Linking the preference in a bilateral asymmetric task with handedness, footedness, and eyedness: The case of ice-hockey.

Most people know whether they are left-handed or right-handed, and usually base this assessment on preferences during one-handed tasks. There are several manual tasks that require the contribution of both hands, in which, in most cases, each hand plays a different role. In this specific case, holding an ice-hockey stick is particularly interesting because the hand placement may have an incidence on the playing style. In this study (n = 854), the main objective was to determine to what extent the way of holding an ice-hockey stick is associated with other lateralized preferences. Amongst the 131 participants reporting a preference for the left hand in unilateral tasks, 70.2% reported a preference for shooting right (placing the right hand in the middle of the stick); and amongst the 583 participants reporting a preference for writing with the right hand, 66.2% reported a preference for shooting left. 140 (16.4%) participants were classified as ambidextrous and 61.4% of them reported a preference for shooting right. This preference on the ice-hockey stick is closely correlated (uncrossed preference) to the way one holds a rake, shovel, or broom, or a golf club, but inversely related to the way one holds an ax and a baseball bat. The link between the way of holding the ice-hockey stick and eyedness or footedness is weak. These results are contrasted with the results reported by Loffing et al. (2014) and reveal the need to clarify the exact nature and requirements of the targeted tasks when studying bilateral asymmetric preferences.

Effects of Different Recovery Periods Following a Very Intense Interval Training Session on Strength and Explosive Performance in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Petré, H, Tinmark, F, Rosdahl, H, and Psilander, N. Effects of different recovery periods following a very intense interval training session on strength and explosive performance in elite female ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e383-e390, 2024-This study investigates how different recovery periods after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects strength and explosive performance during a power training (PT) session. Fifteen female elite ice hockey players (22.5 ± 5.2 years) performed PT, including 6 sets of 2 repetitions (reps) of isometric leg press (ILP) and 6 sets of 3 reps of countermovement jump (CMJ), following a rested state and 10 minutes, 6 hours, or 24 hours after HIIT (3 sets of 8 × 20 seconds at 115% of power output at maximal oxygen consumption on a cycle ergometer). Peak force (PF) and peak rate of force development (pRFD) were measured during the ILP. Peak jump height (PJH), concentric phase duration (ConDur), eccentric phase duration, total duration, peak power (PP), velocity at peak power (V@PP), and force at peak power were measured during CMJ. The following variables were significantly reduced when only a 10-minute recovery period was allowed between HIIT and PT: PF was reduced by 7% ( p < 0.001), pRFD by 17% ( p < 0.001), PJH by 4% ( p < 0.001), ConDur by 4% ( p = 0.018), PP by 2% ( p = 0.016), and V@PP by 2% ( p = 0.007). None of the measured variables were reduced when PT was performed 6 and 24 hours after HIIT. We conclude that strength and explosive performance of elite female ice hockey players is reduced 10 minutes after HIIT but not negatively affected if a rest period of at least 6 hours is provided between HIIT and PT.

Humeral Torsion in Relation to Shoulder Range of Motion in Elite Field Hockey Players.

CONTEXT: Sport-specific adaptations in shoulder rotation range of motion (ROM) and the relationship with humeral torsion have been described in overhead-throwing sports. However, information is lacking for other shoulder-loading sports such as field hockey. Therefore, this study's purpose was to evaluate humeral torsion in elite, male field hockey players and explore its association with shoulder ROM. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Twenty-five male, elite field hockey players were included. Humeral torsion and shoulder external and internal rotation ROM were evaluated bilaterally by ultrasound and an inclinometer smartphone application, respectively. RESULTS: Field hockey players showed a significantly increased humeral retroversion on the dominant compared with the nondominant side (P < .001; Cohen d = 1.75), along with a significantly increased external (P = .004; Cohen d = -0.64) and decreased internal rotation ROM (P = .003; Cohen d = 0.65). This finding illustrates a shift in total shoulder rotational ROM arc. Correlation analysis showed a significant moderate association between the increased humeral retroversion and decreased internal rotation ROM on the dominant side (r = .523). CONCLUSIONS: Elite male field hockey athletes show sport-specific adaptations regarding humeral torsion and shoulder rotation ROM, similar to throwing athletes. These findings increase our insight into the field hockey athlete's shoulder, which is essential to optimize performance and assist in correctly interpreting shoulder rotational ROM measurements.

The Impact of an 8-Week Resisted Sprint Training Program on Ice Skating Performance in Male Youth Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Dietze-Hermosa, MS, Montalvo, S, Gonzalez, MP, and Dorgo, S. The impact of an 8-week, resisted, sprint training program on ice skating performance in male youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 957-965, 2024-The purposes of this randomized control study were to (a) compare the effects of an on-ice versus an overground resisted sprint training intervention and a control condition and (b) identify changes in ice skating kinematics and kinetics after training intervention participation. Twenty-four youth ice hockey players were randomly allocated into 3 groups: (a) on-ice resisted sprint training (on-ice RST); (b) overground resisted sprint training (overground RST); and (c) body weight resistance training (control). During the 8-week intervention, the 2 RST groups engaged in sled towing methods, whereas the control group engaged in a body weight resistance training program twice a week. A series of individual, repeated-measures analysis of variances with post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted for variables of interest. An interaction effect was noted for ice skating s-cornering agility drill completion time ( p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.36), ice skating 30-m top speed completion time ( p = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.27), step length ( p = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.26), and knee angle at touchdown ( p = 0.03; ηp2 = 0.30). The on-ice RST group displayed superior improvements across ice skating tests compared with the control group. Data show that on-ice RST has the greatest transfer effect to ice skating metrics; however, improvements in certain ice skating metrics can be observed with overground training also.

The effect of match congestion on hip adductor squeeze strength in youth rink hockey players

Introduction Groin injuries are common among rink hockey players. Monitoring the main risk factors can reduce the likelihood of suffering such injury. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a competitive congestion period on the squeeze strength of the hip adductor muscles in a group of adolescent rink hockey players, and whether the strength reduction exceeded the injury risk threshold (>15%) for sustaining a groin injury. Materials and Methods Twenty U-16 athletes (9 females) participated in the study. Eighty-three adductor strength measurements were recorded after 10 games (2109 min of play). Function was assessed using the Sport subscale of the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire. A simple linear regression model was used to analyze the accumulated time-strength relationship, and the pre-tournament and post-tournament HAGOS results were compared. Results The accumulation of games resulted in a significant strength reduction in male players' (R2= 0.27), but not in females. Eighty-five percent of the sample had their strength reduced to values at risk compared to baseline strength, but none of them stopped their activity due to discomfort in the groin region. HAGOS results were not affected by the competitive congestion (p = 0.07–0.48). Conclusion Match congestion can negatively impact adductor strength. However, there may not be a relationship between strength loss above 15% and the appearance of a groin injury. (AU)

Investigating the Relevance of Maximal Speed and Acceleration in Varsity-Level Female Ice Hockey Players.

PURPOSE: To characterize and compare female ice hockey players' peak skating speed and acceleration ability during linear sprints and gameplay. We also sought to quantify the time spent at various speeds and the frequency of accelerations at different thresholds during games. METHODS: Seventeen varsity-level female ice hockey players (20 [1.4] y, 68.9 [4.9] kg, 167.6 [4.7] cm) participated in an on-ice practice session (performing 3 × 40-m linear sprints) and 4 regular-season games while being monitored using a local positioning system. Speed and acceleration were recorded from the sprint and within-game monitoring. Time on ice spent in relative skating speed zones and the frequency of accelerations at different intensities were recorded. RESULTS: Players' greatest peak speeds (29.5 [1.3] vs 28.3 [1.1] km/h) and accelerations (4.39 [0.48] vs 3.34 [0.36] m/s2) reached during gameplay were higher than those reached in linear sprinting (both P < .01). Peak in-game values were moderately predicted by linear sprint values for speed (r = .69, P < .01) but not for acceleration (r < .01, P = .95). Players spent little time at near-peak linear sprint speeds (≥80% [22.7 km/h], ∼3% time on ice; ≥90% [25.5 km/h], <1% of time on ice) during gameplay. However, 26% to 35% of accelerations recorded during the 4 games were ≥90% of linear sprint acceleration. CONCLUSIONS: Although skating speed may be advantageous in specific game situations, our results suggest that players spend little time at near-maximal speeds while accelerating frequently during games. This warrants further investigation of direction changes, skating transitions, repeated sprints, and other determinant variables potentially related to on-ice success and the implementation of training strategies to improve repeated acceleration or qualities beyond maximal skating speed.

Physical fitness metrics and their relationship to locomotor activity profiles among female international field hockey players across an Olympic cycle.

OBJECTIVES: The study explored the correlations between physical fitness metrics and match locomotor activity profiles. Furthermore exploring the transformations of both fitness tests as well as match locomotor activities over an Olympic cycle. DESIGN: Observational descriptive study. METHODS: Fitness testing (n = 24) and match locomotor activity (n = 102) profiles were collected. A Pearson's product-moment correlation and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to determine relationships between metrics for each year. A mixed-effects model was used for repeated measures to identify differences in the physical fitness tests and match locomotor activity profiles between years. RESULTS: The YoYo intermittent reocvery testest level 1 changed significantly (p < 0.0001) and accounted for 29 % of the variance in average speed (p < 0.001, rrm (59) = 0.54) Upper and lower body muscular strength, also improved, evidenced by the 3RM bench press (p < 0.0001), and a 28 % (2017-2019) increase in 3RM squat (p < 0.0001). Also pull-ups increased from 4.2 ± 2.8 pull-ups (2017) to 10.0 ± 3.1 pull-ups (2020) (p < 0.0001) and. countermovement jump height increased over the study duration (p < 0.0001). Match total distances remained unchanged, while average speed increased significantly (p < 0.0001). High-speed running distance (p < 0.0003) and sprint counts (p < 0.0001), showed significant improvements over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores noteworthy improvements in physical attributes and performance metrics over an Olympic cycle. Contributing valuable insights for enhancing athletic performance in hockey players competing in the Olympics.

Analysis of Sleep, Nocturnal Physiology, and Physical Demands of NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Across a Championship Season.

ABSTRACT: Merrigan, JJ, Stone, JD, Kraemer, WJ, Friend, C, Lennon, K, Vatne, EA, and Hagen, JA. Analysis of sleep, nocturnal physiology, and physical demands of NCAA women's ice hockey across a championship season. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 694-703, 2024-The aims of this study were to evaluate the (a) relationships between daily physical demands and nighttime sleep, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV); (b) weekly changes in physical demands and sleep; and (c) differences among positions and between training and competition during a competitive season in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's ice hockey. Twenty-five NCAA Division I women's ice hockey athletes wore a sensor at night to monitor sleep quantity or quality (e.g., time asleep and sleep efficiency) and physiology (e.g., HR and HRV). During training and competitions (31 regular season and 7 postseason), athletes wore performance monitoring systems to assess workload demands (e.g., training impulse and TRIMP). As internal workload (TRIMP, Time >80% of HRmax, Average HR) during training or competition increased, nocturnal HRV decreased, HR increased, and Sleep Duration, Sleep Score, and Readiness Score decreased that night. Across the season, athletes experienced lower HRV, but exhibited longer sleep durations. Training Distance, Duration, Time >80% HRmax, Average HR, and TRIMP decreased, whereas competition Total Distance, Duration, and TRIMP increased across weeks throughout the season. There were differences across positions and season blocks when evaluating these data at the mesocycle level. Athletes slept longer before competition compared with training, but physiological data did not differ. Competitions had greater physiological demands than training. We speculate that the increased focus on sleep hygiene, as evidenced by the increase in sleep over the season, may have served as a recovery aid to combat physiological stress of accumulated demands of competitions that increased over time into postseason tournaments.

Maximum Strength and Power as Determinants of Match Skating Performance in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Keiner, M, Kierot, M, Stendahl, M, Brauner, T, and Suchomel, TJ. Maximum strength and power as determinants of match skating performance in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1090-1094, 2024-Maximum strength has a strong influence on speed-strength performances such as sprints and jumps. Important for sports practice is whether these findings are also reflected in game performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of maximum strength and power performance on linear on-ice skating performance in testing and during game play. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 24 highly trained male youth ice hockey players participated. Jump performances (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jumps), maximum strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM] squat and isometric trap bar pull [ITBP]), and on-ice linear sprints (15 m [LS15], 30 m [LS30], flying 15 m [FLY15]) were measured. Match performances (among others: peak skating speed) were collected of 4 regular league games using a local positioning system. Correlation coefficient and explained variance were calculated ( ρ ≤ 0.05). Correlations between maximum strength and jump with on-ice linear sprint performance showed 1-35% explained variance. Correlations between "off ice" test (CMJ, relative 1RM) and game data (peak skating speed) showed 22-30% explained variance, respectively, while ITBP and DJ missed significant level. Between linear sprint and game performance showed 15-59% explained variance. In this study, a clear influence of 1RM in squatting and CMJ performance on on-ice linear sprint as well as in-game peak skating speed was observed. These findings show that strength and jumping performance can be valuable tests within a comprehensive test battery and indicate the relevance of strength and jumping tasks within the regular exercise program to improve in-game skating performance.

Sweat Characteristics and Fluid Balance Responses During Two Heat Training Camps in Elite Female Field Hockey Players.

We examined the sweat characteristics and fluid balance of elite female field hockey players during two heat training camps. Fourteen elite female field hockey players from the Australian national squad participated in two heat training camps held ∼6 months apart, following winter- (Camp 1) and summer-based training (Camp 2). Daily waking body mass (BM) and urine specific gravity (USG) were collected, along with several markers of sweat and fluid balance across two matches per camp. There was a 19% mean reduction in estimated whole-body sweat sodium concentration from Camp 1 (45.8 ± 6.5 mmol/L) to Camp 2 (37.0 ± 5.0 mmol/L; p < .001). Waking urine specific gravity ≥ 1.020 was observed in 31% of samples, with no significant differences in mean urine specific gravity or BM between camps (p > .05), but with substantial interindividual variation. Intramatch sweat rates were high (1.2-1.8 L/hr), with greater BM losses in Camp 1 (p = .030), resulting in fewer players losing ≥2% BM in Camp 2 (0%-8%), as compared with Camp 1 (36%-43%; p = .017). Our field data suggest that elite female field hockey players experience substantial sweat losses during competition in the heat regardless of the season. In agreement with previous findings, we observed substantial interindividual variation in sweat and hydration indices, supporting the use of individualized athlete hydration strategies.

The recovery of muscle function and glycogen levels following game-play in young elite male ice hockey players.

Despite the frequent occurrence of congested game fixtures in elite ice hockey, the postgame recovery pattern has not previously been investigated. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the acute decrements and subsequent recovery of skeletal muscle glycogen levels, muscle function and repeated-sprint ability following ice hockey game-play. Sixteen male players from the Danish U20 national team completed a training game with muscle biopsies obtained before, postgame and following ~38 h of recovery (day 2). On-ice repeated-sprint ability and muscle function (maximal voluntary isometric [MVIC] and electrically induced low- (20 Hz) and high-frequency (50 Hz) knee-extensor contractions) were assessed at the same time points, as well as ~20 h into recovery (day 1). Muscle glycogen decreased 31% (p < 0.001) postgame and had returned to pregame levels on day 2. MVIC dropped 11%, whereas 50 and 20 Hz torque dropped 21% and 29% postgame, respectively, inducing a 10% reduction in the 20/50 Hz torque ratio indicative of low-frequency force depression (all p < 0.001). While MVIC torque returned to baseline on day 1, 20 and 50 Hz torque remained depressed by 9%-11% (p = 0.010-0.040), hence restoring the pre-exercise 20/50 Hz ratio. Repeated-sprint ability was only marginally reduced by 1% postgame (p = 0.041) and fully recovered on day 1. In conclusion, an elite youth ice hockey game induces substantial reductions in muscle glycogen content and muscle function, but only minor reductions in repeated-sprint ability and with complete recovery of all parameters within 1-2 days postgame.

Relationship between body composition and anaerobic power with inter-limb difference dependence in Czech elite ice hockey players.

BACKGROUND: Ice hockey includes symmetrical as well as asymmetrical movements. As such, possible difference in mass and strength, as well as performance variables, may be observed between limbs. METHODS: We examined the relation between body composition and lower extremity anaerobic power in Czech elite ice hockey players with the inter-limb difference dependence. In total, 168 ice hockey players (age = 20.81, Q1 = 18.24, Q3 = 28.75) underwent body composition measurement and Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). The dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) leg was established. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank was used. The difference between the dominant and non-dominant lower extremities was evaluated using the dimensionless analysis and by setting the value for the dominant leg at 100%. RESULTS: The difference in muscle mass (MM), fat mass (FM), and WAnT outcome variables (MP, RAP, MP5sP) between the right and left leg was greater than the difference between D and ND leg. Less total body fat mass (TBFM) and more total body muscle mass (TBMM) and lower extremities muscle mass (LEMM) were associated with higher WAnT outcome values. The dimensionless analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between almost all variables. CONCLUSIONS: More TBMF and LEMM and less TBFM was better for WAnT. The difference between the right and left leg was greater than the difference between D and ND leg. If there is a difference between MM and FM of lower limbs than there could be difference between the power of lower limbs as well.

Identification of "sleeping" talent using psychological characteristics in junior elite ice-hockey players.

Scouts search for "sleepers" who may be initially overlooked but ultimately exceed expectations. The psychological characteristics of those players are often neglected because they are difficult to observe, but hold promise to identify sleepers given for example the self-regulation and perceptual-cognitive skills that those developing players might need to flourish. The aim of this study was to examine whether sleepers could be retrospectively identified using psychological characteristics. Ninety-five junior elite ice-hockey players (aged 15-16) were assessed on self-regulation and perceptual-cognitive skills before the yearly draft. Seventy players were drafted after the second round (37th or later). Three years later, professional scouts identified 15/70 sleepers they would now pick if given the chance. Those identified by the scouts showed higher self-regulation planning, and had distinguishable gaze behaviour (fewer fixations on more AOIs) when performing a video-based decision-making task than other late-drafted players (84.3% correct classification; R2 = .40). In addition, two latent profiles differentiated by self-regulation were found, with the profile with higher scores including 14/15 players selected by the scouts. Psychological characteristics were successful in retrospectively predicting sleepers, and may in future help scouts to make better selections of talent.

The Physical and Physiological Match-Play Locomotor Activity Profiles of Elite Domestic Male Field Hockey.

A new four-quarter match format in field hockey has meant that the locomotor activity profiles of the sport are inconsistent with the literature. The aim of this investigation was to identify the physical and physiological demands of national-level male hockey players. Thirty-two male players participated in the study. Participants were monitored with GPS and heart rate monitors. Variables analysed were total time, total distance (m), relative total distance (m.min-1), total distance in velocity bands (m), and activity intensity (m.min-1). Mean and maximum heart rate were calculated as well as total time and percentage time spent in heart rate zones relative to HRmax. Players spent 52 ± 11 min in play. The total distance covered was 5986 ± 1105 m (116 ± 12 m.min-1) with 21.4 ± 6.8 m.min-1 of high intensity activity. Defenders covered the lowest relative total distance (p < 0.001) and attackers the highest (p < 0.001). Relative total distance in Q4 was 5% lower than in Q1and Q2 (p < 0.05) with moderate intensity exercise (8.1-15.5 km.h-1) being 11% lower in Q4 compared to Q1 and Q2. The mean HR and HRmax of players were 167 ± 10 and 194 ± 11 bpm respectively. Players had a lower mean HR in Q3 (164bpm) and Q4 (164bpm) compared to Q1 (169bpm) and Q2 (168bpm; p < 0.001). The current study provides novel data outlining the physical and physiological activity profiles of national-level male field hockey players across playing positions as well as quarters of play. The results highlight a need to consider positional differences when implementing a training programme for players at national level.

A Framework for the Standardization of Game Analysis in Ice Hockey.

BACKGROUND: Compared with other major global team sports such as football or basketball, ice hockey has received considerably less attention in sport-science research. However, the research focus on ice hockey performance is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, despite the growing interest in ice hockey, among the little research that has been conducted there are inconsistencies in terminology and methodology in the study of physiology and performance during games. The need for systematic and standardized reporting of study methodology is vital, as a lack of methodological detail or methodological inconsistencies make it impossible to replicate published studies, and alterations in the methodologies used can influence the measured demands imposed on players. Accordingly, this prohibits the ability of coaches to generate game-replicating training programs, decreasing the application of research findings to practice. In addition, a lack of methodological detail or methodological inconsistencies can result in incorrect conclusions being made from research. PURPOSE: In this invited commentary, we aim to increase awareness regarding the current standard of methodological reporting in ice hockey game-analysis research. In addition, we have developed a framework for the standardization of game analysis in ice hockey in order to allow for greater replication in future research and to increase the application of published findings to practice. CONCLUSIONS: We implore researchers in the field to consult the Ice Hockey Game Analysis Research Methodological Reporting Checklist in order to adopt a detailed reporting standard of methodologies in future work to help improve the applicability of research outcomes.

Differences in right hemisphere fNIRS activation associated with executive network during performance of the lateralized attention network tast by elite, expert and novice ice hockey athletes.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated brain activity associated with executive control attention network in elite, expert, and novice female ice hockey athletes during the revised lateralized attention network tast to determine whether the neural correlates of performance differ by skill level. METHODS: We collected and analyzed functional near-infrared spectroscopy data of 38 participants while performing the revised lateralized attention network tast. RESULTS: Elite players were significantly faster than novices (p = .005), and the experts' overall accuracy rate (ACC) was higher than that of novices (p = .001). The effect of the executive network on reaction time was higher in novices than in elite players (p = .008) and experts (p = .004). The effect of the executive network on the ACC was lower in elite players than in experts (p = .009) and novices (p = .010). Finally, elite player had higher flanker conflict effects on RT (p = .005) under the invalid cue condition. the effect of the alertness network and orientation on the ACC was lower in elite players than in novices (p = .000) and experts (p = .022). Changes in the blood oxygen level-dependent signal related to the flanker effect were significantly different in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F=3.980, p = .028) and right inferior frontal gyrus (F=3.703, p = .035) among the three groups. Elit players showed more efficient executive control (reduced conflict effect on ACC) (p = .006)in the RH.The changes related to the effect of blood oxygen level on orienting were significantly different in the right frontal eye fields (F=3.883, p = .030) among the three groups, Accompanied by significant activation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(p = .026). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide partial evidence of the superior cognitive performance and high neural efficiency of elite ice hockey players during cognitive tasks. These results demonstrate the right hemisphere superiority for executive control.We also found that specific brain activation in hockey players does not show a clear and linear relationship with skill level.

Body composition and grip strength constraints in elite male rink-hockey players of contrasting ethnicity.

Rink hockey is a highly specialized and physiological demanding sport with sparse research regarding the game and athletes' characteristics. A cross-sectional study was developed to characterize the body composition and grip strength of elite male rink hockey players and to establish the relationship between ethnicity on body composition and grip strength. A sample of 100 elite rink-hockey athletes aged 26.59 ± 6.02 participated in the study, comprised of 69 Caucasian male adults aged 27.58 ± 6.44 years and 31 Black African male adults aged 24.39 ± 4.27. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Static grip strength was assessed with an adjustable dynamometer. Multiple regression analysis was applied to understand which variables constraints body fat percentage (BF) and grip strength. Body mass showed an average of 76.36 ± 9.18 kg for 175.80 ± 5.87 cm of height and BF% of 10.82 ± 5.07%. Maximal right grip strength was 50.91 ± 6.26 kg and 50.27 ± 6.23 kg for left grip strength. Four predictors accounted for 70.01% of the variance of BF%: abdominal circumference (p < 0.001), right thigh circumference (p < 0.001), right calf circumference (p = 0.001) and ethnicity (p = 0.016). Three predictors accounted for 13.1% of the variance of right grip strength: ethnicity (p = 0.013), chronological age (p = 0.024) and right distal thigh circumference (p = 0.014). Results suggest that elite rink hockey athletes have a specific anthropometric identity, which at the elite level may lead to reduced body fat and greater handgrip strength. Ethnicity seems to predict body fat and grip strength in elite rink hockey athletes.

Relationship of Fitness Combine Results and National Hockey League Performance: A 25-Year Analysis.

PURPOSE: Along with past performance, professional teams consider physical fitness and physiological potential in determining the value of prospective draft picks. The National Hockey League (NHL) Combine fitness results have been examined for their ability to predict draft order, but not bona fide hockey performance. Therefore, we sought to identify the relationships of combine fitness test results to short- and long-term NHL performance. METHODS: During NHL Combine fitness testing (1994-2007), a standardized battery of tests was conducted. Player performance (1995-2020) was quantified using career cumulative points, time on ice, transitional period to playing in the NHL, and NHL career length. Forward and defensive positions were considered separately. Goalies were not considered. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used to identify fitness variables that predict NHL success. RESULTS: Overall models ranged in their predictive ability from 2% to 16%. The transitional period was predicted by peak leg power and aerobic capacity (V˙O2max; forwards, R2 = .03, and defense, R2 = .06, both P < .01). Points and time on ice within seasons 1 to 3 were predicted by peak leg power and V˙O2max for forwards and defense (R2 = .02-.09, P < .01). Among players accumulating 10 NHL seasons, cumulative points were inversely related to upper-body push-strength-related variables in forwards (R2 = .11) and defense (R2 = .16; both P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The NHL Combine fitness testing offers meaningful data that can inform the likelihood of future success. Peak leg power and V˙O2max predict league entry and early career success. Counterintuitively, upper-body strength is inversely related to long-term performance, which may offer insight into recruitment strategies, player development, or differential team roles.

Upper respiratory tract symptom risk in elite field hockey players during a dry run for the Tokyo Olympics.

ABSTRACTThe primary aim of this study was to examine if biomarker and/or self-reported data could predict upper respiratory tract symptom (URTS) risk in elite field hockey players. The secondary aim was to investigate the effect of the additional stressor 'repeated heat exposure' on measures of thermoregulation and immunity. A prospective cohort repeated measures study design was used to collect URTS, household illness, self-reported wellness, biomarker and thermoregulatory data from elite male field hockey players (n = 19), during an 8-week training and competition period that simulated the preparatory and competition phases of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Heat response testing (HRT) was performed at the beginning of the study period, following heat acclimation (HA) and following an intensified competition period (ICP) played in hot and humid conditions (27-37°C and 53-80% relative humidity). Univariate frailty analysis demonstrated that illness in players' households (Hazard ratio (HR: 4.90; p < 0.001)) and self-reported stress (HR: 0.63; p = 0.043) predicted players' risk for URTS. Additionally, low baseline resting salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration predicted players' "potential" URTS risk (p = 0.021). The additional stressor "repeated heat exposure" was found to facilitate partial thermoregulatory adaptation without attenuating resting immune functions. In conclusion, lifestyle and behavioural factors (i.e. household illness and stress) influenced players risk for URTS more so than sport-related stressors. Furthermore, repeated heat exposure did not appear to compromise players resting immunity. To assess athletes' risk for URTS, baseline screening of SIgA concentration and regular monitoring of self-reported lifestyle and behavioural data are recommended.Highlights Self-reported illness in players' households and higher self-reported stress significantly predicted increased upper respiratory tract symptom risk.Low baseline salivary secretory immunoglobulin A concentration predicted players "potential" URTS risk.Repeated heat exposures facilitated partial thermoregulatory adaptation without altering resting immunity.

Off-Ice Resisted Sprints Best Predict All-Out Skating Performance in Varsity Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Thompson, KM, Safadie, A, Ford, J, and Burr, JF. Off-ice resisted sprints best predict all-out skating performance in varsity hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2597-2601, 2022-Off-ice fitness testing is commonly used to predict the physiological abilities of ice-hockey players. Although there is a notable association between certain off-ice tests of jump power and anaerobic capacity with on-ice skating acceleration ( r = 0.3-0.7), it is likely that off-ice tests which more closely resemble the demands of skating will have better predictive ability of this skill. The aim of the current study was to compare the suitability of common off-ice fitness tests and off-ice resisted sprints for predicting 15-m on-ice skate time. Male and female varsity-level hockey players performed a battery of common off-ice fitness tests, resisted sprints, and on-ice 15-m sprints over 3 testing days. At least moderate correlations between off-ice tests and on-ice sprints were observed for all common fitness tests (all p ≤ 0.002): Wingate peak power ( r = -0.65), Wingate fatigue rate ( r = -0.53), vertical jump ( r = -0.52), and broad jump ( r = -0.61), with resisted sprint tests showing the strongest associations (off-ice 15-kg resisted sprint ( r = 0.79) and off-ice 30-kg resisted sprint ( r = 0.74)). In multivariate analysis, stepwise regression revealed the 15-kg resisted sprint as the sole meaningful predictor of on-ice sprint time ( R = 0.79, R2 = 0.62; p ≤ 0.001). We conclude that resisted off-ice sprints have better predictive ability of on-ice skate time compared with commonly used off-ice tests. Resisted sprinting can be used by strength and conditioning staff as an indicator of on-ice acceleration ability during periods of limited access to on-ice facilities or as a component of fitness testing.