Skating mechanics of change-of-direction manoeuvres in ice hockey players

Ice hockey requires rapid transitions between skating trajectories to effectively navigate about the ice surface. Player performance relates in large part to effective change-of-direction manoeuvres, but little is known about how those skills are performed mechanically and the effect of equipment design on them. The purpose of this study was to observe the kinetics involved in those manoeuvres as well as to compare whether kinetic differences may result between two skate models of varying ankle mobility. Eight subjects with competitive ice hockey playing experience performed rapid lateral (90°) left and right change-of-direction manoeuvres. Kinetic data were collected using force strain gauge transducers on the blade holders of the skates. Significantly greater forces were applied by the outside skate (50–70% body weight, %BW) in comparison to the inside skate (12–24%BW, p < 0.05). Skate model and turn direction had no main effect, though significant mixed interactions between leg side (inside/outside) with skate model or turn direction (p < 0.05) were observed, with a trend for left-turn dominance. This study demonstrates the asymmetric dynamic behaviour inherent in skating change-of-direction tasks.     

Skating start propulsion: three-dimensional kinematic analysis of elite male and female ice hockey players

The forward skating start is a fundamental skill for male and female ice hockey players. However, performance differences by athlete’s sex cannot be fully explained by physiological variables; hence, other factors such as skating technique warrant examination. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the body movement kinematics of ice hockey skating starts between elite male and female ice hockey participants. Male (n = 9) and female (n = 10) elite ice hockey players performed five forward skating start accelerations. An 18-camera motion capture system placed on the arena ice surface captured full-body kinematics during the first seven skating start steps within 15 meters. Males’ maximum skating speeds were greater than females. Skating technique sex differences were noted: in particular, females presented ~10° lower hip abduction throughout skating stance as well as ~10° greater knee extension at initial ice stance contact, conspicuously followed by a brief cessation in knee extension at the moment of ice contact, not evident in male skaters. Further study is warranted to explain why these skating technique differences exist in relation to factors such as differences in training, equipment, performance level, and anthropometrics.     

Three-dimensional kinematics of the knee and ankle joints for three consecutive push-offs during ice hockey skating starts

Little biomechanical research has been conducted recently on hockey skating despite the sport's worldwide appeal. One reason for this lack of biomechanical knowledge stems from the difficulty of collecting data. The lack of accuracy, the disputable realism of treadmills, and the large field of view required are some of the technical challenges that have to be overcome. The main objective of the current study was to improve our knowledge of the joint kinematics during the skating stroke. A second objective was to improve the data collection system we developed and the third was to establish if a kinematic progression exists in the hockey skating stroke similar to that in speed skating. Relative motions at the knee and ankle joints were computed using a joint coordinate system approach. The differences at the knee joints in push-offs indicated that the skating skill was progressively changing with each push-off. The relative stability of the ankle angles can be attributed to the design of the skate boots, which have recently become very rigid. Further research on ice hockey skating is warranted and should include more skaters and investigate the effect various starting strategies and variations in equipment have on skaters' performance.     

Predictors of scoring accuracy: ice hockey wrist shot mechanics

The purpose of this study was to identify the stationary “wrist shot” technique (movement patterns) of the ice hockey stick that corresponds to the accuracy of puck trajectory. A total of 25 subjects participated in this study, ranging from high to low caliber players. Each performed ten successful wrist shots at four targets (two top corners, two bottom corners). Performances were evaluated by recording the movements of the stick’s shaft and blade and of the puck with a 3D motion capture system at 240 Hz. Kinematics of the shaft and blade of the hockey stick were examined using a multiple regression analysis to predict accuracy scores. In general, the results indicated that accuracy corresponded to release parameters (both puck release orientation and velocity), shaft bending and change in blade orientations; though, parameter weighting differed substantially for top versus bottom targets. Future studies are warranted to identify the whole body kinematic patterns associated with the hockey stick kinematics.     

Three-dimensional kinematics of the knee and ankle joints for three consecutive push-offs during ice hockey skating starts

Little biomechanical research has been conducted recently on hockey skating despite the sport's worldwide appeal. One reason for this lack of biomechanical knowledge stems from the difficulty of collecting data. The lack of accuracy, the disputable realism of treadmills, and the large field of view required are some of the technical challenges that have to be overcome. The main objective of the current study was to improve our knowledge of the joint kinematics during the skating stroke. A second objective was to improve the data collection system we developed and the third was to establish if a kinematic progression exists in the hockey skating stroke similar to that in speed skating. Relative motions at the knee and ankle joints were computed using a joint coordinate system approach. The differences at the knee joints in push-offs indicated that the skating skill was progressively changing with each push-off. The relative stability of the ankle angles can be attributed to the design of the skate boots, which have recently become very rigid. Further research on ice hockey skating is warranted and should include more skaters and investigate the effect various starting strategies and variations in equipment have on skaters' performance.     

Hip adductor muscle function in forward skating

Adductor strain injuries are prevalent in ice hockey. It has long been speculated that adductor muscular strains may be caused by repeated eccentric contractions which decelerate the leg during a stride. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of skating speed with muscle activity and lower limb kinematics, with a particular focus on the role of the hip adductors. Seven collegiate ice hockey players consented to participate. Surface electromyography (EMG) and kinematics of the lower extremities were measured at three skating velocities 3.33 m/s (slow), 5.00 m/s (medium) and 6.66 m/s (fast). The adductor magnus muscle exhibited disproportionately larger increases in peak muscle activation and significantly prolonged activation with increased speed. Stride rate and stride length also increased significantly with skating velocity, in contrast, hip, knee and ankle total ranges of motion did not. To accommodate for the increased stride rate with higher skating speeds, the rate of hip abduction increased significantly in concert with activations of adductor magnus indicating a substantial eccentric contraction. In conclusion, these findings highlight the functional importance of the adductor muscle group and hip abduction–adduction in skating performance as well as indirectly support the notion that groin strain injury potential increases with skating speed.     

Impact of hockey skate design on ankle motion and force production

Dynamic forces and range of motion (ROM) were measured during on-ice skating using a standard hockey skate and a modified skate (MS) with an altered tendon guard and eyelet configuration. The objective of this study was to determine if these modifications resulted in biomechanical and performance changes during on-ice skating skills. The right skate of each type was instrumented with a calibrated strain gauge force transducer system to measure medial?Clateral and vertical forces during ice skating. In addition, a goniometer was placed about the ankle and rear foot to measure ROM during skating. Ten subjects executed three skills: forward skating, crossovers inside foot and crossovers outside foot. The MS demonstrated significant gains of 5°?C9° in dorsi-plantarflexion ROM (p?<?0.05). Total peak force occurred later during plantarflexion, suggesting a more prolonged and effective force generation with the MS during a given skating stride. A 14?C20?% increase (p?>?0.05) in mean work and power output was noted with the MS, although no improved times were observed during the skating skills. Potentially, some players may need a period of familiarization to take advantage of the design alterations of the MS.     

Ice hockey skate starts: a comparison of high and low calibre skaters

The forward skating start is a fundamental skill for ice hockey players, yet extremely challenging given the low traction of the ice surface. The technique for maximum skating acceleration of the body is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate kinematic ice hockey skating start movement technique in relation to a skater’s skill level. A 10-camera motion capture system placed on the ice surface recorded “hybrid-V” skate start movement patterns of high and low calibre male ice hockey players (n = 7, 8, respectively). Participants’ lower body kinematics and estimated body centre of mass (CoM) movement during the first four steps were calculated. Both skate groups had similar lower body strength profiles, yet high calibre skaters achieved greater velocity; skating technique differences most likely explained the performance differences between the groups. Unlike over ground sprint start technique, skating starts showed greater concurrent hip abduction, external rotation and extension, presumably for ideal blade-to-ice push-off orientation for propulsion. Initial analysis revealed similar hip, knee and ankle joint gross movement patterns across skaters, however, further scrutiny of the data revealed that high calibre skaters achieved greater vertical CoM acceleration during each step that in turn allowed greater horizontal traction, forward propulsion, lower double-support times and, accordingly, faster starts with higher stride rates.     

Ice friction of flared ice hockey skate blades

In ice hockey, skating performance depends on the skill and physical conditioning of the players and on the characteristics of their equipment. CT Edge have recently designed a new skate blade that angles outward near the bottom of the blade. The objective of this study was to compare the frictional characteristics of three CT Edge blades (with blade angles of 4 degrees, 60, and 8 degrees, respectively) with the frictional characteristics of a standard skate blade. The friction coefficients of the blades were determined by measuring the deceleration of an aluminium test sled equipped with three test blades. The measurements were conducted with an initial sled speed of 1.8 m s(-1) and with a load of 53 kg on each blade. The friction coefficient of the standard blades was 0.0071 (s = 0.0005). For the CT Edge blades with blade angles of 4 degrees, 6 degrees, and 8 degrees, friction coefficients were lower by about 13%, 21%, and 22%, respectively. Furthermore, the friction coefficients decreased with increasing load. The results of this study show that widely accepted paradigms such as "thinner blades cause less friction" need to be revisited. New blade designs might also be able to reduce friction in speed skating, figure skating, bobsledding, and luge.     

Ice friction of flared ice hockey skate blades

Abstract

In ice hockey, skating performance depends on the skill and physical conditioning of the players and on the characteristics of their equipment. CT Edge have recently designed a new skate blade that angles outward near the bottom of the blade. The objective of this study was to compare the frictional characteristics of three CT Edge blades (with blade angles of 4°, 6°, and 8°, respectively) with the frictional characteristics of a standard skate blade. The friction coefficients of the blades were determined by measuring the deceleration of an aluminium test sled equipped with three test blades. The measurements were conducted with an initial sled speed of 1.8 m · s^?1 and with a load of 53 kg on each blade. The friction coefficient of the standard blades was 0.0071 (s=0.0005). For the CT Edge blades with blade angles of 4°, 6°, and 8°, friction coefficients were lower by about 13%, 21%, and 22%, respectively. Furthermore, the friction coefficients decreased with increasing load. The results of this study show that widely accepted paradigms such as “thinner blades cause less friction” need to be revisited. New blade designs might also be able to reduce friction in speed skating, figure skating, bobsledding, and luge.     

负重深蹲与保加利亚蹲对冰球运动员专项移动能力影响的实验研究

目的：探讨负重深蹲练习与保加利亚蹲练习两种不同的下肢力量训练方式对冰球运动员专项移动能力的影响,并比较两种训练方式对提升冰球运动员滑行能力的差异。方法：将18名U16冰球运动员随机分为保加利亚蹲组和负重深蹲组,对其训练前后冰上30米滑行、冰上重复冲刺、8字滑行以及陆地30米跑、立定三级跳、侧跨跳、Y-Balance成绩变化进行测试。结果：两种下肢力量训练方式均可提高冰球运动员的冰上滑行能力、下肢爆发力及下肢平衡能力。在冰上滑行能力方面,保加利亚蹲组冰上重复冲刺能力提高优于负重深蹲组,具有显著性差异,冰上8字滑行速度两组间不存在显著性差异;在下肢爆发力方面,保加利亚蹲组30米冲刺跑成绩显著优于负重深蹲组。在下肢Y-Balance测试方面,两组不具有显著性差异。结论：保加利亚蹲与负重深蹲练习均可以显著提高男子U16冰球运动员的直线加速滑行能力,前者在提高重复冲刺能力方面显著优于手者,两种练习均可以提升男子U16冰球运动员的下肢爆发力与平衡能力。     

Does skate sharpening affect individual skating performance in an agility course in ice hockey?

When sharpening ice hockey blades a hollow is created at the running surface of the blade. This study aimed to quantify the effect of different blade hollows on (a) blade–ice friction, (b) skating performance in an agility course, and (c) players’ perception of blade sharpness, performance, and comfort. Friction was quantified by measuring the deceleration of a sled running on the blades. Skating performance was tested with 15 volunteers performing a total of 9 trials on 3 different hollow radii. Perception was assessed using a questionnaire. Friction increased with decreasing hollow radius. Skating performance was significantly impeded at a hollow radius of 3.18 mm. Within the range of 9.53–22.23 mm performance differences were subject specific and several subjects showed no differences. Players appeared to be not sensitive enough to identify hollow radii, and only half of the subjects ranked their performance correctly.     

Optimization of handheld gauge sizes for rocker measurements of skate blades and bobsleigh runners

This work uses numerical methods to investigate the feasibility of modifying an instrument used in speed skating to analyze blades from four different ice sports. The instrument, a handheld rocker gauge, is adapted to create a device that can effectively profile other types of skate blades and bobsleigh runners. Since there are significant differences between short and long-track blades one could expect a difference in the gauges used to study these blades. Despite this expectation, the same gauge is used in both disciplines. The usefulness of these gauges has been proven in speed skating so it is expected that they should also be useful to study hockey blades and bobsleigh runners. To optimize the gauge size for different blade types we digitize the profile of a blade, which we use to simulate gauge data. Then we use that gauge data to reconstruct the profile and compare it to the original digital profile. The result is compared for various gauge sizes and the gauge size is optimized for each of the four disciplines. The only commercially available device seems optimal for bobsleigh and long track speed skating. Smaller gauges are recommended for analyzing short track speed skates and hockey skates.

近10年我国冰上运动项目的理论研究与发展趋势

以中国期刊全文数据库检索系统（CNKI）为工具,对1999年以来我国冰上运动项目速度滑冰、短道速度滑冰、花样滑冰、冰球、冰壶等5个方面的相关研究进行检索,对典型资料进行剖析。研究结果表明：速度滑冰论文数量最多,涉及面广,研究具有一定深度;短道速度滑冰训练方面研究相对较多,教学和大众方面研究相对薄弱,中外比较研究受到关注;赛事分析是花样滑冰研究的热点,花样滑冰新规则研究受到重视;冰球运动研究呈滞后状态,发展缓慢;冰壶运动研究相对薄弱,研究面相对较窄。     

短道速滑冰刀槽刃数控自动磨刀机的设计方案

冰刀结构、冰刀研磨、运动服装等非运动员主体条件的技术创新不仅丰富了速度滑冰训练理论的完善,对速度滑冰技术的改进亦起到决定性作用。短道速滑运动员使用槽刃冰刀可以增大运动员弯道滑行时法线方向冰刀与冰面之间的斜面的支撑力,可以让运动员把身体向圆心方向倾斜的程度加大、产生更大的向心力,以更快的速度滑过弯道。在4轴联动数控磨床基础上设计一台专门加工短道速滑冰刀槽刃的自动磨刀机,技术关键是将冰刀刀片与砂轮轴布置在同一水平面上、使用单斜边砂轮,这样才可以为短道速滑冰刀磨出槽刃。短道速滑冰刀槽刃数控自动磨刀机还包括工件夹具、电源、数控装置、辅助装置等其他功能组件。     

Towards a wearable monitoring tool for in-field ice hockey skating performance analysis

Abstract

The capturing of movements by means of wearable sensors has become increasingly popular in order to obtain sport performance measures during training or competition. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of using body worn accelerometers to identify previous highlighted performance related biomechanical changes in terms of substantial differences across skill levels and skating phases. Twenty-two ice hockey players of different caliber were equipped with two 3D accelerometers, located on the skate and the waist, as they performed 30 m forward skating sprints on an ice rink. Two measures of the temporal stride characteristics (contact time and stride time) and one measure of the propulsive power (stride propulsion) of a skating stride were calculated and checked for discriminating effects across (i) skill levels and (ii) sprint phases as well as for their (iii) strength of association with the sprint performance (total sprint time). High caliber players showed an increased stride propulsion (+22%, P?<?0.05) and shorter contact time (?5%, P?<?0.05). All three analysed variables highlighted substantial biomechanical differences between the accelerative and constant velocity phases (P?<?0.05). Stride propulsion of acceleration strides primarily correlated to total sprint time (r?=??0.57, P?<?0.05). The results demonstrate the potential of accelerometers to assess skating technique elements such as contact time or elements characterizing the propulsive power such as center of mass acceleration, to gauge skating performance. Thus, the findings of this study might contribute to establishing wearable sensors for in-field ice hockey skating performance analysis.     

多种冰刀"混用"组合教学法

针对大学生冰上课由一种冰刀向多种冰刀变化的教学现状,贯彻快乐体育的宗旨,总结出以多种冰刀对初学滑冰者进行组合教学的方法,为提高冰上体育课的教学质量提供参考。     

Laterality differences in elite ice hockey: an investigation of shooting and catching orientations

Little is known about the implications of motor asymmetries for skilled performers in dynamic, time-constrained, team-based activities such as ice hockey. Three studies were conducted to examine laterality differences in ice hockey. Study 1 investigated laterality distributions across three leagues of increasing calibre. Among skating players, skill level was related to changes in laterality patterns based on position, while a significant increase in the proportion of left-catching goaltenders was found across the levels of competition. Study 2 examined laterality differences through a 90-year retrospective analysis of player performance measures within an evolving system. Regression analysis indicated right shot preferences were associated with scoring more goals, while left shot preferences were related to assisting more goals. Among goaltenders, right-catching preferences were associated with an increased save percentage compared with left-catching goaltenders. In Study 3, player-goaltender shootout interactions revealed left shooters to be less successful against right-catching goaltenders. Results suggest ice hockey supports models of skilled perception, and provide new information in the area of laterality and strategic frequency-dependent effects in ice hockey.     

我国女子冰球战术训练应注意的几个问题

冰球战术训练的目的是使运动员建立积极的比赛战术意识,在比赛中能够积极滑跑、策应,主动制造突破、射门机会少,高水平的战术训练对提高在女子冰球队的整体战术素养与水平具有重要的道作用。提出在战术训练中应遵循先进攻、后防守、先个人战术、后集体战术和队战术的这一重要原则,在不同时期和阶段,战术训练的内容和比例应进行区别的对待,合理运用战术训练的原则;把握战术训练的形式和方法,注重战术训练结构的合理性,建立适合自身特点的防守战术体系。     

Ground reaction forces produced by two different hockey skating arm swing techniques

The arm swing in hockey skating can have a positive effect on the forces produced by each skate, and the resulting velocity from each push off. The main purpose of this study was to measure the differences in ground reaction forces (GRFs) produced from an anteroposterior versus a mediolateral style hockey skating arm swing. Twenty-four elite-level female hockey players performed each technique while standing on a ground-mounted force platform, and all trials were filmed using two video cameras. Force data was assessed for peak scaled GRFs in the frontal and sagittal planes, and resultant GRF magnitude and direction. Upper limb kinematics were assessed from the video using Dartfish video analysis software, confirming that the subjects successfully performed two distinct arm swing techniques. The mediolateral arm swing used a mean of 18.38° of glenohumeral flexion/extension and 183.68° of glenohumeral abduction/adduction while the anteroposterior technique used 214.17° and 28.97° respectively. The results of this study confirmed that the mediolateral arm swing produced 37% greater frontal plane and 33% less sagittal plane GRFs than the anteroposterior arm swing. The magnitudes of the resultant GRFs were not significantly different between the two techniques; however, the mediolateral technique produced a resultant GRF with a significantly larger angle from the direction of travel (44.44°) as compared to the anteroposterior technique (31.60°). The results of this study suggest that the direction of GRFs produced by the mediolateral arm swing more closely mimic the direction of lower limb propulsion during the skating stride.