Postural balance impairment in Tunisian second division soccer players with groin pain: A case-control study

ObjectiveTo compare postural balance outcomes between soccer players with and without groin pain (GP).DesignCase-control study.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsFifty-four soccer players, 27 with GP (GP group: GPG) and 27 healthy ones (control group: CG).Main outcome measuresStatic and dynamic postural balance were assessed with a force platform and Y-balance test (Y-BT), respectively. Hip abduction, internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER) and total rotation (TR) of both limbs were evaluated.ResultsThe GPG exhibited significant higher centre of pressure values in the bipedal posture only on the foam surface in eyes opened and closed compared to controls. Besides, they had lower anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances and composite Y-BT score on the injured limb (IL) compared to non-injured limb (NIL) and dominant-limb (DL) of the CG. Moreover, they showed lower abduction, IR, ER, and TR on the IL compared to NIL and DL.ConclusionsDynamic unipedal postural balance disorder could be one of the limiting factors of performance in soccer players with non-time loss GP. Hence, postural balance data in these players could enable sport coaches and physical therapists to better understand the mechanisms contributing for performance decrease.     

Examining the relationship between relative age,competition level,and dropout rates in male youth ice‐hockey players

The relative age effect suggests that athletes born in the first two quartiles of a given selection year experience a selection advantage and therefore a greater opportunity for success. We describe two studies examining the relationship between relative age, competition level, and dropout rates of Ontario Minor Hockey Association male ice‐hockey players from ages 10 to 15 years (n = 14 325). In Study 1, dropout was highest among players born in quartiles three and four [χ²(3) = 16.32, P < 0.05; w = 0.06], while Study 2 found dropped out players to have less movement between competition levels compared to retained players. This study confirms a relationship between relative age and dropout from ice‐hockey and adds further depth to our understanding of this persistent phenomenon.     

Do sensorial manipulations affect subjects differently depending on their postural abilities?

Objectives

To examine whether sensorial manipulation affects subjects differently according to their postural performance and the strategies used. The literature showed that the level of competition of soccer players influences their postural performance and strategy.

Methods

Eight high‐level (HL) professional soccer players and nine regional‐level (RL) soccer players were tested (1) in a reference condition and (2) in a manipulated sensorial condition (MAN). The MAN condition consisted of perturbing the proprioceptive and exteroceptive information. For each postural condition, balance was assessed by measuring the centre of foot pressure using a force platform during a test of bipedal standing posture.

Results

The postural control was less perturbed in the HL than in the RL players in the two postural conditions. Moreover, the group–condition interaction showed that the postural control was less disturbed in the HL than in the RL players when the sensory information was manipulated.

Conclusions

The HL soccer players probably possessed a better internal model of verticality than the RL players. Subjects who had a better postural control level were less disturbed by sensorial manipulation than the others in postural regulation.Postural regulation requires the integration of proprioceptive and exteroceptive information. When this information is perturbed or manipulated, postural control is altered. Indeed, cutaneous sensory disturbance by hypothermic anaesthesia,¹ myotendinous interference by muscle vibration,² pain by stimulation of skin thermoreceptors,³ electromyostimulation,⁴ galvanic vestibular stimulation⁵ or visual manipulation by stroboscopic light⁶ affects postural stability in healthy subjects. Keshner et al⁷ showed that combined disturbances (ie, visual, proprioceptive, vestibular) caused greater disturbance than any one presented alone. However, combined perturbations might not disturb all subjects in the same way. We do not know whether subjects who present a better postural performance level counteract differently to the effects of manipulating proprioceptive and exteroceptive information in postural regulation than the others. Moreover, the postural strategy—that is, preferential involvement of short (visuovestibular contribution) or long (myotatic participation) neuronal loops in postural regulation—can also influence the effects of sensorial perturbation. To study this, sportsmen at different levels of competition should be studied.Indeed, the level of competition influences the postural performance: the higher the level of competition, the more stable the posture.^8,9 The level of competition also influences the preferential use of the different neuronal loops involved in balance regulation as Paillard et al⁹ showed with soccer players. Hence, one can wonder (1) whether high‐level soccer players can preserve better postural control than players at a lower level when their proprioceptive and exteroceptive informations are disturbed and (2) whether these two categories of players are differently affected by sensorial manipulation.The aim of this work was to compare the postural behaviour between high‐level soccer players and players at a lower level in two different postural conditions. The first condition was the reference (no sensorial perturbation), whereas in the second condition proprioceptive and exteroceptive information was disturbed.     

Hip and groin function and strength in male ice hockey players with and without hip and groin problems in the previous season- a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo describe and compare hip and groin strength and function of male ice hockey players over one season in players with and without hip and groin problems in the previous season.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingSwedish male ice hockey.ParticipantsWe followed 193 players from 10 teams during the 2017/2018 season.Main outcome measuresHip adduction and abduction strength, 5 s squeeze test (5SST), and self-reported hip and groin function (Hip and Groin Outcome Score). Changes over the season and differences between players with and without problems in the previous season were analyzed by linear mixed models.ResultsAdduction strength decreased slightly from pre-to mid-season and abduction strength increased slightly over the full season. However, self-reported function or pain did not change. Players with hip and groin problems in the previous season had significantly worse self-reported function, and more groin pain during the 5SST compared to players without. Strength measurments did not differ between groups.ConclusionsHip muscle strength, groin pain, and self-reported function appear to remain stable throughout the season in male ice hockey players. Remaining impairments in players with problems in the previous season suggest that function does not recover by ice hockey participation alone.     

Ice Hockey Injuries

In brief: Ice hockey injuries can range from simple cuts and bruises to devastating spinal cord damage. The use of face protection drastically reduces the number and severity of facial and eye injuries. Professional hockey players seem to incur the most injuries (3.0 per player per year), while players in youth hockey incur the fewest (0.02 per player per year). Most injuries can be treated on the sidelines, but in most cases prevention is the key to staying in the game. The authors describe the mechanisms, management, and prevention of each type of injury.     

Postural balance asymmetry and subsequent noncontact lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries among Tunisian soccer players with groin pain: A prospective case control study

BackgroundRecent studies reported postural balance disorders in patients and soccer players with groin pain (GP) compared to controls. Since postural balance asymmetry identified after an initial injury contributes for subsequent injuries, identification of this asymmetry in soccer players with GP may highlight the risk of sustaining subsequent noncontact lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries in these players. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (i) examine static and dynamic unipedal postural balance asymmetry in soccer players with GP compared to healthy ones, and (ii) quantify the risk of subsequent noncontact lower extremity injuries in these players.Research questionDo soccer players with GP exhibit higher static and dynamic unipedal postural balance asymmetry, and higher risk of sustaining subsequent injuries compared to controls?MethodsIn this prospective case control study, 27 soccer players with non-time loss GP (GP group: GPG), and 27 healthy ones (control group: CG) were enrolled. Static and dynamic unipedal postural balance asymmetry were evaluated with a force platform using symmetry index (SI), and Y-balance test (Y-BT), respectively. Additionally, subsequent noncontact lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries were tracked for 10 months.ResultsThe GPG revealed higher (p < 0.01) SI in eyes closed condition, higher (p < 0.001) side-to-side asymmetry in anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances and in composite Y-BT score compared to CG. They showed lower (p < 0.001) composite score for injured limb and higher (p < 0.001) side-to-side asymmetry in posteromedial reach distance compared to the cut-off values of 89.6 % and 4 cm, respectively. Moreover, GPG exhibited higher odds (OR= 7.48; 95 % CI = 2.15, 26.00; p < 0.01) of sustaining subsequent injuries compared to CG.SignificanceThe Y-BT should be instituted into existing pre-participation physical examinations to screen for soccer players with non-time loss GP at an elevated risk of sustaining subsequent injuries. This could help coaches and clinicians make valid return to play decisions.     

Dynamic postural stability,is associated with competitive level,in youth league soccer players

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of competitive level on dynamic postural stability in young elite and sub-elite soccer players.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsFifty-four male soccer players of Under 16 and Under 17 categories (mean age 15.9 ± 0.6), divided into two groups who regularly compete at national (n = 28) and regional (n = 26) levels.Main outcome measuresDynamic Postural Stability Index (DPSI) and vertical Time to Stabilization (vTTS) for a forward-jump landing. Static postural sway was calculated on the basis of center-of-pressure trajectories for a 20 s one-legged stance.ResultsPlayers at national level exhibit better dynamic postural control than those at regional level, as indicated by the significantly lower DPSI (0.327 vs. 0.373, p < 0.001) and vTTS (0.887 vs. 1.158 s, p = 0.003). In contrast, no differences between groups were found in any of the postural sway parameters for the static test.ConclusionsYoung soccer players at national level are characterized by better balance performance in terms of faster and more efficient stabilization after a forward jump, while one-leg static standing tests appear not challenging enough to reveal differences in balance abilities associated with the combination of superior technical and physical features.     

The effects of proprioceptive exercise and taping on proprioception in subjects with functional ankle instability: A review of the literature

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of proprioceptive exercise rehabilitation and taping techniques on proprioceptive measures in chronic functional ankle instability (FAI).DesignLiterature review.Data sourcesKeyword search of the AMED, CINAHL, Medline, PEDro and SPORTDiscus online databases from January 1985 to February 2007. Also reference lists of articles obtained were manually searched for relevant literature.ResultsThe search yielded nine studies that investigated the effects of proprioceptive exercise training on proprioceptive measures. Four studies investigated the effects of ankle taping on proprioceptive measures. The exercise literature was limited due to poor methodological quality. There is some agreement that muscle reaction time, kinaesthetic deficits and postural sway may improve with proprioceptive exercise; however, due to differences in study methodology and quality, no specific recommendations for practice can be made. Taping literature is also limited in terms of quantity and methodological quality. The effect on muscle reaction time, kinaesthesia, and postural sway rely on one study for each element, therefore conclusive recommendations for practice cannot be made.ConclusionThere is a paucity of high-quality evidence investigating the effects of proprioceptive exercise and taping. Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to enhance the evidence base in order to help guide physiotherapists in selecting appropriate, effective strategies when managing FAI.     

Characterising groin pain in rink hockey: Function and five-second squeeze in Spanish players

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between history of past season groin pain and current pain during the five-second squeeze test (5SST) with groin function and adductor strength in rink hockey players.DesignCross-sectional.SettingFirst (Ok Liga), Second (Plata) and third division (Bronce) clubs. Participants: Sixty-eight female and 183 male hockey players.Main outcome measuresSeasonal prevalence of groin pain (time/non-time-loss). Adductor strength and pain during the 5SST. Function was evaluated with the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS).ResultsSeasonal time-loss groin pain prevalence was 21%. Male players had 3.5 higher odds of having had an episode of time-loss groin pain during the previous season compared to female players. The adductor relative strength was no different between players with and without previous season groin injury (p = 0.53-0.55), while the HAGOS results differed between groups, with past season groin injury players obtaining lower values in all subscales. HAGOS scores differed between the 5SST pain intensity groups (p < 0.01).ConclusionsMale players had higher odds of having had a groin injury in the previous season compared to female players. Players with pain during 5SST and previous season groin injury reported functional deficits, while strength remains identical to their healthy counterparts.     

A comparison of facial protection and the incidence of head, neck, and facial injuries in Junior A hockey players. A function of individual playing time.

A cohort of 282 elite amateur ice hockey players were analyzed to 1) record the number, type, location, and severity of head, neck, and facial injuries sustained during games; 2) examine the relationship between injuries and the type of facial protection (none, partial, or full) according to individual playing time; and 3) determine whether full or partial facial protection is associated with an increased incidence of concussions, eye injuries, and neck injuries. Fifty-two injuries (158.9 per 1000 player-game hours) occurred in players wearing no facial protection, 45 (73.5 per 1000 player-game hours) in players wearing partial facial protection (half shield), and 16 (23.2 per 1000 player-game hours) in players wearing full facial protection (full cage or shield). Players wearing no protection were injured at a rate more than twice that of players wearing partial protection and almost seven times higher than those wearing full protection. Concussions occurred in four players wearing no protection, five players wearing partial protection, and two players wearing full protection; these differences were not significant. The risk of eye injury was 4.7 times greater for players wearing no protection compared with those wearing partial protection. No eye or neck injuries occurred in players wearing full protection. This study demonstrates that both full and partial facial protection significantly reduce injuries to the eye and face without increasing neck injuries and concussions.     

Eye Injuries in Sports: Results of a Five-Year Study

In brief: From 1982 to 1986, Quebec ophthalmologists reported 869 sports-related eye injuries. Hyphema was the most common injury, with a frequency of 33%. Most injuries occurred in ice hockey, followed by racket sports (32% and 28%, respectively); most of the injured players were not wearing eye protection. The authors suggest that wearing eye protection should be mandatory in some sports and encouraged in many others.     

Functional movement screen test: A reliable screening test for young elite ice hockey players

ObjectivesTo determine inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test among young elite hockey players.DesignReliability study.SettingInter-rater reliability was evaluated by two raters in the field. All performances were videotaped. Two other raters evaluated the videos once and then again 6 weeks later to determine intra-rater reliability. A weighted kappa statistic was used to analyze intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of each FMS sub-test, while an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the total score.ParticipantsTwenty-eight male hockey players aged 13–16.Main OutcomeFMS total and sub-tests scores.ResultsThe video raters demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability for the total score, with an ICC of 0.96 (95% CI; 0.92–0.98) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.91–0.98). The field raters achieved excellent inter-rater reliability for the total score, with an ICC of 0.96 (95% CI; 0.92–0.98). Sub-test analysis showed good agreement among all four raters for five of the seven main sub-tests.ConclusionFMS is a reliable test for young elite hockey players. Further research should be done to assess the predictive validity of the FMS test within this population so that physiotherapists may eventually use it as an injury prevention tool.     

Can musculoskeletal screening test findings guide interventions for injury prevention and return from injury in field hockey?

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to identify if intrinsic factors tested in the preseason screening (PSS) can identify an elevated risk of injury. This aim has two aspects; to assess whether previous injury is associated with ongoing deficits in performance, and to assess if the PSS can identify differences in intrinsic factors that profile risk of future injury.DesignA cohort of state level field hockey players were tested on a screening test battery including proprioception, postural stability, muscular strength and range of motion, to establish if these intrinsic factors were useful in identifying elevated risk of injury. Retrospective injury data was collated to determine association with previous injury and prospective injury data was collated to determine association with future injury.ParticipantsA total of 130 field hockey players were included in this study, from state level squads (age ± SD = 20.96 (3.75); height = 176.09 cm). Groups for prescreening and post screening injury status (injured/not injured) were established for comparison to screening test results.ResultsRight Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment (AMEDA), left AMEDA and right Y-balance test (YBT) anterior direction (Ant) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with injury prior to screening. Right YBTAnt and right and left hip internal rotation (IR) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with injury post screening. The YBTAnt and YBT posteromedial (PMed) reach directions and Hip IR are associated with previous hamstring injury and show a difference between post screening injured and non-injured groups.ConclusionsAMEDA, R YBTAnt, Hip IR tests should be a focus for recovery after previous injury and during season preparation. Full recovery may improve readiness to return to play and reduce risk of primary injury or re-injury. YBTAnt and YBTPmed and Hip IR show a performance deficit link between previous injury and subsequent re-injury of hamstrings. Since these are the most common re-injury types in this cohort, these tests are clinically useful in informing return to play decisions for hockey players.     

Variability in locomotor activity in a female junior international hockey team

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to estimate between and within-athlete variabilities, to form threshold values for interpreting changes in locomotor activity in a female junior international hockey team.DesignThirty-three female international hockey players (age: 20 ± 0.9 year; height: 166.1 ± 4.4 cm; body mass: 62.5 ± 6.2 kg) competed in thirty-four junior international hockey games..MethodsData were monitored through global positioning system technology. Locomotor activity was quantified as relative distances covered by players for each quarter at three speed zones (<16 km/h, 16-19.9 km/h, >20 km/h). Data were analysed using linear mixed models, accounting for the fixed effects of position (defenders, n = 13; midfielders, n = 8; forwards, n = 12), game result, type, location, and opposition rank. Variabilities are summarised as coefficients of variation (%CV).ResultsVariabilities in athletes’ game-to-game and quarter-to-quarter locomotor activity differed substantially between lower (<16 km/h) and higher (16-19.9 km/h and >20 km/h) speed zones. Game-to-game variability of low-speed movement (<16 km/h) was 5%; whereas, corresponding variabilities for high- (16-19.9 kmh) and very high-speed (>20 km/h) running were 22% and 34%, respectively. Within-athlete quarter-to-quarter variability increased for each speed zone, and was greatest for midfielders in low-speed movement and for defenders in high and very high-speed running.ConclusionsThe game-to-game variabilities inform thresholds for estimating changes in performance over time. Caution is required when interpreting such data, and coaches should carry out estimates in their specific contexts. Additionally, quarter-to-quarter variabilities in high- and very high-speed running for junior international hockey players outline position specific differences informing training practices to better prepare players for game demands.     

Priming overconfidence in belief systems reveals negative return on postural control mechanisms

BackgroundModulation of postural control strategies and heightened perceptual ratings of instability when exposed to postural threats, illustrates the association between anxiety and postural control.Research questionHere we test whether modulating prior expectations can engender postural-related anxiety which, in turn, may impair postural control and dissociate the well-established relationship between sway and subjective instability.MethodsWe modulated expectations of the difficulty posed by an upcoming postural task via priming. In the visual priming condition, participants watched a video of an actor performing the task with either a stable or unstable performance, before themselves proceeding with the postural task. In the verbal priming paradigm, participants were given erroneous verbal information regarding the amplitude of the forthcoming platform movement, or no prior information.ResultsFollowing the visual priming, the normal relationship between trunk sway and subjective instability was preserved only in those individuals that viewed the stable but not the unstable actor. In the verbal priming experiment we observed an increase in subjective instability and anxiety during task performance in individuals who were erroneously primed that sled amplitude would increase, when in fact it did not.SignificanceOur findings show that people’s subjective experiences of instability and anxiety during a balancing task are powerfully modulated by priming. The contextual provision of erroneous cognitive priors dissociates the normally ‘hard wired’ relationship between objective measures and subjective ratings of sway. Our findings have potential clinical significance for the development of enhanced cognitive retraining in patients with balance disorders, e.g. via modifying expectations.     

Effect of manual therapy versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in dynamic balance,mobility and flexibility in field hockey players. A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of a specific Manual Therapy (MT) protocol applied to field hockey players (FHP), versus a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) protocol, in the improvement of dynamic balance, active range of movement and lumbar flexibility one-week and four-weeks after the treatment.DesignRandomized controlled trial. Participants were assigned to 2 groups: MT and PNF. 30 min’ sessions were performed once a week for three weeks. Three evaluations were performed: basal, one-week and four-weeks post-treatment.SettingUniversity of Valencia (Spain).Participants22 in MT group and 20 in PNF group.Main outcome measuresDynamic Balance, measured with Star Excursion Balance Test; Active Range of Motion (ROM), using a manual goniometer and Lumbar Flexibility, assessed with Fingertip-to-floor test.ResultsBoth groups significantly improved in lateral and medial dynamic balance one-week post-treatment (p < 0.05); but the improvement in the MT group lasted until the fourth-week after treatment in both reaches (lateral and medial) (p < 0.05). MT group also obtained significant improvements in dorsal flexion of the ankle in the fourth-week post-treatment (p < 0.05) and in lumbar flexibility one-week post-treatment (p < 0.05).ConclusionsMT and PNF improve dynamic balance one-week post-treatment; however, the improvement obtained through MT is maintained four-weeks later. Only MT improves dorsal flexion of the ankle four-weeks post-treatment and lumbar flexibility one-week post-treatment.     

Can arm movements improve postural stability during challenging standing balance tasks?

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that arm movements make a substantial and functionally relevant contribution to dynamic balance. Additional insight of the important role of arm movements may be gained by quantifying the effects of arm restriction on the performance of commonly recommended static balance tasks of increasing difficulty.Research questionThe purpose of the present study was to determine whether restricting/permitting arm movements influences postural sway during tasks of various levels of difficulty.MethodsA total of 20 healthy and physically active adults (females; n = 10; age, 20.7 ± 1.3 years) randomly completed (a) quiet standing postural control tasks of increasing difficulty (bipedal, tandem, unipedal) on a fixed and foam surface, and (b) a dynamic postural control task (Y balance test), under two different verbally conveyed instructions of arm position; (1) restricted arm movement and (2) free arm movement. Centre of pressure outcomes measured during quiet standing served as a measure of static balance performance.ResultsThe results showed that restricting movements of the arms elicited large magnitude (Cohen’s d = 0.97 – 1.28) increases in mediolateral postural sway (P < 0.05) but not anteroposterior (P > 0.05) sway. These effects were only observed during challenging (tandem and unipedal) standing balance tasks. Restricting arm movements elicited a marked reduction in the Y Balance reach distance (all directions, P < 0.001, d = −0.53 to −1.15).SignificanceThe findings from the present study suggest that the contribution of the arms only become relevant when frontal plane balance is challenged. Moreover, the data indicate that arm movements are vital for the control of mediolateral postural sway.     

The role of eye movement in upright postural control

Vision contributes to upright postural control by providing afferent feedback to the cerebellum. Vision is generally classified into central and peripheral vision. In measurements of postural sway, in which participants are required to maintain a stable upright posture while fixating on a visual target, non-retinal eye positional information due to the fixation is used as well as the retinal information from both visual fields. However, little is known about the role of non-visual eye positional information in postural control. This study examined the role of non-visual eye position information in upright postural control by comparing participants’ centre of pressure (COP) sway between two experimental conditions: (1) a space-fixed visual target condition (control), in which eye movement was not controlled, and (2) a head-fixed visual target condition (treatment), in which eye movement was inhibited. Using 12 university students, COP sway and electrooculograms (EOG) were measured under both conditions. In the space-fixed condition, participants maintain an upright posture while fixating on a visual target fixed on a screen 1 m in front of them. In the head-fixed condition, participants maintained an upright posture while gazing at a target moving in sync with their head sway on the screen. The COP was evaluated by path length, area, root mean square, velocity and position. Eye movements were evaluated by the mean eye movement angle. The mean eye movement angle was significantly larger in the vertical direction then in the horizontal direction in both experimental conditions and was also found to be larger in the space-fixed condition than in the head-fixed condition. No significant different was found in any COP parameter between both conditions. It was suggested that non-visual eye position information from the external eye muscles to the sensory perception system contributes little to postural stabilisation under the measurement conditions used in this study.     

Implementation and effect of concussion education in collegiate women’s ice hockey

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether collegiate women’s ice hockey players are receiving pre-season concussion education and evaluate the nature and delivery of this education. Secondarily, we aimed to assess whether players who recall receiving this education have greater knowledge about concussion or are more likely to have reported suspected concussions than their peers.

Methods: An anonymous survey was completed by 459 NCAA women’s ice hockey players. Players self-reported receipt of pre-season concussion education, year in school, division of competition, player position, and average length of ice hockey career. Players also completed scales assessing concussion knowledge, attitudes and prior reporting behavior for suspected concussions.

Results: 65.3% of athletes affirmed that they received pre-season concussion education. Lecture by an athletic trainer was the most common modality. There were no differences in concussion knowledge or attitudes by concussion education status, NCAA division of competition, or year in school. Players with higher knowledge scores were more likely than their peers to have experienced a suspected concussion and to have not reported it (p = 0.056).

Conclusions: Not all NCAA women’s ice hockey players are receiving (or recall receiving) mandated concussion education from their institution. The inverse association between concussion knowledge and concussion reporting behavior, while not statistically significant, is concerning and warrants further study. More work is needed to develop educational materials about concussion that are acceptable and memorable to this population, and that help increase concussion care-seeking behaviors.     

Bone mineral density and muscle strength in female ice hockey players

The purpose of this study was to investigate bone mineral density (BMD) at different sites in female ice hockey players as well as to study the relationship between BMD, muscle strength, and body composition parameters. The study group consisted of 14 female ice hockey players (age 22.2 +/- 4.3 years) which was compared with 14 inactive females (age 21.5 +/- 3.8 years). The two groups were matched for age and weight. Areal bone mineral density was measured in total body, head, lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle and the trochanter, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body composition parameters were derived from the total body scan. Isokinetic concentric peak torque of the left quadriceps and hamstrings muscles was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Compared to the inactive group, the ice hockey players had significantly higher BMD of all of the bone sites measured, except for the head, (total body 6.9%, head -2.6%, lumbar spine 8.9%, femoral neck 17.6%, Ward's triangle 20.4%, and trochanter 21.7%). The hockey players also had significantly higher peak torque in the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. In the ice hockey group, a significant positive correlation was found between BMD of the femoral neck and hamstrings peak torque at 225 degreesisecond (r = 0.67, P < 0.01). In the inactive group, significant positive correlations were found between BMD and peak torque in the hamstrings muscles (90 degrees/second: r = 0.6-0.8, P<0.05 (total body, trochanter) and P<0.01 (spine, neck), 225 degrees/second: r = 0.5-0.8, P<0.05 (total body, Ward's triangle, trochanter) and P< 0,01 (spine, neck)). In the inactive group significant positive correlations was also found between lean body mass and BMD of the trochanter (r = 0.58, P < 0.05). In young females it appears that training and playing ice hockey might influence BMD and muscle strength in a positive direction. The correlation between BMD and muscle strength seems to weaken with increased exercise level.