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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)

Details mechanical upgrades and technological improvements to two ice arenas at the University of Delaware which saved the school over 1.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year. (EV)

When a rotating figure skater's fully extended arms are pulled back toward the torso, the angular velocity is noticeably increased and the kinetic energy of the skater can also be shown to increase. Discusses the change of the kinetic energy during such a process, and the work necessary for such an increase is derived using a dynamic equilibrium condition. (Author/PVD)

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)

At the Shenandoah Solar Recreation Center in Georgia, solar energy is used not only for heating and cooling, but also for ice making. (Author/MLF)

This study assessed the fundamental characteristics of the ice skating start. (MM)

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)

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign conducts a instructional ice skating program for its students and the community. Activities include: a figure skating club; a speed skating club; ice hockey program; and ice skating classes. (CJ)

The organization and procedure of a recreation program that utilizes ice skating to develop social and motor skills in handicapped children and adults is described. (LH)

Several games are suggested to encourage beginning ice skating students to practice developing skills including pretend games, "London Bridge,""red light-green light," and relay races. (JMF)

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]