J.Vossen1,2 , L.A.McLennan1 , D.P. Vossen1,2 , D.G. Burke2 , H. Stanish2

1. Simply Fit Training Systems Incorporated. Antigonish, Nova Scotia.2. Department of Human Kinetics, St. Francis Xavier University.

The Effects of a Competitive The Effects of a Competitive Ice Hockey Season on Ice Hockey Season on

Measures of Physical Fitness Measures of Physical Fitness and Body Composition.and Body Composition.

Elite ice hockey players engage in high-volume resistance and aerobic training during the off-season, but are prevented from continuing a similar exercise regimen due to the demands of the competitive season. Maintenance of size, strength, power, and aerobic capacity is important throughout the regular season but tends to be “practiced” less than tasks of skill and strategy. The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in strength, power, flexibility, body composition, and aerobic capacity occurring as a result of a university competitive ice hockey season. Twenty male university hockey players (aged 22 1.2) were measured for body weight, strength (grip and 1-RM), power (vertical jump), VO2 max, lean tissue mass, body fat (skinfold), and anthropometric girths (chest, arm, thigh) at the beginning and end of their competitive season. Results showed that there were no significant changes in the variables tested except thigh girth, which significantly increased (p<0.05) as the result of the on-ice activity. These results indicate that physical fitness and body composition are maintained throughout a university competitive hockey season.

Abstract

Background

University hockey players follow intense training programs in their off season.

Due to practice and game scheduling, this type in pre-season fitness training becomes very difficult to follow.

The season can last up to six months. Does a neglect of this general fitness

training cause the players to experience detraining?

Purpose

Body Mass Body fat Thigh Girth Sit and Reach

VO2Max 1RM Bench Press Grip Strength Vertical Jump Leg Power

To compare pre versus post season fitness and anthropometric parameters in male university hockey players as a result of the competitive ice hockey season.

The following were measured.

20 healthy male varsity hockey players (age 22+/- 1.2)

Subjects

Testing was completed in a laboratory setting with athletes performing in groups of three.

The tests were separated into stations with all three participants completing each station before moving on.– Station #1: Height and Body Mass– Station #2: Flexilibility– Station #3: Skinfold and Girth Measurements

– Station #4: VO2 Max

– Station #5: Strength– Station #6: Vertical Jump and Power

Experimental Design

Station 1

Station 2

Station3

Station5

Testing Stations

Station 4

T-Tests were performed to compare pre and post season results for the fitness and anthropometric variables.

Significance was chosen at a level of 0.05

Statistics

Results A decrease, but non-significant changes

in body composition, body mass (p=0.49), body fat (p=0.15), bench press (p=0.26), grip strength (p=0.19), vertical jump (p=0.496), and leg power (p=0.49) from pre to post season.

An increase, but non-significant changes in flexibility (p=0.07), and VO2Max (p=0.48)

A significant increase in thigh girth (p=0)

Thigh Girth

55.4759.04

1

* Denotes Statisical Significance

cm

Sit and Reach

37.8842.57

1

cm

Bodt Fat Percentage

14.6315.61

1

Per

cent

Bod

y F

at

MVO2

49.75 49.89

1

ml/O

2/kg

1 RM Bench Press

244.33 236.21

1

Pou

nds

Grip Strength

114.60 108.65

1

kg

Vertical Jump

0.54 0.54

1

cm

Leg Power

135.03 134.86

1

kg-m

/sec

Discussion Hockey players may have come into

pre-season with aerobic fitness levels sufficient for the functional demands of their sport, and these levels were maintained throughout the season.

In-season training provides enough resistance to maintain upper body strength, vertical jump height, and leg power.

In-season training does not provide adequate stretching to induce a training effect to increase flexibility.

Thigh girth increased while body fat percentages remained unchanged, leading to the conclusion that players experienced some muscle hypertrophy and the quadricep and hamstring muscle groups.

Practical Implications The results of this study suggest that a

university male hockey season has the potential to maintain body composition, MVO2, muscular strength and anaerobic power while improving thigh girth to body fat ratio.

These findings may have many implications on the future of university male hockey players in that coaches may be better able to design in-season training programs for their teams by pre-determining practice training intensities.

References Cotton, CE., Reed, A., Hansen, H. & Gauthier, R., (1979). Pre and Post Seasonal Muscular

Strength Tests of Professional Hockey Players. Abstract. Canadian Journal of Applied Sciences, 4, 245.

Goldenburg, L. & Ellett, B. (1986). Total Strength and Conditioning Program for a Major Junior Ontario Hockey League Team. Abstract. National Strength and Conditioning Association Journal, 8 (4), 73.

Greer, N., Serfass, R. & Picconatto, W. (1992). The Effects of a Hockey Specific Training Program on Performance of Bantam Players. Canadian Journal of Sports Science, 17 (1), 65-69.

Hansen,H., Cotton,C., Reed,A., Gauthier, R., Searle, R., et al. (1979). The Effects of a Strength Training Program and Subsequent Playing Season on Major Junior Hockey Players.Abstract. Canadian Journal of Applied Sports Sciences, 4 , 245.

Koutedakis, Y. (1995). Seasonal Variation in Fitness Parameters in Competitive Athletes. Sports Medicine, 19 (6), 373-92.

Posch, E., Haglund, Y., Eriksson, E. (1989). Prospective Study of Concentric and Eccentric Leg Muscle Torques, Flexibility, Physical Conditioning, and Variation of Injury Rates During One Season of Amateur Ice Hockey. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 10, 113-7.