Search

Background/aim: The effectiveness of mouthguards used in field hockey is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the maximum impact heights between currently used mouthguards in field hockey to prevent dental injury.Methods: Four boil-and-bite mouthguards (Dita, Shock Doctor, SISU, and Stag) and one custom-made mouthguard (Elysee) were tested for maximum impact height. A hockey ball was released in a tube from increasing heights onto plaster and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dental models. Models were tested without mouthguard as a control. The experiment was repeated 10 times per mouthguard and for the control on each dental model. The maximum impact height for when the dental model broke was used to calculate the speed. The mouthguards and controls were compared.Results: The maximum impact heights (median [25%-75%] in meters) onto plaster dental models were as follows: control 0.23 (0.15-0.25), Dita 0.35 (0.30-0.35), Elysee 0.45 (0.34-0.50), Shock Doctor 0.68 (0.60-0.74), SISU 0.23 (0.20-0.26), and Stag 0.35 (0.35-0.46). The maximum impact height for Shock Doctor was significantly higher than all other mouthguards and the control (all P < .05). The maximum impact heights onto PMMA dental models were as follows: control 2.00 (1.30-2.50), Dita 3.80 (2.65-6.95), Elysee 3.30 (2.30-4.20), Shock Doctor 6.20 (2.80-8.10), SISU 2.60 (1.90-3.15), and Stag 3.90 (1.25-5.15). The maximum impact height for Shock Doctor was significantly higher than for SISU, Stag, and the control (all P < .05), but did not differ significantly from Dita (P = .43) and Elysee (P = .12).Conclusion: Shock Doctor had the highest maximum impact height compared to the other mouthguards and appears to be the most effective mouthguard tested in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Orofacial injuries are a serious problem in field hockey. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of orofacial injuries in field hockey players in Catalonia, the frequency of mouthguard use, the types of mouthguards used and the degree of interference with oral function.Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 325 field hockey players (28% women) from all age categories completed a questionnaire about orofacial injuries occurring during their sporting lives, including dental injuries, oral lacerations and episodes of acute temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. The questionnaire also asked about the experience of using a mouthguard, the type of mouthguard used and any adverse effects of use. The degree of interference with oral function was compared by type of mouthguard (mouth-formed, custom-made and pre-fabricated mouthguards) using the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: Half of the players (50.2%) reported at least one orofacial injury during their sporting lives. The mean number of oral lacerations, TMD pain episodes and dental injuries were 1.59, 0.24 and 0.18, respectively. In total, 310 players (95.7%) had tried a mouthguard, and of these 269 (86.8%) and 283 (91.3%) still used a mouthguard habitually during training and competition, respectively. Only 11 players (3.5%) had tried all three types of mouthguards, and 71 players (22.9%) had tried two types of mouthguard. By type, 217 players (70.0%) had tried mouth-formed (boil-and-bite) mouthguards, 156 (50.3%) had tried custom-made mouthguards and 30 (9.7%) had tried pre-fabricated mouthguards. Custom-made mouthguards were rated as more comfortable than the mouth-formed type (P < .05).Conclusions: The prevalence of orofacial injuries among field hockey players is relatively high. Most players habitually use a mouthguard during training and competition, typically preferring custom-made or a mouth-formed types. Custom-made mouthguards were considered the most comfortable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common practice in field hockey requires athletes to adopt a semi-crouched posture, so players have a greater risk of musculoskeletal disorders than non-athletes. The aim of the present study was to assess how field hockey determines asymmetry in morphological and functional characteristics of the body by comparing athletes to control participants. The sample consisted of 15 male field hockey players from the Polish Youth National Team and 14 male university students. Antimeric differences in the chosen variables between body sub-regions were assessed. All morphological characteristics (bone mineral density, fat mass, and lean mass) were estimated using a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Additionally, the range of motion in transverse and frontal planes of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine was measured by using an electrogoniometric system. The results showed that the values of all morphological characteristics were higher in the left body segments, both in athletes and controls. However, the differences between sides were much more pronounced in the field hockey players. With regard to functional traits, higher values were obtained for the right body side in athletes but for the left side of the body among the controls. The difference between right and left side bending increased from the cervical spine (2.7%) through thoracic spine (7.8%) to lumbar spine (16.5%) in athletes. Rotational asymmetry in the thoracic spine was the largest in both groups. These findings indicate that it is important to monitor all athletes to prevent injury and health problems connected with strong morphological asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Field hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world, yet little is known about patient outcome following fracture injuries sustained during this sport. Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology, management, and outcome of field hockey‑related fractures in a known UK population at all skill levels. Materials and Methods: All fractures sustained during field hockey from 2007 to 2008 within the adult Lothian population were prospectively recorded and confirmed by an orthopedic surgeon during treatment at the sole adult orthopedic center in the region. Nonresident individuals were not included in the study. Follow‑up data were obtained in September 2010 to determine return rates and times to field hockey. Results: Nineteen fractures were recorded over the study period in 19 patients. Seventeen (89%) of the fractures were recorded in the upper limb, with 15 (79%) recorded in hand. Eighteen fractures (85%) in 18 patients (95%) were followed up at a mean interval of 31 months (range: 25–37 months; standard deviation [SD] 2.1 months). The mean time for return to field hockey from injury was 10.8 weeks (range: 3–26 weeks; SD 7.1 weeks). For patients with upper limb injuries, the mean time was 9.2 weeks (range: 3–20 weeks; SD 5.7 weeks), compared to 22 weeks (range: 18–26 weeks; SD 5.7 weeks) for patients with lower limb injuries. Eleven percent of the cohort did not return to field hockey. Seventy‑eight percent of the cohort returned to field hockey at the same level or higher. Fifty percent had ongoing related problems, yet only 17% had impaired field hockey ability because of these problems. Fractures with the highest morbidity in not returning to field hockey were as follows: Metacarpal 14% and finger phalanx 13%. Conclusions: The significant majority of field hockey‑related fractures are sustained in the upper limb, notably the hand. Around ninety percent of patients sustaining a fracture during field hockey will return to this sport at a similar level. While half of these will have persisting symptoms 2 years postinjury, only one‑third of symptomatic patients will have impaired field hockey ability because of this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether morphological or skill-related factors measured preseason can predict injuries sustained in-season by field hockey players. In this cohortanalytical study, 30 female South African national field hockey players underwent pre-season testing including anthropometry, balance, flexibility, explosive power, upper and lower body strength, core strength, speed, agility and isokinetic testing of the ankle. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, elite-level experience, playing surface, footwear and injury history. Injuries in training and matches were recorded during the subsequent season using an injury profile sheet completed by injured players. Eighty-seven injuries, mostly involving ligaments and muscles of the ankles, hamstrings and lower back, were recorded. Univariate analyses showed that ankle dorsiflexion strength was a strong predictor of ankle injuries (p=0.0002), while ankle dorsiflexion deficit (p=0.0267) and eversion deficit (p=0.0035) were significant predictors. Balance indices (anterior/posterior, p=0.0465; medial/lateral, p<0.0001; and overall, p<0.0001) were pre-season performance measures significantly predicting potential ankle injury. For lower leg injuries, univariate associations were found with ankle inversion deficit (p=0.0253), eversion deficit (p=0.0379), and anterior/posterior balance index (p=0.0441). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orodental injuries in field hockey are a growing cause of concern that requires attention.Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the patterns of orodental injury, and the use of mouthguards in Dutch national field hockey.Materials and Methods: In the period from 1 May to 31 July 2014, a 33-item questionnaire about orodental injury and mouthguard use was sent to 7 field hockey clubs in the Netherlands. Data were analysed using 2 multivariable logistic (non-)linear regression per outcome measurement: (1) orodental injury and (2) type of mouthguard.Results: Out of 6585 players, 1299 (20%) responded sufficiently and were eligible for the study. In total, 214 hockey players (16%) experienced at least 1 orodental injury in their career. The injuries were less severe in athletes who wore a mouthguard during an accident than in those who did not, OR=2.1 to 3.3, p≤0.05. Players without mouthguard sustained broken and knocked out teeth more frequently, while players with a mouthguard had more lip cuts (p≤0.05). Players complained less about custom-made than about mouth-moulded mouthguards (p≤0.05). Also, males were more at risk for an orodental injury, OR=1.4 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.9), and were less likely to have a custom-made mouthguard, OR=0.7 (95% CI 0.6 to 0.9), than females.Conclusions: A substantial number of field hockey players suffers from orodental injury. Mouthguards should be included in prevention strategies as they are associated with less severe injuries and patterns of injury are to be taken into account when targeting specific groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Detailed injury data are not available for international tournaments in field hockey. We investigated the epidemiology of field hockey injuries during major International Hockey Federation (Fédération Internationale de Hockey, FIH) tournaments in 2013.Materials and Methods: FIH injury reports were used for data collection. All major FIH tournaments for women (n=5) and men (n=11) in 2013 were included. The main focus of this study was to assess the pattern, time, site on the pitch, body site and mechanism of each of the injuries. We calculated the average number of injuries per match and the number of injuries per 1000 player match hours.Results: The average number of injuries was 0.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.0) per match in women's tournaments and 1.2 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.7) per match in men's tournaments. The number of injuries per 1000 player match hours ranged from 23.4 to 44.2 (average 29.1; 95% CI 18.6 to 39.7) in women and 20.8 to 90.9 (average 48.3; 95% CI 30.9 to 65.8) in men. Most injuries occurred in the circle (n=25, 50%, in women, n=95, 51%, in men). The rate of injuries increased after the first quarter. Injuries to the head and face (n=20, 40%) were most common in women. The head/face (n=51, 27%) and the thigh/knee (n=52, 28%) were equally affected in men. The ball caused the most injuries, followed by the stick, collisions and tripping/falling. There were no deaths or injuries that required hospital treatment in the entire cohort.Summary: Field hockey has a low incidence of acute injuries during competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dentofacial injuries are a risk while playing field hockey. Wearing mouthguards is recommended.Objective: To synthesise findings on the prevalence and characteristics of dentofacial injuries sustained by field hockey players. We also investigated the prevalence of regular mouthguard use and players' attitude towards use of mouthguard.Material and Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, OvidSP, Web of Science, Cochrane and Cinahl databases. Eligible studies were identified based on the title, abstract and full text of articles. If applicable, a random effects model was used to calculate the overall effect size; otherwise, pooled prevalence was reported.Results: 11 studies were eligible for the analysis. The average proportion of field hockey players who had sustained at least one dentofacial injury varied from 12.7% (95% CI 8.5% to 17.0%) among junior and senior players to 45.2% (95% CI 39.3% to 51.0%) among elite players. We did not observe any significant differences with respect to gender. In the 2000s, a significantly higher proportion of players regularly wore a mouthguard, 84.5% (95% CI 69.3% to 99.7%) as compared with players 20 years ago, 31.4% (95% CI 22.7% to 40.1%). The most common complaints about the mouthguard were that it was unnecessary and uncomfortable.Conclusion: Dentofacial injuries pose a serious problem in field hockey and a substantial number of players do not regularly wear a mouthguard. Greater use of mouthguards would be expected to reduce dentofacial injuries in field hockey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To document the prevalence and nature of musculoskeletal injuries among female adolescent hockey players over a 12-month period (1 November 2011 - 31 October 2012). Methods. Data were collected from 148 high school players who belonged to the KwaZulu-Natal Hockey League via voluntary, parental- informed consent. Players completed a self-report musculoskeletal questionnaire probing the prevalence and nature of acute and chronic injuries. Probability was set at p≤0.05. Results. Ninety-four players sustained acute musculoskeletal injuries in the 12-month study period, indicating the knee (23%) and lower back (18%) to be the most prevalent sites of injury (p<0.001). he mechanisms producing the acute injuries were rapid rotational movement (36%) and physical trauma (63%) (p<0.05). he hip/lower back was the most prevalent anatomical site of chronic musculoskeletal injury (p<0.001). he intrinsic factors predisposing players to chronic hip/lower-back injury were hip lexion contractures and posture (p<0.05). Conclusion. Hockey players experience a high prevalence of acute musculoskeletal knee injuries and chronic hip/lower-back injuries. he hockey fraternity should be educated about the various ways in which to prevent injury by complying with appropriate training regimes, alterations in technique and stretching exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Prospective cohort study of Indian women field hockey players. Background: On ground sports injuries have become a challenging task for physiotherapists around the world and lack of literature data makes it more difficult. In India it is still in growing phase. This is the first case study which provides the basic base line data regarding potential areas of injury, their types, treatments and outcome of the treatment on subjects and on game results. Case Description: This study belongs to 16 Indian women field hockey players participated in 15th Asian games held at Doha from 1st Dec to 15 Dec, 2006 where they played total 7 matches, each of 70 minutes. Outcomes: Throughout the tournament, 39.3% of total players got injured. Three body parts affected by 7 different types of injuries and rehabilitated according to symptoms by using physical therapy which is cost effective. Occurrence of muscle related injury was the highest (35%) and cut injury at head and eye were the least (2%). Forwards were at highest risk (43%) while goal keeper the least (0%). The effect of treatment was 100% and recovery time ranged from 5 min to 35 min. Out of 22 total scored, forward scored the maximum (19 goals-86%) followed by midfielder (2 goals-9%) and defender (1 goal-5%). After rehabilitation, injured player scored significantly (p<0.01) more goals (68%) than the not injured (32%) shows physiotherapy enhanced the game performance. Discussion: Muscular related injuries which were found most may be due to running or less flexibility in the muscles. Forwards affected most may be due to their quick responses and chasing the ball at both the end goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field hockey is a popular sport that is played throughout the world. Most of the literature on the sport has focused on describing injury patterns. This research reveals that most injuries are minor and that the most common injury is an ankle sprain. Studies also suggest that men have a higher rate of injury and that they experience severe injuries more often than women. These severe injuries include trauma to the head, face, and upper limb and usually are the result of contact with the stick or ball. Consequently, many authors suggest that all players wear face and hand protection. Current International Field Hockey Federation rules recommend minimal protective equipment (e.g., mouthguard, shin, and ankle guards), and surveys indicate that many players do not wear mouthguards regularly. Looking into the future, research should focus on developing and evaluating effective strategies for injury prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of oro-facial injuries, frequency of mouthguard use and players’ attitudes towards the use of mouthguards among elite English female field hockey players. All 140 players of the English Hockey Association female Premiere League were asked to complete a questionnaire. Main outcome measures were prevalence of oro-facial injuries, frequency of wearing of mouthguards and attitudes to mouthguard wearing. One hundred and ten completed questionnaires were returned (79% response rate). Facial injuries were common. Nineteen percent had sustained dental injury. Five percent of the respondents had at least one tooth avulsed. Eighty-eight percent of the players said that they owned a mouthguard. Mouthguards were worn regularly during matches by 69% but were used less frequently during training. Six percent thought that mouthguards were ineffective. Eighteen percent of the subjects refused to play if they did not have their mouthguard. Sixty-nine percent of the subjects felt that the mouthguards should be worn compulsorily at all times during the game. The following were finally concluded from the study: oro-facial injuries were commonly reported; 88% of the players possessed a mouthguard; and mouthguards were worn regularly during matches by 69% but were used less frequently during training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of concussions and other head injuries are increasing in the National Hockey League (NHL). The factors that may influence concussion risk in hockey remain largely unknown. In the current study, data on 787 NHL players from the 2001-2002 season were examined. It was found that a player's average ice time per game was a significant predictor of concussion. A player's total ice time for the season was not a significant predictor, however, and there was no significant difference found in the number of games played in the season between those who suffered a concussion and those who did not. These data suggest that in-game fatigue is an important factor when considering concussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To review 15 years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) injury surveillance data for women's field hockey and identify potential areas for injury prevention initiatives. Background: Field hockey is one of the most popular sports worldwide and is growing in participation in the United States, particularly among women. From 1988-1989 to 2002-2003, participation in NCAA women's field hockey increased 12%, with the largest growth among Division III programs. In 2002-2003, 253 colleges offered women's field hockey and 5385 women participated. Main Results: Game injury rates showed a significant average annual 2.5% decline over 15 years, most likely fueled by drops in ankle ligament sprain, knee internal derangement, and finger fracture injuries. Despite this, ankle ligament sprains were common (13.7% of game and 15.0% of practice injuries) and a frequent cause of severe injuries (resulting in 10+ days of time-loss activity). Concussion and head laceration injuries increased over this same time, and the risk of sustaining a concussion in a game was 6 times higher than the risk of sustaining one during practice. Overall, injury rates were twice as high in games as in practices (7.87 versus 3.70 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures, rate ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 2.0, 2.3). Most head/neck/face (71%) and hand/finger/thumb (68%) injuries occurred when the player was near the goal or within the 25-yd line and were caused by contact with the stick or ball (greater than 77% for both body sites); for 34% of head/neck/face injuries, a penalty was called on the play. Recommendations: Equipment (requiring helmets and padded gloves) and rule changes (to decrease field congestion near the goal) as well as evidence-based injury prevention interventions (eg, prophylactic ankle taping/bracing, neuromuscular balance exercise programs) may be viable prevention initiatives for reducing injury rates in women's collegiate field hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the prevention of penalty corner injuries and head traima in field hockey, focusing on the potential risk of serious head injury and structural changes that could be made to improve the safety of the sport. He discussed topics such as the call of former Australia coach and medic Ric Charlesworth for power play to replace the penalty corner in field hockey and the need for the International Hockey Federation to remove penalty corner from the sport.

Examines the relationship between self-esteem and injury found in field hockey players. Details on the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory; Findings of a multiple regression analysis; Association between low self-esteem and injury in competition.