Off-Ice Anaerobic Power Does Not Predict On-Ice Repeated Shift Performance in Hockey.

Peterson, BJ, Fitzgerald, JS, Dietz, CC, Ziegler, KS, Baker, SE, and Snyder, EM. Off-ice anaerobic power does not predict on-ice repeated shift performance in hockey. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2375-2381, 2016-Anaerobic power is a significant predictor of acceleration and top speed in team sport athletes. Historically, these findings have been applied to ice hockey although recent research has brought their validity for this sport into question. As ice hockey emphasizes the ability to repeatedly produce power, single bout anaerobic power tests should be examined to determine their ability to predict on-ice performance. We tested whether conventional off-ice anaerobic power tests could predict on-ice acceleration, top speed, and repeated shift performance. Forty-five hockey players, aged 18-24 years, completed anthropometric, off-ice, and on-ice tests. Anthropometric and off-ice testing included height, weight, body composition, vertical jump, and Wingate tests. On-ice testing consisted of acceleration, top speed, and repeated shift fatigue tests. Vertical jump (VJ) (r = -0.42; r = -0.58), Wingate relative peak power (WRPP) (r = -0.32; r = -0.43), and relative mean power (WRMP) (r = -0.34; r = -0.48) were significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.05) to on-ice acceleration and top speed, respectively. Conversely, none of the off-ice tests correlated with on-ice repeated shift performance, as measured by first gate, second gate, or total course fatigue; VJ (r = 0.06; r = 0.13; r = 0.09), WRPP (r = 0.06; r = 0.14; r = 0.10), or WRMP (r = -0.10; r = -0.01; r = -0.01). Although conventional off-ice anaerobic power tests predict single bout on-ice acceleration and top speed, they neither predict the repeated shift ability of the player, nor are good markers for performance in ice hockey.

Aerobic capacity is associated with improved repeated shift performance in hockey.

Current research has found conflicting results regarding the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)) and the repeated sprint ability (RSA) of hockey players. The purpose of this study was to use sport-specific testing methods to investigate this relationship. Forty-five (range, 18-24) college hockey players completed a graded exercise test on a skating treadmill to ascertain their (Equation is included in full-text article.). An on-ice repeated shift test was then conducted to evaluate each player's susceptibility to fatigue. First gate, second gate, and total test times were collected on the course and then used to calculate associated decrement scores. Second gate decrement was significantly correlated to (Equation is included in full-text article.)(r = -0.31, p = 0.04). Final stage completed during the graded exercise test was also significantly correlated to second gate and total decrement (r = -0.46, p = 0.001; r = -0.32, p = 0.03). No significant correlation was found between either first gate or total decrement score and (Equation is included in full-text article.)(r = -0.11, p = 0.46; r = -0.17, p = 0.26). The results of this study indicate that RSA is associated with (Equation is included in full-text article.)and final stage completed when using sport-specific testing methods.

Division I Hockey Players Generate More Power Than Division III Players During on- and Off-Ice Performance Tests.

Current research has found anthropometric and physiological characteristics of hockey players that are correlated to performance. These characteristics, however, have never been examined to see whether significant differences exist between on- and off-ice performance markers at different levels of play; Division I, Elite Junior, and Division III. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences that may exist between these characteristics in Division I (24), Elite Junior (10), and Division III hockey (11) players. Forty-five (age: 18-24 years) hockey players completed anthropometric, on-ice, and off-ice tests to ascertain average measures for each division of play. On-ice testing was conducted in full hockey gear and consisted of acceleration, top-speed, and on-ice repeated shift test (RST). Off-ice tests included vertical jump, Wingate, grip strength, and a graded exercise test performed on a skating treadmill to ascertain their (Equation is included in full-text article.). Division I players had significantly lower body fat than their Division III peers (p = 0.004). Division I players also scored significantly better on measures of anaerobic power; vertical jump (p = 0.001), Wingate peak power (p = 0.05), grip strength (p = 0.008), top speed (p = 0.001), and fastest RST course time (p = 0.001) than their Division III counterparts. There was no significant difference between Division I and Elite Junior players for any on- or off-ice performance variable. The results of this study indicate that performance differences between Division I and Division III hockey players seem to be primarily because of the rate of force production.

Primary sternal osteomyelitis with bacteremia and distal seeding.

BACKGROUND: Primary sternal osteomyelitis is a rare disease, whereas secondary sternal osteomyelitis is relatively well known as a complication in post-sternotomy patients. OBJECTIVE: Describe a case of primary Staphylococcus aureus sternal osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent man and its diagnostic challenges, treatment, and complications. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man presented with prolonged sternal pain and swelling, fatigue, and fever. He is diagnosed with primary sternal osteomyelitis with concurrent bacteremia and complicated by local and distant abscess formation. The diagnosis was aided by computed tomography, and treatment consisted of incision and drainage and long-term antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Primary sternal osteomyelitis is uncommon and often difficult to diagnose. Complications include abscess formation and distal seeding. Diagnosis can be aided by a detailed history and radiography, and treatment may consist of a prolonged course of antibiotics and incision and drainage.