Search Results (56)

As mental health has gained prominence in recent years, elite ice hockey players have shared their experience of psychological problems, including adverse alcohol use, anxiety, depression, distress, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances. Mental health remains a sensitive issue for ice hockey players, as stigma, a strong hockey culture, lack of mental health literacy, and negative past experiences with seeking help constitute barriers to seeking support. This scoping review aims to identify the psychological factors contributing to elite ice hockey players’ well-being. After screening the titles and abstracts of three databases within a 2002–2025 timeframe, a total of 517 articles were retrieved. Seventeen articles targeting ice hockey athletes over 14 years of age competing at an elite level were selected. Three main categories emerged from the included studies: anxiety and depressive symptoms, motivational variables, and coping strategies at different career stages. Factors such as retirement, concussions, social support, parenting style, task-approach goals, and task-oriented behavior were influential components to the well-being and mental health of elite ice hockey players. Using the Lazarus and Folkman model, the identified psychological factors may help athletes and various actors surrounding them to better understand athletes’ well-being. Full article

Background: Oral health (OH) has been linked to overall health status and common physical performance (PP). Aim: The objective was to compare the OH and PP of two third league professional team players from different sports (soccer, ice hockey). Methods: Twenty-nine professional soccer players (mean ± standard deviation; age: 24.3 ± 4.1 years) and twenty-one ice hockey players (age: 27.7 ± 3.6 years) were investigated regarding several dental scores (DMFT, PSI, API, PBI) by one calibrated examiner. The PP diagnostic includes measurement of grip strength as well as postural stability and regulation using posturography. Results: Concerning dental scores, relevant sport-specific differences for PSI (1 vs. 2; p < 0.001), API (29 vs. 48; p = 0.001), and PBI (14 vs. 42; p < 0.001) in favor of soccer players were found. Ice hockey players reported significantly more tension of the temporomandibular joint (p = 0.004) and showed lower readiness for regular check-ups (p < 0.001) and additional oral hygiene (p = 0.045). In contrast, ice hockey players were more balanced and displayed a higher level of weight distribution (p < 0.001), especially in the anterior-posterior direction (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Based on more intensive oral hygiene and dental care, the investigated professional soccer players showed partially better OH conditions compared to the ice hockey players examined. In summary, the OH and PP results reflect the different sport-specific requirements and related training impacts on athletes. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the skating determinants and differences between male and female bandy players in the spatiotemporal variables during acceleration and maximum sprint skating velocity. Methods: Seventy-four female bandy players (age: 18.9 ± 4.1 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 63.2 ± 7.4 kg; training experience: 13.4 ± 3.9 yrs.; and 26 elite and 48 junior elite) and 111 male bandy players (age: 20.7 ± 5.0 years; height: 1.80 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 76.4 ± 8.4 kg; training experience: 13.8 ± 5.0 yrs.; and 47 elite and 66 junior elite players) performed linear sprint skating over 80 m. Split times were measured every ten metres by photocells to calculate velocities for each step and spatiotemporal skating variables (glide times and length, step length, and frequency) by IMUs attached to the skates. The first six steps (acceleration phase), the six steps at the highest velocity (maximal speed phase), and the average of all steps were used for analysing glide-by-glide spatiotemporal variables. Results: These revealed that male players exhibited higher acceleration and maximal skating velocity than female players. A higher acceleration in men was accompanied by shorter gliding time, longer step length, and higher step frequency. When skating at maximal speed, male players had a longer step length and gliding time and length. The sub-group analysis revealed that step frequency did not correlate with skating velocity, acceleration, or maximal speed phases. On the other hand, glide and step lengths significantly correlated with skating velocity in both phases (r ≥ 0.60). Conclusions: In general, for faster skating in bandy, it is generally better to prioritise glide and step length than stride frequency. Hence, players should be encouraged to stay low and have more knee flexion to enable a longer extension length and, therefore, a longer path and more horizontal direction of applied force to enhance their acceleration ability. Full article

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 poses significant physiological challenges for athletes, particularly those engaged in high-intensity intermittent sports such as ice hockey. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection—especially symptomatic cases—on aerobic and anaerobic performance in professional ice hockey players. Methods: Fifty athletes from the Polish Hockey League were assigned to three groups: control (CG, n = 13), asymptomatic COVID-19 (NSG, n = 28), and symptomatic COVID-19 with post-infection SpO₂ < 90% (WSG, n = 9). Each underwent assessments at three time points—pre-preparatory period 2020/2021, post-preparatory period 2020/2021, and pre-preparatory period 2021/2022. Aerobic capacity was measured via a progressive cycle ergometer test (VO₂max, VO₂ at lactate threshold [VO_2Lt], minute ventilation [V’E], breathing frequency [BF], and lactate clearance rate [ΔLa]), and anaerobic capacity via a 30 s Wingate test (relative mean power). Results: Compared with CG and NSG, symptomatic athletes exhibited significant post-infection declines in VO₂max (48.2 ± 2.9 vs. 56.2 ± 6.2 and 54.6 ± 3.9 mL/kg/min; p = 0.006, d = 1.56 vs. CG; p < 0.024, d = 1.79 vs. NSG) and VO_2Lt (p < 0.05). Relative mean power also decreased in WSG (p < 0.05). In contrast, CG and NSG improved or maintained these metrics over the same period. Symptomatic players showed elevated BF post infection (p = 0.022, d = 1.72) and reduced V’E (p = 0.035; d = 0.83), while ΔLa was markedly lower (p = 0.0004; d = 2.86). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly symptomatic cases, can significantly impair both aerobic and anaerobic capacity in elite hockey players. Targeted recovery protocols are essential for restoring performance in affected athletes. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different support surfaces on trunk muscle activity during slap shots and wrist shots in ice hockey players by analyzing muscle activation patterns across varying conditions. Methods: A total of 22 healthy male collegiate ice hockey players participated in this study. Ice hockey players were assessed for muscle activity in their trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and erector spinae). Each player performed a slap shot and wrist shot on solid ground, a slap shot and wrist shot on ice, and a skating slap shot and wrist shot on ice. Data from a 3 s interval, excluding the first and last second of the 5 s measurement period, were used for analysis. All electromyography signals were normalized using maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: Significant differences were found in all muscles except for the external oblique, depending on the support surface and shooting method. (p < 0.05). The muscle activity of the rectus abdominis was significantly greater for the slap shot and wrist shot on ice than for the slap shot and wrist shot on the ground, and the slap shot and skating slap shot on ice than for the wrist shot on the ground (p < 0.05). The internal oblique was significantly higher for slap shots and wrist shots on ice than for slap shots and wrist shots on the ground (p < 0.05). The erector spinae was significantly greater for the skating slap shot and wrist shot on ice than for the wrist shot on the ground, and the skating slap shot on ice was significantly greater than the skating wrist shot on ice (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To enhance the shooting efficiency of ice hockey players competing on ice, exercises on unstable surfaces and targeted trunk muscle training are considered to be effective. Full article

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. Full article

This real-life data collection aimed to expand an existing reference database regarding an extensively evaluated ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT). One hundred and thirty-eight third-league professional ice hockey field players (mean ± SD; age: 26.4 ± 5.24 years; forwards: n = 94, defenders: n = 44) were investigated. IHCT data were collected over eight seasons from three third-league teams. The IHCT included parameters for the load (e.g., 10 m and 30 m sprint times, transition and weave agility times with and without a puck, slap and wrist shots on goal) and stress (e.g., lactate, heart rate). The only relevant (p < 0.002, η_p² ≥ 0.10) difference between forwards and defenders for performance was found for 30 m backward sprint without a puck (p < 0.001, η_p² = 0.10, d = 0.74). As expected, in this regard, defenders performed better than forwards. Significant differences were also found in 10 m backward sprint without a puck (p = 0.005), weave agility with a puck (p = 0.014), heart rate recovery minute 10 (p = 0.057), and goals after the test (p = 0.041). This study provides expanded position-specific third-league reference data for the IHCT. On this basis, coaches are able to evaluate players’ performance (forwards vs. defenders) and the effect of the training periods. Further research is necessary to extend this database to first- and second-league players in order to enhance the scope of the IHCT. Full article

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. Full article

This study is about a COVID-19 outbreak and ventilation measures taken against COVID-19 transmission through the air occurred at an ice arena in Japan. The ice arena has been known to have a deterioration of indoor air quality affected by CO, NO₂ and so on, and a total of 172 persons were infected with SARS-CoV-2, including the players and the spectators related to an ice hockey game in 2022. Given the suspected transmission through the air as one of infection routes, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the COVID-19 outbreak to verify the ventilation characteristics and aerosol diffusion characteristics. Additionally, the possibility of COVID-19 transmission through the air and the potentially effective ventilation measures in an ice arena are discussed. It was determined that the virus-containing aerosol was released from a player in the ice rink and accumulated in the cold air spot. After that, it was highly possible that it diffused from the player benches to the spectator seats due to the players’ movements under this unique air-conditioning and ventilation system. Judging from the results of genomic analysis, ventilation characteristics, and aerosol diffusion characteristics, the possibility of COVID-19 transmission through the air cannot be ruled out in an ice arena. The results of ventilation measures implemented in response to this problem confirmed that the integration of a lower-level exhaust fan based on cold air characteristics into the existing ventilation system is a relatively straightforward solution with the potential to be highly effective. While there is an option to refrain from using the ice arena in the event of an increased risk of mass infection during a pandemic, the findings of this study will contribute to an option to facilitate the smooth operation of ice arenas while implementing ventilation measures. Full article

Laterality preferences are intrinsic in most physical activities, and ice hockey is one domain wherein these preferences might influence performance. Biomechanical laterality between dominant and nondominant (or preferred and nonpreferred) limbs is believed to be an advantageous attribute that is linked with skilled performance. Yet little is known about the implications of motor asymmetries for skilled performers in dynamic, time-constrained, team-based activities in an off-ice environment. This can be extended to when player position is considered, notably for those playing in a defensive or an offensive position. In this study, fourteen semi-professional collegiate male ice hockey players (age: 21.87 ± 2.98 years; BMI: 25.26 ± 3.21 kg/m) performed a randomized repeated 15 m sprint-change of direction task. Assessments of lower limb laterality were carried out as participants commenced the 15 m sprint change of direction task in both a right and left foot rear setback position. Biomechanical laterality between right and left rear foot setback positions was inferred by an ActiGraph GTx3 triaxial accelerometer that was located on the participants’ spinous process, representing the trunk centre of mass (CoM). Overall, ANOVA results indicated significant differences across all sprint split times between the right and left foot rear setback positions, with times significantly quicker when players commenced in a right rear foot setback position (p < 0.001). ANOVA revealed significant differences in trunk CoM acceleration between in a right and left rear setback position, specifically during the initial 0–10 m sprint split, with offensive players observed to have lesser trunk anteroposterior and vertical CoM acceleration (p = 0.05) and during the final 5 m sprint split (p = 0.002, d = 0.7), despite overall smaller effect sizes seen in the left foot rear setback position. It appears that starting with the foot in a right rear setback position results in quicker 15 m performance times and concurrent lower magnitudes of trunk CoM acceleration. Although we demonstrated that offensive players were quicker and displayed less trunk CoM acceleration, we recommend that future studies use a greater number of participants for inter-limb symmetry in these movement tests. Full article

This report presents the case of an ice hockey player diagnosed with a tear in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus at 19 years of age. In addition, we suggest a rehabilitation exercise program that enabled an early return to play for an ice hockey athlete in a university sports league. The patient underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair and was discharged one day after surgery. A three-stage rehabilitation program was developed, as follows: Phase I, the protective phase (reduce inflammation symptoms and restore range of motion to enable weight-bearing); Phase II, the restorative phase (improve the strength of the quadriceps muscle and recover cardiovascular endurance); Phase III, the return to full functional activity (familiarize the patient with sport-specific skills and recover a symmetric functional level on both sides). After completing the 10-week rehabilitation program, the patient returned to play and took part in games 71 and 84 days after surgery. The patient had no meniscus reinjury in the 10 years after surgery while playing in university and professional ice hockey leagues. The functional performance-focused rehabilitation program presented in this case report resulted in an early return to sport and good long-term outcomes. Full article

Introduction: Since verbal memory and visual processing transpire within analogous cerebral regions, this study assessed (i) if a visual function can predict verbal memory performance. It also hypothesized whether neurocognitive (e.g., ImPACT) tests focusing on the Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index will predict Verbal Memory scores and (ii) if vision metrics and age can identify individuals with a history of concussion. Finally, it also hypothesized that King–Devick and near point of convergence scores alongside age considerations will identify candidates with a prior reported history of concussion. Materials and methods: This observational cohort assessed 25 collegiate ice hockey players prior to the competitive season considering age (19.76 ± 1.42 years) and BMI (25.9 ± 3.0 kg/cm²). Hypothesis 1 was assessed using a hierarchical (sequential) multiple regression analysis, assessing the predictive capacity of Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index scores in relation to Verbal Memory scores. Hypothesis 2 utilized a binomial logistic regression to determine if King–Devick and near point of convergence scores predict those with a prior history of concussion. Results: Hypothesis 1 developed two models, where Model 1 included Visual Memory as the predictor, while Model 2 added the Cognitive Efficacy Index as a predictor for verbal memory scores. Model 1 significantly explained 41% of the variance. Results from Model 2 suggest that the Cognitive Efficacy Index explained an additional 24.4%. Thus, Model 2 was interpreted where only the Cognitive Efficacy Index was a significant predictor (p = 0.001). For every 1 unit increase in the Cognitive Efficacy Index, Verbal Memory increased by 41.16. Hypothesis 2’s model was significant, accounting for 37.9% of the variance in those with a history of concussion. However, there were no significant unique predictors within the model as age (Wald = 1.26, p = 0.261), King–Devick (Wald = 2.31, p = 0.128), and near point of convergence (Wald = 2.43, p = 0.119) were not significant predictors individually. Conclusions: The conflicting findings of this study indicate that baseline data for those with a history of concussion greater than one year may not be comparable to the same metrics during acute concussion episodes. Young athletes who sustain a concussion may be able to overcompensate via the visual system. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required using the proposed model’s objective metrics. Full article

(1) Background: In Switzerland, there is little data on injury characteristics in elite ice hockey players aged under 20 years (U20 Elite juniors). This study aimed to determine the injury rate and type of injury in Swiss U20 ice hockey players. (2) Methods: The present study was carried out in a retrospective, non-experimental design using an online questionnaire provided to the 314 elite players of the 12 Swiss U20 Elite ice hockey teams. The injury rate, rate ratios, injury location, type and severity of injury, and injury mechanism were reported. (3) Results: Seventy-three athletes from 11 teams volunteered (response rate = 24%). A total of 30 out of 45 recorded injuries led to time loss in practice and competition. Injury occurred once or twice during the 2019/2020 season. For each player, the injury rate was 0.66 per 1000 practice hours and 2.98 per 1000 competition hours (injury rate ratio = 4.5). The head/neck region was the most common injury location (45.5%). (4) Conclusions: Knowledge of injury characteristics in ice hockey is necessary for meaningful injury management and injury prevention. The results of the present study provide information on the injury rate, location, types, severity, and mechanism in elite Swiss U20 ice hockey players. Most injuries result from contact with another player. More strict sanctioning for irregular behavior and fair play can serve as preventive measures. Further studies should examine different preventive measures such as wearing full-face coverage. Full article

The aim of the present study was to analyse differences in acceleration and movement variability caused by adding whole-body vibration (WBV) and an implement (stick) while performing a slide-board (SB) skating exercise. A total of 10 professional ice-hockey players (age 20.4 ± 2.07 years) participated in the study. Participants performed 30 s of lateral sliding on a slide vibration board (SVB). Four conditions were analysed: no vibration and no stick (NVNS), no vibration with a stick (NVS), vibration without a stick (VNS) and vibration with a stick (VS). Peak acceleration, mean acceleration and movement variability (MV) were analysed in the dominant and non-dominant legs in each condition. Peak acceleration was higher in the non-dominant leg (p < 0.01). However, MV was higher in the dominant leg (p < 0.01). Regarding differences between conditions, mean acceleration was higher in VNS and VS than in NVS (p < 0.05). Regarding MV (sample entropy), there were differences in NVNS compared to VNS and VS (p < 0.01) and in NVS compared to VNS and VS (p < 0.01), with the values being superior in VNS and VS. The addition of WBV during an SB skating exercise results in an increase in MV and mean acceleration. The dominant leg shows greater MV regardless of the addition of vibration and a stick during sliding on an SVB. Full article