Hockey: Optimizing Performance and Safety

Abstract

In brief: A panel of physiologists, orthopedists, and a physical therapist discuss hockey performance, training, injuries, and equipment. Heart rate monitoring, muscle biopsies, and analyses of the physiological demands of hockey show that training with short work/rest ratios and practicing skills before endurance will optimize performance. Most injuries occur during games vs practice, and the incidence is higher at the beginning of the season due to lack of conditioning and inadequate equipment. Injuries increase again at the end of the season because of the fierce competition for play-off positions.