Player-game Hours Research Articles

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...

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in the National Hockey League: Epidemiology and Performance Impact.

To determine the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the National Hockey League (NHL) and to examine the effects of this injury on return-to-play status and performance. Case series; level of evidence, 4. This was a 2-phase study. Phase I used the NHL electronic injury surveillance system and Athlete Health Management System to collect data on ACL injuries and man games lost over 10 seasons (2006/2007-2015/2016). Data collected in phase I were received in deidentified form. Phase II examined the performance impact of an ACL injury. Players were identified through publically available sources, and performance-related statistics were analyzed. Data collected in phase II were not linked to data collected in phase I. A paired t test was used to determine any difference in the matching variables between controls and cases in the preinjury time period. A General linear model (mixed) was used to determine the performance impact. Phase I: 67 ACL injuries occurred over 10 seasons. The incidence for all players was 0.42/1000 player game hours (forward, 0.61; defenseman, 0.32, goalie, 0.08) and by game exposure was 0.2/1000 player game exposures (forward, 0.33; defenseman, 0.11; goalie, 0.07). Forwards had a greater incidence rate of ACL tears with both game hours and game exposures when compared with defensemen and goalies (P < 0.001, <0.001; P = 0.008, <0.001, respectively). Phase II: 70 ACL tears (60 players) were identified. Compared with controls, players who suffered an ACL tear demonstrated a decrease in goals/season (P < 0.04), goals/game (P < 0.015), points/season (0.007), and points/game (0.001). Number of games and seasons played after an ACL injury did not differ compared with controls (P = 0.068, 0.122, respectively). Anterior cruciate ligament injuries occur infrequently, as it relates to other hockey injuries. Despite a high return to play, the performance after an ACL injury demonstrated a decrease in points and goals per game and per season.

Concussion incidence and recovery in Swedish elite soccer - Prolonged recovery in female players.

Sport-related concussions are an increasingly recognized health problem. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world although recent studies on concussion incidence are scarce. Here, a nationwide prospective study on concussion incidence, symptom severity, risk factors, gender differences, and return-to-play after concussion was performed in 51 Swedish elite soccer teams during the 2017 season. In the 1st and 2nd soccer leagues for men and women, a Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)-based questionnaire study was performed at preseason (baseline) and from 48hours to 3months post-concussion. We followed 959 players (389 women, 570 men) for 25146 player game hours (9867hours for women, 15279hours for men). Concussion incidence (n=36concussions during the season) was 1.19/1000 player game hours (females 1.22/1000hours, males 1.18/1000hours; P=.85). Twenty-seven percent of all players(8%of females, 40%of males) continued to play immediately after the concussion. When compared to male players, female players had worse initial symptom severity scores (median and IQR 30 (17-50.5) vs 11 (4-26.25), P=.02) on SCATand longer return-to-play (P=.02). Risk factors for concussion were baseline symptoms and previous concussion. In Swedish elite soccer, the concussion incidence was 1.19/1000 without gender differences. Most players recovered to play within 4weeks post-injury. Almost one third of players continued to play at time of concussion. Female players had worse initial symptoms and longer return-to-play time than males, and a prolonged recovery beyond 3months was only observed among female players.

What Is Injury in Ice Hockey: An Integrative Literature Review on Injury Rates, Injury Definition, and Athlete Exposure in Men's Elite Ice Hockey.

Injuries in men’s elite ice hockey have been studied over the past 40 years, however, there is a lack of consensus on definitions of both injury and athlete exposure. These inconsistencies compromise the reliability and comparability of the research. While many individual studies report injury rates in ice hockey, we are not aware of any literature reviews that have evaluated the definitions of injury and athlete exposure in men’s elite ice hockey. The purpose of this integrative review was to investigate the literature on hockey musculoskeletal injury to determine injury rates and synthesize information about the definitions of injury and athlete exposure. Injury rates varied from 13.8/1000 game athlete exposures to 121/1000 athlete exposures as measured by player-game hours. The majority of variability between studies is explained by differences in the definitions of both injury and athlete exposure. We were unable to find a consensus injury definition in elite ice hockey. In addition, we were unable to observe a consistent athlete exposure metric. We recommend that a consistent injury definition be adopted to evaluate injury risk in elite ice hockey. We recommend that injuries should be defined by a strict list that includes facial lacerations, dental injuries, and fractures. We also recommend that athlete exposure should be quantified using player-game hours.

Injuries in world junior ice hockey championships between 2006 and 2015

BackgroundDetailed injury data are not available for international ice hockey tournaments played by junior athletes. We report the incidence, type, mechanism and severity of injuries in males under ages 18...

Injuries in women's international ice hockey: an 8-year study of the World Championship tournaments and Olympic Winter Games

BackgroundWe report the incidence, type, mechanism and severity of ice hockey injuries in women's international ice hockey championships.MethodsAll injuries in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Women's Championship, World Women's...

Injuries in men's international ice hockey: a 7-year study of the International Ice Hockey Federation Adult World Championship Tournaments and Olympic Winter Games

BackgroundInformation on ice hockey injuries at the international level is very limited. The aim of the study was to analyse the incidence, type, mechanism and severity of ice hockey injuries...

The epidemiology of professional ice hockey injuries: a prospective report of six NHL seasons

BackgroundThere is a paucity of literature examining injury and illness rates in men's professional ice hockey. This study aimed to determine injury and illness rates in the NHL over six...

Intra-articular Hip Injuries in National Hockey League Players

Background: Intra-articular hip injuries are thought to be common in professional ice hockey; however, injury incidence and missed playing time have not been previously documented. Furthermore, it is not known if injury incidence differs between player positions. Hypothesis: The incidence of symptomatic intra-articular hip injuries in goaltenders is higher than that of other position players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A database containing the injury surveillance of National Hockey League (NHL) players from the years 2006 to 2010 was used to identify athletes who had sustained a hip or groin injury. From this database, players diagnosed with an intra-articular hip injury were identified. The incidence of intra-articular hip injuries per 1000 player-hours played and per 1000 player-game appearances was compared between goaltenders, defensemen, and forwards. Results: Ninety-four hip injuries, accounting for 10.6% (94/890) of all hip and groin injuries, were identified as intra-articular in nature during the time of the surveillance. Most injuries occurred during the regular season (71.2%; 67/94) and during a game (44.6%; 42/94). Players who sustained intra-articular hip injuries had significantly higher total man-games missed compared with those with all other groin injuries (mean ± SD, 8.5 ± 23.0 vs 1.2 ± 4.2 missed games; P = .0001). The most frequent intra-articular hip diagnoses made in this cohort were hip labral tear (69.1%), followed by hip osteoarthritis (13.8%), hip loose body (6.3%), and hip femoroacetabular impingement (5.3%). The incidence of intra-articular hip injuries per 1000 player-game hours was not different between goaltenders (1.97) and other on-ice players (defensemen, 1.43; forwards, 1.38) (relative risk [RR], 1.40; 95% CI, 0.86-1.40; P = .22). However, injuries per 1000 player-game appearances were significantly higher in goaltenders (1.84) compared with other on-ice players (defensemen, 0.47; forwards, 0.34) (RR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.94-7.76; P < .0001). Conclusion: Hip labral tears are the most frequently encountered intra-articular hip injury in the NHL player and can lead to an average of 8 man-games missed per injury. Goaltenders were not at higher risk when measuring injuries per hours played but were at significantly greater risk of an intra-articular hip injury than other on-ice players (RR, 4.7) when measured per game played.

Incidence, Risk, and Protective Factors of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Cohort of Australian Nonprofessional Male Rugby Players

Background Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an emerging public health issue in high-contact sports. Understanding the incidence along with the risk and protective factors of mTBI in high-contact sports such as rugby is paramount if appropriate preventive strategies are to be developed. Purpose To estimate the incidence and identify the risk and protective factors of mTBI in Australian nonprofessional rugby players. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods A cohort of 3207 male nonprofessional rugby players from Sydney, Australia, was recruited and followed over 1 or more playing seasons. Demographic information, history of recent concussion, and information on risk and protective factors were collected. The incidence of mTBI was estimated and the putative risk and protective factors were modeled in relation to mTBI. Results The incidence of mTBI was 7.97 per 1000 player game hours, with 313 players (9.8%) sustaining 1 or more mTBIs during the study. Players who reported always wearing protective headgear during games were at a reduced risk (incident rate ratio [IRR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40–0.82) of sustaining an mTBI. In contrast, the likelihood of mTBI was almost 2 times higher among players who reported having sustained either 1 (IRR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.11–2.76) or more mTBIs (IRR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.11–2.45) within the 12 months before recruitment. Conclusion Nonprofessional rugby has a high incidence of mTBI, with the absence of headgear and a recent history of mTBI associated with an increased risk of subsequent mTBI. These findings highlight that both use of headgear and the management of prior concussion would likely be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of mTBI among nonprofessional rugby players, who compose more than 99% of rugby union players in Australia.

Ice Hockey Injuries in a Japanese Elite Team: A 3-Year Prospective Study

As the Asian Ice Hockey League gradually expands and becomes more competitive, ice hockey-related injuries may increase. However, no reports have been published on ice hockey injuries in Japan, including the method of injury and the daily supervision of the players during the regular season. To prospectively study the incidence, types, and mechanisms of ice hockey injuries in an elite Japanese ice hockey team. Prospective observational cohort study design. An elite ice hockey team, Tokyo, Japan. Ninety-four players during the 2002-2005 seasons. Data were collected for 3 consecutive seasons using an injury reporting form. The overall game injury rate was 74.3 per 1000 player-game hours and 11.7 per 1000 player-game hours for injuries resulting in any time loss. The overall practice injury rates were 11.2 per 1000 player-practice hours and 1.1 per 1000 player-practice hours for injuries resulting in any time loss. Forwards had the highest rate of injury, followed by defensemen and then goalkeepers. Contusions were the most common injury, followed by strains, lacerations, and sprains. Most injuries among Japanese ice hockey players occurred during games. Game or play intensity may influence the injury rate during games.

Injury Severity Risk Factors In Collegiate Rugby Players

INTRODUCTION: During 2005-06, prospective injury surveillance of 31 men's and 38 women's collegiate rugby union teams collected data on 847 injuries during 48,026 practice and 25,808 game exposures. PURPOSE: To determine risk factors associated with greater injury severity. METHODS: Injury was defined using time loss and medical attention terms. Severity was described as major (>7 days) or minor (≥1day,<7days). Injury severity was cross-tabulated with the contact event associated with injury to specific body parts and layered by extrinsic risk factors by performing Pearson Chi-square and Spearman correlation analysis. Two-tailed values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The most commonly injured body parts were the knee (Men: 2.16/1,000 Player Game Hours; Women 2.53), the head (Men: 4.48; Women: 3.49), ankle (Men: 1.89; Women: 2.28) and shoulder (Men: 2.16; Women 1.52). The contact event resulting in injury showed a significant correlation with major head injury when stratified by game quarter and the time into the activity (Table 1). Major knee injury was also shown to have a significant relationship with the associated contact event once stratified by season, player experience and match level.TABLE 1: Relationship between injury severity and contact event resulting in injury layered by risk factorsPearson Chi-Sq. and Spearman Corr. are represented by the probability of the Null Hypotheses (no relationship between contact event and injury severity when layered for risk factor). CONCLUSIONS: Collegiate rugby union player experience, season and match level had stronger relationships than gender on analysis of knee injury severity and the contact event with which the injury was associated. Significant correlations were also seen between major head injury and contact events during the latter stages of games.

Collegiate rugby union injury patterns in New England: a prospective cohort study

Objective: To establish injury profile of collegiate rugby union in the USA Design/setting: 31 men’s and 38 women’s collegiate rugby union teams prospectively recorded injuries during games and practice during...

Boys soccer league injuries: a community-based study of time-loss from sports participation and long-term sequelae

Youth soccer is important for keeping European children physically active. The aim of this study is to examine injuries sustained in a community soccer league for boys with regard to age-related incidence, time lost from participation and long-term sequelae. Primary injury data was collected from a soccer league including 1800 players, comprising approximately 25% of all boys 13-16 years of age in three Swedish municipalities (population 150 000). Injuries were primarily identified based on a time loss definition of sports injury. At the end of the season, a physician interviewed every player who reported injured to determine whether there were any remaining sequelae. If a sequela was confirmed, the physician repeated the interview 6, 18 and 48 months after the end of the season. Forty-four injuries were recorded during 18 720 player game hours (2.4 injuries per 1000 player game hours). The highest injury incidence (6.8 injuries per 1000 player game hours) was recorded in the first-year elite divisions. Thirty-two injuries (73%) were categorized as moderate-severe, and 21 injuries (48%) required medical attention. Eight injuries caused sequelae that remained 6 months after the end of the season, and 3 injuries caused sequelae that lasted 4 years after the injury event. An overall low injury rate makes soccer a suitable sport for inclusion in programmes that promote physical activity among children. When organizing soccer leagues for boys, injury prevention programmes should be provided to adolescent players when they begin playing in competitive divisions.

Injury incidence in a men's elite bandy league: an epidemiological study of a full regular season

Bandy is a popular European winter team-sport. The best bandy teams participate in semi-professional leagues, where the play-off games attract more than 10,000 spectators. Injury patterns in elite bandy have not been investigated previously. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence and types of injuries sustained during elite bandy games for men. Twelve of the 16 teams in the Swedish elite bandy league during the 2002 season participated in the study. In total, 36 injuries were recorded, corresponding to 7.3 injuries/1000 player game hours and 5.7 injuries/1000 athlete exposures. Collision was the most common injury cause (47%), while contusion was the most common injury type (25%), followed by fracture (22%) and ligament rupture (19%). The study showed that the injury incidence in elite bandy is low, but also that the injuries that are still sustained are relatively severe. This pattern can be explained by the fact that even though bandy rules do not allow body checks, collisions between skaters moving at high speeds still cause the majority of injuries. Further studies of the injury rehabilitation practices, and the implementation and evaluation of safety programs in elite bandy are warranted.

The incidence and nature of injuries in South African rugby players in the rugby Super 12 competition.

There are sparse scientific data concerning the aetiology and incidence of injuries in the Super 12 rugby competition. Aim. The aim of the study was to document the incidence, nature and risk factors associated with injuries during a Super 12 rugby competition. Injuries, defined as injuries preventing playing or training, or requiring medical treatment, were recorded in a cohort of 75 South African Super 12 players over one season. Injury severity was graded according to sessions missed: minor (1 - 3 missed), intermediate (4 - 9) and severe (> 9). During the tournament, a total of 740 player game hours and 4 900 player training hours were recorded. The overall incidence of injuries was 55.4 injuries/1,000 player game hours, and 4.3 injuries/1,000 player training hours. The most common injury types were: ligament sprains (25.8%), musculotendinous strains/tears (24.2%). The most common injured sites were: pelvis, hip (19.3%), head and knee (12.9% each). The tackle caused 40.3%, and rucks and mauls 11.3% of injuries. Injuries sustained during training accounted for 34%, and chronic overuse injuries 9.7% of injuries. There is a high injury rate during a Super 12 rugby competition. However, the majority of injuries were minor injuries. The most dangerous phase of play was the tackle. Training in tackling and rucking techniques, and rule enforcement are therefore recommended to reduce risk of injury. Injuries tended to occur late in games and early in the season, suggesting lack of physical conditioning and fatigue as possible causes of injury.

Converging evidence for the under-reporting of concussions in youth ice hockey

Background: Concussions are potentially serious injuries. The few investigations of prevalence or incidence in youth ice hockey have typically relied on prospective reports from physicians or trainers and did not...

Injuries in competitive youth bandy: an epidemiological study of a league season.

Bandy, with a century-long tradition in northern Europe, is a winter team-sport similar to ice hockey. To investigate the occurrence of injuries during competitive youth bandy games, injury incidence, injury types, and age-related risks were analyzed for one youth league season. The National Athletic Injury/Illness Reporting System (NAIRS) definition of sports injury was used for the injury registration. All 416 games during the 1999-2000 season in the Swedish southeastern youth bandy league were included in the study. Primary data was collected by a questionnaire and completed by the team coaches after each game. At the end of the season, physician interviews with each team coach were performed to assure that no injuries had been missed as well as to ascertain whether there was any remaining disability. In total, 2.0 injuries (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.9 injuries) per 1000 player game hours were recorded. Sixty-eight percent of the injuries caused the injured player to be absent from bandy play for more than a week. Collision was the most common cause of injury (36%), and contusion was the most common injury type (41%). The injury incidence in the leagues for older players (Youth 14 -Youth 16) was slightly higher than in the leagues for the younger players (Youth 12 -Youth 13), while participation by under-aged players in games organized for older players led to an almost four-fold increase of injury risk. For severe injuries, the mean rehabilitation time away from bandy practice or competition was 27 d (range 8-56 d). The overall injury incidence during youth bandy games is low, but the injuries that occur cause extensive absences from the only four months long bandy season. From a public health perspective, bandy can be recommended for consideration when physical exercise is to be promoted among school-age children in countries with a winter climate.

Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prospectively the incidence, nature, and severity of injuries to polo riders competing in the 1996 Argentine High Polo season. METHODS: Assessment, documentation, and provision of care for...

Predictors of injury in ice hockey players. A multivariate, multidisciplinary approach.

Eighty-six male high school ice hockey players participated in this prospective study to determine both the incidence of injury in high school ice hockey and the influence of physical, situational, and psychosocial factors. Physical factors included height, weight, vision, previous injuries, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and injuries present at the time of screening evaluations. Situational factors examined were level of participation, playing time, player position, and games versus practices. Psychosocial factors such as confidence, stress, social support, positive states of mind, and mood states were also examined to determine their influences on injury. Twenty-seven injuries occurred during the 1994 to 1995 season. As hypothesized, the overall incidence of injury in high school hockey games (34.4 per 1000 player-game hours) was less than the incidence of injury in Junior A hockey (96.1 per 1000 player-game hours) and was more than previously reported for Bantam youth hockey (10.9 per 1000 player-game hours). Injuries occurred more often in games than in practices, usually as a result of collisions. Physical factors such as player position and previous injuries did not significantly predict injuries, but players in the high playing time group were more likely to be injured. Psychosocial factors of low vigor and high fatigue as measured by the Incredibly Short Profile of Mood States (ISPOMS) significantly predicted high school ice hockey injuries.