Relationship between ice hockey-specific complex test and maximal strength, aerobic capacity and postural regulation in professional players

BACKGROUND We aimed to examine the validity of an ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) and nonspecific off-ice tests for sports performance. METHODS Eighteen professional athletes (27.4±6.0 years) underwent the IHCT, maximal strength squat tests, an endurance cycling test (PWC 170) and posturography during in the first week of the pre-seasonal training. The IHCT included parameters of load (e.g., 10-m and 30-m sprint, transition and weave agility without and with puck, slap and wrist shots before and after the test). The players were closely accompanied during the season of competition (seven months) in order to collect match performance data. Based on these data, we calculated a match performance score (MPS) for each player. RESULTS Stability indicator (r2=0.39), weave agility with puck (r2=0.39), maximal relative squat (r2=0.37) and frequency band F7-8 (r2=0.35) proved to be the most valid tests. However, with the MPS as dependent variable, 21 of 44 parameters tested (48%) explained 10% or more of variance. CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggest that postural stability, cerebellar control mechanisms and concentric maximum leg strength are the most important predictors of MPS. Regarding IHCT, actions with the puck under fatigue conditions and the ability to recover quickly are highly relevant for ice hockey players.