INJURIES IN GERMAN MEŃS PROFESSIONAL ICE HOCKEY. Issue 4 (1st February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bloch, Hendrik; Klein, Christian; Luig, Patrick
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 51:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2017-02-01
• Subjects: Injury; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097372.41
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Injury incidences during international major ice hockey events are high, but information about ice hockey injuries in Germany, particularly in regular league play, is lacking. Objective: Analysis of injury characteristics in German professional ice hockey. Design: Prospective observational cohort study. Setting: Two highest German professional leagues in men's ice hockey. Participants: All first and second division ice hockey players who played at least in one competitive club match during the season 2014/15 season (n=812). Assessment of Risk Factors: Analysis of all injuries of these players that were registered by clubs or physicians with the VBG as a part of the occupational accident reporting and that either led to the player's short-term disability (time-loss) and/or to medical treatment costs (medical-attention). Main Outcome Measurements: Injury prevalence and incidence, injured body parts, type of injury, medical treatment costs, days of absence. Results: A total of 2.045 injuries were recorded. 76.7% of all players were injured at least once. In mean each player had 2.52 injuries per season. Incidence rate in the first division (2.7 injuries/season) was significantly higher than in second division (2.3 injuries/season). The majority of injuries (69.1%) occurred during matches with a match incidence of 136.8 injuries per 1000 h. Nearly one third (30.7%) of all training injuries occurred during the pre-season. The head (17.9%), the shoulder (10.7%) and the thigh (10.1%) were the body parts most frequently affected. Shoulder injuries lead to the highest share of overall time-loss (20.5%) and medical treatment costs (22.0%). Goalkeeper had significant lower overall risk of injury (1.5 injuries/season), but higher risk of knee and thigh injuries. Conclusions: Injury Risk in German professional ice hockey is high, especially during match play. Preventive measures should aim at sport- and position-specific risk factors. Special focus should be laid on player preparedness after off-season break.