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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(11): 826-833
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1263103
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Measurement of Head Impacts in Youth Ice Hockey Players

N. Reed1 , T. Taha2 , M. Keightley1 , C. Duggan1 , J. McAuliffe3 , J. Cubos4 , J. Baker4 , B. Faught5 , M. McPherson6 , W. Montelpare6
  • 1University of Toronto, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Toronto, Canada
  • 2University of Toronto, Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Toronto, Canada
  • 3Nipissing University, Department of Physical and Health Education, North Bay, Canada
  • 4York University, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Toronto, Canada
  • 5Brock University, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, St. Catherines, Canada
  • 6Lakehead University, School of Kinesiology, Thunder Bay, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision July 13, 2010

Publication Date:
09 September 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Despite growing interest in the biomechanical mechanisms of sports-related concussion, ice hockey and the youth sport population has not been studied extensively. The purpose of this pilot study was: 1) to describe the biomechanical measures of head impacts in youth minor ice hockey players; and, 2) to investigate the influence of player and game characteristics on the number and magnitude of head impacts. Data was collected from 13 players from a single competitive Bantam boy's (ages 13–14 years) AAA ice hockey team using telemetric accelerometers implanted within the players’ helmets at 27 ice hockey games. The average linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, Gadd Severity Index and Head Injury Criterion of head impacts were recorded. A significantly higher number of head impacts per player per game were found for wingers when compared to centre and defense player positions (df=355, t=3.087, p=0.00218) and for tournament games when compared to regular season and playoff games (df=355, t=2.641, p=0.086). A significant difference in rotational acceleration according to player position (F2,1812=4.9551, p=0.0071) was found. This study is an initial step towards a greater understanding of head impacts in youth ice hockey.

Key words

concussion - head acceleration - youth athletes - ice hockey

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Correspondence

Nicholas Reed

University of Toronto

Occupational Science and

Occupational Therapy

160-500 University Avenue

M5G 1V7 Toronto

Canada

Phone: +1/416/978 8591

Fax: +1/416/946 8570

Email: nick.reed@utoronto.ca

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