International matches elicit stable mechanical workload in high-level female ice hockey.

This study aimed to quantify in- and between-match characteristics and mechanical workload variations elicited by a congested schedule in high-level female ice hockey. Six players were monitored during four international pre-season exhibition matches against the same opponent. Two different methods (Player Load and Accel'Rate) were used to assess specific mechanical workload. Number of shifts and effective playing time per shift were significantly higher for period 2 (p = 0.03 for both). Mechanical workload intensity (i.e., relative and peak workload) showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease from period 1 to period 2 and period 3 (moderate-to-large Cohen's d). All workload variables remained stable between matches (p > 0.25). Team variability showed good-to-moderate CVs (< 10%) for all variables for in- and between-match variability. Accumulated workload computed with the Player Load method was threefold higher compared to the Accel'Rate method (+ 87.8% mean difference; large Cohen's d). These findings demonstrate that high-level female ice hockey-specific mechanical workload declines with reduced high-intensity output across periods, while it remains stable between matches against standardized opposition. This study strongly suggests that the present workload metrics could be used to determine the mechanical demand elicited by matches played against various opponents in real game conditions.

Reliability of the force-velocity-power variables during ice hockey sprint acceleration.

The aims of this study were to ensure that the skating velocity describes a mono-exponential function in order to determine the reliability of radar-derived profiling results from skating sprint accelerations applying sprint running force-velocity assessment approach. Eleven young highly-trained female ice hockey players performed two 40-m skating sprints on two separate days to evaluate inter-trial and test-retest reliability. The velocity-time data recorded by a radar device was used to calculate the kinetics variables of the skating sprint acceleration: maximal theoretical force (F0), maximal theoretical velocity (V0), maximal theoretical power (Pmax) and the slope of the linear force-velocity relationship (SFV). SFV and SFVrel variables (the slope of the linear relationship between horizontal force relative to body mass and velocity) demonstrated 'low' to 'moderate' intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). All other variables revealed 'acceptable' inter-trial and test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.75 and coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 10%). Furthermore, test-retest reliability (ICC and CV) and sensitivity [Standard Error of Measurement (SEMs) ≤ Small Worthwhile Change (SWCs)] were higher when averaging the two trials compared to the best trial (40-m split time) only. These findings offer a promising and simple method to monitor training-induced changes in macroscopic mechanical variables of ice hockey skating performance.

Effects of a 14-Day High-Intensity Shock Microcycle in High-Level Ice Hockey Players' Fitness.

ABSTRACT: Brocherie, F, Perez, J, and Guilhem, G. Effects of a 14-day high-intensity shock microcycle in high-level ice hockey players' fitness. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2247-2252, 2022-Elite athletes face congested schedules with increased competition frequency and restricted time for training periods. Therefore, time is lacking to design long-term sport-specific block periodization. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding a 14-day off-ice high-intensity training (HIT) shock microcycle to the usual training content of the pre-season preparation of high-level male ice hockey players' fitness. Fourteen players were randomly assigned to off-ice HIT ( n = 7) or usual pre-season training (control, n = 7). For the HIT group, additional off-ice training content included 2 sessions of repeated-maximal resistance training, 2 sessions of repeated-sprint training, and 2 sessions of high-intensity intermittent training. Control group performed equal number of off-ice sessions using traditional strength and conditioning training. Off-ice Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (YYIR2) and on-ice repeated-sprint ability test (RSA) were conducted before (pre-test) and 3 days after the intervention (post-test). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Significant group × time interactions were found for off-ice YYIR2 performance ( p < 0.05) and on-ice RSA-cumulated skating time (RSA TT ; p < 0.05). Compared with pre-test, off-ice YYIR2 distance covered significantly increased (from 708.6 ± 97.2 to 885.7 ± 118.7 m, p < 0.01; +25.8 ± 16.9%, p < 0.05) and on-ice RSA TT significantly decreased (from 28.35 ± 0.87 to 28.14 ± 0.84 seconds; -1.7 ± 2.1%, both p < 0.05)] for HIT group. No significant pre-test to post-test changes were found for the control group (+2.7 ± 20.0% for YYIR2 and +0.9 ± 2.2% for RSA TT ). The implementation of a 14-day shock microcycle (including 6 HIT sessions) significantly improved fitness performance in high-level male ice hockey players. Such HIT block periodization offers a promising way to deal with congested schedules.

Ice Hockey Forward Skating Force-Velocity Profiling Using Single Unloaded vs. Multiple Loaded Methods.

ABSTRACT: Perez, J, Guilhem, G, and Brocherie, F. Ice hockey forward skating force-velocity profiling using single unloaded vs. multiple loaded methods. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3229-3233, 2022-This study aimed to compare skating force-velocity relationships determined throughout sprints performed against various loaded conditions or inferred from movement kinetics measured during a single unloaded sprint. Ten female ice hockey players performed one unloaded maximal skating sprint test measured with a radar gun followed by 4 resisted skating sprints against a robotic horizontal resistance with progressive loads in reference to equipped body mass (BM): 3 kg (robotic resistance), 25, 50, and 75% of equipped BM. Maximal theoretical force (F 0 ), velocity (V 0 ), power (P max ), optimal velocity (V opt ) condition for producing maximal power, and slope of the linear force-velocity relationship (SFV) were determined from each method and compared using a paired sample t -test, absolute mean bias (±95% confidence intervals), Pearson correlations, and typical error of the estimate in standardized units (effect size [ES]). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No statistical difference was found for all mechanical variables determined from the 2 methods ( p ranging 0.09-0.59). Although exhibiting positive correlations ranging from moderate ( r = 0.50 for SFV) to high ( r ranging from 0.71 to 0.84 for F 0 , V 0 , V opt , and P max ) between methods, all variables exhibited large levels of error between approaches (ES ranging 0.66-1.71). Multiple loaded and single unloaded methods were comparable with determine force-velocity relationships during forward on-ice skating sprint. The low-cost fatigue-free unloaded method suggests it could be used in constrained contexts (i.e., congested schedule and low available time) or for a simple force-velocity profiling. Inversely, multiple loaded methods would be more appropriate to evaluate and individualize training for skilled ice hockey players accustomed to resistive skating sprint.

Truncated Estimation of Skating Force-Velocity Profiling When Using High-Speed Video-Based Methods Compared to Radar-Derived Processing.

This study aimed to compare the force-velocity mechanical variables derived from high-speed video- and radar-based method during forward skating sprint in ice hockey. Thirteen elite female ice hockey players performed two 40-m forward skating sprints to determine, in the horizontal plane, maximal velocity reached (Vmax), relative maximal theoretical force (F0), maximal theoretical velocity (V0), relative maximal power (Pmax), linear slope of the force-velocity relationship (FV slope), maximal value of the ratio of force (RFmax) and index of force application technique (Drf). Two different high-speed video-based methods adding a time shift (ST-TS) or not (ST) were used and independently compared to the radar-derived method. ST and ST-TS showed significant mean differences (all p < 0.002) compared to radar-derived processing for all variables except for V0 (p = 0.26) and Vmax (p = 0.13) inferred from ST. In reference to radar-derived variables, ST-TS significantly induced larger lower values compared to radar of the main forward skating sprint determinants (Pmax, F0, RFmax and Drf) and moderate-to-large overestimation for velocity variables (V0 and Vmax). Correlations between ST or ST-TS and radar-derived methods ranged from trivial for velocity variables to very large for force and power variables. Consequently, practitioners must be aware that using such high-speed video-based methods would permit to determine mechanical variables at the cost of much lower accuracy and reliability than the radar-derived method.

Mechanical determinants of forward skating sprint inferred from off- and on-ice force-velocity evaluations in elite female ice hockey players.

This study aimed to investigate the correlations between players' mechanical capacities determined during off- and on-ice tests. Whole body force-velocity relationships were assessed in elite female ice hockey players (n = 17) during jumping [squat jump (SJ)], running (5 and 30 m) and skating (5 and 40 m) sprint tasks. Mechanical capacities estimates include relative maximal theoretical force (F0rel), velocity (V0), power (Pmaxrel), slope of the linear relationship between force relative to body mass and velocity (SFVrel), maximal horizontal component of the ground reaction force to the corresponding resultant force (RFmax) and minimal rate of decrease of this ratio (DRF). On-ice mechanical capacities (F0rel, Pmaxrel, RFmax and DRF) largely-to-very largely correlated with 40-m skating split time (r ranging from 0.82 for DRF to -0.91 for Pmaxrel; p < 0.001). Performance variables (SJ height, 30-m running and 40-m forward skating split time) and Pmaxrel demonstrated the largest associations between jumping, running and skating tasks (r ranging from -0.81 for 30-m sprint running time to 0.92 for SJ height; p < 0.001). Small (V0, SFVrel, DRF and force-velocity deficit) to very large (Pmaxrel) correlations (r ranging from 0.58 to 0.72; p < 0.05) were obtained between mechanical variables inferred from off- and on-ice force-velocity tests. The capacity to generate high amounts of horizontal power and effective horizontal force during the first steps on the ice is paramount for forward skating sprint performance. Mechanical capacities determined during forward skating sprint could be considered in ice hockey testing to identify fitness and/or technical/training requirements.

Comparison between 1.5- and 3-T Magnetic Resonance Acquisitions for Direct Targeting Stereotactic Procedures for Deep Brain Stimulation: A Phantom Study.

INTRODUCTION: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established treatment for movement disorders. High magnetic fields could have an impact on distortion. We evaluated 1.5- and 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for accuracy, precision, and trueness of our MRI-guided direct targeting protocol. METHODS: Effects of distortion on MR sequences (T1- and T2-weighted sequences) can be evaluated using a dedicated phantom (Elekta). Field strength capabilities were assessed on Siemens Avanto (1.5 T) and Skyra (3 T) scanners. We assessed the precision of our stereotactic MRI-guided procedure. RESULTS: We focused on the risk of error due to a high field strength. Error values on the localizer box were between 0.4 and 0.7 mm at 1.5 T and between 0.6 and 2 mm at 3 T. The most accurate 1.5-T sequence is the 3D FLASH T1-weighted sequence, which had an accuracy value of 0.6 mm. At 3 T, the accuracy value of the isotropic 3D FLASH T1-weighted sequence was 1.6 mm. CONCLUSION: Given the millimetric size of stereotactic targets and electrodes, lead implantation for neuromodulation therapy needs to be accurate. We demonstrate that 3-T imaging could not be used for stereotaxy in our MRI-guided direct targeting protocol because of a risk of error induced by distortion.

Impaired Performance of the Smash Stroke in Badminton Induced by Muscle Fatigue.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of muscle fatigue on badminton performance during a smash stroke. METHODS: In total, 17 young, well-trained players completed 20 forehand smashes twice (prefatigue and postfatigue protocol), and both speed and precision of the strokes were measured. The fatigue protocol consisted of 10 series of 10 maximal countermovement jumps (3-s rest in between) followed by 8 lunges. Perception of effort and countermovement-jump performance during each series were also measured to assess fatigue. RESULTS: Shuttlecock speed decreased moderately (-3.3%) but significantly after the fatigue protocol (P < .001, ηp2=.671). Precision significantly decreased after the fatigue protocol (-10.3%, P = .001, ηp2=.473). The decrease in precision was mainly due to an increased number of faults (P = .006, ηp2=.378, dz = 0.756) and to a decrease in accuracy (P = .066, ηp2=.195, dz = 0.478). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that fatigue impairs performance during specific badminton skills. Moreover, by showing a slight decrease in speed and a large decrease in accuracy of the shuttlecock when fatigue is experienced, the present study suggested that, as previously observed in other racket sports, the speed of the missile appears to be the key factor used by the players to win the rally. Coaches and physical trainers should therefore develop interventions aiming to limit the negative impact of fatigue on badminton strokes.

Rechargeable or Nonrechargeable Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia: A Cost Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Deep brain stimulation of the internal Globus Pallidus (GPi DBS) delivered by an implantable neurostimulator (INS) is an established, effective, and safe treatment option for patients with medically refractory primary dystonia. Compared to other DBS targets, the battery life of the INS is substantially shorter due to the higher energy demands required to penetrate the GPi resulting in faster battery depletion and more frequent hospitalizations for INS replacement. We, therefore, performed a cost analysis to compare a rechargeable DBS system, Activa®RC, with nonrechargeable systems, from the perspective of the French public health insurer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To estimate the cost of INS replacement in the nonrechargeable cohort, and costs potentially avoided in the hypothetical Activa® RC cohort, the medical records of patients who had undergone GPi DBS with a nonrechargeable INS between 1996 and 2010 at a center in France were accessed. Replacement rates were estimated for up to nine years. RESULTS: With Activa® RC, a total of 315 hospitalizations for replacement procedures would have been avoided over nine years compared with a nonrechargeable INS, resulting in a discounted mean direct medical cost per patient over nine years of €50,119 with a nonrechargeable INS and €33,306 with Activa® RC, a reduction of 34%. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of a rechargeable instead of a nonrechargeable INS for eligible patients with dystonia may provide substantial savings to the public health insurer in France.