The study examined the peak pressures and pressure patterns in the skate boot of hockey players during the backward cross-over stride. Fifteen flexible piezo-resistive pressure sensors (1.2 x 1.1 x 0.2cm thick) were placed on the plantar, dorsal, medial, and lateral surfaces of each foot for eight varsity level hockey players (mean +/- SD: height (m) = 1.80 +/- 0.07, weight (kg) = 87 +/- 0.06) and eight recreational hockey players (mean +/- SD: height = 1.76 (m) +/- 0.06, weight (kg) = 82 +/- 0.07). The strides were cut and the data was processed according to ability group and cross-over direction. The results demonstrated significant differences between groups in average speed, and in peak pressures on the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot (p≤0.05). The results also indicated a significant difference on the plantar surface of the foot when comparing cross-over directions (p≤0.05).

Purpose. This study quantified fit of ice hockey skate boots by measuring the pressure (MP) at the foot/ankle-to-boot interface using three skate sizes. The relationship between perceived pressure (PP), perceived comfort (PC) and measured pressures (MP) also were documented. Methods . 18 male subjects participated. Thirty piezo-resistive sensors recorded MPs from seven areas with the foot/ankle in various positions. A Visual Analogue Scale was used for subjective assessment of PP and PC. Results. Overall fit MP was estimated at 34.2 KPa though significant mixed interactions (p<0.05) occurred between areas, foot/ankle positions and sizes. MP correlations with PP, PC, and foot/ankle dimensions were low though a strong inverse relationship was identified between PP and PC (r = -0.63). Conclusions. The technology and protocol adopted was effective in discriminating "fit" between regional pressure differences as well as responsive to foot/ankle positions. Further examination of other footwear products and different populations is feasible and warranted.

The main purpose of this study was to measure the differences in ground reaction forces (GRFs) produced from an anteroposterior versus a mediolateral style hockey skating arm swing. Twenty four elite level female hockey players performed each technique while standing on a ground mounted force platform, all trials were filmed using two video cameras. Force data was assessed for peak scaled GRFs in the frontal and sagittal planes, and resultant GRF magnitude and direction. Upper limb kinematics were assessed from the video using Dartfish video analysis software, confirming that the subjects successfully performed two significantly distinct arm swing techniques. The mediolateral arm swing used a mean of 18.38° of glenohumeral flexion/extension and 183.68° of glenohumeral abduction/adduction while the anteroposterior technique used 214.17° and 28.97° respectively. The mediolateral arm swing produced 37% greater frontal plane and 33% lesser sagittal plane GRFs than the anteroposterior arm swing. The magnitudes of the resultant GRFs were not significantly different between the two techniques however the mediolateral technique produced a resultant GRF with a significantly larger angle from the direction of travel (44.44°) as compared to the anteroposterior technique (31.60°). The results of this study suggest that the direction of GRFs produced by the mediolateral arm swing more consistent with the direction of lower limb propulsion, perhaps resulting in a greater contribution to high velocity skating. Based on the findings from the present study ice hockey skaters should perform the mediolateral arm swing to maximize the effective GRFs produced with each stride.

No description available.

Bakgrund: Ishockey är en sport som i studier visat sig ha en hög skadefrekvens. Sporten utövas av kvinnor likväl som män men hur sporten spelas skiljer sig åt beroende av kön samt mellan olika länder. En kartläggning av skadeproblematiken utgör första steget i ett skadepreventivt arbete. Dock finns i dagsläget inga studier angående skadepanoramat inom svensk damishockey. Syfte: Att kartlägga skadeproblematiken inom svensk damishockey utifrån ålder, antal exponeringstimmar, skadelokalisation, skadetillfälle, skadefrekvens samt hur lång matchfrånvaro skador föranleder. Att undersöka samband mellan skadefrekvens och exponeringstimmar samt skadefrekvens och ålder. Metod: En webbaserad enkät utformades i en retrospektiv design. Populationen var samtliga spelare aktiva i riksserien och division 1 i Sverige under säsongen 2013-2014. Data insamlades fortlöpande under tre veckor i februari 2014. Resultatsammanfattning: Antal kompletta enkätsvar som inkluderades var 137, ca 25 % av populationen. Den vanligaste skadelokalisationen var knät (20 %, n = 25). Knäskador var även kopplade till näst längst matchfrånvaro (medelvärde: 6,5 veckor). Mellan träning och match var skadefördelningen jämn. Flest matchskador inträffade i period 2 (45 %). En signifikant korrelation kunde ses gällande ökat antal skador vid ökat antal exponeringstimmar. Ingen korrelation mellan ålder och skadefrekvens noterades.  Konklusion: Denna studie visar, liksom studier på herrishockey och damishockey i Nordamerika, att knäskador är vanligt förekommande samt att flest matchskador sker i period två. I motsats till föregående studier visar denna ingen signifikant skillnad i skador sett till ökad ålder. Även huvudskadorna visade kraftigt lägre siffror än vad tidigare presenterats inom ishockey. Vidare studier behövs för att kunna utarbeta skadeförebyggande åtgärder framförallt för knäskador / Background: Ice hockey is a sport with high risk for injuries. The practitioners of the sport are both males and females, yet how the game is played differs due to gender and country. Mapping out injuries within the population makes a first step towards injury prevention. However, there are no studies regarding the prospect of injuries in Swedish female ice hockey.  Purpose: Mapping out age, exposure to the sport, location, occasion and time loss related to injuries. Study correlation between player age and number of injuries; exposure hours and number of injuries. Procedure: A web-based questionnaire was made in a retrospective design. The population were all players in riksserien and division 1 in Sweden during the season 2013-2014. Data were collected continuously during three weeks in February 2014. Results: The number of complete questionnaires included was 137, approximately 25 % of the population. The most common injury localisation was the knee (20 %, n = 25). Knee injuries also had the second longest absence from gameplay (mean: 6,5 weeks). The distribution of injuries between training and gameplay were equal. The highest number of injuries during gameplay occurred in the second period (45 %). A significant correlation indicated that more injuries occurred with more exposure hours. No correlation between age and injury were found.  Conclusions: This study shows, as studies on men’s ice hockey and female ice hockey in North America that knee injuries are common and that most of injuries during gameplay occurs in the second period. In opposite to previous studies this study shows no correlation between injuries and age. The head-injuries also showed lower numbers than previous studies. Further studies need to be done to work out interventions for injury prevention, especially for knee injuries.

The main purpose of this study was to measure the differences in ground reaction forces (GRFs) produced from an anteroposterior versus a mediolateral style hockey skating arm swing. Twenty four elite level female hockey players performed each technique while standing on a ground mounted force platform, all trials were filmed using two video cameras. Force data was assessed for peak scaled GRFs in the frontal and sagittal planes, and resultant GRF magnitude and direction. Upper limb kinematics were assessed from the video using Dartfish video analysis software, confirming that the subjects successfully performed two significantly distinct arm swing techniques. The mediolateral arm swing used a mean of 18.38° of glenohumeral flexion/extension and 183.68° of glenohumeral abduction/adduction while the anteroposterior technique used 214.17° and 28.97° respectively. The mediolateral arm swing produced 37% greater frontal plane and 33% lesser sagittal plane GRFs than the anteroposterior arm swing. The magnitudes of the resultant GRFs were not significantly different between the two techniques however the mediolateral technique produced a resultant GRF with a significantly larger angle from the direction of travel (44.44°) as compared to the anteroposterior technique (31.60°). The results of this study suggest that the direction of GRFs produced by the mediolateral arm swing more consistent with the direction of lower limb propulsion, perhaps resulting in a greater contribution to high velocity skating. Based on the findings from the present study ice hockey skaters should perform the mediolateral arm swing to maximize the effective GRFs produced with each stride.

Referees have a job to ensure a safe and fair playing environment. The purpose of this study was to quantify on-ice intensities (heart rate) and on-ice movements (forward or backwards skating or stationary) of referees during ice hockey games. 15 HC referees had their heart rates monitored and skating video taped throughout a 60 minute game. A treadmill run test was used to identify their peak heart rates and VO2. The dominant on-ice activity was forward skating followed by stationary then backwards skating. On average referees worked at 80% of their peak heart rate. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between period average heart rates and peak heart rates. The results suggest that referees generally work at an aerobic intensity with numerous anaerobic bursts interspersed throughout play. Knowledge about the intensity, frequency and amount of skating that occurs in each direction will help with the development of the athletic ability of referees.

The purpose of this study was to identify and explain youth ice hockey coaches' perceptions of the effectiveness of a team building intervention program. Specifically, eight Peewee hockey coaches followed the same procedures and implemented the same physical team building activities with their teams throughout the regular season. Data was gathered in a variety of ways. Coaches' answered questions on a pre and post-intervention form for each activity and their behaviors were observed by members of the research team. As well, a semi-structured exit interview was conducted with each coach following the completion of the regular season. Cote, Salmela, and Russell's (1995) guidelines were used to inductively analyze and interpret the interview data. Results of the data revealed four higher-order categories concerning coaches' perceptions of the team building program: (a) coach characteristics and outcomes, which included skills coaches gained as a result of their participation in the team building program, as well as their beliefs, philosophies, and background experiences that shaped their coaching development, (b) team circumstances and climate, which involved interpersonal interactions, internal and external environmental factors, and elements influencing team atmosphere, (c) athlete outcomes, which included the feelings, attitudes, and values, as well as the intellectual/thinking-related skills and outcomes that athletes experienced as a result of their involvement in the intervention program, and (d) program involvement and assessment, which focused on coaches' roles and their confidence delivering team building activities, as well as their appraisal of the intervention program. Results of this study provided evidence of the benefits of a season-long team building intervention program for coaches, athletes, and entire teams. Specifically, coaches felt athletes enjoyed this experience and improved and/or acquired a variety of important life skills, such as problem-solving and the ability to focus and persevere when faced with challenging tasks. Likewise, coaches felt their communication and motivational skills improved as a result of their involvement in the team building program. Finally, coaches also felt athletes bonded daring activities and improved their abilities to work together as a group. The results of this study have advanced knowledge in sport psychology by providing a deeper understanding of how team building is perceived by youth sport coaches.

Thesis (M.A.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 155-174). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

There is an increasing concern surrounding brain trauma risks for young athletes participating in contact sports, as brain injuries in youth have detrimental consequences on their cognition, behaviour, and learning abilities (Ayr et al., 2009; Yeates and Taylor, 2005). Given the potential for future neurological and mental health issues, there is further need to quantify brain trauma within youth sport populations (Daneshvar et al., 2011). Ice hockey is a sport with high rates of brain injury in youth, and the shift from Pee Wee (ages 11-12) to Bantam (ages 13-14) hockey is an important transition period in which athletes are introduced to body checking (Black et al., 2017; Marar et al., 2012). The purpose of this study was to compare the brain trauma profiles between Pee Wee and Bantam hockey in terms of the head dynamic response, brain tissue deformation, and frequency of head impact events. Head impact events from 16 Pee Wee and 16 Bantam hockey games were analyzed, and 71 exemplar impact reconstructions were conducted. No differences were found between Pee Wee and Bantam for magnitudes of peak linear acceleration, peak rotational acceleration, or maximum principal strain (MPS). Overall frequency of head impact events was also similar between the two groups. However, chi-squared tests found that the type of head impact event was significantly associated with the age group (X2 (6) = 17.699, p = 0.006, φc = .347). Ice and boards head impact events were more frequent in Pee Wee, while shoulder and glass head impact events were more frequent in Bantam. There were slightly higher frequencies of events ≥26% MPS reported in Pee Wee. However, events were more frequently within the 17-25.9% MPS range for Bantam and were typically the result of shoulder to head impacts. While head impact events at younger ages are more accidental in nature, deliberate player contact from body checking is associated with greater risks for sustaining brain trauma. Policymakers should consider whether Bantam is the most appropriate age to continue allowing for body checking. Developing age-specific helmet technology may be an effective method for protecting against the unique brain trauma risks which are associated with different levels of youth hockey competition. Understanding the characteristics of how brain trauma occurs within youth hockey can help inform and guide future protective and preventative strategies to keep participation in this sport safe for all athletes.