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Reactions to the success of ice-skating stars Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan illustrate the ways in which Asian ethnics continue to find themselves excluded from the U.S. racial and cultural center. Although they may be long-time Americans, they are not perceived as such. (SLD)

A questionnaire was used to examine the number, nature, and etiology of injuries to 60 Canadian nationally ranked figure skaters over a one-year period. Twenty-eight of the respondents reported having a significant injury during the year. Forty-three percent of the injuries were overuse injuries. (MT)

A method for determining the tridimensional angular displacement of skates during the two-legged stop in ice hockey was developed and validated. The angles were measured by geometry, using a cinecamera and specially equipped skates. The method provides a new tool for kinetic analyses of skating movements. (Authors/PP)

A study exploring injuries among 14 pairs of ice skaters revealed that males tended to have pain in the shoulders, wrists, and back, while females had pain in the hips and feet. Males tended to have more injuries in single skating, while females tended to have more in pairs skating. (Author/CB)

Purpose: In this study, we compared the influence of movement specificity during velocity–load jump testing to predict on-ice acceleration performance in elite speed skaters. Methods: Elite long-track speed skaters (N = 27) performed velocity–load testing with 3 external loads during unilateral horizontal jumping, lateral jumping, and bilateral vertical countermovement jumping. For the unilateral tests, external load conditions were set to 10 N, 7.5% and 15% of external load relative to body weight. For the countermovement jumping, load conditions were body weight and 30% and 60% of external load relative to body weight. On-ice performance measures were obtained during maximal 50-m accelerations from a standing start, including maximal skating speed, maximal acceleration capacity, and maximum horizontal power. The 100-m split time from a 500-m race was also obtained. Regularized regression models were used to identify the most important predictors of on-ice acceleration performance. In addition to regularized regression coefficients, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for all variables retained by the model to assess interrelationships between single predictors and on-ice performance measures. Results: The countermovement jump with 30% of body mass demonstrated the strongest association with maximal skating speed, maximum horizontal power, and 100-m time (regularized regression coefficient =.16−.49, r =.84−.97, P <.001). Horizontal jump with 15% of body mass was the strongest predictor of maximal acceleration capacity performance (regularized regression coefficient =.08, r =.83, P <.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that mechanical specificity rather than movement specificity was more relevant for predicting on-ice acceleration performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Optimal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion plays a vital role in attaining the essential crouched posture necessary for excelling in speed skating. The purpose of this study was to determine how the ankle dorsiflexion angle evolves throughout a day of training and to identify the factors that influence this angle. Methods: Thirty short-track speed skaters, from 2 teams, participated in this study. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle was obtained in a lunge position facing a wall, using a digital inclinometer. All measures were obtained 3 times per side, 6 times per day, on 2 training days separated by at least a week. We conducted multiple tests to study the impact of repetition, day, side, team level, sex, and moment on the ankle dorsiflexion angle. Results: The 3 times repeated measures and the 2 days of training did not have a significant influence on the results. There was a statistically significant difference between the first time point of the day and the 5 other time points for both ankles. Moreover, the influence of sex and team level was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The results indicate that there are significant changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion but only after the first warm-up of the day. Such findings could enable team staff to enhance athletes' precompetition preparation and tailor ankle mobility training regimens more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ice hockey is a team invasion sport characterized by repeated high-intensity skating efforts, technical and tactical skill, physical contact, and collisions requiring considerable levels of muscular strength. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between lower-body vertical force–time metrics and skating qualities in subelite female ice hockey players. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort design was employed utilizing 14 athletes (body mass = 66.7 [1.8] kg; height = 171.6 [6.2] cm; age = 21.1 [1.7] y). The relationships between metrics of lower-body strength collected from a drop jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, loaded countermovement jump, and an isometric squat and 4 skating qualities collected from a linear sprint, repeated sprint test, and a multistage aerobic test were evaluated. Results: The regression models revealed a positive relationship between relative peak force in the isometric squat and skating multistage aerobic test performance (r2 =.388; P =.017) and a positive relationship between repeated-sprint ability and eccentric mean force during the loaded countermovement jump (r2 =.595; P =.001). No significant relationships were observed between strength metrics and skating acceleration or maximal velocity. Conclusions: These data suggest that skating ability is most affected by relative isometric strength in female ice hockey players. It is recommended that practitioners focus training on tasks that improve relative force output. It is also recommended that isometric relative peak force be used as a monitoring metric for this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Children and youths with disabilities have low levels of physical activity and limited opportunities to participate in physical activity. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and meaning of an adapted ice-skating approach with access to a tailored harness system as a physical activity for children and youths with disabilities in Sweden. Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 guardians, 5 ice-skating trainers and 15 ice-skating children and youths with disabilities. The interviews were supplemented with participant observations of 23 children and youths with disabilities while ice-skating. Results: Four categories emerged: "To grow as a person," "To arouse zest for life," "To train for life" and "To become part of society." Ice-skating was found to be a source of joy of movement, zest for life and longing, enabling children and youths with disabilities to explore and develop their abilities, social interactions, confidence, identity, and independence in a safe and joy-bringing context. Conclusion: The study highlights social and existential dimensions of an adapted ice-skating approach with access to a harness system tailored for children and youths with disabilities, that enables them to be included in ice-skating, regardless of disabilities, creating increased opportunities for physical activity and movement. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Adapted ice-skating, with access to ice-skating trainers, adapted facilities, and assistive devices, such as tailored harness systems, can create opportunities for children and youths with disabilities to increase their level of physical activity. Participation in adapted ice-skating seems to affect both physical, psychological, social, and existential dimensions for children and youths with disabilities, thus impacting their whole life. The knowledge contribution of this study can be a basis for investments in adapted and harness-supported ice-skating activities, which can improve the health and well-being of children and youths with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Coordination in ice hockey skating has been minimally investigated, particularly in females. The objective was to compare lower-extremity inter-segment coordination of collegiate male and female ice hockey players during forward skating starts. Methods: 3D kinematic data were collected on collegiate male (n = 9) and female (n = 10) participants during accelerative steps. Continuous relative phase (CRP) was calculated for shank-sagittal/thigh-sagittal, shank-sagittal/thigh-frontal, and foot-sagittal/shank-sagittal segment pairs across 2.5 strides on each side. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted features of greatest variability of the CRP and relationships between principal components and sex were investigated using hierarchical linear model. Results: Males demonstrated more out-of-phase coordination (higher CRP) for side one (p =.01) and side two (p <.01) shank-sagittal/thigh-sagittal as well as side one shank-sagittal/thigh-frontal (p <.01) segment pairs throughout each step. Females demonstrated a greater change in CRP from late stance/early swing to late swing/early stance on side two for shank-sagittal/thigh-frontal segments (p <.01). For side two shank-sagittal/thigh-frontal segments, faster males utilized more out-of-phase coordination throughout each step whereas faster females utilized more in-phase coordination (p <.01). Conclusion: Males and females may employ different coordinative strategies to achieve faster skating speeds. Males tend to utilize more out-of-phase coordination of the shank and thigh throughout strides, although coordinative differences of the shank and foot were not found between sexes. Further investigation is needed to examine the relationship between lower limb strength and coordination as well as the effect of targeted training protocols on lower extremity coordinative patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Short-track speed skating race distances of 500, 1000, and 1500 m that last ∼40 seconds to ∼2.5 minutes and require a maximal intensity at speeds beyond maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Recently, the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) has been applied by scientists and coaches in middle-distance sports to deepen understanding of 1- to 5-minute event performance where different physiological profiles (speed, hybrid, and endurance) can have success. Methods: World-class (women, n = 2; men, n = 3) and international-level (women, n = 4; men, n = 5) short-track speed skaters completed maximal aerobic speed and maximal skating speed tests. ASR characteristics were compared between profiles and associated with on-ice performance. Results: World-class athletes raced at a lower %ASR in the 1000- (3.1%; large; almost certainly) and 1500-m (1.8%; large; possibly) events than international athletes. Men's and women's speed profiles operated at a higher %ASR in the 500-m than hybrid and endurance profiles, whereas in the 1500-m, endurance profiles worked at a substantially lower %ASR than hybrid and speed profiles. Women's 500-m performance is very largely associated with maximal skating speed, while women's maximal aerobic speed appears to be a key determining factor in the 1000- and 1500-m performance. Conclusion: World-class short-track speed skaters can be developed in speed, hybrid, and endurance profiles but achieve their performance differently by leveraging their strongest characteristics. These results show nuanced differences between men's and women's 500-, 1000- and 1500-m event performance across ASR profile that unlock new insights for individualizing athlete performance in these disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify differences in heart rate (HR) and concentration of blood lactate ([La]) relationships between laboratory- and field-based skate-roller-skiing tests. Methods: Fourteen world-class biathletes (8 women, 6 men) completed a laboratory- and field-based roller-skiing test using the skate technique. The laboratory-based test comprised 5 to 7 submaximal steps at a fixed incline and speed on a roller-skiing treadmill. The field-based test comprised 5 steps on a course where the final hill was designed to mimic the conditions of the laboratory test. HR and [La] were measured for each step. The HR associated with 2 mmol·L−1 (HR@2 mmol) and 4 mmol·L−1 (HR@4 mmol) of [La] was calculated using an interpolation method. A 1-way analysis of variance and Bland–Altman analyses with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used to determine if test type influenced HR@2 mmol or HR@4 mmol. A second-order polynomial was fitted to group-level data to highlight the HR–[La] relationships for laboratory- and field-based tests. Results: HR@2 mmol was lower for field tests than for laboratory tests (mean bias: 1.9%HRmax; 95% LoA: −4.5 to +8.3%HRmax; P <.001). HR@4 mmol was also lower for field tests compared to laboratory tests (mean bias: 2.4%HRmax; 95% LoA: −1.2 to +6.0%HRmax; P <.001). On the group level, the lactate threshold occurred at a lower HR during roller skiing in the field compared to the laboratory. Conclusions: The findings from this study confirm that for a given HR, [La] was greater in field- compared with laboratory-based conditions. These results might have implications for how coaches define training-intensity "zones" during skate roller skiing based on laboratory tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In short-track speed skating, athletes need to possess specific physiological capabilities to perform explosive starts and to finish races with faster lap times than their opponents. Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) can enhance repeated-sprint ability and high-intensity performance. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between on- and off-ice performance indicators for training and testing purposes and how these are optimized with RSH in world-class short-track speed skaters including world and Olympic champions. Methods: RSH training was administered for 3 consecutive weeks, 3 times per week, at 3500 m of simulated altitude. Testing sessions (on-ice: 3-lap, 27-lap; off-ice: cycling incremental test, 7-s and 30-s Wingate) were performed immediately before and 2 and 4 weeks after RSH to determine the time course of decay. Results: On-ice top speed showed a small and possibly beneficial change of ∼0.9% for the women and large and almost certain ∼0.7% improvement for the men 2 weeks post-RSH. Cycling peak power showed a moderate and probable ∼5.4% improvement for the men 2 weeks after RSH. These adaptations reverted to baseline 4 weeks post-RSH. Wingate average power showed a small and possibly beneficial gain (∼3.4%) in performance 4 weeks post-RSH. Conclusion: Although scientific controls could not be added due to the extremely high caliber of these athletes and low sample size of the national team, this study suggests that cycling RSH can be added immediately after on-ice training and can transfer into meaningful improvements on the ice in both male and female skaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Training load is typically described in terms of internal and external load. Investigating the coupling of internal and external training load is relevant to many sports. Here, continuous kernel-density estimation (KDE) may be a valuable tool to capture and visualize this coupling. Aim: Using training load data in speed skating, we evaluated how well bivariate KDE plots describe the coupling of internal and external load and differentiate between specific training sessions, compared to training impulse scores or intensity distribution into training zones. Methods: On-ice training sessions of 18 young (sub)elite speed skaters were monitored for velocity and heart rate during 2 consecutive seasons. Training session types were obtained from the coach's training scheme, including endurance, interval, tempo, and sprint sessions. Differences in training load between session types were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis or Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests for training impulse and KDE scores, respectively. Results: Training impulse scores were not different between training session types, except for extensive endurance sessions. However, all training session types differed when comparing KDEs for heart rate and velocity (both P <.001). In addition, 2D KDE plots of heart rate and velocity provide detailed insights into the (subtle differences in) coupling of internal and external training load that could not be obtained by 2D plots using training zones. Conclusion: 2D KDE plots provide a valuable tool to visualize and inform coaches on the (subtle differences in) coupling of internal and external training load for training sessions. This will help coaches design better training schemes aiming at desired training adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test and adapt a treadmill-developed method for determination of inner-cycle parameters and sub-technique in cross-country roller ski skating for a field application. The method is based on detecting initial and final ground contact of poles and skis during cyclic movements. Eleven athletes skied 4 laps of 2.5 km at low- and high-endurance intensities, using 2 types of skis with different rolling coefficients. Participants were equipped with inertial measurement units attached to their wrists and skis, and insoles with pressure sensors and poles with force measurements were used as reference systems. The method based on inertial measurement units was able to detect >97% of the temporal events detected with the reference system. The inner-cycle temporal parameters had a precision ranging from 49 to 59 milliseconds, corresponding to 3.9% to 13.7% of the corresponding inner-cycle duration. Overall, this study showed good reliability of using inertial measurement units on athletes' wrists and skis to determine temporal events, inner-cycle parameters, and the performed sub-techniques in cross-country roller ski skating in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better analyze human posture in ice sports, a method based on deep learning has been established. In this method, the input gate, forget gate and output gate are configured to make them more suitable for human pose analysis relying on the LSTM network framework. The input data of LSTM are encoded using the sequence of human skeleton and joint angles in ice skating. During the experiment, abstract models of human bones and joints were provided, with continuous jumping movements in figure skating as the analysis object. LSTM provided detailed analysis results. The experimental results show that the accuracy of deep learning continues to improve in analyzing human posture during ice sports with the number of iterations increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the optimal functional movement screen (FMS) cut score for assessing the risk of sports injuries and to explore the correlations between functional movement quality and sports performance among elite figure skaters. A total of 22 elite figure pairs skaters in China underwent FMS, sports performance, and clinical examinations for sports injuries. The FMS cut score was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Pearson's rank correlation analysis was used to quantify associations between the variables. (a) The optimal FMS cut score for assessing the risk of sports injuries was 13 (p50.008), with an area under curve of 0.838. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.889 and 0.692, respectively. (b) The trunk stability push-up (TSPU), an individual FMS test, predicted injuries in figure skaters (p50.015). (c) Moderate correlations were found between shoulder mobility and bench strength (r520.453, p 5 0.034), counter movement jump (r520.582, p 5 0.007), and 30-m sprint (r 5 0.567, p 5 0.009). A strong correlation was observed with squat jump (r520.774, p50.001). In addition, TSPU scores moderately correlated with 30-m sprint times (r520.511, p 5 0.021) and 30-s average anaerobic power (r 5 0.503, p 5 0.024). These findings indicate that both the FMS total score#13 and the FMS individual score serve as indicators of injury risk in figure skaters. However, only the FMS individual score reflected the sports performance. This likely results from the similarity in kinetic chain systems and movement patterns involved in both the FMS individual test and sports performance, suggesting a promising assessment strategy for sports performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cross-country ski skating, both the G2 and G4 sub-techniques involve one pole push for every second ski push but are used at largely different speed-slope ranges. The aim of this study was to compare temporal and kinematic patterns between G2 and G4 at both identical and different speed-slope conditions. A mixed model was used to analyse spatio-temporal parameters, while a combination of dynamic time warping and statistical parametric mapping was used to compare time traces. Main spatio-temporal parameters, such as cycle time, ski contact time and swing time, differed between G2 and G4 (all p < 0.01). Moreover, two forward and more pronounced acceleration phases of the centre of mass (CoM) were visible in G4 while only one acceleration phase was present in G2. The more continuous propulsion in G2 allows for maintaining a more constant speed at steep slopes and low speeds where this sub-technique is preferred. In contrast, the achievement of high speeds while skiing on flatter terrain seem to require more dynamic motion with shorter, more explosive propulsion periods allowed for in G4. In conclusion, G2 and G4 are two unique movements as characterised by fundamentally different CoM motion and should be denoted as two different sub-techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the associations between force and velocity characteristics of forward skating and off‐ice speed, agility, and power of highly trained teenage ice hockey players. Players attending the Quebec ice hockey federation's off‐season evaluation camp were invited to participate in this study. Final sample consists of 107 highly trained teenage ice hockey players (Males: n = 38; 13.83 ± 0.38 years; Females: n = 69: 14.75 ± 0.90 years). Individual force–velocity profiles (F–V) were determined during a 44 m skating sprint. Off‐ice speed, agility, and power were measured using 30 m sprint, 5‐10‐5 agility, and standing long jump. Associations between F–V mechanical capabilities and off‐ice indicators were analyzed with correlational analyses and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results of pooled data indicate that the three off‐ice measures had moderate associations with F0 and V0 and large associations with Pmax. Associations with Rfmax, Drf, and Sfv were moderate to small. F0 had stronger associations with off‐ice performance in female players while V0 was more important with male players. MANCOVA identified 5‐10‐5 times as the better predictor for F0 while 30 m sprints times better predicted V0. To maximize physical attributes of skating ability, practitioners are encouraged to focus on a general physical preparation for highly trained teenage players. Prioritizing types of exercises that use change of direction or acceleration and linear speed should have distinct effects on F0 and V0 on the ice. Highlights: A good general physical preparation is important for highly trained teenage ice hockey players as maximal running speed, change of direction ability, and leg power in the horizontal plane are largely associated with mechanical capabilities during maximal skating performance.Change of direction ability tends to be associated with the ability to generate force at low velocities on the ice (F0) while maximal running speed tends to be associated with the ability to generate force at high velocities on the ice (V0).Off‐ice abilities are more strongly associated to the ability to generate force at low velocities on the ice (F0) in highly trained female players than in highly trained male players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-Track Speed Skating (STSS) is an Olympic discipline in which anaerobic performance plays a central role. An established assessment tool for anaerobic performance in STSS athletes is the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). The aim of this study was to investigate whether WAnT could be used as a predictor of sport-specific performance in the STSS 500-m races. Data from 72 German national STSS athletes (33 female, 39 male) were analysed retrospectively. The statistical analyses included descriptive procedures as well as linear mixed-model analyses. The results showed significant correlations between WAnT outcomes and 500 -m performance of STSS athletes. In male athletes, the coefficients were −0.40 for relative Mean Power (rMP) and −0.32 for relative Peak Power (rPP) (p < 0.001). For female athletes, the rMP showed no significant correlation whereas rPP was significantly correlated with a coefficient of −0.41 (p < 0.001). Marginal R2 values ranged between 0% and 12%. Conditional R2 reached up to 76% depending on sex and WAnT parameter investigated. In conclusion while WAnT can be regarded as a potential predictor of time in 500-m STSS races, it should be used in conjunction with other performance metrics and individualized assessments to better predict performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the relationship between the functional state of the musculoskeletal system and skating performance in ice hockey players is essential, as it can provide valuable insights for the development of training programs tailored to the specific needs of athletes. This study investigated the relationship between functional movement patterns, dynamic balance, and ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players. Methods: The study involved sixty elite male ice hockey players aged 14 to 18 years, with an average age of 15.9 ± 0.85 years and training experience ranging from 7 to 9 years. Functional movement patterns were evaluated using the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM). Dynamic balance was assessed using the lower quarter Y-Balance test (YBT-LQ). Fitness tests on ice were conducted using a professional Smart Speed measurement system. Results: Negative correlations were found between the in-line lunge and the results of the 5-m forward (rho = −0.31, p = 0.018) and 5-m backward (rho = −0.27, p = 0.040), as well as between the hurdle step and the 30-m forward skating test result (rho = −0.26, p = 0.043). Positive correlations were observed between shoulder mobility and both forward (5-m: rho = 0.27, p = 0.035) and backward skating results (5-m: rho = 0.35, p = 0.006; 30-m: rho = 0.26, p = 0.047), and between active straight leg rise and both the 5-m forward skating (rho = 0.38, p = 0.002) and agility tests (rho = 0.39, p = 0.002). The study also revealed positive correlations between the magnitude of asymmetries in the anterior reach distance of the right and left legs and the results of 5-m forward (rho = 0.34, p = 0.009) and backward skating (rho = 0.32, p = 0.013). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the agility test and the magnitude of asymmetries in the posteromedial reach distance (r = 0.32, p = 0.012) as well as the composite YBT score (r = 0.28, p = 0.031). Negative correlations were found between normalized reach distances in the YBT-LQ and performance outcomes in both forward and backward skating, as well as in the agility test, indicating that greater reach distance corresponds to faster skating. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential impact of balance and hip mobility on skating speed and agility and emphasize the importance of symmetry for optimal performance among ice hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter sports athletes training are more predisposed to the development of asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) than athletes training in milder ambient conditions. An increased incidence of asthma symptoms has been demonstrated, among others, in competitive cross-country skiers. Winter sports training in an indoor ice rink also contributes to an increase in the occurrence of asthma and EIB symptoms and to the influx of inflammatory cells into the respiratory tract. Hyperventilation with dry, cold air may predispose to development of bronchospasm. The frequency of symptoms varies depending on the discipline trained. The latest research highlights the involvement of neurogenic (excessive stimulation of the vegetative system) and inflammatory component (increased number of eosinophils, T lymphocytes and mast cells) in the development of asthma symptoms in athletes. The air quality at the indoor ice rinks has been significantly deteriorating for a long time due to exhaust emissions (increase in NO2, CO and PM1 particles) from ice cleaning machines. Switching to electric devices has drastically reduced the amount of harmful particles. Despite the changes introduced, athletes training on indoor ice rinks are still a group predisposed to exerciseinduced bronchospasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the force-length properties of muscles have an approximately parabolic shape, in vivo not all the force-length curve is necessarily used, only a portion of the curve is expressed (i.e., ascending, plateau, or descending regions of the force-length curve). The number of sarcomeres in series in a muscle fiber affects the expressed section of the force-length curve; this number can be influenced by the nature of activity the muscle experiences. It was hypothesized that the reduced range of motion ice skaters experience, because of the constraints imposed by the ice skates, that the gastrocnemii of a group of ice skaters will adapt and will more frequently express in vivo the plateau of the force-length curve compared with a nonspecifically trained population. Twelve NCAA Division I female ice hockey players volunteered for the study. Their maximum isometric ankle plantarflexion moments were recorded for 6 ankle angles and 3 knee angles. Exploiting the biarticularity of the gastrocnemius, the expressed sections of the subject's force-length curves were determined. Six subjects operated over the ascending limb, 5 operated over the plateau region, and 1 over the descending limb. This frequency of distribution for ice hockey players was statistically different to the distribution measured for 28 nonspecifically trained subjects from a previous study (p < 0.0001). These results likely reflect morphological differences between the 2 groups for their gastrocnemii, potentially arising from the limited range of gastrocnemius length feasible in ice-skates. These results have implications for the specificity of their off-ice training for ice hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), particularly cam morphology, is highly prevalent among elite hockey athletes. Moreover, hip and groin pain has become a common issue in hockey, with approximately 50% of European professional athletes reported to experience a hip or groin problem during a season. While most athletes will not miss training or competition due to this, restricted competitive performance and increased risk of reduced physical and psychological well-being are likely. Recent research suggests that the development of cam morphology is related to the repetitive shear stresses experienced at the hip joint during adolescence from skating. This condition likely increases the potential for intra-articular and extra-articular injuries in these athletes later in their careers. Research also indicates that the hip joint mechanics during forward skating substantially increase the possibility of sustaining a labral tear compared to other sports. Such an injury can increase femoral head movement within the joint, potentially causing secondary damage to the iliofemoral ligament, ligamentum teres and joint capsule. These injuries and the high density of nociceptors in the affected structures may explain the high prevalence of hip and groin pain in hockey athletes. Compensatory adaptations, such as reduced hip strength, stability, and range-of-motion (ROM) likely increase the opportunity for core muscle injuries and hip flexor and adductor injuries. Specifically, the limited hip ROM associated with cam morphology appears to exacerbate the risk of these injuries as there will be an increase in pubic symphysis stress and transverse strain during rotational movements. It is hoped that this article will assist practitioners currently working with hockey athletes to develop evidence-informed monitoring strategies and training interventions, aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of hip and groin problems, ultimately enhancing athlete performance and well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this clinical commentary was to examine current evidence on common hip pathologies in hockey athletes, exploring potential associations between hip and groin pain and the biomechanics of hockey activities. Level of Evidence 5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between physical performance tests and on-ice external load from simulated games (scrimmages) in ice hockey. Methods: A total of 14 players completed a physical performance test battery consisting of 30-m sprint test—run and 30-m sprint test—skate (including 10-m split times and maximum speed), countermovement jump, standing long jump, bench press, pull-ups, and trap bar deadlift and participated in 4 scrimmages. External load variables from scrimmages included total distance; peak speed; slow (< 11.0 km/h), moderate (11.0–16.9 km/h), high (17.0–23.9 km/h), and sprint (> 24.0 km/h) speed skating distance; number of sprints; PlayerLoad™; number of high-intensity events (> 2.5 m/s); accelerations; decelerations; and changes of direction. Bayesian pairwise correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between physical performance tests and external load performance variables. Results: The results showed strong evidence (Bayes factor > 10) for associations between pull-ups and high-intensity events (τ =.61) and between maximum speed skate and peak speed (τ =.55). There was moderate evidence (Bayes factor >3 to <10) for 6 associations: both maximum speed skate (τ =.44) and countermovement jump (τ =.44) with sprint speed skating distance, countermovement jump with number of sprints (τ =.46), pull-ups with changes of direction (τ =.50), trap bar with peak speed (τ =.45), and body mass with total distance (τ =.49). Conclusion: This study found physical performance tests to be associated with some of the external load variables from scrimmages. Nevertheless, the majority of correlations did not display meaningful associations, possibly being influenced by the selection of physical performance tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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 (p # 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare sex differences in physiological determinants of skiing performance in elite adolescent, junior, and senior cross-country skiers matched for within-age-group performance level. Methods: Eight male and 12 female adolescent (15 [1] y), 8 male and 7 female junior (18 [1] y), and 7 male and 6 female senior (28 [5] y) skiers participated. Gross efficiency was calculated during submaximal uphill treadmill roller skiing (approximately 84% of peak oxygen uptake [ V ˙ O 2 peak ]) using the G2 ski-skating technique. Distance covered, V ˙ O 2 peak , and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit were established from a 3-minute time-trial. Fifteen-second maximal skiing power was calculated from an incremental treadmill speed test. Finally, upper- and lower-body maximal strength tests were conducted. Results: The 3-minute time-trial distance and maximal skiing power were, respectively, 23% and 15% (adolescent), 24% and 19% (junior), and 17% and 14% (senior) greater for men than women (all groups, P ≤.01, effect size [ES] = 2.43–4.18; very large). V ˙ O 2 peak relative to body mass was 17% (adolescent, P =.002, ES = 1.66, large), 21% (junior, P <.01, ES = 2.60, very large), and 19% (senior, P <.01, ES = 2.35, very large) greater for men than women. The within-age-group sex differences in gross efficiency, relative accumulated oxygen deficit, and strength were not significant, with the exception of greater lower-body strength in male than female juniors (P =.01, ES = 1.26, large). Conclusion: The within-age-group sex difference in skiing performance is of similar magnitude for adolescent, junior, and senior skiers. This difference can likely be attributed to the large to very large sex difference in V ˙ O 2 peak within all age-groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hockey is a fast-paced sport known for body checking, or intentional collisions used to separate opponents from the puck. Exposure to these impacts is concerning, as evidence suggests head impact exposure (HIE), even if noninjurious, can cause longterm brain changes. Currently, there is limited understanding of the effect of impact direction and collision speed on HIE. Video analysis was used to determine speed and direction for 162 collisions from 13 youth athletes. These data were paired with head kinematic data collected with an instrumented mouthpiece. Relationships between peak resultant head kinematics and speeds were evaluated with linear regression. Mean athlete speeds and relative velocity between athletes ranged from 2.05 to 2.76 m/s. Mean peak resultant linear acceleration, rotational velocity, and rotational acceleration were 13.1 g, 10.5 rad/s, and 1112 rad/s², respectively. Significant relationships between speeds and head kinematics emerged when stratified by contact characteristics. HIE also varied by direction of collision; most collisions occurred in the forward-oblique (ie, offset from center) direction; frontal collisions had the greatest magnitude peak kinematics. These findings indicate that HIE in youth hockey is influenced by speed and direction of impact. This study may inform future strategies to reduce the severity of HIE in hockey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate how the effects of increased low- versus high-intensity endurance training in an 8-week intervention influenced the subsequent development of performance and physiological indices in cross-country skiers. Methods: Forty-four (32 men and 12 women) junior cross-country skiers were randomly assigned into a low-intensity training group (LITG, n = 20) or high-intensity training group (HITG, n = 24) for an 8-week intervention followed by 5 weeks of standardized training with similar intensity distribution, and thereafter 14 weeks of self-chosen training. Performance and physiological indices in running and in roller-ski skating were determined preintervention, after the intervention, and after the standardized training period. Roller-ski skating was also tested after the period of self-chosen training. Results: No between-groups changes from preintervention to after the standardized training period were found in peak speed when incremental running and roller-ski skating (P =.83 and.51), although performance in both modes was improved in the LITG (2.4% [4.6%] and 3.3% [3.3%], P <.05) and in roller-ski skating for HITG (2.6% [3.1%], P <.01). While improvements in maximal oxygen consumption running and peak oxygen uptake roller-ski skating were greater in HITG than in LITG from preintervention to after the intervention, no between-groups differences were found from preintervention to after the standardized training period (P =.50 and.46), although peak oxygen uptake in roller-ski skating significantly improved in HITG (5.7% [7.0%], P <.01). No changes either within or between groups were found after the period of self-chosen training. Conclusions: Differences in adaptations elicited by a short-term intervention focusing on low- versus high-intensity endurance training had little or no effect on the subsequent development of performance or physiological indices following a period of standardized training in cross-country skiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In order to better understand the imaging of severe trauma in sport, this study describes the imaging modalities utilized to image athletes who experienced severe traumatic injuries at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games 2022, the distribution of these modalities in relation to the sporting facilities, and the types of injuries imaged in each sport. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis with descriptive tables and figures, performed on a single population (athletes of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games 2022). Results: Of the 2871 athletes in the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, there were 40 athletes with severe injuries who underwent medical imaging. MRI was used more often than Radiography or CT. Athletes at venues without MRI on site had to be transferred to adjacent hospitals for care. Alpine and Freestyle skiing athletes experienced the majority of severe traumatic injuries at this Olympic Games, and the majority of injuries were to the lower limb. Conclusions: Access to medical imaging for severely injured athletes is a critical consideration in the organization of any sporting event. MRI in particular is highly utilized in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐track and short‐track ice speed skating are integral to the Winter Olympics. The state of evidence‐based injury prevention in these sports is unclear. Our goals were to summarize the current scientific knowledge, to determine the state of research, and to highlight future research areas for injury prevention in ice speed skating. We conducted a scoping review, searching all injury and injury prevention studies in competitive ice speed skaters. The six‐stage Translating Research into Injury Prevention Practice (TRIPP) framework summarized the findings. The systematic search yielded 1109 citations. Nineteen studies were included, and additional searches yielded another 13 studies, but few had high‐quality design. TRIPP stage 1 studies (n = 24) found competition injury rates from 2% to 18% of participants with various injury locations and types. Seasonal prevalence of physical complaints was up to 84% (for back pain) in long‐ and short‐track. Ten studies covered information on TRIPP stage 2, with two small etiological studies linking injuries to functional strength deficits (short‐track) and training load (long‐track). Questionnaire studies identified various perceived risk factors for injuries but lacked further scientific evidence. Most TRIPP stage 3 studies (five out of eight) focused on developing protective measures, while two studies found short‐track helmets performed poorly compared to helmets used in other sports. No study evaluated the efficacy, the intervention context, or the effectiveness (TRIPP stages 4–6) of the measures. Scientific knowledge on injury prevention in ice speed skating is limited. Future research should prioritize high‐quality studies on injury epidemiology and etiology in the sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared performance strategies and sub-technique selection in cross-country skate skiing sprint races, specifically individual time-trial (ITT) and head-to-head (H2H) formats. Fourteen male cross-country skiers from the Chinese national team participated in the FIS-sanctioned sprint race day. GNSS and heart rate sensors recorded positioning, skiing speeds, heart rate, sub-technique usage, and skiing kinematics. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to determine the course positions (clusters) where instantaneous skiing speed was significantly associated with section time. One-way analyses of variance were used to examine differences between the ITT and H2H. H2H race speeds were 2.4 ± 0.2% faster than the ITT race (p < 0.05).Variations in sub-technique and skiing kinematics were observed between race formats, indicating different strategies and tactics employed by athletes. SPM identified specific clusters (primarily uphill) where the fastest athlete gained significant time over the slowest. The greatest time gains were associated with higher G3 sub-technique usage and longer G3 cycle length on steep uphill terrain (9–13% gradients). Integrating SPM analyses and sub-technique assessments can help optimise performance and tactics in sprint races. This study enhances our understanding of cross-country skiing dynamics and performance variations among elite competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In long-track speed skating, drafting is a commonly used phenomenon in training; however, it is not allowed in time-trial races. In speed skating, limited research is available on the physical and psychological impact of drafting. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of "skating alone," "leading," or "drafting" on physical intensity (heart rate and blood lactate) and perceived intensity (perceived exertion) of speed skaters. Methods: Twenty-two national-level long-track speed skaters with a mean age of 19.3 (2.6) years skated 5 laps, with similar external intensity in 3 different conditions: skating alone, leading, or drafting. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed differences between the 3 conditions, heart rate (F2,36 = 10.546, P <.001), lactate (F2,36 = 12.711, P <.001), and rating of perceived exertion (F2,36 = 5.759, P <.01). Results: Heart rate and lactate concentration were significantly lower (P <.001) when drafting compared with leading (heart rate Δ = 7 [8] beats·min–1, 4.0% [4.7%]; lactate Δ = 2.3 [2.3] mmol/L, 28.2% [29.9%]) or skating alone (heart rate Δ = 8 [7.1] beats·min–1, 4.6% [3.9%]; lactate Δ = 2.8 [2.5] mmol/L, 33.6% [23.6%]). Rating of perceived exertion was significantly lower (P <.01) when drafting (Δ = 0.8 [1.0], 16.5% [20.9%]) or leading (Δ = 0.5 [0.9], 7.7% [20.5%]) versus skating alone. Conclusions: With similar external intensity, physical intensity, as well as perceived intensity, is reduced when drafting in comparison with skating alone. A key finding of this study is the psychological effect: Skating alone was shown to be more demanding than leading, whereas leading and drafting were perceived to be similar in terms of perceived exertion. Knowledge about the reduction of internal intensity for a drafting skater compared with leading or skating alone can be used by coaches and trainers to optimize training conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zukowski, MH, Jordan, MJ, and Herzog, W. Modeling the early and late cceleration phases of the sprint start in elite long track speed skaters. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 236-244, 2024--This study established the reliability of an exponential function to model the change in velocity during the speed skating sprint start and the validity of associated model parameters in a group of subelite and elite long track speed skaters. Long track speed skaters (n538) performed maximal effort 50-mon-ice accelerations froma standing start while tethered to a horizontal robotic resistance device that sampled position and time data continuously. An exponential function was applied to the raw data to model the change in velocity throughout the acceleration phase and compute the maximal skating speed (MSS), maximal acceleration capacity (MAC), maximum relative net horizontal power (PMax), and an acceleration-time constant (t). All constructed models provided a sufficient fit of the raw data (R-squared. 0.95, mean bias, 2%). Intraday reliability of all model parameters ranged from good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient .0.8 and coefficient of variation, 5%). Strong negative correlations (r: 20.72 to 20.96) were observed between MSS and PMax and the 10 and 20 m split times measured with the robotic resistance and with 100 split times obtained from500mraces. Moderate-to-large between-group differenceswere observed inMSS, MAC, and PMax between the elite vs. subelite speed skaters (Cohen d effect sizes: 1.18-3.53). Our results indicate that monoexponentialmodeling is a valid and reliable method of monitoring initial acceleration performance in elite level long track speed skaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored sports‐related factors predicting organized sports participation in emerging adulthood. In the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study, 354 sports club participants aged 15 at baseline reported their main sport, onset age, training volume, current competitive level, and future competitive orientation and participated in the follow‐up study at age 19. There were differences in the proportions of maintainers and dropouts in a few sports: football (maintainers 58.6%), and among females, skating (maintainers 60.7%), and swimming (dropouts 80.0%). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that those who had started their main sport by school age (females OR 3.05/95% CI 1.34, 6.98; males OR 3.97/95% CI 1.48, 10.64) and had competed at national top level plus had aimed at success at the adult level competitions in future (females OR 3.42/95% CI 1.16, 10.09; males OR 3.58/95% CI 1.12, 11.41; among females, also had competed at national top level plus had aimed at success at junior level competitions [OR 3.42/95% CI 1.20, 9.78]) were more likely maintainers than dropouts. Early onset in the main sport and competitiveness were related to maintained sports participation while the opposites were related to dropouts in the current organized sports system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice hockey is an intense team sport characterized by repeated bursts of fast‐paced skating, rapid changes in speed and direction and frequent physical encounters. These are performed in on‐ice shifts of ~30–80 s interspersed with longer sequences of passive recovery, resulting in about 15–25 min on‐ice time per player. Nearly 50% of the distance is covered at high‐intensity skating speeds and with an accentuated intense activity pattern in forwards compared to defensemen. During ice hockey match‐play, both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems are significantly challenged, with the heart rate increasing toward maximum levels during each shift, and with great reliance on both glycolytic and phosphagen ATP provision. The high‐intensity activity pattern favors muscle glycogen as fuel, leading to pronounced reductions despite the relatively brief playing time, including severe depletion of a substantial proportion of individual fast‐ and slow‐twitch fibers. Player‐tracking suggests that the ability to perform high‐intensity skating is compromised in the final stages of a game, which is supported by post‐game reductions in repeated‐sprint ability. Muscle glycogen degradation, in particular in individual fibers, as well as potential dehydration and hyperthermia, may be prime candidates implicated in exacerbated fatigue during the final stages of a game, whereas multiple factors likely interact to impair exercise tolerance during each shift. This includes pronounced PCr degradation, with potential inadequate resynthesis in a proportion of fast‐twitch fibers in situations of repeated intense actions. Finally, the recovery pattern is inadequately described, but seems less long‐lasting than in other team sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details regarding Edwin Frere, the Victorian pastor in Lindsay Clarke's The Chymical Wedding, yield new meaning in light of C. G. Jung's alchemical writings, which are mentioned in the novel's concluding acknowledgements. Although Frere's union with Louisa Agnew has been considered a proper coniunctio, his relationship with her and his subsequent self-castration require a darker interpretation than some critics--and the narrator--propose. Other significant events under examination include Frere's disastrous experience in India, his reaction to the sheela-na-gig Gypsy May, two fine moments (helping a young outcast and ice skating with friends), and his life after the novel closes. Relevant statements by Jung about the psychology of the Christian faith, particularly the role of repression, persona, and projection, are applied to Frere's experiences in order to argue that he does not achieve a fruitful or lasting coniunctio with Louisa and that his self-castration is problematic because it participates in the materialism that alchemy seeks to counter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Laboratory tests are commonly performed by cross‐country (XC) skiers due to the challenges of obtaining reliable performance indicators on snow. However, only a few studies have reported reliability data for ski‐specific test protocols. Therefore, this study examined the test–retest reliability of ski‐specific aerobic, sprint, and neuromuscular performance tests. Methods: Thirty‐nine highly trained XC skiers (26 men and 13 women, age: 22 ± 4 years, V̇O2max: 70.1 ± 4.5 and 58.8 ± 4.4 mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively) performed two test trials within 6 days of a diagonal V̇O2max test, n = 27; skating graded exercise test to assess the second lactate threshold (LT2), n = 27; 24‐min double poling time trial (24‐min DP, n = 25), double poling sprint test (SprintDP1, n = 27), and 1‐min self‐paced skating sprint test (Sprint1‐min, n = 26) using roller skis on a treadmill, and an upper‐body strength test (UB‐ST, n = 27) to assess peak power (Ppeak) with light, medium, and heavy loads. For each test, the coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Results: V̇O2max demonstrated good‐to‐excellent reliability (CV = 1.4%; ICC = 0.99; MDC = 112 mL·min−1), whereas moderate‐to‐excellent reliability was found for LT2 (CV = 3.1%; ICC = 0.95). Performance during 24‐min DP, SprintDP1, and Sprint1‐min showed good‐to‐excellent reliability (CV = 1.0%–2.3%; ICC = 0.96–0.99). Absolute reliability for UB‐ST Ppeak was poor (CV = 4.9%–7.8%), while relative reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.93–0.97) across the loads. Conclusion: In highly trained XC skiers, sport‐specific aerobic and sprint performance tests demonstrated high test–retest reliability, while neuromuscular performance for the upper body was less reliable. Using the presented protocols, practitioners can assess within‐ and between‐season changes in relevant performance indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the Olympic level, optimally distributing training intensity is crucial for maximizing performance. Purpose: The authors evaluated the effect of training-intensity distribution on anaerobic power as a substitute for 1500-m speed-skating performance in the 4 y leading up to an Olympic gold medal. Methods: During the preparation phase of the speed-skating season, anaerobic power was recorded periodically (n = 15) using the mean power (in watts) with a 30-s Wingate test. For each training session in the 4 wk prior to each Wingate test, the volume (in hours), training type (specific, simulation, nonspecific, and strength training), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE; CR-10) were recorded. Results: Compared with the 8 lowest, the 7 highest-scoring tests were preceded by a significantly (P <.01) higher volume of strength training. Furthermore, the RPE distribution of the number of nonspecific training sessions was significantly different (P <.01). Significant (P <.05) correlations highlighted that a larger nonspecific training volume in the lower intensities RPE 2 (r =.735) and 3 (r =.592) was associated positively and the medium intensities RPE 4 (r = −.750) and 5 (r = −.579) negatively with Wingate performance. Conclusion: For the subject, the best results were attained with a high volume of strength training and the bulk of nonspecific training at RPE 2 and 3, and specifically not at the adjoining RPE 4 and 5. These findings are surprising given the aerobic nature of training at RPE 2 and 3 and the importance of anaerobic capacity in this middle-distance event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the effects of a short specific and a long traditional warm-up on time-trial performance in cross-country skiing sprint using the skating style, as well as related differences in pacing strategy and physiological responses. Methods: In total, 14 (8 men and 6 women) national-level Norwegian cross-country skiers (age 20.4 [3.1] y; VO2max 65.9 [5.7] mL/kg/min) performed 2 types of warm-up (short, 8 × 100 m with gradual increase from 60% to 95% of maximal speed with a 1-min rest between sprints, and long, ∼35 min at low intensity, including 5 min at moderate and 3 min at high intensity) in a randomized order with 1 hour and 40 minutes of rest between tests. Each warm-up was followed by a 1.3-km sprint time trial, with continuous measurements of speed and heart rate. Results: No difference in total time for the time trial between the short and long warm-ups (199 [17] vs 200 [16] s; P =.952), or average speed and heart rate for the total course, or in the 6 terrain sections (all P <.41, η2 <.06) was found. There was an effect of order, with total time-trial time being shorter during test 2 than test 1 (197 [16] vs 202 [16] s; P =.004). No significant difference in blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion was found between the short versus long warm-ups or between test 1 and test 2 at any of the measurement points during the test day (P <.58, η2 >.01). Conclusions: This study indicates that a short specific warm-up could be as effective as a long traditional warm-up during a sprint time trial in cross-country skiing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Pain in sport has been normalized to the point where athletes are expected to ignore pain and remain in the game despite the possible detrimental consequences associated with playing through pain. While rehabilitation specialists may not have an influence on an athlete's competitive nature or the culture of risk they operate in, understanding the consequences of those factors on an athlete's physical well-being is definitely in their area of responsibility. Objective: To explore the factors associated with the experiences of subelite athletes who play through pain in gymnastics, rowing, and speed skating. Design: The authors conducted semistructured interviews with subelite athletes, coaches, and rehabilitation specialists. They recruited coach participants through their provincial sport organization. Athletes of the recruited coaches who were recovering from a musculoskeletal injury and training for a major competition were then recruited. They also recruited rehabilitation specialists who were known to treat subelite athletes independently by e-mail. Setting: An observation session was conducted at the athlete's training facility. Interviews were then conducted either in a room at the university or at a preferred sound-attenuated location suggested by the participant. Participants: The authors studied 5 coaches, 4 subelite athletes, and 3 rehabilitation specialists. Interventions: The authors photographed athletes during a practice shortly before an important competition, and we interviewed all the participants after that competition. Our photographs were used during the interview to stimulate discussion. Results: The participant interviews revealed 3 main themes related to playing through pain. They are: Listening to your body, Decision making, and Who decides. Conclusion: When subelite athletes, striving to be the best in their sport continue to train with the pain of an injury, performance is affected in the short-term and long-term consequences are also possible. Our study provides some insight into the contrasting forces that athletes balance as they decide to continue or to stop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accumulated time at a high percentage of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) is important for improving performance in endurance athletes. The present study compared the acute effect of a roller-ski skating session containing work intervals with a fast start followed by decreasing speed (DEC) with a traditional session where the work intervals had a constant speed (similar to the mean speed of DEC; TRAD) on physiological responses, rating of perceived exertion, and leg press peak power. Methods: A total of 11 well-trained cross-country skiers performed DEC and TRAD in a randomized order (5 × 5-min work intervals, 3-min relief). Each 5-minute work interval in the DEC protocol started with 1.5 minutes at 100% of maximal aerobic speed followed by 3.5 minutes at 85% of maximal aerobic speed, whereas the TRAD protocol had a constant speed at 90% of maximal aerobic speed. Results: DEC induced a higher VO2 than TRAD, measured as both peak and average of all work intervals during the session (98.2% [2.1%] vs 95.4% [3.1%] VO2peak, respectively, and 87.6% [1.9%] vs 86.1% [3.2%] VO2peak, respectively) with a lower mean rating of perceived exertion after DEC than TRAD (16.1 [1.0] vs 16.5 [0.7], respectively) (all P <.05). There were no differences between sessions for mean heart rate, blood lactate concentration, or leg press peak power. Conclusion: DEC induced a higher mean VO2 and a lower rating of perceived exertion than TRAD, despite similar mean speed, indicating that DEC can be a good strategy for interval sessions aiming to accumulate more time at a high percentage of VO2peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zukowski, MH, Jordan, MJ, and Herzog, W. Single leg lateral and horizontal loaded jump testing: reliability and correlation with long track sprint speed skating performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2251-2259, 2023--This study examined the intraday reliability of 2 novel unilateral loaded jump protocols designed for long track speed skaters. Highly trained (n 5 26), national level athletes performed single leg jumps with a horizontal robotic resistance across 3 external load conditions (10 N, 7.5% of body mass and 15% of body mass) using their dominant limb. Jumps were performed in both the horizontal (JumpHorz) and lateral (JumpLat) direction to replicate the body position and line of force application observed during the running and gliding phases of on-ice acceleration. Subjects completed 2 consecutive trials of the same jump protocol to examine the intraday reliability of the peak velocity achieved for each loading condition. Peak velocity across each jump type and loading condition had good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient .0.8, coefficient of variation ,5%). Significant positive relationships (r 5 0.5-0.8, p, 0.05; n 5 22) were observed between all jump conditions and on-ice sprint race split times obtained including 100, 400, and 500 m. Our results indicate that unilateral loaded jump tests are reliable in speed skating athletes and may help practitioners diagnose and monitor lower-limb maximal muscle power capacity in a sport-specific manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slipperiness of ice is well known while, for ice skating, its mechanism still needs further investigation, where the complex interactions including the thermal conduction of the skate—meltwater—ice system, the ploughing and the frictional melting of ice to the friction force are still unclear. This study presents a theoretical framework and a simplified analytical solution to unveil the friction mechanism when a curved skate sliding on ice. The theory is validated by experiments and the effects of these various factors, including the sliding velocity, the ice temperature, the supporting weight, and the geometry of the skate blade to the friction are revealed in detail. This study finds that the contribution of friction force from the ploughing deformation through skate indentation and that from the fluid friction through the shear motion of the meltwater layer is comparable with each other, which thus clarifies how the ploughing deformation of the ice substrate together with its frictional melting regulates the friction during skating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to compare lower extremity inter-segment coordination between high-calibre and low-calibre ice hockey players during forward full stride skating. A 10-camera Vicon motion capture system collected kinematic data on male high-calibre (n = 8) and low-calibre (n = 8) participants. Continuous relative phase (CRP) was calculated for shank-sagittal/thigh-sagittal, shank-sagittal/thigh-frontal and foot-sagittal/shank-sagittal segment pairs. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract features of greatest variability of the CRP and hierarchical linear model investigated relationships between principal components and skill level. High-calibre players demonstrated more out-of-phase coordination (higher CRP) of shank-sagittal/thigh-sagittal throughout glide/push-off (p = 0.011) as well as a delay in the transition to more in-phase coordination during early recovery phase (p = 0.014). For shank-sagittal/thigh-frontal (p = 0.013), high-calibre players had more out-of-phase coordination throughout the entire stride. High-calibre players were also associated with an earlier transition to more out-of-phase coordination of the foot-sagittal/shank-sagittal during push-off (p = 0.007) and a smaller difference in CRP between mid-glide/early recovery (p = 0.016). Utilising more out-of-phase modes of coordination may allow players to more easily adjust to optimal modes of coordination throughout skating strides. Skating drills incorporating varying speed, directionality and external stimuli may encourage the development of more optimal coordination during skating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice hockey is a fast-paced contact sport with a high rate of injury. While many of the injuries are acute and related to high skating speeds, frequent collisions, and sharp skates, the clinician must also be aware of the chronic injuries that commonly arise from playing this sport. The "Bauer bump" is one such chronic injury, which is the onset of Haglund syndrome in ice hockey players occurring in the context of wearing ice hockey skates. With this condition, players notice a bony enlargement of their posterosuperior calcaneus with or without the accompanying symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy. It is important for clinicians to understand the nature of Haglund syndrome in hockey players so that it can be appropriately diagnosed, managed, and ultimately, prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ice skating, inline skating, and roller skating are popular sports in the United States (US). Although they are similar, injuries incurred may be distinct and may have evolved over time. Purpose: To characterize injuries related to ice skating, inline skating, and roller skating and track injury patterns over a 20-year period. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The current study utilized the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a database reporting consumer product-related injuries seen at emergency departments in the US. All ice skating, inline skating, and roller skating injuries between 2002 and 2021 were identified, and patient demographics, types of injury, and year of injury were compared between skating types. Results: A total of 1,656,746 skating-related injuries were estimated nationally: 24% (403,791) for ice skating, 24% (400,172) for inline skating, and 52% (852,783) for roller skating. While the incidence of ice-skating- and roller-skating-related injuries decreased by 34.4% (from 22,490 in 2002-2004 to 14,758 in 2019-2021) and 29.6% (from 42,452 in 2002-2004 to 31,980 in 2019-2021), respectively, injuries related to inline skating decreased comparatively more, by 75.8% over the study period (from 48,097 in 2002-2004 to 11,662 in 2019-2021). Injuries occurred predominantly to the head/face/neck for ice skating (n = 139,501; 34.5% of injuries), whereas injuries occurred predominantly in the shoulder/arm/elbow/wrist for inline skating (n = 212,088, 53.0% of injuries) and roller skating (n = 425,216, 49.9% of injuries). Fracture was the most common injury type for all 3 skating types (n = 614,853, 37.1% of injuries), and the majority of fractures occurred in the upper extremity (shoulder/arm/elbow/wrist) for all 3 skating types (n = 59,624, 60.0% [ice skating]; n = 69,197, 41.2% [inline skating], and n = 237,099, 68.2% [roller skating]). Lower extremity (leg/knee/ankle) fractures were more common among ice skating (n = 28,019, 28.2%) and roller skating (n = 82,094, 23.6%) injuries compared with inline skating (n = 21,391, 12.7%). Conclusion: In the current study, we found that fractures were the most common type of injury regardless of skating type but that the location of the injury/fracture varied by skating type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a simple method for force–velocity (F-v) profiling, based on split times, has emerged as a potential tool to examine mechanical variables underlying running sprint performance in field conditions. In this study, the reliability and concurrent validity of F-v profiling based on split times were examined when used for ice hockey skating. It was also tested how a modification of the method, in which the start instant of the sprint is estimated based on optimisation (time shift method), affects the reliability and validity of the method. Both intra- and inter-rater reliability were markedly improved when using the time shift method (approximately 50% decrease in the standard error of measurement). Moreover, the results calculated using the time shift method highly correlated (r > 0.83 for all variables) with the results calculated from a continuously tracked movement of the athlete, which was considered here as the reference method. This study shows that a modification to the previously published simple method for F-v profiling improves intra- and inter-rater reliability of the method in ice hockey skating. The time shift method tested here can be used as a reliable tool to test a player's physical performance characteristic underlying sprint performance in ice hockey skating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]