Previous Injury History and Performance of Male Elite Ice Hockey Players

Association Between Previous Injury History and Performance of Male Elite Ice Hockey Players

BACKGROUND: In ice hockey, skating is a combination of speed, power, and balance. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between previous injury history and on-ice and off-ice performance of elite male ice hockey players.

METHODS: This study was designed as prospective cross-sectional study. Fifty elite men's ice hokey players included (n=50, mean age 23y 8mo, SD 5y 3mo). Off-ice performance measures were 30 m Sprint Test, Broad Jump Test, Push-up Test, Hexagon Agility Test, Plank Test. The 2 on-ice tests were 30m On-ice Sprint Test and Cornering "S" Turn Agility Test.The athletes' history of injury were including previous injury site, type, number and the mechanism of injury. RESULTS: In push up test, there was a significant difference in those who had left hand and right knee injuries and, athletes who had dislocation were found to be statistically significant (p <0.05). According to cornering s turn agility test results, athletes who had puck injury were found to be statistically significant (p <0.05). In 30m sprint and hexagon agility test results, athletes who had overuse injury were found to be statistically significant (p <0.05). There was a significant correlation between on-ice 30m sprint and cornering s turn agility tests with broad jump test and also with off-ice push-up and plank tests (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the performance tests, push up test might be a distinctive test in determining the performance of the athletes after injury. Also on-ice tests had a correlation with off-ice plank test which is the indicator of core muscle strength.

We believe that the current performance and performance deficiencies of the athletes determined and existing training programs will be arranged to eliminate performance deficiencies. We wanted to raise awareness about whether there is a general deficiency in ice hockey performance caused by past injuries and which exercises should be included in the training program in order to overcome performance deficiencies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a member of Turkish Ice Hockey Federation,
• To be subject to any of the licensed athletes who played in the super league team
• To be over 18,
• To be male.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being under the age of 18,
• Being a woman,
• Having not suffered a musculoskeletal injury that would prevent him from going to training in the last 1 year or affect the outcome of the measurements.