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Speed/Power Development

(42) CORRELATION BETWEEN ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL PERFORMANCE WITH OVERGROUND SPRINTING IN MALE YOUTH ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS

Friday, July 12, 2024
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: Exhibit Hall
Abstract Details:

Introduction: Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) data can be used to assess an athlete’s maximal force output. IMTP data has been associated with overground sprint capacity across different sports. Overground sprint capabilities translate closely to ice skating performance. Few studies have explored this association in youth ice hockey players.

Purpose: Determine the association between IMTP performance and sprint capacity in youth ice hockey players. METHODS: Twenty-four competitive youth ice hockey players participated in the study. Participants completed two maximal effort IMTP attempts. During the attempts, participants were instructed to pull as fast and hard as they could for a total of five seconds. Forces were obtained using force platforms at a sampling frequency of 1000 Hz. Peak force was calculated at the maximum force during the IMTP trial. Rate of force development (RFD) was calculated across the entire trial and across specific time intervals (0-50 ms, 0-100 ms, 0-200 ms, 0-300 ms). Participants completed two 40-yard acceleration maximal overground sprints with timing gates capturing time at 10 yards and 40 yards. Averages were used for statistical analysis. A series of Spearman’s rho correlations were conducted to determine associations between measures of interest. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between average RFD and 10-yard sprint time (rs=-0.017 p=0.937) and 40-yard sprint time (rs=-0.180 p=0.441). Peak force was negatively correlated with 10-yard sprint time (rs= -0.363, p=0.088) and 40-yard sprint time (rs=-0.221, p=0.312). There were non-significant associations between RFD 0-50 ms and 10-yard sprint time (rs=-0.056, p=0.800) and 40-yard sprint time (rs=0.312, p=0.147). Association between RFD 0-100 ms and 10-yard sprint time (rs=-0.289, p=0.230) and 40-yard sprint time (rs=0.028, p=0.909) were non-significant. Association between RFD 0-200 ms and 10-yard sprint time (rs= -0.178, p= 0.441) and 40-yard sprint time (rs=-0.161, p=0.485). Association between RFD 0-300 ms and 10-yard sprint time (rs=-0.151, p=0.490) and 40-yard sprint time (rs=0.094, p=0.668). CONCLUSION: Average RFD and Peak Force had no correlation with 10-yard and 40-yard overground sprint completion time. RFD 0-50 ms, 0-100 ms, 0-200 ms and 0-300 ms also displayed no correlations with overground sprint completion times. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ice hockey practitioners can benefit from implementing other force development assessments that may be a stronger correlate with overground sprinting and ice skating speed in ice hockey players. 

Acknowledgements: This abstract was derived from a study funded by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation.