Functional state of the musculoskeletal system and injury rate among ice hockey players

Abstract

Injuries in hockey need not be primarily caused by physical contact. The second category may include injuries caused by inappropriate loading, which in turn affects the state of the musculoskeletal system during matches or training sessions. As a result of this, in the 2018-19season, two elite senior hockey teams were tested for the functional state of the musculoskeletal system, which was also related to players’ ice time and the rate of injuries during the season. The sample included 30 hockey players (15 forwards, 12 defensemen, and 3 goalkeepers). Testing was carried out at the beginning of the season. Players performed the Y balance test and underwent FMS screening. The results showed that the shoulder region is most susceptible to injury. The hockey players suffered from hamstring muscle imbalance. Active ice time can be considered a determining parameter which can cause injury. However, its relationship with other variables has not been confirmed.