Search

Ice hockey has greatly evolved since the last review article was published more than 25 years ago. Although players still combine anaerobic and aerobic conditioning, the pace of the game has greatly increased. Players are faster, stronger, and more agile than their predecessors; however, an important emphasis is now placed on maximizing player performance for the play-offs. For the coaching staff, strength and conditioning coaches, and players, an emphasis on mitigating fitness and physiologic losses throughout the season would be beneficial, given the intimate relationship they share with on-ice performance. This systematic review of the literature outlines the current knowledge concerning longitudinal changes in relation to fitness, body composition, and physiologic parameters across an elite hockey season. The search of 4 large scientific databases (i.e., Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) yielded 4,049 items, which, after removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in 23 published scientific articles to be included in this review. The wide span of literature (1956–2020) made inferences difficult giving the degree to which the game of ice hockey has changed; however, more recent research points to an aerobic deconditioning pattern and increased fatigue throughout the season in a specific group of elite hockey players (i.e., university athletes) while showing that ice hockey can lead to many possible histological adaptations. Ultimately, tracking, identifying, and developing methods to mitigate potential negative longitudinal changes will be imperative to influencing individual and team performance in the later parts of the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to design and examine the reliability of a 7×15m repeated on-ice skating sprint test for female ice hockey players. Seventeen women (X ± SD age, height and body mass = 21 ± 2 years, 166.2 ± 6.4 cm and 61.9 ± 7.7 kg, respectively) completed 7 consecutive on-ice sprints of 15m repeated every 15s. Two trials of the test were performed on the same day and then repeated on a different day approximately 1 week later for a total of 4 trials. The fastest 15m time, mean time for 7 sprints and total sprint time collapsed across all 4 trials was 2.96 ± 0.12s, 3.05 ± 0.13s and 21.35 ± 0.89s, respectively. There were no significant differences between trials for any variable. Typical error (TE), coefficient of variation (%CV) and intra-class coefficients (ICC) for the fastest 15m time, mean of 7 sprints, and total time were ICC = 0.77, TE = 0.06s and %CV = 2.1; ICC = 0.91; TE = 0.04s and %CV = 1.4; and, ICC = 0.91; TE = 0.29 and %CV = 1.4 for all 4 trials, respectively. Players in the forward position had a faster mean 15m time and lower total time compared to those in the defensive position (p < 0.05). These findings show that a 7×15m repeated on-ice sprint test for varsity women ice hockey players was reliable. It was also found that forwards had a better mean of 7 sprint time and faster total time compared to players in the defensive position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case T-93/18 International Skating Union v Commission, Judgment of the General Court (Fourth Chamber, Extended Composition) of 16 December 2020 The complex relationship between the commercial and regulatory responsibilities of large sporting federations is one that has proven particularly challenging for the interpretation of competition rules in the European Treaties. In a recent judgment, the General Court has confirmed a decision of the Commission finding the International Skating Union to have restricted competition by object contrary to Article 101 TFEU due to the particularly punitive nature of its eligibility rules for athletes and its pre-authorisation system for events organised by third parties. It is argued that this judgment will serve as a potent warning for sporting federations from which they can draw several important lessons. This judgment makes it clear that the regulatory discretion of such organisations must be tightly constrained and that excessively vague rules may operate to their detriment. Participation in and the organisation of third-party events must be approached with caution. The judgment also sheds light on the relationship between competition law and arbitration in refuting the Commission's contention that an arbitration clause reinforced the impugned infringement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secomb, JL, Dascombe, BJ, and Nimphius, S. Importance of joint angle-specific hip strength for skating performance in semiprofessional ice hockey athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2599-2603, 2021--Ice hockey athletes with faster sprint acceleration and change-of-direction (COD) skating performance possess a competitive advantage. However, it is unknown whether joint anglespecific hip strength, in combination with measures known to relate to skating performance (e.g., countermovement jump [CMJ]), better explains skating performance. The purpose of this research was to determine whether hip strength in joint angles specific to skating positions and CMJ performance explains sprint skating acceleration and COD performance. Thirteen semiprofessional male hockey (26.76 6.7 years; 88.4 618.1 kg; 181.9 6 5.4 cm) athletes were assessed for CMJ performance, hip abduction and adduction strength, 10-m sprint skating acceleration, and COD (505) performance. Linear multiple regressions to predict skating acceleration and COD performance were calculated with variables chosen based on functional justification and magnitude of correlation. Hip abductor relative peak force (rPF) at 25° of hip abduction and CMJ rPF explained 46.0% (adjusted) of variance in sprint acceleration performance (F[2,12] 5 6.18, p 5 0.02). Countermovement jump peak eccentric velocity, adductor rPF at 50° of hip abduction, and difference in abductor rPF between 50° and 25° of hip abduction explained 85.0% (adjusted) of the variance in 505 time (F[3,12] 5 22.8, p, 0.001). Hip strength at joint angles functionally relevant to skating (e.g., at 25° and 50°), in combination with relevant CMJ variables, explained large and very large amounts of variance in sprint skating acceleration andCODperformance in this cohort. The inclusion of joint angle-specific hip strength profiling to a physical performance testing battery may provide practitioners with more specific knowledge on the strength of the hip through abduction range of motion, which may affect skating performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the workload-injury relationship has received ample research attention, the relationship between prior workload and performance in team sport remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if preceding workloads influence competition performance in men's ice hockey. On-ice workload data were collected from all players on a NCAA Division I men's ice hockey team for 2 consecutive seasons. Training and match workloads were characterized using 7 variables (player load, skating load, explosive efforts, high force strides, player load⋅min-1, skating load⋅min-1, and average stride force⋅lb-1). Team performance was calculated as the difference between the subject and opposing teams' shots on goal. Nine separate ANCOVAs were performed to assess the effect of workload across quartiles of 5 different time spans (1,3,5,7 and 28 days), and low, typical, and high zones of 4 time ratios (1/28,3/28,5/28, and 7/28) days) on team shot differential, accounting for season quarter and rank differential between the subject and opposing team. Alpha was set a priori to 0.05. Of all workload measures included in each analysis, only 7-day high force strides (p < 0.01, eta² = 0.72), and 7-day player load⋅min-1 (p < 0.05, eta² = 0.50) had a significant effect on shot differential. Measures of skating intensity in the week preceding competition have the largest impact on team performance. These results can be used by performance coaches to examine tests of speed, power, strength, and conditioning to identify potential limiting factors to high-intensity skating, design training programs with specific need-based emphases, and make recommendations for weekly management of high-intensity skating loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The broad objective of this paper is to inform policy, practice and research regarding the management of head injury risks in competitive skateboarding. The main motivation for the current study was the question of mandating helmet use in competitive skateboarding. The specific aims are to present current knowledge on (A) head injury risks in skateboarding, (B) preliminary biomechanical data on falls and head injury risks in a selection of competitive skateboarding events similar to those planned for the Summer Olympics, (C) standards for skateboard-styled helmets and (D) impact performance of helmets commonly used in skateboarding.Methods: A narrative review of the published literature on head injuries in skateboarding was conducted. Videos of skateboarding competitions from Vans Park Professional League, Street League Skateboarding and Dew Tour were reviewed to describe crashes and falls. Standards databases including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), British Standards Institution (BSI), Snell, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) were searched for skateboarding-styled helmet standards. A sample of helmets considered suitable for skateboarding was tested in standard impact tests.Results: The majority of previous literature focused on the paediatric population in a recreational setting with little data from competitive skateboarding. Head injuries comprised up to 75% of all injuries and helmet use was less than 35%. Video analysis identified high rates of falls and crashes during competitive skateboarding, but also a capacity for the athletes to control falls and limit head impacts. Less than 5% of competitive skateboarders wore helmets. In addition to dedicated national skateboard helmet standards, there are several national standards for skateboard-styled helmets. All helmets, with the exception of one uncertified helmet, had similar impact attenuation performance; that is, at 0.8 m drop height, 114-148 g; at 1.5 m, 173-220 g; and at 2.0 m, 219-259 g. Impact performance in the second impact was degraded in all helmets tested.Conclusion: Helmets styled for skateboarding are available 'off the shelf' that will offer protection to the head against skull fractures and intracranial injuries in competitive skateboarding. There is an urgent need to commence a programme of research and development to understanding and control head injury risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of coaches' pleasant and unpleasant facial expressions on affects and team performance of young elite female synchronized ice-skaters. Initially, the coach provided a neutral explanation of the exercise, which was followed by the athletes' execution. The ice-skaters then received either pleasant or unpleasant feedback from the coach, completed two questionnaires, and performed the exercise again. The study involved two familiar and two unfamiliar coaches. Coaches' pleasant expressions increased athletes' arousal/hedonic tone and positive affect, while coaches' unpleasant expressions heightened athletes' negative affect. Moreover, participants significantly performed better after receiving an unpleasant facial expression by the coach. Receiving pleasant/unpleasant feedback from a familiar or unfamiliar coach did not have a significant impact on team pre- and post-feedback performance. The findings suggest that coaches' facial expressions impacted athletes' positive/negative affect, and that, under specific circumstances, receiving unpleasant feedback from the coach can improve team performance. • The impact of coaches' facial expressions on elite female ice-skaters was investigated. • Affect and team performance were assessed after the emotional feedbacks. • The impact of familiarity (or not) with the coach was also analyzed. • Coaches' facial expressions impacted athletes' affect. • Unpleasant feedbacks from the coach can be improving for team performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the efforts of the York Region Dental Society (YRDS) to create family-friendly events for its members. These events, such as Skating Day, Bowling Day, Tennis Day, and Family Movies, allow members to connect with colleagues while enjoying experiences with their families. The events have been well-received, with Bowling Day being particularly popular and selling out each year. The article highlights the success of these events in bringing members and their families together and fostering connections both on and off the ice. [Extracted from the article]

Tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) in association with subglottic laryngeal web is a rare entity. Often the diagnosis of laryngeal web in the presence of TEF is missed and it is identified during intubation attempts. The triad of neonatal age, TEF and laryngeal web can even cause the most experienced anaesthetists concern about the mortality and morbidity that may develop due to the inability to secure the airway. In this case report, we aimed to share our experience on the airway management of a newborn with laryngeal web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence, mainly from animal models, suggests that exercise during periods of pubertal growth can produce a hypertrophied anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and improve its mechanical properties. In humans, the only evidence of ACL hypertrophy comes from a small cross-sectional study of elite weight lifters and control participants; that study had methodological weaknesses and, thus, more evidence is needed. Purpose: To investigate bilateral differences in the ACL cross-sectional area (CSA) for evidence of unilateral hypertrophy in athletes who have habitually loaded 1 leg more than the other. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We recruited 52 figure skaters and springboard divers (46 female and 6 male; mean age, 20.2 ± 2.7 years) because the former always land/jump on the same leg while the latter always drive the same leg into the board during their hurdle approach. Sport training for all participants began before puberty and continued throughout as well as after. Using oblique axial– and oblique sagittal–plane magnetic resonance imaging, we measured the ACL CSA and the anteroposterior diameter of the patellar tendon, respectively. In addition, isometric and isokinetic knee extensor and flexor peak torques were acquired using a dynamometer. Bilateral differences in the ACL CSA, patellar tendon diameter, and knee muscle strength were evaluated via 2-sided paired-samples t tests. Correlations between the bilateral difference in the ACL CSA and age of training onset as well as between the bilateral difference in the ACL CSA and years of training were also examined. Results: A significantly larger ACL CSA (mean difference, 4.9% ± 14.0%; P =.041), as well as patellar tendon diameter (mean difference, 4.7% ± 9.4%; P =.002), was found in the landing/drive leg than in the contralateral leg. The bilateral difference in the ACL CSA, however, was not associated with the age of training onset or years of training. Last, the isometric knee flexor peak torque was significantly greater in the landing/drive leg than the contralateral leg (mean difference, 14.5% ± 33.8%; P =.019). Conclusion: Athletes who habitually loaded 1 leg more than the other before, during, and after puberty exhibited significant unilateral ACL hypertrophy. This study suggests that the ACL may be able to be "trained" in athletes. If done correctly, it could help lower the risk for ACL injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within Rogers' person-centered theory, unconditional positive regard (UPR) is considered a key construct for cultivating optimal development and psychological functioning, while its opposite constructs—conditional regard, unconditional negative regard, and unconditional positive disregard—are suggested to undermine these processes. Through a basic interpretive qualitative study, we aimed to explore retired elite figure skaters' perceptions of and experiences with UPR and its opposites in their relationships with former coaches. In this article, we address participants' experiences of the opposites of UPR (conditional regard, unconditional negative regard, and unconditional positive disregard) from their former coaches. Qualitative content analysis procedures resulted in five dimensions relative to these constructs: (1) Conditional Regard, (2) Unconditional Negative Regard, (3) Unconditional Positive Disregard, (4) Perceived Influence of the Opposites of UPR, and (5) Power and Coach Regard. Results point to participant reports of learning to regard themselves in the same way their coaches regarded them—positively, negatively, or not at all, with or without conditions. Experiences of the opposites of UPR in coach-athlete relationships were, in turn, reported to undermine participants' trust in their coaches, detrimentally impact their motivation and performance in figure skating, and influence their development of conditional self-regard, negative self-regard or self-disregard. Lay Summary: In this article, we discuss retired elite figure skaters' experiences with the opposites of UPR—conditional regard, unconditional negative regard, and unconditional positive disregard—in their relationships with former coaches. Participants' reported that these experiences had detrimental effects on trust for their coaches, motivation, performance, and self-regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between participating in sport and osteoarthritis is not fully understood. Purpose: To investigate the association between osteoarthritis and participating in sports not listed in previous reviews: American football, archery, baseball, bobsleigh, curling, handball, ice hockey, shooting, skeleton, speed skating, and wrestling. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We searched 4 electronic databases and hand searched recent/in-press editions of relevant journals. The criteria for study selection were case-control studies, cohort studies, nested case-control studies, and randomized trials with a control group that included adults to examine the effect of exposure to any of the included sports on the development of osteoarthritis. Results: The search returned 6197 articles after deduplication. Nine studies were included in the final review, covering hip, knee, and ankle osteoarthritis. There were no studies covering archery, baseball, skeleton, speed skating, or curling. The 6 sports included in the review were analyzed as a collective; the results of the meta-analysis indicated that participation in the sports analyzed was associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis of the hip (relative risk [RR] = 1.67 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-2.41]; P =.04), knee (RR = 1.60 [95% CI, 1.23-2.08]; P <.001), and ankle (RR = 7.08 [95% CI, 1.24-40.51]; P =.03) as compared with controls. Meta-analysis suggested a significantly increased likelihood of developing hip osteoarthritis through participating in wrestling (RR = 1.78 [95% CI, 1.20-2.64]; P =.004) and ice hockey (RR = 1.70 [95% CI, 1.27-2.29]; P <.001), while there was no significant difference through participating in handball (RR = 2.50 [95% CI, 0.85-7.36]; P =.10). Likelihood of developing knee osteoarthritis was significantly increased in wrestling (RR = 2.22 [95% CI, 1.59-3.11]) and ice hockey (RR = 1.52 [95% CI, 1.18-1.96]; both P <.002). According to the meta-analysis, shooting did not have a significant effect on the RR of knee osteoarthritis as compared with other sports (RR = 0.43 [95% CI, 0.06-2.99]; P =.39). Conclusion: The likelihood of developing hip and knee osteoarthritis was increased for ice hockey and wrestling athletes, and the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis was increased for handball athletes. The study also found that participation in the sports examined, as a collective, resulted in an increased risk of developing hip, knee, and ankle osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of injuries sustained by young figure skaters who were evaluated at regional pediatric sports medicine clinics. Design: Retrospective chart review (2003-2017). Setting: Sports medicine clinics at a tertiary-level pediatric medical center. Patients: Two hundred ninety-four figure skaters (271 female and 23 male). Age rage: 9 to 19 years. Mean age: 14.2 ± 2.3 years. Interventions: None. Main outcome measures: Mechanism of injury (acute vs overuse), injured body areas, diagnoses for most commonly injured body areas, and distribution of bone stress injuries. Results: Eight hundred sixty-four figure skating-related injuries were identified. Approximately 68.9% were overuse and 31.1% were acute. In female figure skaters, the most frequently injured body areas were foot/ankle (29.6%), knee (19.3%), and back (15.8%). In male figure skaters, they were foot/ankle (25.4%), hip (16.4%), and knee (14.9%). Most common diagnoses at these body areas were tendinopathy (foot/ankle), extensor mechanism (knee), and posterior column bone stress injuries (back). All injuries to anterior knee structures, excluding bone contusions, were categorized as extensor mechanism injuries. About 11.8% of all injuries were bone stress reactions/fractures with the majority occurring at the back (42.2%), foot/ankle (32.4%), and lower leg (15.7%). Conclusion: Most injuries sustained by figure skaters were overuse and occurred most commonly at the foot/ankle (29.6%), knee (19.3%), and back (15.8%). Approximately 1 in 10 injuries were bone stress reactions/fractures, and nearly 1 in every 3 skaters who presented with back pain was diagnosed with a posterior column bone stress injury. Health care providers who take care of young figure skaters need to maintain a high index of suspicion for overuse injuries, especially bone stress reactions/fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been minimal work examining kinematics of ice hockey wrist shots. The objective was to determine if puck and blade speed were related to trunk rotation during wrist shots in elite and recreational players. Elite (n = 10) and recreational (n = 10) ice hockey players completed wrist shots while skating and from a stationary position on real ice. A 14 camera motion capture system collected kinematic data for the trunk, pelvis, stick, and puck. Dependent variables included peak puck and blade speeds. Independent variables included peak trunk rotation angles, trunk rotation range of motion (ROM), and group (elite vs. recreational). Hierarchical linear models compared relationships between dependent and independent variables for both skating and stationary wrist shots. Greater peak trunk rotation away from the net was related (p < 0.05) to faster puck and blade speeds for skating and stationary wrist shots. This relationship was stronger in the recreational group for skating wrist shots (p < 0.01). Greater trunk rotation ROM was related (p = 0.01) to faster puck and blade speeds for the skating wrist shots only. Coaches should encourage players to increase trunk rotation away from the net during wrist shots, especially in recreational players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to compare joint angles during full stride skating on ice between high- and low-calibre hockey players. High (n = 8) and low (n = 8) calibre male participants completed full stride skating on ice for two to five trials. A 10-camera motion capture system collected kinematic data. Ankle, knee, and hip angles were calculated. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified important angle characteristics and each trial was scored against principal components (PC-scores). Hierarchical linear models examined relationships between PC-scores and skill level with and without controlling for speed. High-calibre participants were associated with greater ankle inversion during push-off and recovery (p < 0.001), greater knee extension (p = 0.051) and external rotation at push-off (p = 0.038), and greater hip flexion throughout stride (p = 0.027) after controlling for speed. Interactions existed between speed and skill level including faster skating speeds were associated with increased plantarflexion at push-off in low-calibre participants while there was no relationship in high-calibre participants. Skating pattern differences between skill levels provide an indication of ideal joint motion during skating. Players should be encouraged to plantarflex the ankle during push-off, extend and externally rotate the knee during push-off, and increase hip flexion throughout stride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nässén et al (2019 Eur. J. Phys. 40 065005) are recommending a different hockey skating technique called 'angular momentum skating'. The authors use examples of physics, and physics equations for work and energy of traditional forward skating strides. However, this information can be interpreted as a disguise for their different skating technique because the physics models and equations do not capitulate any justification for hockey players using their angular momentum skating technique. The authors suggestion to use an angular momentum skating technique is a judgement not founded on proof or certainty. They offer no objective proof, through physics equations or otherwise, that angular momentum skating has any benefits for hockey players to be faster, more efficient skaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the correlations between players' mechanical capacities determined during off- and on-ice tests. Whole body force-velocity relationships were assessed in elite female ice hockey players (n = 17) during jumping [squat jump (SJ)], running (5 and 30 m) and skating (5 and 40 m) sprint tasks. Mechanical capacities estimates include relative maximal theoretical force (F0rel), velocity (V0), power (Pmaxrel), slope of the linear relationship between force relative to body mass and velocity (SFVrel), maximal horizontal component of the ground reaction force to the corresponding resultant force (RFmax) and minimal rate of decrease of this ratio (DRF). On-ice mechanical capacities (F0rel, Pmaxrel, RFmax and DRF) largely-to-very largely correlated with 40-m skating split time (r ranging from 0.82 for DRF to −0.91 for Pmaxrel; p < 0.001). Performance variables (SJ height, 30-m running and 40-m forward skating split time) and Pmaxrel demonstrated the largest associations between jumping, running and skating tasks (r ranging from −0.81 for 30-m sprint running time to 0.92 for SJ height; p < 0.001). Small (V0, SFVrel, DRF and force-velocity deficit) to very large (Pmaxrel) correlations (r ranging from 0.58 to 0.72; p < 0.05) were obtained between mechanical variables inferred from off- and on-ice force-velocity tests. The capacity to generate high amounts of horizontal power and effective horizontal force during the first steps on the ice is paramount for forward skating sprint performance. Mechanical capacities determined during forward skating sprint could be considered in ice hockey testing to identify fitness and/or technical/training requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy dissipation phenomenon of a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnetic levitation (Maglev) transport system is investigated by using a single degree of freedom generalized Bouc–Wen hysteresis model. The Maglev system under test consists of a bogie with HTS skaters, which interacts with permanent magnets distributed on the guideways; thanks to a passive and self-balanced magnetic interaction, the vehicle is suspended and guided in all phases of the motion, including zero speed. The response of the HTS skate is tested under pseudo-static cyclic load in the vertical and lateral directions. The parameters of the generalized Bouc–Wen (GBW) model are calibrated on the experimental hysteresis loops using an ordinary least squares–based algorithm. The vertical dynamics of the levitating HTS skate is affected by the magnetic field discontinuities of the guideway. The dissipated hysteretic energy is simulated to assess the dependence on the velocity and pattern of the magnetic field. The displacement response is obtained by solving the nonlinear differential equation representative of the moving HTS skater, modelled as a single degree of freedom system, whose interactions with the magnetic guideway are described by the identified GBW hysteresis law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meaningful association between changes (Δ) in push-off angle or effectiveness (e) and changes in skating velocity (v) has been found during 5000-m races, although no significant association was found between changes in knee (Θo) and trunk angle Θ1 and Δv. It might be that speed skating event, sex, and performance level influence these associations. Purpose: To study the effect of skating event, sex, and performance level on the association between Δe and Δv and between Δ Θ0 and Δ Θ0, and Θv. Methods: Video recordings were made from frontal (e) and sagittal views Θ0 and Θi) during 1500- and 5000-m men's and women's World Cup races. Radio-frequency identification tags provided data of v. Results: Skating event influenced the association between Δ e and Δv, which resulted in a significant association between Δe and Δv for the 5000-m (β = -0.069, 95% confidence interval [-0.11, -0.030]) but not for the 1500-m (β = -0.011 [-0.032, 0.010]). The association between ΔΘ0 and ΔΘ ;1 and Δv was not significantly influenced by skating event. Sex and performance level did not substantially affect the association between Δe and Δv and between ΔΘ0 and Δ0, and Δv. Conclusions: Skating event significantly influenced the association between Δe and Δv; a 10 change in e results in a 0.011-m/s decrease in v during the 1500-m and a 0.069-m/s decrease in v during the 5000-m. Thus, it seems especially important to maintain a small e during the 5000-m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade discussion about training-intensity distribution has been an important issue in sports science. Training-intensity distribution has not been adequately investigated in speed skating, a unique activity requiring both high power and high endurance. Purpose: To quantify the training-intensity distribution and training hours of successful Olympic speed skaters over 10 Olympiads. Methods: Olympic-medal-winning trainers/coaches and speed skaters were interviewed and their training programs were analyzed. Each program was qualified and quantified: workout type (specific and nonspecific) and training zones (zone 1 ≤2 mMol/L lactate, zone 2 2-4 mMol/L lactate, zone 3 lactate >4 mMol/L). Net training times were calculated. Results: The relation between total training hours and time (successive Olympiads) was not progressive (r = .51, P > .5). A strong positive linear relation (r = .96, P < .01) was found between training distribution in zone 1 and time. Zones 2 and 3 both showed a strong negative linear relation to time (r = -.94, P < .01 ; r = -.97, P < .01 ). No significant relation was found between speed skating hours and time (r = -. 11, P > .05). This was also the case for inline skating and time (r = -.86, P > .05). Conclusions: These data indicate that in speed skating there was a shift toward polarized training over the last 38 y. This shift seems to be the most important factor in the development of Olympic speed skaters. Surprisingly there was no relation found between training hours, skating hours, and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current investigation assessed tissue oxygenation and local blood volume in both vastus lateralis muscles during 3000-m race simulations in elite speed skaters on ice and the effects of leg compression on physiological, perceptual, and performance measures. Methods: Ten (6 female) elite ice speed skaters completed 2 on-ice trials with and without leg compression. Tissue oxygénation and local blood volume in both vastus lateralis muscles were assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy. Continuous measures of oxygen uptake, ventilation, heart rate, and velocity were conducted throughout the race simulations, as well as blood lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion before and after the trials. In addition, lap times were assessed. Results: The investigation of tissue oxygénation in both vastus lateralis muscles revealed an asymmetry (P < .00; effect size = 1.81) throughout the 3000-m race simulation. The application of leg compression did not affect oxygénation asymmetry (smallest P = .99; largest effect size = 0.31) or local blood volume (P = .33; 0.95). Lap times (P = .88; 0.43), velocity (P = .24; 0.84), oxygen uptake (P = .79; 0.10), ventilation (P = . 11 ; 0.59), heart rate (P = .21 ; 0.89), blood lactate concentration (P = .82; 0.59), and ratings of perceived exertion (P = .19; 1.01) were also unaffected by the different types of clothing. Conclusion: Elite ice speed skaters show an asymmetry in tissue oxygénation of both vastus lateralis muscles during 3000-m events remaining during the long gliding phases along the straight sections of the track. Based on the data, the authors conclude that there are no performance-enhancing benefits from wearing leg compression under a normal racing suit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some elements of community sport organizations (CSOs) are welcoming and shared across all members, others may be contested. Organizational culture provides a conceptual lens through which to understand the meaning and experiences associated with CSOs. As the outer layer of organizational culture (Schein, 1985), artifacts can give further insight into participant experiences. The purpose of this study is to examine members' perceptions of artifacts in a local figure skating club. We used Martin's (1992, 2002) three perspectives to illuminate integrated, differentiated, and fragmented perspectives of The Club's organizational culture. Eight skaters and seven adults from a midsize figure skating club in Canada participated in photo-elicited interviews. We found integration in participants' discussion of the unique figure skating facility, differentiated perspectives of achievement-oriented artifacts, and fragmented perspectives of the skaters' dressing rooms. Our research demonstrates the importance of examining the meanings associated with artifacts in sport organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1974, David Best rightly contrasted purposive sports (exemplified by most sports) with aesthetic sports; and recently I was careful to exempt the issues for aesthetic sports from my critique of the prospects for an all-embracing philosophy of officiating. While discretion plays a part in umpiring or refereeing in both kinds of sports, it is especially important for aesthetic sports (such as gymnastic vaulting, ice-skating or diving), where the manner of execution determines victory. Here, it is urged that the issue of objectivity for judgements in aesthetic sports is not the most crucial aspect: we have reason to expect correct accounts from knowledgeable, sensitive and experienced judges or umpires. Impartiality remains a concern, of course, not least between the training for judges or umpires might tend to favour particular styles of performing key movements. So that many past rule-changes are explained as attempts to improve fairness, with competitors getting their ‘just deserts’. In doing so, they have implicitly contributed to what is then valued in the manner of execution in aesthetic sports. The term ‘aesthetic’ is generally applied in its positive valence, although one must recognize the negative valence also. But, for aesthetic sports, the rules provide guidance as to what will or will not be regarded positively in the context of competition. And rule-changes here will sometimes be best explained as attempting to modify what is rewarded in such sports, the manner of performance. Such changes might be expected to bear on the character of the sport (here exemplified through men’s ice-skating). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speed skating posture, or technique, is characterized by the push-off angle or effectiveness (e), determined as the angle between the push-off leg and the ice; the preextension knee angle (&#952:o); and the trunk angle (&#952:1). Together with muscle-power output and environmental conditions, skating posture, or technique, determines velocity (v). Purpose: To gain insight into technical variables that are important to skate efficiently and perform well, e, &#952:o, &#952:1|, and skating v were determined every lap during a 5000-m World Cup. Second, the authors evaluated if changes (A) in e, &#952:o, and &#952:1 are associated with Av. Methods: One camera filmed the skaters from a frontal view, from which e was determined. Another camera filmed the skaters from a sagittal view, from which 0O and 0, were determined. Radio-frequency identification tags around the ankles of the skaters measured v. Results: During the race, e progressively increased and v progressively decreased, while &#952:o and &#952:1 showed a less consistent pattern of change. Generalized estimating equations showed that Ae is significantly associated with &Delata;v over the midsection of the race (β = -0.10, P < .001) and that A0o and A0, are not significantly associated with Δv. Conclusions: The decrease in skating v over the race is not due to increases in power losses to air friction, as knee and trunk angle were not significantly associated with changes in velocity. The decrease in velocity can be partly ascribed to the decrease in effectiveness, which reflects a decrease in power production associated with fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In equipment-heavy sports, there is a growing need to evaluate players in the condition in which they participate. However, the psychometric properties of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) while wearing skates remains unknown. Seventy-four adolescent male hockey players completed the BESS with and without skates. A subset was reevaluated at the conclusion of the season. The BESS while wearing skates resulted in a mean of 15 more total errors than the traditional administration (t73 = 14.94, p < .001; ES = 1.95) and demonstrated low test-retest reliability. The BESS should be administered in the traditional manner (without skates). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charlie also has an ongoing and active role in the Classroom Champions program, which connects students in high-need schools with top performing athletes to help them recognize their potential, set goals, and dream big. Those who feel their expertise rests more in the technical aspects of the sport are drawn to coaching where they can help skaters learn proper jump and spin technique. Age in the sport is highly variable, and using it to explain success can be misleading; you can have solo female skaters winning the Olympics at age 15, whereas I was 26, but let's not dwell on that. Better to be "Charlie White the dorky guy who laughs too loud and who spends a lot of his time skating" than "Charlie White the skater who does dorky things and laughs too loud.". [Extracted from the article]

The influence of asymmetry on performance in sports with highly asymmetric demands is yet to be properly determined. This investigation sought to examine jump-based asymmetries within skateboarders and determine any possible relationships with subjective skating ranking and jumping performance. Twelve recreational skateboarders (age: 24 ± 7 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.12 m; body mass: 66.7 ± 39.2 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. All participants had at least ten years of skateboarding experience. Participants completed one familiarisation trial followed by a single experimental trial. In the experimental trial, skaters performed three trials of three different unilateral jump tests (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ] and drop jump [DJ]) following a standardised dynamic warm-up. Jump heights and DJ reactive strength index (RSI) were determined via the MyJump2 smartphone application. Large asymmetries were reported across all jump tests. However, effect sizes suggested a smaller magnitude of asymmetry for CMJ height (13.6%) versus SJ height (20.5%; d = 0.66) and DJ height (20.2%; d = 0.50). A large positive correlation was reported between SJ asymmetry and subjective ranking (p = 0.60; P = 0.04), such that skaters with larger asymmetries ranked higher. However, SJ asymmetry was associated with a lower DJ RSI (p = -0.68; P = 0.01). No asymmetries were associated with CMJ height which has been previously liked to Ollie performance in skateboarders. These data suggest that asymmetries are highly prevalent in experienced recreational skateboard athletes but are not associated with skating performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of specific testing has been shown in ice hockey performance, and the understanding and connection between them may lead to adapting training and follow-up in elite athletes. The aim of this study was to compare 2 off-ice power tests with performances on ice with National Hockey League (NHL) players. The vertical jump and broad jump tests were used for the off-ice evaluations, whereas a modified SAS-40 and a repeated-sprint skate (RSSm) test were used on-ice as performance variables. Thirty-one players (3 goalkeepers, 10 defense players, and 18 forward players) from the NHL performed before preseason training camp. Four evaluation sessions were performed with 48-hour time intervals between them. The results show that the 2 jump types were correlated (r² = 0.45 p < 0.01), and there was a significant correlation between the vertical jump and the best SAS-40 time trial for defense players, but not for forward players (r² = 0.76 p = 0.02; r² = 0.21 p = 0.16, respectively). By contrast, there was a significant correlation between broad jump and best SAS-40 time trial for forward players but not for defensive players (r² = 0.75 p < 0.01; r² = 0.19 p = 0.28, respectively). In conclusion, results show that specific player ability needs to be taken into consideration when choosing off-ice tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how some in the American media covered the emergence of Asian and Asian American athletes in the historically White-dominated sport of figure skating. Utilizing McDonald and Birrell's Reading Sport Critically approach, we analyzed a variety of major national newspapers, news magazines, sports magazines and periodicals to determine what narratives and beliefs were conveyed to explain the successes of Asian and Asian/American skaters, and the subsequent decline of American skaters. Our results show that some American media members struggled in describing this phenomenon, in that they utilized an essentialist racial lens and viewed the sport as a White space that was experiencing an 'Asian Invasion'. The findings of this paper add to the race and gender discrimination in sport literature by describing the process that a historically dominant power group (Whites) employed as Asian and Asian American figure skaters started to dominate their White space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of a specific program of plyometric exercises on the speed of skating and running speed in 14-15 year old youth in ice hockey at a distance of 10 m. The experiment consisted of 39 ice hockey players aged 14-15 years, we included 33 players in the final results (M; 14.7y ± 0.7; 166.5cm ± 7.3; 53.4kg ± 6.9), we eliminated 6 players due to various injuries and absences on all tests performed. The experimental group consisted of (n = 18) players of the cadet team HC 05 Banská Bystrica playing the highest cadet competition in Slovakia. The control group consisted of (n = 15) players of the cadet team MHC Martin, who also played the highest Slovak competition. The experimental set included the experimental factor of a plyometric exercise, performed twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, always before the training unit on ice for 8 weeks. We used the statistical program R for the processing of statistical data, where we determined the statistical significance using the two-factor method of analysis of variance two-way ANOVA p < 0,05. The results of tests of the skating speed sprint at a distance of 10 m (on ice) show that neither in the third test was a statistically significant difference p ≤ 0.05 in either the experimental or the control group. However, after applying the training protocol of plyometric exercises in the experimental set during the first 8-week mesocycle where the experimental set of plyometric exercises was included in the experimental set, there was an improvement of 0.05 s between input and output testing. from the original 2.12 s. to 2.07 s. In the control file, there was a deterioration of 0.02 s between the input and output measurements. from the original 2.11 s. to 2.13 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of field tests, including the skating multistage aerobic test (SMAT), have been developed to predict ...O2max in ice hockey players. The SMAT, like most field tests, assumes that participants who reach a given stage have the same oxygen uptake, which is not usually true. Thus, the objectives of this research are to update the ...O2 values during the SMAT using a portable breath-by-breath metabolic analyzer and to propose a simple index of skating economy to improve the prediction of oxygen uptake. Twenty-six elite hockey players (age 15.8 ± 1.3 years) participated in this study. The oxygen uptake was assessed using a portable metabolic analyzer (K4b²) during an on-ice maximal shuttle skate test. To develop an index of skating economy called the skating stride index (SSI), the number of skating strides was compiled for each stage of the test. The SMAT enabled the prediction of the ...O2max (ml•kg-1•min-1) from the maximal velocity (m$s-1) and the SSI (skating strides•kg-1) using the following regression equation: ...O2max = (14.94 x maximal velocity) + (3.68 x SSI) - 24.98 (r = 0.95, SEE = 1.92). This research allowed for the update of the oxygen uptake values of the SMAT and proposed a simple measure of skating efficiency for a more accurate evaluation of ...O2max in elite youth hockey players. By comparing the highest and lowest observed SSI scores in our sample, it was noted that the ...O2 values can vary by up to 5 ml•kg-1•min-1. Our results suggest that skating economy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]