Professional Male Ice Hockey Players Research Articles

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.

Responsiveness and Relationships of Shooting Performance to On-Ice Physical Performance Tests

The aim of this investigation was to quantify the acute effects of the execution of the physical performance tests within the ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) on shooting performance. Thirty-four professional male ice hockey players with an average of 6.9 years of playing experience were recruited. The slap shot (SS) was found to accelerate the puck with a higher speed and greater precision. After the IHCT, the maximum puck speed of successful goal shots decreased considerably (p < 0.001, d > 1.5). The puck speed percentage decrement after the IHCT did not differ between the SS (6.1, SD = 4.4, −5.5–17.9) and the wrist shot (WS, 6.0, SD = 3.5, −0.9–12.2, p = 0.86, d = 0.03). The magnitude of puck speed reduction in the WS was inversely related to the functional heart rate reserve (r = −0.44, p = 0.02) and the blood lactate elimination rate (r = −0.43, p < 0.02). The linear and COD speed tests on-ice resulted in a higher amount of successful goal shots. These findings highlight the interaction of intense on-ice testing and goal-shooting performance.

Perceived Barriers to and Facilitators of an Injury Prevention Program Among Professional Male Ice Hockey Players and Staff Members.

Injury prevention programs for the lower extremities are effective in team-sport athletes. To identify barriers and facilitators among professional ice hockey players and staff members for adhering to an injury prevention program. Cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire about barriers and facilitators related to knowledge/perceptions, beliefs, adoption, and habits about injury prevention was filled out by Swiss professional male ice hockey players and staff members. Frequencies of ratings were calculated and binary logistic regression analysis was applied to predict a relationship between a high/low perceived benefit of an injury prevention program and player characteristics. Knowledge, perceived benefit, and relevance of injury prevention as well as awareness of high risk of injuries in ice hockey were identified as important facilitators. Players' habit of exercise performance was identified as a barrier. Program understanding of staff members was identified as a facilitator and barrier. No significant relationships were observed between a high/low perceived benefit of an injury prevention program and age (P = .85), nationality (P = .53), level of education (P = .63), National League experience (P = .50), or occurrence of lower-extremity injuries in the previous season (P = .10). Players and staff members clearly rated perceived benefits of an injury prevention program, which can be considered an important facilitator of the uptake and adoption of such a program in ice hockey teams. Players should be educated about well-performed injury prevention exercises. Staff members should be educated about the aim of a regular injury prevention program. An injury prevention program might be implemented in players of all ages, levels of education, and experience in the National League, irrespective of previous injuries. Identified barriers and facilitators should be addressed when implementing an injury prevention program in a setting of professional ice hockey teams in the future.

Epidemiology of Traumatic and Overuse Injuries in Swiss Professional Male Ice Hockey Players.

Background:Ice hockey injury patterns in Europe were last evaluated in the 1990s.Purpose:The aim of this study was to assess the frequency, type, location, and incidence of traumatic injuries, as well as the prevalence and relative effect of overuse injuries in professional male ice hockey players.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Traumatic injuries were assessed using a standardized injury report form over a 1-year period (including the preparatory phase and season). The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire was used to determine overall and substantial overuse injuries and their relative effect on ice hockey players.Results:Five Swiss National League teams participated in the study. From a total of 321 recorded injuries, 179 led to time loss from sport. The game-related time-loss injury incidence during the season was 88.6/1000 player-game hours.Time-loss injuries affected mainly the hip/groin/thigh region (23%), followed by the head (17%). Most time-loss injuries were classified as muscle strains (24%), followed by concussions (18%). The most common injury mechanism involved collision with an opponent’s body (31%), and right forward players (23%) were most likely to report a game-related injury. Most injuries (27%) occurred within the defending zone along the boards. The average prevalence rates of all overuse and substantial overuse injuries were 49% and 13%, respectively. The hip/groin displayed the highest average prevalence for all overuse problems (16%), translating to the highest relative effect.Conclusion:Muscle strains and concussions were the most frequent time-loss injuries in Swiss professional ice hockey players. The hip/groin was the most affected region for both traumatic and overuse injuries.

Reliability of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 baseline testing: A 2-week test–retest study

ObjectivesTo examine short-term test-retest reliability of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5). DesignLongitudinal study. MethodsSixty-two professional male ice hockey players (mean age=22.5, SD=3.2) completed a preseason baseline test twice over a two-week interval. Half of the players were tested by the same assessor on both testing sessions. Spearman’s correlations (rs) were used to determine linear agreements, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests (sig r) were used to determine mean differences, between testing sessions. ResultsSymptoms had high test–retest reliability (Score: rs=0.85, p<0.001, sig r p<0.001; Severity: rs=0.84, p<0.001, sig r p<0.001). The reliability coefficients for the SAC (rs=0.58, p<0.001, sig r: p=0.412), and mBESS (rs=0.40, p=0.001, sig r: p=0.607) were considerably lower than symptoms. More than half (52%) of the athletes reported at least one baseline symptom (Md=1, M=2.2, SD=3.3). The most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue or low energy and neck pain. The broad ranges of SAC total scores (range=28−45, Md=35, M=35.4, SD=4.2) and SAC test–retest change scores (range −7 to +11) were mostly due to variability on the memory performance, tested using 10-item word lists. The number of mBESS single leg stance errors (Md=1, Md 3.2, SD=4.0) was greater than Tandem stance errors (Md=0, Md=2.0, SD=3.6). ConclusionsThe two-week test–retest reliability of the SCAT5 baseline scores varied from moderate to high. However, there was considerable individual variability on the SAC and mBESS scores and most players have notable short-term fluctuation on performance even if uninjured. Recommendations for interpreting change on the SCAT5 are provided.

Body Composition Changes after One Year in Professional Male Ice Hockey Players.

Body composition measurements remain one of the best objective ways to analyze tissue distribution in athletes. The purpose of this study was to establish an average body composition profile for professional male ice hockey players, assess the yearly fluctuations of body composition after a single season, and assess body composition changes among different positions. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 36 professional male ice hockey players. Descriptive statistics were used to determine average values. A paired samples t-test was applied to determine differences over a one-year period. A one-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences between positions, at both time points. Alpha levels were set a priori at p<0.05. Significant increases were observed in percent body fat across time points for all positions (p=0.019). There were significant differences in percent body fat between positions played (p=0.012) after one year. We demonstrated that there was low variability among the different positions in professional male ice hockey players. Additionally, we observed how a single year minimally influences changes in body composition. More research is required to evaluate body composition in male ice hockey players.

Field-based evaluation of hip adductor and abductor strength in professional male ice hockey players: Reference values and influencing factors

ObjectivesTo provide reference values and examine the influence of hip/groin pain on hip adductor and abductor strength in professional male ice hockey players, by using a straightforward 5-min procedure. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingOn-field assessment of hip/groin muscle strength with dynamometry, together with the concomitant level of hip/groin pain with a visual analogue scale. ParticipantsProfessional male ice hockey players competing in the Swiss National League (n = 187). Main outcome measuresHip abductor strength, hip adductor strength and hip adductor:abductor ratio. ResultsReference values by playing position (goalkeepers, defenders and forwards) are provided for asymptomatic athletes. Players with hip/groin pain during adduction displayed lower hip adductor strength (p = 0.001) and hip adductor:abductor ratio (p = 0.012) than their symptom-free peers. ConclusionsThe presence of hip/groin pain during adductor testing may contribute to selective hip adductor weakness, whose cause-effect relation with possible groin problems remains to be demonstrated.

Preliminary normative study of ImPACT® in Finnish professional male ice hockey players

Assessment of cognition is an important part of concussion management. The common paradigm of baseline and postinjury evaluations is recommended but due to the often lacking baseline data, reliable normative values are needed. The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT®) battery is a widely used method of cognitive assessment offering several language options. There are few comparative studies between language groups on this test battery. ImPACT was administered at baseline to 184 Finnish male Professional Ice Hockey league players. The performance of the Finnish sample differed from previously published English and Czech language samples on the Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time composites with medium effect-sizes (d = 0.38–0.52). Age, but not education or prior concussions, was associated with ImPACT performance. ImPACT performance is not uniform across language and culture groups and the findings highlight the need for language-specific norms. Finnish reference values for ImPACT for ages <20, 20–26, and >26 are presented. A similar approach is encouraged for other languages.

Five-Second Squeeze Testing in 333 Professional and Semiprofessional Male Ice Hockey Players: How Are Hip and Groin Symptoms, Strength, and Sporting Function Related?

Background:Hip and groin problems are just as common in ice hockey as they are in soccer. The 5-second squeeze test (5SST) is a valid indicator of hip- and groin-related sporting function (self-reported function) in soccer and is suggested to be interpreted according to a “traffic light” approach in guiding the early identification and management of affected players. It is currently unknown how the 5SST relates to self-reported function and muscle strength in ice hockey players.Purpose:To investigate correlations between the 5SST result, self-reported function, and hip muscle strength in ice hockey players. A further aim was to investigate the discriminative ability of the “traffic light” approach (numeric rating scale [NRS] score: 0-2 = green, 3-5 = yellow, 6-10 = red) regarding levels of self-reported function and strength.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Professional and semiprofessional male ice hockey players (N = 333) performed the 5SST and completed the Sport subscale of the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Bilateral adduction and abduction strength was measured using handheld dynamometry. Associations were estimated using Spearman rank-order correlations, and groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test or analysis of variance. Standardized effect sizes (ESs) for differences in strength (Hedges g) and self-reported function (r) were provided.Results:The 5SST result was significantly correlated with self-reported function (rho, –0.319; P < .01) and hip muscle strength (rho, –0.157 to –0.305; P < .01). The HAGOS Sport scores differed significantly between all 3 traffic light groups (ES, 0.23-0.33; P ≤ .005). Players with an NRS score >2 (yellow or red light) had lower adduction (ES ≥ 0.75; P < .001) and abduction strength (yellow: ES, 0.30; P = .031) (red: ES, 0.51; P = .058) than players with a green light.Conclusion:The 5SST result was significantly correlated with self-reported function as well as hip muscle strength and was able to discriminate between the traffic light levels in ice hockey players. Players with a yellow or red light had reduced adduction and abduction strength compared with players with a green light (NRS score ≤2). Routine 5SSTs may allow the early identification of affected ice hockey players and indicate yellow and red light situations, in which players may benefit from load management and appropriate hip muscle strengthening.

Sport Concussion Assessment Tool: Interpreting day-of-injury scores in professional ice hockey players

ObjectivesTo characterize the clinical utility of Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3) baseline and normative reference values for the assessment of acute concussion; and to identify the sensitivity of each SCAT3 subcomponent to the acute effects of concussion. DesignProspective cohort. MethodsThe day-of-concussion SCAT3 results (n=27) of professional male ice hockey players (mean age=27, SD=4) were compared to athlete’s individual baseline and to the league’s normative reference values. Normative cutoffs corresponding to 10th percentile and natural distribution change cutoffs corresponding to 90th percentile cumulative frequency were considered uncommon. ResultsThe percentages of the players with uncommon day-of-injury performance, when post-injury scores were compared to individual baseline versus (vs.) normative values, were as follows: symptoms: 96% vs. 100% (post-injury score: M=12, Md=12, SD=4; severity M=26, Md=23, SD=13); Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC): 33% vs. 27% (post-injury M=25, Md=26, SD=3); modified-BESS (M-BESS): 46% vs. 46% (post-injury M=7, Md=5, SD=7); Tandem Gait: 18% vs. 31% (post-injury M=11, Md=12, SD=4); coordination: both 8%. The number and severity of post-injury symptoms were significantly greater, with extremely large effect sizes (Cohen’s d=2.44–3.92), than normative values and individual baseline scores. The post-injury SAC score was significantly lower relative to both baseline (d=0.68) and normative values (d=0.88). The post-injury M-BESS performance was significantly worse when compared to both individual baseline (d=1.06) and league normative values (d=1.46). No significant day-of-injury Tandem Gait deficits were observed using either comparison method. ConclusionsSCAT3 league normative values were as sensitive as individual baseline scores during day-of-injury assessments. Symptoms were the most sensitive post-concussion component of the SCAT3.

Interpreting change on the SCAT3 in professional ice hockey players.

To examine test-retest reliability of the SCAT3 for two consecutive seasons using a large sample of professional male ice hockey players, and to make recommendations for interpreting change on the test. A cross-sectional descriptive study. Preseason baseline testing was administered in the beginning of the seasons 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to 179 professional male hockey players in rink side settings. The test-retest reliabilities of the SCAT3 components were uniformly low. However, the majority of athletes remained grossly within their own individual performance range when two pre-season SCAT3 baseline scores were compared to published normative reference values. Being tested by the same person or a different person did not influence the results. It was uncommon for the Symptom score to worsen by ≥3 points, the Symptom Severity score to worsen by ≥5 points, SAC total score to worsen by ≥3 points, M-BESS total error points to increase by ≥3, or the time to complete Tandem Gait to increase by ≥4s; each occurred in less than 10% of the sample. The SCAT3 has low test-retest reliability. Change scores should be interpreted with caution, and more research is needed to determine the clinical usefulness of the SCAT3 for diagnosing concussion and monitoring recovery. Careful examination of the natural distributions of difference scores provides clinicians with useful information on how to interpret change on the test.

Sport concussion assessment tool - 3rd edition - normative reference values for professional ice hockey players.

To determine normative reference values for the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3rd Edition (SCAT3) using a large sample of professional male ice hockey players. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Preseason baseline testing was administered individually to 304 professional male ice hockey players. The participants were aged between 16 and 40 with a mean (M) age of 25.3 years. Over 60% of the athletes reported previous concussion, almost 20% had been hospitalized or medically imaged following a head trauma. Of the players, 48% reported no symptoms. The symptom score median (Md) was 1.0 (M=1.5) and severity median was 1.0 (M=2.3). The median of the SAC score was 27.0 (M=27.0). The median of the M-BESS was 1.0 (M=2.0). The Tandem gait median was 10.9s (M=10.8s). The most common baseline symptom was neck pain (24%). Delayed recall was the most difficult component of the SAC (Md=4); only 24% performed it flawlessly. All athletes completed the double-leg stance of the M-BESS without errors, but there was performance variability in the tandem stance (Md=0, M=0.6, range=0-10) and single-leg stance (Md=1.0, M=1.4, range=0-10). Representative normative reference values for the SCAT3 among professional male ice hockey players are provided.

Amateur and Professional Ice Hockey Player Hydration Status and Urine Specific Gravity Values Before and After Training in Winter Conditions

Abstract The aim of our investigation was to determine and compare the pre- and post- training body hydration status in professional and amateur male ice hockey players consumed the drinks according to their thirst sensation in winter conditions. Materials and methods: 11 amateur and 23 professional ice hockey players participated in the investigation. The players were weighted before and after training using precise scales. The body mass composition of every athlete was determined by the body composition analyzer. Every player collected mid–stream urine specimens before and after the training. Urine specific gravity (USG) was measured by urine refractometer. Results: 56% of the professional ice hockey players and 82% of amateur players were hypohydrated before training according to their USG values ≥ 1.020, 5% of professional players were dehydrated their USG values ≥ 1.030. After the training with duration of 1.5 hours the mean body mass decreased for 0.9±0.5% of pre– training value in amateur players and for 1.6±0.8% in professionals (p=0.005). After the training the professional players’ hydration status worsened: 66% were hypohydrated and 26% dehydrated according to USG, the mean USG after training was significantly higher than before it (p=0.011). USG after training did not change in amateur players: their mean USG values before and after training did not differed significantly (p=0.677). Conclusions: Fluid uptake according to thirst sensation in winter conditions cannot compensate the fluid loss at rest and during training especially in professional ice hockey players. The body mass loss exceeded value critical for performance - 2 % in one third part of professionals. The differences between two groups can be explained by higher intensity of exercises during training, the better physical conditioning and greater sweating rate in professional players in comparison with amateurs, which causes close to twice greater uncompensated fluid loss in professionals than in amateurs.

King-Devick test normative reference values for professional male ice hockey players.

The King-Devick (K-D) test, a measure of processing speed, visual tracking, and saccadic eye movements, has shown promise as a supplemental screening test following concussion. However, limited normative data for this test have been published.The K-D test was administered to 185 professional ice hockey players as a preseason baseline test in seasons 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. Their average age was 23.8 years (median = 22.0 years, range = 16-40 years). The average K-D score was 40.0 s (SD = 6.1 s, range = 24.0-65.7 s). K-D test performance showed no association with age, education, or the number of self-reported previous concussions in this sample. The association between trials 1 and 2 of the K-D test was good (ICC = 0.92, Pearson = 0.93). Normative values of the K-D test for professional male ice hockey players are reported. K-D test performance did not vary by age, education, or concussion history in this study.

The Relationship Between Maximal Exercise‐Induced Increases in Serum IL‐6, MPO and MMP‐9 Concentrations

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise would induce inflammatory response characterized by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines - interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adhesion molecule, matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Additional aim was to elucidate the possible source of maximal exercise-induced increase in MMP-9 concentration. To examine our hypothesis, 26 professional male ice hockey players [age 25 ± 1 (mean ± SEM) years; BMI 25.8 ± 0.4 kg/m(2) ] performed an incremental bicycle test until exhaustion, when maximal oxygen consumption was recorded. Venous blood samples were collected 30 min before and 2 min after exercise. There was an increase in the count of leucocytes (8.7 ± 1.8 versus 5.7 ± 1.3 × 10(9) cells per l) and IL-6 (1.24 ± 0.17 versus 0.69 ± 0.13 pg/ml), MPO (72 ± 7 versus 50 ± 4 ng/ml) and MPP-9 (139 ± 9 versus 110 ± 6 ng/ml) concentrations (P < 0.05) comparing post- and pre-exercise levels. Maximal exercise-induced increase in MPO correlated with the increases in IL-6 (P < 0.05, R = 0.54) and MMP-9 (P < 0.01, R = 0.62) concentrations. Furthermore, increase in IL-6 correlated with the increase in MMP-9 concentrations (P < 0.05, R = 0.60). Maximal exercise induces an inflammatory response characterized by leucocytosis and increased IL-6, MPO and MMP-9 concentrations. Correlations between increased MPO (marker of neutrophils degranulation) and both increased IL-6 and MMP-9 concentrations may suggest that neutrophils could be the main source of these inflammatory biomarkers during maximal exercise. Furthermore, correlation between increases in serum IL-6 and MMP-9 concentrations may suggest that IL-6 could exert modulatory effects on MMP-9 release during maximal exercise.

Chronic Hypohydration in Minor Professional Ice Hockey Players

Few studies have examined hydration status and electrolyte balance in ice hockey. Factors such as equipment, training status, age, and diet increase the chance for chronic hypohydration in minor professional ice hockey. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a fluid intake program on hydration status and electrolyte balance. METHODS: Ten minor professional male ice hockey players participated (age = 24.33+2.35y, height = 182+5.26cm, weight = 90.51+7.47kg). Baseline hydration and electrolyte measures were assessed over two practices. Players were then randomly assigned to either control (CON) or intervention (INT) group for ten additional practices. Participants were provided individual water bottles for assessing fluid intake. Participants in the CON group were provided water (W) and/or carbohydrate electrolyte beverage (CEB) to drink ad libitum during practice and INT group was provided W and supplemented CEB to counter sodium losses. Pre- and post practice urine sodium concentration ([UNa+]), urine specific gravity (Usg), urine color (Ucol), and body mass (BM), time of practice, and fluid consumed were measured and compared between groups using ANOVA. RESULTS: Average practice time was 67.9 min. Values are means + standard deviation. Pre-practice measures revealed hypohydration in CON (Ucol 5.07+1.60 and Usg 1.020+0.01μG) and INT (Ucol 5.10+1.39 and Usg 1.020+0.01μG). Post-practice measures revealed further hypohydration for CON (Ucol = 6.21+1.02, Usg = 1.030+0.01μG) and INT (Ucol = 5.85+1.33, Usg = 1.030+0.01μG). INT consumed more fluid than CON (1064.50+1002.22ml vs. 638.25+572.88ml,, p=0.010). Change in BM was significantly greater in CON than INT (-0.19+0.60 and-0.07+0.31, p=0.001). [UNa+], although not significant, dropped similarly for CON and INT pre- to post practice (99.06+57.29 to 78.99+46.15 and 92.16+46.39 to 79.26+44.36, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was unsuccessful in attenuating hypohydration, despite increased fluid intake and maintenance of BM. These results indicate that fluid intake solely during practice is insufficient to maintain hydration, and that hockey players may benefit from greater efforts to hydrate throughout the day.