On-ice measures of external load in relation to match outcome in elite female ice hockey

The aim of this study is to investigate the differences between select on-ice measures using inertial movement sensors based on match outcome, and to determine changes in player movements across three periods of play. Data were collected during one season of competition in elite female ice hockey players (N = 20). Two-factor mixed effects ANOVAs for each skating position were performed to investigate the differences in match outcome, as well as differences in external load measures during the course of a match. For match outcome, there was a small difference for forwards in explosive ratio (p = 0.02, ES = 0.26) and percentage high force strides (p = 0.04, ES = 0.50). When viewed across three periods of a match, moderate differences were found in skating load (p = 0.01, ES = 0.75), explosive efforts (p = 0.04, ES = 0.63), and explosive ratio (p = 0.002, ES = 0.87) for forwards, and in PlayerLoad (p = 0.01, ES = 0.70), explosive efforts (p = 0.04, ES = 0.63), and explosive ratio (p = 0.01, ES = 0.70) for defense. When examining the relevance to match outcome, external load measures associated with intensity appear to be an important factor among forwards. These results may be helpful for coaches and sport scientists when making decisions pertaining to training and competition strategies.York University Librarie

Primary care provider perceptions of intake transition records and shared care with outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs

Abstract Background While it is recommended that records are kept between primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists during patient transitions from hospital to community care, this communication is not currently standardized. We aimed to assess the transmission of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program intake transition records to PCPs and to explore PCPs' needs in communication with CR programs and for intake transition record content. Method 144 PCPs of consenting enrollees from 8 regional and urban Ontario CR programs participated in this cross-sectional study. Intake transition records were tracked from the CR program to the PCP's office. Sixty-six PCPs participated in structured telephone interviews. Results Sixty-eight (47.6%) PCPs received a CR intake transition record. Fifty-eight (87.9%) PCPs desired intake transition records, with most wanting it transmitted via fax (n = 52, 78.8%). On a 5-point Likert scale, PCPs strongly agreed that the CR transition record met their needs for providing patient care (4.32 ± 0.61), with 48 (76.2%) reporting that it improved their management of patients' cardiac risk. PCPs rated the following elements as most important to include in an intake transition record: clinical status (4.67 ± 0.64), exercise test results (4.61 ± 0.52), and the proposed patient care plan (4.59 ± 0.71). Conclusions Less than half of intake transition records are reaching PCPs, revealing a large gap in continuity of patient care. PCP responses should be used to develop an evidence-based intake transition record, and procedures should be implemented to ensure high-quality transitional care

The relationship between off-ice testing and on-ice performance in male youth Ice hockey players

IntroductionIce hockey demands a unique blend of physical fitness and skill, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing on-ice performance. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between off-ice and on-ice performance measures in male, youth, ice hockey players.MethodsEleven minor hockey players (Age = 9.8 ± 1.1 years) participated in two testing days: (1) off-ice and (2) on-ice assessments. Off-ice assessments included maximal aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, muscular strength (handgrip and single leg squat), muscular endurance (curl-ups and push-ups), muscular power (standing long jump and vertical jump), and 30 m sprinting speed and acceleration. On-ice testing included a 15.2 m maximum speed test, a 6.1 m acceleration test with a continuation into a 47.9 m top speed test, an agility cornering S turn test, and a shot velocity test.ResultsTwenty-four out of 33 off-ice variables were significantly correlated with at least one of the 11 on-ice performance variables. From those 24, 10 were included as predictors for at least one of the on-ice performance variables. Each model was composed of either one or two predictors, where the most common predictors were 30 m Run – Split (6.1 m) Sprint time and 30 m Run – Total (30 m) Sprint Max speed (included in four out of 11 models each). The prediction formulas R2 and coefficient of variation ranged from 0.63% to 0.96% and 1.2% to 15.3%, respectively.DiscussionDiverse off-ice measures of aerobic fitness, anaerobic power, muscular strength, power, and endurance, and sprinting speed, acceleration, and agility are predictive of on-ice performance. The insights gained from this study contribute to the refinement of assessment protocols, fostering a comprehensive approach to optimizing player performance and potential. Understanding the connection between objective off-ice testing and on-ice performance can support tailored training programs and player development in male youth ice hockey

Establishing a physical fitness screening protocol for Correctional Officer applicants in accord with the Supreme Court of Canada's Meiorin Decision on bona fide occupational requirements

Pre-employment physical abilities tests (PEPATs) have been utilized in physically demanding safety-related occupations for over three decades. In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada's Meiorin Decision imposed definitive requirements for a PEPAT to qualify as a bona fide occupational requirement (BFOR). This led to the suspension of the existing PEPAT in Correctional Officer (CO) applicants. A National BFOR Consensus Forum established a template for the development, validation and evaluation of BFORs. The purpose of the present research was to develop a PEPAT for CO applicants to conform to the template of the BFOR Forum and comply with the Meiorin requirements. A physical demands analysis (PDA) involving 190 incumbent COs provided a rank-ordered list of the most important, most physically demanding and frequently occurring tasks encountered on the job by COs. A physiological characterization while these tasks were being performed by safe and efficient incumbent female COs, confirmed their high physical demands (VO 2 = 39.5 ± 4.3 ml·kg -1 ·min -1, HR = 177+11 bpm) and provided the criterion-based forces and aerobic fitness to control and restrain inmates (Wrist Hold = 71±14 kg, Arm Restraint/Retraction = 82±18 kg, Push/Pull =101±15 kg). The "Fitness Screening Protocol for Correctional Officer Applicants" (FIT CO) incorporated the on-the-job tasks from the PDA and the criterion forces. A physiological assessment and the ratings of subject matter experts confirmed the high validity of the FIT CO . Test-retest reliability (ICC = .997) was also demonstrated to be very high. FIT CO performance standards were established from the completion times of safe and efficient incumbent female COs. Although the FIT CO had no adverse impact on the pass rates of incumbent female COs, it was found that it could have an adverse impact on female CO applicants . This necessitated a consideration of accommodation. A training program was therefore undertaken with 40 general population females which resulted in an increased FIT CO pass rate from 32.5% to 82.5 %. This demonstrated that physical training provided the accommodation necessary to ameliorate any potential adverse impact. The FIT CO conforms to the BFOR Forum template and complies with the Meiorin requirements to qualify as a BFOR.Ph.D

Haemoglobin, Blood Volume, Cardiac Function, and Aerobic Power

Alterations in [Hb], which are mediated through changes in arterial oxygen content, and alterations in BV, which are mediated through changes in cardiac output [Formula: see text] have a significant effect on both [Formula: see text] and aerobic performance. If BV is held constant, a decrease in [Hb] (anaemia) causes a decrease in [Formula: see text] and aerobic performance, while an increase in [Hb] (blood doping) causes an increase in [Formula: see text] and aerobic performance. If [Hb] is held constant, an increase in BV can cause an increase in both [Formula: see text] and aerobic performance, while a decrease in BV can cause a decrease in both [Formula: see text] and aerobic performance. In addition, an increase in BV can compensate for moderate reductions in [Hb] through increases in [Formula: see text], allowing [Formula: see text] to remain unchanged or even increase. Also, a large portion of the difference in the enhanced cardiovascular function of endurance athletes is due to their high BV and the resultant enhancement of diastolic function. Hence, optimizing both [Hb] and BV is a very important consideration for endurance performance. Key words: blood doping, sport anemia, stroke volume </jats:p