Seasonal changes in functional fitness and neurocognitive performance in youth ice hockey players

Changes in functional fitness and concussion status were evaluated over the course of a competitive season in youth ice hockey players, and relationships between these variables and injury incidence were examined. Thirty-six participants (8.9 ± 1.1 years) completed pre and post-season assessments including anthropometric measurements, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) and a computerized neurocognitive assessment, ImPACT. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare pre and post-season data. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare FMS, YBT-LQ and ImPACT scores between injured and uninjured participants. The YBT-LQ composite score showed a decrease in reach distance scores between pre (86.10 ± 6.00) and post-season (83.20 ± 5.40, p<0.001). Neurocognitive assessment scores improved in all participants. There were no significant relationships between FMS scores, YBT-LQ and injury incidence. Future research is needed to understand the effects of functional fitness and concussion status as they relate to injury prevention.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Health Sciences (MHSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Avery, Michelle

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dogra, Shilpa

• Youth athletes
• Functional movement screen
• Y-Balance Test
• Neurocognitive assessment
• Ice hockey

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/845

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/845