Changes in the force-time curve during a repeat power ability assessment using loaded countermovement jumps.

Background: Repeat power ability (RPA) assessments traditionally use discrete variables, such as peak power output, to quantify the change in performance across a series of jumps. Rather than using a discrete variable, the analysis of the entire force-time curve may provide additional insight into RPA performance. The aims of this study were to (1) analyse changes in the force-time curve recorded during an RPA assessment using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and (2) compare the differences in the force-time curve between participants with low and high RPA scores, as quantified by traditional analysis. Materials and Methods: Eleven well-trained field hockey players performed an RPA assessment consisting of 20 loaded countermovement jumps with a 30% one repetition maximum half squat load (LCMJ20). Mean force-time series data was normalized to 100% of the movement duration and analysed using SPM. Peak power output for each jump was also derived from the force-time data and a percent decrement score calculated for jumps 2 to 19 (RPA%dec). An SPM one-way ANOVA with significance accepted at α = 0.05, was used to identify the change in the force-time curve over three distinct series of jumps across the LCMJ20 (series 1 = jumps 2-5, series 2 = jumps 9-12 and series 3 = jumps 16-19). A secondary analysis, using an independent T-test with significance accepted at p < 0.001, was also used to identify differences in the force-time curve between participants with low and high RPA%dec. Results: Propulsive forces were significantly lower (p < 0.001) between 74-98% of the movement compared to 0-73% for changes recorded during the LCMJ20. Post hoc analysis identified the greatest differences to occur between jump series 1 and jump series 2 (p < 0.001) at 70-98% of the movement and between jump series 1 and jump series 3 (p < 0.001) at 86-99% of the movement. No significant differences were found between jump series 2 and jump series 3. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in both the braking phase at 44-48% of the jump and the propulsive phase at 74-94% of the jump were identified when participants were classified based on low or high RPA%dec scores (with low scores representing an enhanced ability to maintain peak power output than high scores). Conclusion: A reduction in force during the late propulsive phase is evident as the LCMJ20 progresses. SPM analysis provides refined insight into where changes in the force-time curve occur during performance of the LCMJ20. Participants with the lower RPA%dec scores displayed both larger braking and propulsive forces across the LCMJ20 assessment.

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

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

The relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players.

Background: Understanding the relationship between the functional state of the musculoskeletal system and skating performance in ice hockey players is essential, as it can provide valuable insights for the development of training programs tailored to the specific needs of athletes. This study investigated the relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance, and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players. Methods: The study involved sixty elite male ice hockey players aged 14 to 18 years, with an average age of 15.9 ± 0.85 years and training experience ranging from 7 to 9 years. Functional movement patterns were evaluated using the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM). Dynamic balance was assessed using the lower quarter Y-Balance test (YBT-LQ). Fitness tests on ice were conducted using a professional Smart Speed measurement system. Results: Negative correlations were found between the in-line lunge and the results of the 5-m forward (rho = -0.31, p = 0.018) and 5-m backward (rho = -0.27, p = 0.040), as well as between the hurdle step and the 30-m forward skating test result (rho = -0.26, p = 0.043). Positive correlations were observed between shoulder mobility and both forward (5-m: rho = 0.27, p = 0.035) and backward skating results (5-m: rho = 0.35, p = 0.006; 30-m: rho = 0.26, p = 0.047), and between active straight leg rise and both the 5-m forward skating (rho = 0.38, p = 0.002) and agility tests (rho = 0.39, p = 0.002). The study also revealed positive correlations between the magnitude of asymmetries in the anterior reach distance of the right and left legs and the results of 5-m forward (rho = 0.34, p = 0.009) and backward skating (rho = 0.32, p = 0.013). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the agility test and the magnitude of asymmetries in the posteromedial reach distance (r = 0.32, p = 0.012) as well as the composite YBT score (r = 0.28, p = 0.031). Negative correlations were found between normalized reach distances in the YBT-LQ and performance outcomes in both forward and backward skating, as well as in the agility test, indicating that greater reach distance corresponds to faster skating. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential impact of balance and hip mobility on skating speed and agility and emphasize the importance of symmetry for optimal performance among ice hockey players.

Effects of Caffeinated Chewing Gum on Ice Hockey Performance after Jet Lag Intervention: Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of caffeinated chewing gum on the physical performance of elite ice hockey players after a jet lag intervention. Fourteen national-level (age: 25.2 ± 5.4; height: 176.5 ± 5.3; weight: 78.1 ± 13.4) ice hockey players were tested late at night after a full day awake schedule with jet lag. A randomised, double-blind experimental design was employed in which participants either chewed caffeinated gum (CAF) containing 3 mg/kg caffeine or a caffeine-free placebo gum (PLA) for 10 min prior to undertaking a series of on-ice and off-ice tests. The off-ice tests included grip force, the counter-movement jump (CMJ), and the squat jump (SJ). The on-ice tests included a 35 m sprint, the S-Shape agility test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo IR1 test). The CMJ height (CAF: 47.2 ± 4.4; PL: 45.9 ± 3.5; p = 0.035; Cohen's d = 0.32) and SJ height (CAF: 46.7 ± 4.1; PL: 44.9 ± 3.8; p = 0.047; Cohen's d = 0.44) were found to be significantly higher in the CAF than in the PL trial. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in grip force, as well as in the 35 m sprint, the S-Shape agility test, and the Yo-Yo IR1 test. The present study found that, following a jet lag intervention, although the consumption of caffeinated gum resulted in an increase in vertical jump height, it had no impact on performance in the ice tests. The results of this study may help coaches and athletes consider the need for caffeine supplementation when experiencing jet lag.

Associations between skating mechanical capabilities and off-ice physical abilities of highly trained teenage ice hockey players.

This study examines the associations between force and velocity characteristics of forward skating and off-ice speed, agility, and power of highly trained teenage ice hockey players. Players attending the Quebec ice hockey federation's off-season evaluation camp were invited to participate in this study. Final sample consists of 107 highly trained teenage ice hockey players (Males: n = 38; 13.83 ± 0.38 years; Females: n = 69: 14.75 ± 0.90 years). Individual force-velocity profiles (F-V) were determined during a 44 m skating sprint. Off-ice speed, agility, and power were measured using 30 m sprint, 5-10-5 agility, and standing long jump. Associations between F-V mechanical capabilities and off-ice indicators were analyzed with correlational analyses and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results of pooled data indicate that the three off-ice measures had moderate associations with F0 and V0 and large associations with Pmax. Associations with Rfmax, Drf, and Sfv were moderate to small. F0 had stronger associations with off-ice performance in female players while V0 was more important with male players. MANCOVA identified 5-10-5 times as the better predictor for F0 while 30 m sprints times better predicted V0. To maximize physical attributes of skating ability, practitioners are encouraged to focus on a general physical preparation for highly trained teenage players. Prioritizing types of exercises that use change of direction or acceleration and linear speed should have distinct effects on F0 and V0 on the ice.

Enhancing Physical Fitness in Elite Field Hockey Players with A Twelve-Week Functional Training Program: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial.

This study aimed to explore the impact of functional training on the physical fitness of young elite field hockey players. The study comprised 40 young elite male field hockey players with the following characteristics (mean ± SD age: 21.5 ± 0.8 years; height: 176.9 ± 2.6 cm; weight: 68.4 ± 5.1 kg; BMI: 21.8 ± 1.3; training experience: 51.2 ± 5.4 months). Twenty participants were allocated to two groups: the functional training group (FTG) and the control training group (CG). Each group received 60-minute training sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equation analysis and a Bonferroni test for pairwise comparisons were used to assess the intervention's efficacy. Before the start of the exercise program, no statistically significant differences were observed in physical fitness measures between the FTG and CG (p > 0.05). However, by the sixth week, a significant difference appeared in both the T-Agility test (p < 0.001) and endurance (p = 0.024) between the two groups, while no notable distinctions were detected in other fitness parameters (p > 0.05). After a 12-week training program, the FTG demonstrated improvements in all physical fitness measures [flexibility (p < 0.001); Illinois agility test (p < 0.001); T-agility test (p = 0.020); endurance (p < 0.001)] except speed, which exhibited no significant impact (p = 0.175). Notable enhancements in T-agility and endurance were evident after just six weeks of functional training, and a 12-week functional training regimen showed superiority over standard training approaches in young elite male field hockey players. These findings encourage the efficacy of functional training exercises over traditional methods in enhancing athletes' fitness parameters.

Relationships between sprint skating performance and insole plantar forces in national-level hockey athletes.

BACKGROUND: Sprint skating is essential for competitive success in hockey. Previous studies have highlighted various measures of lower-body strength and power as key factors influencing sprint performance. However, while these studies have indicated a significant association between the ability to exert greater force and impulse into the ice surface, and the capacity to achieve faster sprint skating speeds, the direct relationship between these factors remains largely inferred. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the relationships between insole plantar force variables, sprint skating performance, and their association with physical capacity measures, in national-level male hockey athletes? METHODS: Athletes (n=13) performed 25 m sprint skating trials with insole force sensors and completed: ankle dorsiflexion and hip abduction range-of-motion (ROM), countermovement jump (CMJ), seated single-leg jump, and 10-5 repeated-hop test (RHT) assessments. RESULTS: Relationships were assessed using Kendall's Tau rank correlations (τ), with significant relationships identified between mean relative weight acceptance impulse [WAI] and 0-5 m (τ=0.47) and total distance (τ=0.46) times. Additionally, significant associations were observed between mean relative WAI and: CMJ relative eccentric deceleration impulse (τ=0.44), CMJ eccentric peak velocity (τ=-0.46) and RHT concentric impulse (τ=-0.56). Finally, significant relationships were identified between mean relative PI for all strides and the 10-20 m split, with peak velocity (PV) (τ=-0.58 to -0.73); and between ankle dorsiflexion ROM and PV (τ=-0.57). SIGNIFICANCE: Athletes with faster initial acceleration and overall sprint performance times demonstrated lower relative WAI during their strides and employed a jump strategy that optimized concentric impulse with a rapid eccentric phase. To attain a high PV the athletes appeared to require a stride that maximized glide and minimized vertical force, with greater ankle dorsiflexion ROM potentially facilitating this.

A Single Bout of On-Ice Training Leads to Increased Interlimb Asymmetry in Competitive Youth Hockey Athletes.

Interlimb asymmetry (ILA) refers to an anatomical or physiological imbalance between contralateral limbs, which can influence neuromuscular function. Investigating the influence of neuromuscular fatigue on ILA may be critical for optimizing training programs, injury rehabilitation, and sport-specific performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if a single bout of ice hockey-specific exercise creates or exacerbates lower-limb ILA. Before and after an on-ice training session, 33 youth ice-hockey athletes (14.9 [1.7] y; 11 females) performed 3 repetitions of a maximal vertical countermovement jump (CMJ), an eccentric hamstring contraction, and maximal isometric hip adduction and abduction contractions. Force- and power-related variables were analyzed to determine limb-specific neuromuscular function. The on-ice session reduced maximal isometric hip adduction (left: 7.3% [10.3%]; right: 9.5% [9.6%]) and abduction (left: 4.9% [6.9%]; right: 5.0% [8.1%]) force, but did not impair (P ≥ .10) CMJ performance (jump height, relative peak power, braking duration, and total duration). After the on-ice session, ILA was greater for CMJ propulsive impulse (6.3% [2.9%] vs 5.1% [2.6%]), CMJ braking rate of force development (19.3% [7.6%] vs 15.2% [6.4%]), and peak isometric hip adduction force (6.7% [5.5%] vs 6.1% [4.1%]). In conclusion, hockey-specific exercise leads to increased ILA for multiple force-related metrics, which may be a compensatory mechanism to maintain bilateral task performance when fatigued.

On-field Head Acceleration Exposure Measurements Using Instrumented Mouthguards: Multi-stage Screening to Optimize Data Quality.

Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) are widely applied to measure head acceleration event (HAE) exposure in sports. Despite laboratory validation, on-field factors including potential sensor skull-decoupling and spurious recordings limit data accuracy. Video analysis can provide complementary information to verify sensor data but lacks quantitative kinematics reference information and suffers from subjectivity. The purpose of this study was to develop a rigorous multi-stage screening procedure, combining iMG and video as independent measurements, aimed at improving the quality of on-field HAE exposure measurements. We deployed iMGs and gathered video recordings in a complete university men's ice hockey varsity season. We developed a four-stage process that involves independent video and sensor data collection (Stage I), general screening (Stage II), cross verification (Stage III), and coupling verification (Stage IV). Stage I yielded 24,596 iMG acceleration events (AEs) and 17,098 potential video HAEs from all games. Approximately 2.5% of iMG AEs were categorized as cross-verified and coupled iMG HAEs after Stage IV, and less than 1/5 of confirmed or probable video HAEs were cross-verified with iMG data during stage III. From Stage I to IV, we observed lower peak kinematics (median peak linear acceleration from 36.0 to 10.9 g; median peak angular acceleration from 3922 to 942 rad/s2) and reduced high-frequency signals, indicative of potential reduction in kinematic noise. Our study proposes a rigorous process for on-field data screening and provides quantitative evidence of data quality improvements using this process. Ensuring data quality is critical in further investigation of potential brain injury risk using HAE exposure data.

A pilot study on bio-banding in male youth ice hockey: Players' perceptions and coaches' selection preferences.

Classifying athletes based on estimates of biological maturation (i.e., bio-banding) as a supplement to traditional age grouping has been shown to be a potential tool for enriching player development in team sports; however, bio-banding has not yet been evaluated in ice hockey. The primary aim was to investigate player experiences and coaches' selection preferences in bio-banding versus age-banding in a group of 12-13-year-old (early growth spurt) male elite players (n = 69). We also examined the relationship between somatic maturity, expressed as a % predicted adult height (%PAH), and fitness performance. Bio-banding was assessed using a questionnaire and 29 coaches selected their top players in each game based on age or bio-bands. %PAH correlated with grip strength (r = .57, p>0.001) and jumping power (r = .63, p<0.001), but not with vertical jump height, sprint time or endurance. Players who played against more mature players in bio-bands than in age groups experienced higher demands, while players who played against less mature players were able to utilize their skills to a greater extent. Coaches generally favored later-than-average maturing players who performed better on performance tests and chronologically older players in bio-banding. We conclude that bio-banding in youth ice hockey has some promising effects and warrants further evaluation.

Landing error scoring system: A scoping review about variants, reference values and differences according to sex and sport.

OBJECTIVE: The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a movement analysis tool proposed to identify the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, very useful for injury prevention. The aim of this study is to review the variants of the LESS, their normative scores and the differences according to sex and sport practiced. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were searched from inception to October 19, 2023. Studies were eligible if the objective was finding normative or reference scores for the LESS, analyze the differences between sexes or sports, or used some variant of the test. Results were limited to available full-text articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Of the 360 articles identified, 20 were included for a full analysis (18,093 participants, age = 8-30 years, males = 70.6%). The military population was the most frequently analyzed (7 studies, n = 16,603). Results showed six variants of the LESS and average values ranged from 2.56 to 7.1. Males and females showed different pattern landing with errors in different planes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need for more field studies on LESS reference scores, particularly for females and basketball or hockey players. Further research is required before conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Describing the Flick Movement Kinematic Biomechanically and Investigating the Effect of Thrower's Ten Exercises in Underwater Hockey Players.

CONTEXT: Analyzing flick movement kinematics biomechanically is important to prevent sport-related injuries in underwater hockey players since the aquatic-based flick movement is completely different from land-based flick movements. The study aimed to describe the flick movement kinematic biomechanically in underwater hockey players. Moreover, this study further aimed to investigate the effect of the Thrower's Ten exercises on flick movement kinematics in underwater hockey players. DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Seventeen underwater hockey players (age: 26.2 [4.3] y; sports age: 6.2 [4.5] y) were included. First, 2 underwater cameras using motion capture video analysis MATLAB were used to biomechanically analyze the angular changes on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and body while players were performing the flick movements. Players were then recruited to the Thrower's Ten exercise program for 6 weeks. Flick movement kinematics and flick-throwing distance were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks. RESULTS: The flick movement kinematic patterns demonstrated increased shoulder flexion (from 102.5° to 144.9°), wrist extension (from 9.5° to 10.8°), and upper-extremity rotation (from 5.7° to 56.8°) while decreased elbow extension (from 107.7° to 159.2°) from the stick met the puck until the competition of the movement. The Thrower's Ten exercises improved the elbow extension (P = .04), wrist extension (P = .01), body rotation (P < .001), and flick-throwing distance (P < .001) from baseline to 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study describes the underwater flick kinematic technique biomechanically and interprets preliminary findings for the first time. Thus, 6 weeks of Thrower's Ten exercise program provides more body muscle movements than the smaller ones during the flick movements and higher flick-throwing distance in underwater hockey players.

Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation Over the Primary Motor Cortex and Cerebellum Improves Balance and Shooting Accuracy in Elite Ice Hockey Players.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) and cerebellum on balance control and shooting accuracy in elite ice hockey players. METHODS: Twenty-one elite ice hockey players underwent anodal tDCS over the M1 (a-tDCSM1), anodal tDCS over the cerebellum (a-tDCSCB), concurrent dual-site anodal tDCS over the M1 and the cerebellum (a-tDCSM1+CB), and sham stimulation (tDCSSHAM). Before and after receiving tDCS (2 mA for 15 min), participants completed an ice hockey shooting-accuracy test, Pro-Kin balance test (includes stance test and proprioceptive assessment), and Y-balance test in randomized order. RESULTS: For static balance performance, the ellipse area in the 2-legged stance with eyes open and the 1-legged stance with the dominant leg significantly improved following a-tDCSM1, a-tDCSCB, and concurrent dual-site a-tDCSM1+CB, compared with tDCSSHAM (all P < .05, Cohen d = 0.64-1.06). In dynamic balance performance, the average trace error of the proprioceptive assessment and the composite score of the Y-balance test with the dominant leg significantly improved following a-tDCSM1 and concurrent dual-site a-tDCSM1+CB (all P < .05, Cohen d = 0.77-1.00). For the ice hockey shooting-accuracy test, shooting-accuracy while standing on the unstable platform significantly increased following a-tDCSM1 (P = .010, Cohen d = 0.81) and a-tDCSCB (P = .010, Cohen d = 0.92) compared with tDCSSHAM. CONCLUSION: tDCS could potentially be a valuable tool in enhancing static and dynamic balance and shooting accuracy on unstable platforms in elite ice hockey players.

Uncovering the hidden effects of repetitive subconcussive head impact exposure: A mega-analytic approach characterizing seasonal brain microstructural changes in contact and collision sports athletes.

Repetitive subconcussive head impacts (RSHI) are believed to induce sub-clinical brain injuries, potentially resulting in cumulative, long-term brain alterations. This study explores patterns of longitudinal brain white matter changes across sports with RSHI-exposure. A systematic literature search identified 22 datasets with longitudinal diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data. Four datasets were centrally pooled to perform uniform quality control and data preprocessing. A total of 131 non-concussed active athletes (American football, rugby, ice hockey; mean age: 20.06 ± 2.06 years) with baseline and post-season data were included. Nonparametric permutation inference (one-sample t tests, one-sided) was applied to analyze the difference maps of multiple diffusion parameters. The analyses revealed widespread lateralized patterns of sports-season-related increases and decreases in mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) across spatially distinct white matter regions. Increases were shown across one MD-cluster (3195 voxels; mean change: 2.34%), one AD-cluster (5740 voxels; mean change: 1.75%), and three RD-clusters (817 total voxels; mean change: 3.11 to 4.70%). Decreases were shown across two MD-clusters (1637 total voxels; mean change: -1.43 to -1.48%), two RD-clusters (1240 total voxels; mean change: -1.92 to -1.93%), and one AD-cluster (724 voxels; mean change: -1.28%). The resulting pattern implies the presence of strain-induced injuries in central and brainstem regions, with comparatively milder physical exercise-induced effects across frontal and superior regions of the left hemisphere, which need further investigation. This article highlights key considerations that need to be addressed in future work to enhance our understanding of the nature of observed white matter changes, improve the comparability of findings across studies, and promote data pooling initiatives to allow more detailed investigations (e.g., exploring sex- and sport-specific effects).

Safe2Play in youth ice hockey: injury profile and risk factors in a 5-year Canadian longitudinal cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Ice hockey is a popular global sport with growing participation for boys and girls yet remains a high-risk sport for injury. While the evidence for some risk factors, such as bodychecking policy is well established, other risk factors such as player sex have been understudied. The objectives of this study were to examine factors associated with rates of game-related injury, game-related injury resulting in >7 days of time-loss, and practice-related injury in youth ice hockey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Safe2Play was a five-year prospective cohort study (2013-2018). All injuries were identified using validated injury surveillance methodology. Multilevel Poisson regression (adjusting for cluster by team and including multiple imputation of missing covariates) was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for player sex, age group, bodychecking policy, year of play, level of play, weight, previous injury within last 12 months, previous lifetime concussion history, and position. RESULTS: A total of 4418 male and female ice hockey players (representing 6584 player-seasons) participating in under-13 (ages 11-12), under-15 (ages 13-14) and under-18 (ages 15-17) age groups were recruited. There were 1184 game-related and 182 practice-related injuries. Factors associated with game-related injury included female sex (IRR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.18-2.08), previous injury (IRR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.26-1.70) and lifetime concussion history (IRR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.23-1.62). Goaltenders had a lower rate of injury (IRR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.40-0.72) relative to forwards, as did players exposed to policy disallowing bodychecking in games (IRR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.35-0.55). Female sex (IRR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.10-3.28) and lifetime concussion history were also significantly associated with practice-related injury (IRR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.08-2.18). CONCLUSIONS: Based on data from a large 5-year Canadian youth ice hockey longitudinal cohort, several factors associated with injury were identified. Future injury prevention strategies should consider age, sex, previous concussion and injury history, and body checking leagues. Future research in female youth ice hockey including female-only leagues should be a priority to inform prevention strategies in this understudied population.

Motivations for Using Dietary Supplements in Elite Ice Hockey-Controlling Weight and Enhancing Performance.

Background: Excessive or improper use of dietary supplements (DSs) by athletes may cause adverse effects, such as impaired performance or failing a doping test, making it important for athletes to mitigate risk and make well-informed choices when using supplements. Methods: This study used focus group interviews to examine the attitudes, motivations, and practices related to DSs among male elite ice hockey players. Results: The players used a wide range of products, ranging from vitamins to multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements. Consuming DSs was considered as a practical and convenient way to ingest sufficient calories to gain or maintain the body weight and muscle mass needed to meet the physical requirements of the sport. The athletes demonstrated a lenient and ignorant attitude when acquiring and using supplements, with a non-critical trust in the guidance provided to them by the coach or physician. Having completed basic anti-doping education in the form of an e-learning program did not appear to result in taking a more careful approach to using DSs. Conclusions: Through their DS practices, elite ice hockey players may put themselves at risk for anti-doping rule violations. A comprehensive approach is needed when aiming to prevent unintentional doping in this athlete cohort.

Factors associated with non-specific low back pain in field hockey: A cross-sectional study of Premier and Division One players.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which various factors are associated with greater or lesser odds of reporting non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) in field hockey. METHODS: To meet the objective of the study, a cross-sectional study design was used with a purposive sampling strategy. A total of 194 responses (~18% of those accessible) from Premier and Division One players within the UK were received using a UK-based online survey. Data collected included information on NS-LBP, participant characteristics, injury history, training related factors, and work and personal factors. The overall and category-specific prevalence of NS-LBP was calculated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used in conjunction with clinical value to identify associations. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of NS-LBP was 44.0%, with this varying from 23.5 to 70.0% for categories with responses of "yes" and "no" to experiencing NS-LBP. A total of ten individual factors associated with a greater odds ratio (OR) of reporting NS-LBP (OR = 1.43-7.39) were identified in Premier and Division One players. Five individual factors were associated with reduced odds (OR = 0.11-0.60) of reporting NS-LBP. Seven factors (age, stature, playing position, playing internationally, performing a drag flick, low back stiffness/tightness and occupational factors) were deemed particularly pertinent to those working in field hockey given the magnitude of association and clinical value to clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians working in field hockey can consider the key risk factors identified in this study that are associated with NS-LBP when assessing injury risk, movement screening approaches, and overall athlete management.

The Relation Between Domestic Violence and Professional, Contact Sports: It's Complicated.

Learning theories provide explanations for domestic violence; they can also aid in our understanding of the relation between contact sports and domestic violence. Notably, language used during sporting events and athletes' behaviors being rewarded both on and off the field can influence the behaviors of viewers. Adubato (2016) found a statistically significant relation between an increase in domestic violence arrests and the kick-off times of Philadelphia Eagles football games. Here, we replicate and extend this work to Chicago and Boston. We examine quantitative, hourly data from the Chicago and Boston Police Departments and compare mean domestic violence arrests in an 8-hour period from the average Bears' and Patriots' (football) kick-off times, respectively, to the same time period on non-football Sundays, major holidays, and days of rival Blackhawks' and Bruins' (hockey) games, respectively. Results show a significant difference in average domestic violence arrests between hockey games and non-football Sundays in Chicago only. This work highlights the importance of context in examining domestic violence nationally and has implications for domestic violence policies in professional sports' organizations.

A comparison of sub-concussive impact attenuating capabilities of ice hockey helmets with and without XRD foam.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the impact attenuating capabilities between ice hockey helmets manufactured with and without XRD impact protection foam, worn with and without a XRD skullcap, at reducing sub-concussive head accelerations. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental laboratory. METHODS: Ice hockey helmets were fit onto a Hybrid III 50th Head Form Head and dropped 25 times onto the left temporal side for each condition: XRD foam helmet, XRD foam helmet with XRD skullcap adjunct, non-XRD foam helmet, and non-XRD foam helmet with XRD skullcap adjunct. The helmets were dropped from a height that resulted in sub-concussive linear accelerations (25-80 g's). Using a tri-axial accelerometer, peak linear accelerations (g) were measured, and the average was used to compare impact attenuation properties across the four conditions. RESULTS: The highest linear accelerations were observed in the XRD foam helmet without skullcap (32.97 ±â€¯0.61 g) and were significantly greater (p < 0.001) than the XRD helmet with skullcap (21.38 ±â€¯0.76 g). The helmet without XRD foam elicited the lowest peak linear accelerations (16.10 ±â€¯0.73 g) which were significantly lower than the XRD foam helmet regardless of whether the skullcap was added (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although sub-concussive loads are potentially just as dangerous, much of the research regarding helmet and skullcap efficacy appears to be at high concussive impacts; <70 g's. The findings suggest that helmets with incorporated XRD foam, either within the design or added as an adjunct, are less effective at attenuating linear accelerations at sub-concussive levels than the low-density foam helmet.

Dual career in sport and non-sport work: Exploring experiences of North American professional female ice hockey players.

Grounded in role strain theory, this study explored the dual career experiences of North American female ice hockey players who were also involved in full-time non-sporting work, focusing on factors that produced and reduced their role strain. We interviewed ten professional ice hockey players who held full-time non-sport jobs at the time of their interview. Our reflexive thematic analysis revealed that the multitude of factors leading to role strain among professional female working-athletes were notably significant, spanning societal expectations and environmental complexities. The imposition of the superwoman persona, demanding excellence in both hockey and work roles, combined with inconsistent expectations from professional and athletic supervisors intensified stress and undermined well-being. The study's findings emphasize the need for robust support systems and adaptive strategies, such as effective communication, careful planning, and proactive self-care, which can mitigate these pressures. Furthermore, the athletes' narratives revealed a pressing call for empathy and flexibility from coaches, employers, and the broader sports community, suggesting that improvements in these areas could enhance the professional and personal experiences of these working-athletes. The findings provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by dual career female athletes, as well as current strategies aimed at supporting and enhancing their experiences. Furthermore, these results deepen our understanding of how professional female athletes in North America can achieve greater well-being by addressing the factors that produce and reduce role strain factors.