Contrarily, exercise-induced biomarkers failed to predict anaerobic power.

Functional and hormone changes in ice hockey players using Cytoflavin

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of 35-day Cytoflavin consumption on hormonal status, blood lactate level and functional parameters in elite ice hockey players. Material and methods: the study included 60 male professional hockey players (aged 19 to 36 years) divided into two groups of 30 subjects. Group I underwent a course of metabolic therapy with the use of succinic acid (Cytoflavin) for 35 days. Group II whose pharmacological support included only "basic" sports nutrition did not include succinic acid preparations or other metabolic agents. All patients underwent blood pressure and heart rate measurements, laboratory tests, pulse oximetry, ergospirometry. Trends in lactate levels in the blood and hormonal status in athletes were assessed. Moreover, such parameters as testing time, maximum heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), aerobic and anaerobic threshold pulse, time to reach the aerobic and anaerobic threshold were analyzed. Results: athletes who received a course of metabolic therapy on the 35th day of the preparatory period showed a significant increase in the indicators of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), the time of the test and the time of the anaerobic threshold (p<0.05), which, against the background of a statistically significant decrease in lactate levels (p=0.014) indicates an improvement in aerobic performance and the possibility of faster recovery of athletes after physical exertion compared with athletes who did not receive metabolic therapy with succinic acid. Conclusion: The results obtained allow us to recommend the use of step therapy with succinic acid as a metabolic therapy for professional hockey players in the preparatory period.

Metabolic and Body Composition Changes in Ice Hockey Players Using an Ergogenic Drug (Cytoflavin).

In ice hockey, the major physical workload comes from acceleration in all planes of motion and transitions between skating trajectories. Hockey players' anthropometric characteristics correlate with performance. In team sports, the use of ergogenic drugs for recovery is relevant to avoid athletes' overtraining. It is very important to protect athletes' health and allow them to maintain high-performance levels. Cytoflavin is an ergogenic drug whose action is based on the combined effects of its active ingredients (succinic acid, inosine, nicotinamide and riboflavin), which are naturally occurring metabolites that stimulate tissue respiration. The study aimed to assess the 6-week Cytoflavin consumption effects on body composition (body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage and bioimpedance phase angle) and aerobic performance. This study included 60 male professional hockey players (aged 19 to 36 years) divided into two groups of 30 subjects: group I (body weight 87.90 ± 7.44 kg, BMI 25.86 ± 2.04 kg/m2) and group II (body weight 87.04 ± 6.22 kg, BMI 25.52 ± 2.38 kg/m2). Athletes in group I received Cytoflavin, whereas athletes in group II did not. In group I, statistically significant reductions in body weight and body mass index were not observed until 14 and 35 days, respectively. In contrast, in group II, both body weight and BMI significantly decreased both times. Aerobic performance significantly increased in both groups, with significantly greater increases in group I. Cytoflavin can be considered an ergogenic drug that improves body composition parameters, especially in the control of weight reduction and improvement in aerobic performance.

Effects of complex-contrast training on physical fitness in male field hockey athletes

Abstract Study aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of a six-week complex-contrast training (CCT) intervention on the physical fitness of male field hockey athletes. Material and methods: Participants were randomized into a CCT (n = 8) or control (CG; n = 6) group. Physical fitness was assessed pre- and post-six-week intervention using a 30 m linear sprint test, medicine ball throw, standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJA), modified T-test (MAT), and unilateral isokinetic maximal strength test (knee flexion and extension) of both legs. The six-week CCT intervention was integrated as three weekly sessions within the sport-specific training schedule of field hockey athletes. Each session included four contrast pair exercises (e.g., squat + squat jump). ANCOVA with baseline scores as a covariate was used to analyze the specific training effects. Results: Significant differences between CCT and CG were observed in the 30 m sprint, CMJA, MAT, and isokinetic strength (p < 0.001–0.013) after the intervention, favoring the CCT group. Further, post-hoc analyses revealed significant pre to post improvements in all dependent variables for the CCT group (p < 0.001–0.001; effect size [g] = 0.28–2.65; %Δ = 3.1–16.3), but not in the CG (p = 0.169–0.991; g = 0.00–0.32; %Δ = 0.0–2.6). Conclusion: Supplementing regular field hockey training with CCT is recommended as an effective training strategy to improve the performance of linear sprints, vertical jumps, changes of direction, and muscle strength in amateur male field hockey athletes.

Physical, physiological demands and movement profiles of professional men’s field hockey games

The aim of this study was to investigate the physical demands, physiological demands, and movement profiles of different positions across four quarters in professional men’s field hockey games. Eighteen professional male field hockey players participated in the study, and data were collected in eleven official matches. Players wore global positioning system units and heart rate monitors to collect physical, physiological, and movement profile data. Defenders had significantly higher absolute total distance covered, player load, acceleration and deceleration count, and forward-backward initial movement analysis (IMA) count, but lower high speed running distance, compared with midfielders and forwards (p<.05). However, when using relative metrics (normalised by playing time), defenders had the lowest physical and physiological outputs, and forwards were the highest (p<.05). Total distance covered per minute, high-speed running distance per minute, player load per minute, acceleration and deceleration count per minute, and repeated high-intensity efforts per minute were all significantly higher in quarter 1 than in other three quarters (p<.05). The percentages of linear running and non-linear dynamic movement duration decreased quarter by quarter. Modified training impulse per minute reached its peak in quarter 2 (p<.05). It was concluded that defenders had the highest volume in terms of the game demands due to their high playing minutes; however, they had the lowest relative volume compared with other two positions. Forwards had the highest linear running intensity, while midfielders were required to perform more multi-directional, non-linear movements. Quarter 1 was the most active quarter and players became fatigued in quarter 2. IMA counts were not sensitive to fatigue compared to movement profile and modified training impulse variables.

Effect of Substitution Time on Physical, Technical and Cognitive Performance in Sub-Elite Male Field Hockey Players

Effect of Substitution Time on Physical, Technical and Cognitive Performance in Sub-Elite Male Field Hockey Players

Development of imagery exercises to increase confidence in penalty stroke for EHC (Eleven Hockey Club) male hockey athletes

Imagery training is needed by EHC (Eleven Hockey Club) hockey athletes in order to increase self-confidence, especially during penalty strokes. The purpose of this study was to develop imagery exercises to increase confidence in video-based format. The method used in this research is the Research and Development (R&D) method with the following steps: needs analysis, product design, expert validation, product revision, small group trial, large group trial and final product. The subjects used in this study were athletes, coaches and expert validators. Development analysis using interview instruments. The product is validated by 3 expert validators: 1 (one) Psychology Expert, 1 (one) Hockey Coaching Expert, 1 (one) Hockey Expert and the results of the validator's assessment showed 89.28% to 100% rate which assign the product are very valid. The video product then tested by a small group of 5 (five) hockey athletes and a large group of 10 (ten) hockey athletes. From the results obtained from the small group trial, namely 80.83% (very valid) and the results from the large group 98.75% (very valid). So it can be concluded that the development of imagery exercises to increase confidence in doing penalty strokes for video-based Hockey athletes is feasible to use.

Exploring Irish high-performance sports coaches’ understanding and application of reflective practice

ABSTRACT The role and efficacy of reflective practice in sport continues to be critiqued, despite the increasing research evidence in its support. This study explored the understanding of Irish high-performance sport coaches in terms of a) purposes, b) processes, c) enablers and barriers, and d) knowledge sources of reflective practice. Semi-structured interview data were acquired from Irish male rugby union (n = 5) and hockey (n = 4) coaches for analysis. The participants’ reflective practice-based descriptions revealed findings related to the four inquiry criteria. First, reflective practice incorporated purposes such as problem solving and contribution towards various aspects of learning and development for the coach and their athletes. Second, reflective practice processes were cyclical and included questioning, self-questioning, and feedback. Third, the nature of high-performance sport involved several enablers (mentors and video-based technology) and barriers (time, results, and tactical and player demands). Fourth, the knowledge sources (i.e. pedagogical approaches) towards reflective practice may have limited certain participants’ ability to become critically reflective practitioners. The findings have educational implications for preparing coaches to deal with the challenges related to working in a highly demanding, results-dependent, and high-pressure sport environment.

Two Minutes for Roughing: A National Analysis of Ice Hockey Injuries from American Trauma Centers.

Hockey is a high-impact sport that carries a risk of injury. No national-level studies defining the burden of injury in this sport have yet been performed. This study sought to analyze patient demographics, injury types and severity, and outcomes after trauma sustained while playing hockey. Retrospective analysis of hockey-related injuries was performed using the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) (2007-2018). Patients were identified based on ICD-9 and -10 codes without exclusions. Demographics, clinical/injury data, and outcomes were examined using univariate analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed by patient sex. Hockey injuries (n = 306) comprised <1% of the NTDB. Median age was 15years [IQR 13-25] (range 5-71). Most patients (n = 279, 91%) were male. Lower extremities were the most frequently injured body region (n = 88, 29%). Head injuries occurred in 19% (n = 57). Facial injuries occurred in 6% (n = 17). Tooth loss was infrequent (n = 2, 1%). One (<1%) death occurred after a hockey-related brain injury. Clinical/injury data between male and female hockey players were comparable apart from a significantly higher rate of upper extremity fractures among the female cohort (22% vs 4%, P < .001). Perceptions that hockey players may frequently sustain head, face, and tooth injuries from collisions, fighting, or stick/puck impacts were not supported by this national-level study, in which lower extremity fractures were the most common injury. While hockey injury prevention equipment has primarily focused on head/face protection (eg, helmets and mouthguards), this analysis suggests increased focus on extremity protective measures is warranted.

The implementation and evaluation of an athlete leadership development program with male youth ice hockey players.

The purpose of the current study was to implement and evaluate an athlete leadership development program in youth boys ice hockey. The sample consisted of 14 male U17 hockey players (M = 16.46, SD = 0.78) from one team playing in a competitive hockey league. The players participated in six leadership intervention workshops over the course of the season, and completed inventories measuring athlete leadership behaviours, cohesion, and collective efficacy pre-and post-intervention. In addition, a focus group was conducted to assess the impact of the athlete leadership development program at the end of the season. Bayesian t tests showed that the leadership program generally helped to maintain levels of athlete leadership behaviours, cohesion, and collective efficacy pre-and post-intervention. The results of the focus group following the intervention revealed the players believed the leadership development program helped buffer against the negative effects of their on-ice performances.

Characterising groin pain in rink hockey: Function and five-second squeeze in Spanish players

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between history of past season groin pain and current pain during the five-second squeeze test (5SST) with groin function and adductor strength in rink hockey players. DesignCross-sectional. SettingFirst (Ok Liga), Second (Plata) and third division (Bronce) clubs. Participants: Sixty-eight female and 183 male hockey players. Main outcome measuresSeasonal prevalence of groin pain (time/non-time-loss). Adductor strength and pain during the 5SST. Function was evaluated with the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). ResultsSeasonal time-loss groin pain prevalence was 21%. Male players had 3.5 higher odds of having had an episode of time-loss groin pain during the previous season compared to female players. The adductor relative strength was no different between players with and without previous season groin injury (p = 0.53-0.55), while the HAGOS results differed between groups, with past season groin injury players obtaining lower values in all subscales. HAGOS scores differed between the 5SST pain intensity groups (p < 0.01). ConclusionsMale players had higher odds of having had a groin injury in the previous season compared to female players. Players with pain during 5SST and previous season groin injury reported functional deficits, while strength remains identical to their healthy counterparts.

Male Field Hockey Players' Academic Performance: How Diet, Financial Support, and Management Play a Role

Male Field Hockey Players' Academic Performance: How Diet, Financial Support, and Management Play a Role

EFFECT OF ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA) ROOT POWDER SUPPLEMENTATION ON AGILITY LEVEL OF PLAYERS: A CASE STUDY OF HOCKEY PLAYERS

Withania Somnifera (WS) is having significant effects on anti-inflammatory, nervine tonic, nerve soothing, antioxidant, immunomodulator, free radical scavenger,adaptogen, antiarthritic, antispasmodic, anti -stress and anti-cancer. But ergogenic value of WS as nutritional supplement is yet to be established. Objectives: Present study was designed to investigate the effect of supplementation of WS on the agility level in Hockey Players. Method: Thirty two male hockey players, with a mean age of 17.3 ± 1.8 years and BMI 20.7 ± 2.8 kg/m2 volunteered for the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups Group I (n= 24): Withania somnifera group (experimental group) and Group II (n=24): Placebo ( control) group. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsusules. Agility level was assessed with Illinois Agility Run Test Getchell (1979) Test in both experimental and control groups before and after the administration of Withania somnifera and placebo respectively. Results: A significant improvement in the agility level after 4 weeks (t = 1.83, p&lt; 0.10, on tail rest) and 8 weeks (t = 2.45, p &lt; 0.02, one tail test) in experimental group was found. Whereas, no significant improvement in the control group for agility level after 8 weeks of placebo supplementation was found. Conclusion: Supplementation of Withania Somnifera improves agility level in young hockey players. KEY WORDS: Withania Somnifera, agility and Placebo.

Body composition and grip strength constraints in elite male rink-hockey players of contrasting ethnicity

Rink hockey is a highly specialized and physiological demanding sport with sparse research regarding the game and athletes’ characteristics. A cross-sectional study was developed to characterize the body composition and grip strength of elite male rink hockey players and to establish the relationship between ethnicity on body composition and grip strength. A sample of 100 elite rink-hockey athletes aged 26.59 ± 6.02 participated in the study, comprised of 69 Caucasian male adults aged 27.58 ± 6.44 years and 31 Black African male adults aged 24.39 ± 4.27. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Static grip strength was assessed with an adjustable dynamometer. Multiple regression analysis was applied to understand which variables constraints body fat percentage (BF) and grip strength. Body mass showed an average of 76.36 ± 9.18 kg for 175.80 ± 5.87 cm of height and BF% of 10.82 ± 5.07%. Maximal right grip strength was 50.91 ± 6.26 kg and 50.27 ± 6.23 kg for left grip strength. Four predictors accounted for 70.01% of the variance of BF%: abdominal circumference (p < 0.001), right thigh circumference (p < 0.001), right calf circumference (p = 0.001) and ethnicity (p = 0.016). Three predictors accounted for 13.1% of the variance of right grip strength: ethnicity (p = 0.013), chronological age (p = 0.024) and right distal thigh circumference (p = 0.014). Results suggest that elite rink hockey athletes have a specific anthropometric identity, which at the elite level may lead to reduced body fat and greater handgrip strength. Ethnicity seems to predict body fat and grip strength in elite rink hockey athletes.

AGILITY, AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CAPACITIES AND MUSCULAR PERFORMANCE OF MALAY MALE STATE LEVEL RUGBY AND HOCKEY PLAYERS

Fitness for sports has a multifaceted characteristic which includes physiologically independent components such as aerobic and anaerobic capacities, muscular strength, power, speed and agility. The present study investigated the agility, aerobic and anaerobic capacities and muscular performance of Malay male state level rugby and hockey players and sedentary individuals as control. Thirty Malay male participants (Age: 16.1 ± 0.9 years old) were recruited in this study. The participants were divided into three groups: sedentary control, rugby and hockey, with 10 participants per group. All the participants were required to perform the following physical fitness assessments: agility via Illinois agility test, aerobic capacity via 20 m shuttle run, anaerobic capacity via Wingate test, and muscular power via standing long jump and muscular strength measurement via hand grip and back and leg strength tests. The main findings of this study were: 1) rugby group showed significantly higher leg power and aerobic capacity compared to the hockey group, 2) rugby group have significantly higher agility, muscular strength and power, aerobic and anaerobic capacities compared to the sedentary control group, 3) hockey group have significantly higher agility, muscular power, aerobic and anaerobic capacities compared to the sedentary group. We conclude that physical training in rugby and hockey at state level in Kelantan elicited increased physical fitness components among the players compared to their sedentary counter-parts.

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Non-Linear Periodization Strength Training on Muscle Strength and Function in Elite Athletes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of resistance exercise with intermittent blood flow restriction (BFR) on the muscle thickness, maximal strength, and isokinetic muscular function (strength, power, endurance) in high school field hockey athletes.METHODS: The BFR group (n=10, 16.1±1.1 years, 172.8±3.9 cm, 66.2±3.9 kg) and the control (CON) group (n=10, 16.60±1.17 years, 172.5±2.3 cm, 65.7±2.9 kg) participated in the same nonlinear periodic training program, however different weight loading (%RM) was applied depending on whether or not BFR was applied. In this study, the systolic blood pressure was set as the blood flow compression strength, and a BFR prop belt was used. After the 8-week training period was over, the degree of improvement in body composition, 1 repetition maximum (1RM), and isokinetic muscle function among groups was compared to determine the effect of training by blood flow restriction.RESULTS: The cross-sectional area of the thighs of athletes who applied BFR was significantly increased than that of the CON (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). In the isokinetic results, athletes with BFR showed higher 1RM than the CON (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). but there were no differences in muscle power and endurance (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&gt;.05). In the results of improving the muscle strength (1RM and 60º/sec) of the athletes who applied the BFR, there was no significant difference between the groups in muscle power and muscular endurance.CONCLUSIONS: Non-linear strength training with BFR might be considered to be an effective method for improving muscle hypertrophy and maximum strength of athletes. The muscle endurance and muscle power method once a week, which was not effective in improving the muscle power and muscular endurance of high school male hockey players.

A repeated shuttle sprint test with female and male international field hockey players is reliable and associated with single sprint but not intermittent endurance performance.

Field hockey is a high-intensity intermittent team sport that has recently undergone a series of rule changes that have resulted in a greater demand for repeated high-intensity movements. Coaches and practitioners now require a reliable assessment of repeated accelerations, decelerations and changes of direction to assess these important match qualities. This investigation assessed the test-retest reliability of a novel 6x40m repeated shuttle sprint test (20m + 20m with a 180° turn) and its association with 40m straight line sprint and YoYo Intermittent Recovery Test performance in 28 International field hockey players (n = 14 females and n = 14 males). The sum of 6 sprint times (SUM) demonstrated ‘excellent’ (ICC = 0.94 and CV = 0.59%) and ‘good’ (ICC = 0.84 and CV = 0.75%) reliability in females and males, respectively. Best sprint time during the repeated shuttle sprint test also demonstrated suitable reliability to evaluate field hockey physical performance (ICC = 0.92 & 0.76, CV = 0.76% & 1.00% in females and males, respectively). SUM was significantly associated with 40 m straight line sprint performance in females (r = 0.90; p<0.001) and males (r = 0.92; p<0.001), but only a weak association was found with YoYo Intermittent Recovery Test performance for either group (r = 0.20; p = 0.495 & r = -0.19; p = 0.525 in females and males, respectively). In summary, field hockey testing batteries that include a repeated shuttle sprint test should consider including a test of intermittent endurance. Further, changes in SUM greater than 1.0% can be confidently interpreted by coaches and practitioners as a real change for both female and male elite field hockey players.

Analysis of the Most Dominant Physical Condition Factors (Arm Muscle Power, Grip Strength, and Hand Eye Coordination) to Determine Indoor Push Hockey Shooting Ability

This study aims to determine the analysis of the most dominant physical condition factors (Arm Muscle Power, Grip Strength, and Hand Eye Coordination) to determine indoor push hockey shooting ability. The research was carried out in March 2022 at Gor Wergu Kudus Regency, Prima Mijen Futsal Field, and Kartika Kartika Futsal Stadium The research was carried out in March 2022. The population in this study were all male Hockey athletes in Central Java in each district/city that active as many as 70 people. The method used in this research is descriptive quantitative research method with data analysis technique using exploratory factor analysis design. Based on the results of the study showed that arm muscle power can determine the shooting ability of indoor push hockey. Based on the results of factor analysis, the correlation value of the variables in factor 1 was 0.830 and factor 2 was 0.130, because the correlation value of factor 1 &gt; factor 2, the arm muscle power variable was included in the factor group 1. Factor 1 was the dominant factor. Then eye-hand coordination can determine indoor push hockey shooting ability. Based on the results of factor analysis, the correlation value of the variables in factor 1 is -0.142 and factor 2 is 0.834, because the correlation value of factor 1 &lt; factor 2, the variable belongs to the group of factor 2. Factor 2 is a supporting factor. So it can be concluded that the physical condition factor with the arm muscle power variable is the most dominant factor in the shooting push ability with a correlation number of 0.830, so the greater the arm muscle power is very important for hockey players to have, so that the shot is not easily blocked by the goalkeeper.

Effect of Psychological Skill Training on Selected Performance Variables among Hockey Players

The purpose of the study was to examine the changes on selected performance variables in response to psychological skills training among college hockey players. The effect of psychological skills training on chosen performance characteristics among college hockey players was anticipated to cause significant variations. Thirty male college hockey players from Thiruvalluvar University’s Affiliated Colleges in Vellore jurisdiction, Tamil Nadu, were chosen at random for this study. Their ages varied from 18 to 25 years. The present study used a pre-posttest random group design with a control and experimental group. Subjective ratings were used to evaluate performance characteristics. The participants were divided into two equal groups of 15, Group “A” and Group “B.” Group “A” received psychological skills training, while Group “B” received no such instruction. The data were collected before and after 12 weeks of training. The data were analyzed by applying dependent “t”-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The psychological skills training had positive impact on hit and flick among college hockey players.

A mixed-methods examination of a mental health awareness program in elite ice hockey

ABSTRACT In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division, the purpose of this study was to conduct a post-season evaluation of the effectiveness of a mental health and suicide-awareness program called Talk Today, delivered to elite adolescent male hockey players and their support staff. The study was conducted using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design that began with a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase. In total, 105 participants (49 athletes, 56 staff) completed online questionnaires and 12 (6 athletes, 6 staff) participated in qualitative interviews. Results integrated quantitative and qualitative findings to examine participants’ perceptions of acceptability of the program, acquisition and application of knowledge, and perceptions of stigma following the program. Findings revealed that 78% of athletes and 90% of staff reported high levels of satisfaction with the program, 85% of athletes and 87% of staff felt they acquired knowledge on mental health including access to resources, and 68% of athletes and 87% of staff felt they could provide more effective support to individuals with mental health issues. Participants felt the program helped them to identify, approach, and support someone experiencing mental health issues. Additionally, participants reported lower levels of personal stigma in comparison to levels of public stigma towards persons with mental health problems. Overall, results suggest a high level of openness to a mental health and suicide-awareness program among elite male adolescent athletes. Given that this group typically holds negative attitudes towards mental health, these findings are promising for the future implementation of such programs.